02/02/2012 by Dave.

By: Jessica Nielson
The crescent shaped island of Santorini was born in the Bronze Age from the powerful blow of nature. The famous Santorini Island is a renowned vacation place with cluster of volcanic islands. As far as viewing the sun set is concerned Santorini is the one of the most prominent places in the earth that leaves an unforgettable and unique impression upon the visitors.

The Island is surrounded by Small towns and villages. Most of the buildings are colored with dazzling white and the color of doors, windows and church domes are blue. In Santorini you will find the frequently stepped and snaky narrow streets. The economy of Santorini Island is greatly depending upon the Tourism, Wine, tomato export, nuts export and volcanic soil delivery of to the cement industry.

Santorini is a must see Island varied in size and characteristics, the ruinations, amazing landscape, beautiful beaches, white Villages, the spectacular sunset and the cliffs of the volcanoes are must to attract visitors from all over the world. This Island is also regarded as Thira. No needs to be worried about the accommodation, as all fascilities are available for you in budget. For your easy accommodation there are luxury hotels, resorts, apartments and villas.

Beautiful and popular beaches of Santorini Greece:

The beaches of Santorini beautify this island greatly. To take the charm of beaches during your staying in Santorini, You should know few of the very popular and magnificent beaches in Santorini Island as follows:

Akrotiri Red Beach in Santorini:

The Red Beach is one of the most popular and exquisite of the beaches in Santorini which is situated near the ancient site Akrotiri. It is famed as red beach because of the impressive red lava cliffs and the sparkling red sands. You can find foods and drinks at near by hotel. This place is accessible by cars and then by walk.

Perissa Santorini black Beach:

The Perissa black beach resort is located at the 15 kilometers south east of the Fira with crowded tourist and long black sandy beach. The beach is extended for 7 kilometers. The significant of perissa is that it is protected from the summer Aegean winds. Perissa is very different from other villages, which built with the soul purpose to welcome the tourists. It also offers accommodation facilities, sea sports facilities, fine dining at the sea front taverns and bars. It is well connected with the rest of the Island via public buses. Access to this beach is possible by public buses, by foot, by rent cars or private cars and motor bikes

Monolithos beach:

This beach is situated at the eastern part of the island and close to the Kamari black beach with dark sand and deep blue crystal clear water. It is very quite and offers a very few hotels and rooms, cafes and restaurants. The Monolithos beach is very beautiful with children play area, basket ball court and footballs pitch. This place is better accessible by cars and public buses run frequently in summer.

Kamari Santorini black beach:

This beach is one of the most popular, crowded and highly developed beaches situated 10 kilometers south east of Fira. It is a long, impressive and stretches up more than five kilometers with black sandy beach and crystal clear ocean water.

The black beach of kamari is well organized to allure international visitors with all kind of modern facilities such as various types of water sports, sun chairs and umbrellas. You will also find a large number of taverns, cafes, hotels, rooms, restaurants and bars along the beach.

Author Resource:->  Jessica Nielson will guide you through your holiday destinations prior to your departure. Just read and go over her articles at cheap holidays 24 - http://cheapholidays24.co.uk If you want to read about Santorini go to http://www.cheapholidays24.co.uk/holidays-in-santorini.aspx

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02/02/2012 by Dave.

By: Ivor Trumpet
One does not need to worry when deciding on a tour of Spain. Even if you are going on a family holiday and your family is a mix of the old and the young, Spain promises to be an enchanting experience. It is always safe to choose Spain when you are thinking about where to go for a holiday.

Spain is rich in variety and never fails to fascinate a tourist

Tourists can ski to their hearts? content in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The famous tourist spots like Torremolinos and Malaga are close to these mountains, and ski lovers can spend hours enjoying their sport. Late spring is the ideal time for skiing in the morning and sunbathing in the noon hours.

The Alhambra in Granada is a stunning fortified palace. The entire complex is huge, and constitutes a substantial portion of the city center. Tourists can spend the whole day exploring the palace and its complex. It is advisable to book tickets in advance if one is on a summer holiday.

A holiday in Spain is going to mesmeris, with the stunning architecture of Frank Gehry. The large copper fish located on Barcelona Beach, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the conference house near Malaga Airport are examples of innovative design. Barcelona buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi are spectacular. Parc Guell is a treat to watch. The stunning park has innumerable sculptures and buildings that exhibit the famous ?broken tile? style of Gaudi. The graceful organic curves are also gorgeous. People of every age and culture love to spend many an hour experiencing the richness of Spain?s architecture.

The local village fiestas are attractive and lure tourists into taking part. Though most of them are religious fiestas, they are a lot of fun. These are colorful and vibrant processions and the experience is worth it. The parties continue till morning and there is no dearth of enjoyment.

A visit to the mausoleum of Salvador Dali, located in North Spain, is a memorable experience. The Miro Foundation in Barcelona, Picasso?s Guernica at the Reina Sofia in Madrid and the images of Goya also in Madrid are going to enrich a tourist in many a way. The Picasso Foundation in Malaga also has great displays of Picasso?s works.

Flamenco tempts one to tap heels to its tune and beat. A kind of music that you just cannot miss while visiting the South of Spain or Andalucia, Flamenco has just revived its old popularity. It is hugely popular among the residents of Spain, and the tourists also cannot deny the attraction.

The magnificent views of Ronda fascinate tourists to the utmost. A drive through the Andalucian mountains brings one to Ronda, situated at the top of a gigantic cliff. The cliff has a tremendous bridge that spans the gap between the new and the old towns. Ronda also boasts of Roman baths, and the oldest Bull Ring in Spain.

Spain, thanks to its varied treasures and heritage, has never disappointed a tourist. It is always safe to choose Spain as a holiday destination. The package deals and cheap hotels make Spain an even safer option now.

Author Resource:->  http://Packyourbags.com has a multiple range of package deal available for holidays in Spain which are the most innovative and exciting time for a wonderful way to spend your holidays.

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02/02/2012 by Dave.

By: M Gravlee
History of Portugal

Portugal is found on the Western part of the Iberian Peninsula, that part that has the Atlantic Ocean. History has it that the territory of northern Portugal and Spain were poorly defined years ago, so they had the same cultural aspects but not for so long especially after the emergence of the Castrena culture. The culture was characterized by rounded fortified huts before the Romans colonized the place and divided Spain from Portugal.

History aside, when you visit Portugal you will be after fun filled events and entertainment sports that will complement the historical spots to give you a truly memorable and unique holiday. Climbing picturesque hills by day and bar hopping through vibrant cobbled lanes at night. Legendary cafés and art nouveau shops. World Heritage monuments and singular museum treasures. Fairytale palaces and sandy beaches nearby. Long dinners and an insatiable appetite for nightlife. First things first, before you venture in the outskirts of Portugal, in its capital city Lisbon, there are all kinds of things to do and place to visit.

Museums

The first museum is the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea Museu do Chiado, located in the center of Lisbon and where you get to sample French and Portuguese Art. The museum is always open all days of the week from 2 pm to 6 pm except on Mondays when it is opened at 10 am and closed at 6 pm.

The science museum is in the former Lisbon Polytechnic School where you get to learn about all sciences, thanks to the interactive themes that use Chemistry, Maths and Physics. The science museum is open from Tue to Fri from 10 am to 1 pm and in the afternoons from 2 to 5:30 pm excluding Sundays.

The Museu do Carme is the place to learn about archeology from different historical times. The museum is installed in the monastery ruins.

The other museum worth a visit in Portugal is the National Museum of Ancient Art, located strategically near the Tagus river in the Palace of onde Alvor. This museum exhibits great masterpieces of art from Portuguese sculptors, painters and all works of art of ancient Portuguese during colonization. The museum is always open between 10 am and 6 pm on Wednesdays through to Sundays while on Tuesdays it is open from 2 6 in the afternoon.

Entertainment and recreation

You can relax in the Tapada da Ajuda Park, a 250 acre park that was initially used for hunting but today accommodates different activities such as a children’s park, an Astronomy Observatory, and a recreation area.

The Estufa Fria tropical garden is the place to be if you are looking to learn a thing or two about plants. It has species of plants from all over the world. History has it the plants were brought to Lisbon and adapted to the climatic change.

You can also spend some time at the Botanical Gardens that date back to 1873 and boast of over 18,000 different species of plants including the banana and palm trees. The gardens are open during the summer season from 9 am to 8 pm while during the winter season the gardens are open from 9 am to 6 pm.

Author Resource:->  If you would like more information and travel links, visit our Travel Directory at http://vacationsurfer.net/ and add your travel site’s link or article while you are there. This article sponsored by http://akumalvacation.com/

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02/02/2012 by Dave.

By: Meredith Bond

The island of Santorini, the first top destination in Greece and among the top ten destinations in the world, receives more than 6 million tourists every summer who come to appreciate its wonderful landscape, the active Volcano and the Cycladic authenticity.

Visitors to Santorini Greece are most of all amazed of the caldera, the most characteristic feature of the island. Small, white houses built on the edge of this rocky caldera provide a beautiful contrast in colour. Fira and Oia, the most picturesque villages of Santorini, are actually built around the caldera and offer wonderful views to stay in mind for many years to come.

Many hotels are also built around it and millions of travelers prefer to find their Santorini hotel there, rather than on the beaches or the other villages of the island. A Santorini hotel close to the caldera gives views to romantic sunsets, the second thing Santorini is famous for, calm sunrises and night views of softly-lightened villages.

It is not difficult to find a Santorini hotel as there are many. Most of them also offer many modern amenities, such as swimming pools, Jacuzzi, Internet access and more to make holidays comfortable and luxurious.

Tourists are often advised to check out that their Santorini hotel is built according to the local architecture, which requires small rooms made of stone, wooden beds attached to the walls, narrow windows and a shape like cave. This is how traditional houses on Santorini look like and you can find many of them all over the island. The owner of an ideal Santorini hotel will probably have kept this traditional style and will also have added some modern elements, to make the hotel more comfortable and attractive to modern guests.

Apart from these facilities, you will find that your Santorini hotel has nice and welcoming staff, ready to satisfy your needs. People in Greece are generally famous for their hospitality and the locals, who deal every day with foreigners, have certainly learned how to make them appreciate the Greek spirit and the beauties of their island.

Not only that, but you will also find that your Santorini hotel, even if it seems quite far from central locations, is actually very close to them, as transportation on the island is frequent and easy. So, do not worry about the location, just make sure that your Santorini hotel keeps you in touch with the romantic spirit of this wonderful place and with its special features that attract so many people from around the world.

Author Resource:->  Santorini Hotel Pegasus Suites on Santorini Island Greece, Discover Pegasus Suites on Santorini and also information about Santorini Island Greece for Santorini Hotel, Pegasus suites, studios, imerovigli santorini, accommodation, rooms and vacation. Need a good price? check Kodak EasyShare Printer Dock Series 3

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02/02/2012 by Dave.

By: M Gravlee
The majority of people today often find that the act of going to a new and exotic location for various leisure activities is a much anticipated happening. Whether the trip is for a summer vacation, a ski trip or for that matter any special trip you need only to decide that it would be a good time to go on a trip and simply pack up. The problem is that can be an expensive proposition. Not everybody can afford to buy a plane ticket or can they afford to book a luxury accommodations or in many cases they simply do not have the necessary money to spend when they get to their chosen location for their planned vacation. If you know where to look for it traveling does not have to be expensive. If this idea interests you then you should read on.

1. Use the Internet! People with access to the Internet will find it simple to search for discount travel offerings ranging from airlines, hotels, villas for rent, cruises or even car rentals. Almost all tourist related businesses around the world now have a web site so that you can go to and get the needed information before actually finishing your vacation plans. You can always call the sellers directly and get more information.
2. Be flexible about the day and time you travel. During the slow days of the week you can usually find many special deals or discount prices for both airline tickets and accommodations. Airlines may offer seven or eight flights to your destination on a particular day. Say if you have to depart in the morning, check out the three or four departures that leave in the morning. Since airlines charge for tickets according to the availability of seats on the plane, moving your time by just one hour or so may save you a large amount of cash.
3. You can also save is by going with a group such as a tour group, travel group or travel club. Group travel is usually arranged ahead of time by travel agencies. They buy in bulk, often chartering a whole airplane and reserving a large block of rooms to get the very lowest price.
4. Book early! Make your trip plans well in advance. Book your cruise a year in advance for the vest discounts, and take advantage of low rail fares just after the holidays. If you make your reservations several months before the trip you usually can get your choice of flights and rooms at the lowest rates.
5. Travel during the low season. For example, go to the Caribbean and Mexico in the summer because in the winter rates for accommodations and flights rise. Caribbean cruises are cheaper when you go in the fall versus winter or spring. Hawaii is less costly from mid-September to mid-December. Europe’s best deals are available between Thanksgiving and Easter when the Europeans are not on vacation.
6. In a foreign country convert money at a local bank for the best rates. ATMs affiliated with major international banks are great, but watch out for foreign ATMs. While they usually won’t charge you a fee, your bank may charge you one! Check out your bank’s policies before you travel.

These are but a few of the countless ways you can make your vacation cost less. All you have to do is be resourceful and pick the best time to travel and you can realize that dream vacation that you have wanted so long without breaking your family budget.

Author Resource:->  M Gravlee is a travel writer based out of Akumal, Mexico.

You can read his blog‘Travel on the Tide’

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01/02/2012 by Dave.

Finding a family destination for your next holiday is easier than ever. More and more resorts and cities are finding families to be the best bet for tourism. Cheap holidays are available in all of these locations with a little advance planning and information. Consider one of these destinations when planning your next getaway as a family: 

Disney Theme Parks 

Nobody beats Disney for family fun. From the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California (USA) and Walt Disney World in Florida to Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disney, Tokyo Disney and even Disney Cruises, Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the gang will have you and your kids laughing, dancing and having a great time from the moment you step into the park or onto the ship.   

Hilton Waikoloa Village 

On the west side of Hawaii’s Big Island is a resort haven for both adults and kids. Built on 62 acres, the resort offers golf, canals for boating, tram transportation throughout the resort, a whole host of activities for all ages and a four-acre saltwater lagoon with waterfall. The weather is always perfect in Hawaii and the island itself offers everything from active volcanoes to a bird preserve and flower gardens. 

Rome 

Old and young alike will find something to enjoy in this famous old city. Italian beaches alone are worth the trip and the weather is accommodating nearly all year round. Of course the Colosseum and the Spanish Steps are must-sees, with the added benefit that the kids can tire themselves out running up and down the steps. Farmers’ markets are fun and full of colour and sound, and you can find excellent bargains as well. Rent a condo or small apartment; buy your food at the markets and save more money by preparing your own healthy meals. 

Munich 

An often-overlooked destination, Bavaria offers the castle of Mad King Ludwig (Neuschwanstein Castle), which is fun for kids and adults alike. Very close to the castle is the Garmisch-Partenkirhen ski resort, which offers skiing in the winter and other activities during the summer months, like mountain biking and hiking. Don’t forget a stop at Munich’s Deutsches Museum, full of technology and touchable exhibits. For older children, the Dachau concentration camp is a stark reminder that history isn’t just in textbooks. 

Slovenia 

Slovenia is a unique destination that avoids the hordes of people found in the more traditional locations. The cost of living is low, meaning accommodation and dining is reasonable. Slovenia offers an outstanding variety of things to do, from camping, skiing and other winter activities to white-water rafting or just sunbathing on the beach. Some of the holiday parks allow kids to stay for free, and many of Slovenia’s campsites include pools, playgrounds and activities for the kids. 

Turkey 

The country’s rich history and culture, warm climate and tons of activities make Turkey a natural draw. Many hotels offer free stays for children, and either the Aegean coast or the Turkish Riviera are perfect locations for sun, fun and family time together.

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19/01/2012 by Dave.

By: Michael J

Spain has seen a huge growth in tourism over the past 20 years, with many people taking advantage of the fact that there is almost year round sunshine. Combine that with the rich history and diverse culture that the country has to offer and it makes an ideal place to spend your vacation. As a result of the many people who visit, the low cost airlines have gradually increased the number of routes to Spain and it has become one of the easiest places to get to a low cost airline from all parts of the U.K.

Compare all low cost and cheap flights to and from all airports with one search. Simply include your local airport and your destination airport or region along with your dates of travel into the flight search engine and all available low cost flight options will appear on lowest price order. One simple search to find all cheap flights from all airports to your holiday resort destination. Compare the lowest flight prices from the low cost budget airlines.

Most of the regional airports have at least one low cost airline flying to the most popular resorts. The Spanish government has spent large sums of money improving and upgrading the infrastructure of their airports, in order to better accommodate the increase in visitor numbers brought in by the low cost airlines. Road and rail links have been modernised, so as to speed your journey from the airport to your preferred choice of accommodation.

The vast choice of routes provided by the low cost airlines to Spain has also greatly helped U.K. residents who are fortunate enough to be able to afford a second home over there. Whichever location they choose, there will almost certainly be one of the low cost airlines flying to an airport close by, offering a greater choice of routes and more competitive prices. Whether flying to Spain for a break in the sun, or as an expat returning to the U.K., home owners are spoilt for choice.

You can search for your low cost airline to Spain in a number of different ways. Most companies invite you to book online, thus reducing their costs. Some budget airlines also allow you to book direct, but getting through to them on the telephone can sometimes be an achievement in itself. For the computer literate, it is a very simple matter to put your dates into their search engine and the work is done for you. There will usually be a choice of flights, allowing you to take a decision based on point of departure in the U.K., arrival airport in Spain and time of day. You just choose the low cost airline flight which suits you best.

It is often cheaper to fly with a low cost airline to Spain mid week, rather than at the weekend and if you are able to avoid school holidays, you will almost certainly come up with a better deal. Sometimes booking well in advance of your departure date will give you a cheaper seat, but also there are occasions when a better price can be obtained at the last minute. It often depends very much on how well tickets have sold for a particular flight.

One point to bear in mind, when comparing the low cost airline prices to Spain with those of a scheduled service, is that, in most cases, the amount you pay will just be for the seat on the plane and taxes. Very few of the low cost airlines offer any kind of free refreshments, inviting you to buy everything on board, usually at very inflated prices. However, for the reasonably short distances between the U.K. and Spain, it is often worthwhile giving up any extras and booking with a low cost airline, in order to receive a good price for your ticket.

Author Resource:->  Low Cost Airlines to Spain http://www.lamangaspain.com/flights/low-cost-airlines-spain.html

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19/01/2012 by Dave.

By: M Gravlee

Torrevieja

This is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the southern part of Costa Blanca. It is located 40 minutes away from Alicante airport to the north, or 20 minutes away from the Murcia airport. Torrevieja is a busy tourist hub and has been so for many years now, thanks to the 2 large saltwater lagoons that continue to harvest salt. The lagoons are also home to flamingoes and other bird species, thus attracting all manner of tourists. Being a busy commercial centre, the town serves both the locals and tourists. Torrevieja town features a Spanish design evident in the living style of the locals as they reside in apartment blocks.

The town of Torrevieja is not lacking in terms of beaches as just recently, the main beach walkway was renovated to give a pleasant soothing stroll or an ideal spot for relaxation and unwinding as one sips a cup of coffee from a beachfront café. There are lots of beaches to choose from, and if you are a dare devil, you can always go to the water parks. Along the beach promenade, most of the days you will find a small market equipped with collectibles and souvenirs while every Friday, there is a large open air market that sells all kinds of goods at unimaginable bargains.

Holiday accommodation in this part of Costa Blanca is not a problem as there is everything for everyone, from luxurious golf courses villas and beachfront villas, to apartments and townhouses.

Alicante

If you are like many people, you know the city of Alicante by your view through the window of an airplane as you arrive in the international airport in Costa Blanca, or through the windows of a rental car as you make your way to other destinations in Costa Blanca. However, if you took some little time in Alicante, you will be amazed by how much it really has in store for tourists.

Alicante is the capital city of Costa Blanca, dating back to the Roman times. As you make your way from the airport towards the town, you will be forgiven to think that it is a boring city as the first impressions are quite poor. However, just past the urban sprawl you will be greeted by a palm lined walkway on the front part of the town. Alicante further boasts a buzzing nightlife, irresistible restaurants serving mouthwatering delicacies and a great shopping avenue for an irresistible shopping experience. Southwards from the town the city’s coastline stretches for miles of stunning golden sandy beaches.

La Manga

La Manga del Mar Menor (Little Sea) is a resort town located near Murcia and boasts of beaches in a 40km stretch and various golf courses. The Little Sea is a covered salt water lake that forms part of the Costa Calida, a perfect resort for water sport activities. There are lots of coastal strips hotels, rental holiday apartments, houses, bars, and restaurants stretched along the Mar Menor. If time is on your side, you can always visit the nearby coastal towns of San Javier and Murcia and Cartagena or San Pedro del Pinatar, or if you are a fishing enthusiast, the old fishing village known as Los Alcazeras. Football fanatics will find the famous La Manga Club that is located close by irresistible, particularly during the winter months.

Author Resource:->  http://freetravelarticles.com/ http://akumalvacation.com/

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19/01/2012 by Dave.

By: M Gravlee

Most travel agents are in the business to not only make money but to also serve their fellow travelers. Most current travel agents are experienced travelers who enjoy traveling and want to help make your trips more enjoyable.

Travel agents can help you sort through vast amounts of information so you can make the most beneficial travel arrangements. They offer advice on destinations and make bookings for transportation, hotel accommodations, car rentals, and tours for you. They are also book the most tickets for the major cruise lines. Also, resorts and specialty travel groups use travel agents to promote their travel packages.

Agents are also expected to know about and be able to advise you about your destination, such as the weather, attractions, customs and events. Travel agents can provide information on customs regulations, required papers (passports, visas, and certificates of vaccination), travel advisories, and currency exchange rates. If you need to change your itinerary in the middle of a trip, they can make alternate booking arrangements.

 Travel agents use many sources for information on departure and arrival times, fares, quality of hotel accommodations, and discounts. They should also visit hotels, resorts, and restaurants to better evaluate the comfort, cleanliness, and their quality.

When you select a travel agent be sure that the person is truly interested in the travel industry and not just the money which they can make from it. According to the latest estimates provided the travel industry has become one of the world s fastest growing occupations today.

Keep in mind that a well versed travel agent is worth their weight in gold. They should be intimate with subjects such as touring, hospitality services, lodging, air travel, airport operation, cruises and theme parks. A well rounded agent is a valuable asset to an organization. If you sense that your travel agent feels that he can make a difference in whether you have an enjoyable trip or not then you have found a jewel in the making. A good agent specially one specializing in leisure travel should want to help their clients to learn about various cultures and they should be willing to go to all lengths to achieve this result.

Ensure that the agent you select has the necessary talent to be in that positions, the energy to obtain the needed information for you should you require additional data and a good work ethics. Keep in mind that our current work at home society has enable tens of thousands of travel agents to literally work from their home. Don’t underestimate these work at home people for they put just as much effort into satisfying their customers as does one with a store front shop. In some cases since their overhead is lower you stand a good chance to gain from lower ticket prices. These agents are well worth checking out.

Often times a travel agent will specialize in a particular sort of travel such as singles travel reservations or elderly travel plans or perhaps their specialty is in a particular region or a lifestyle. Occasionally you may want to partake of some of these great savings that this type of agent can offer you. Get to know them as a professional acquaintance and you will be glad you did.

If you happen to be interested in taking a cruise with or without any specialized requirements your travel agent should be able to handle this request with no difficulty. Whether the cruise you are interested in is a luxury cruise, a barge cruise or a river cruise they can handle it all. Usually you can contact them by e mail or by phone to learn more about the programs they are currently offering.

Perhaps you do not care so much for an ocean cruise but would rather prefer a land vacation. Possibly you have always dreamed of visiting Tahiti. If so then now is the time to sit down and discuss all your desires with your travel agent. They can make a difference in whether your trip is enjoyable or one that is a nightmare.

Author Resource:->  M Gravlee is a retired newspaper publisher who spends several months a year traveling.

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19/01/2012 by Dave.

By: Dan Williams

With the recent cold spell lasting what seemed several weeks, many residents in the UK would have been looking at the daily temperatures and yearning for something warmer. The early weeks of January are usually the busiest time of the year for holiday bookings. With the festive season now over, thoughts turn to holidays and the volume of travel advertising trying to attract our attention increases to new levels.

For many who take just one holiday every year, decisions will be made about where to spend the main summer break, but for those lucky enough to afford the time and cost of more than one holiday, an additional winter sun break will provide an attractive change from the freezing weather we have experienced in the UK recently. There are many alternative destinations providing warmer climates than the UK and to show the options available I’ll look at three resorts than are located just a two hour flight, a four hour flight and a six hour flight from the UK.

For someone wishing to fly for just two hours then the Balearic Islands of Spain provide the nearest location for a warmer winter break. Daytime temperatures can reach 15 degrees Celsius in January and February which is very mild in comparison to UK temperatures at that time of year. Not exactly hot but certainly more pleasant than staying at home and the traveller has the choice of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza a destination. While heat may not be guaranteed, sunshine almost certainly is, as Majorca typically records over 300 days of sunshine every year. Rain is also unlikely to be a problem with islands like Majorca receiving the heaviest falls between September and November.

Stay on a flight for a little longer and four hours travel will allow someone to reach the Canaries, a group of islands belonging to Spain yet situated just 100 kilometers off the North African coast. Here average daytime temperatures in February are a warm 19 degrees Celsius and holidaymakers can expect an average of 7 hours sunshine every day. Not only will the weather prove pleasant, but the resorts of the Canaries are used to winter travelers and have far more going on than those of the Balearics. The reason for these warm conditions result from the Islands’ location – Tenerife is on the same latitude as Florida – and also the mountainous areas of islands like Tenerife which prevent the moist Trade Winds from reaching southern parts of the island.

A four hour flight will also take the UK traveler to the Mediterranean island, where 6 hours sunshine per day will await along with average daytime temperatures in January and February of 12 degrees Celsius. Cyprus is experiencing a resurgence of popularity with resorts such as Paphos and Larnaca attracting many visitors. The Larnaca Dhekelia Bay boasts one of the longest beaches in Europe and has received blue flag awards for cleanliness. The airport at Larnaca is only 9 kilometers from the resorts however over sea flight paths reduce aircraft noise to a minimum.

Finally the more determined winter sun seeker may opt for a six hour flight and venture as far as the The Gambia, which although situated on the west coast of Africa is on the same time zone as he UK . Here the average daytime temperature during December to February is a very pleasant 24 degrees Celsius and rain is highly unlikely. Gambia has a very pronounced rainy season between July and September. Outside of these months the country experiences a long dry season which makes it particularly attractive to UK winter holidaymakers. The small city of Banjul is the capital and is also home to the airport which brings in flights from numerous northern European countries. Tourism is important to the country and recent investment has seen dramatic improvements to the airport and surrounding road infrastructure. If sitting in the sun on a beach by the sea in January is what you desire, then Gambia could well be your ideal destination.

Author Resource:->  Dan Williams has written extensively about holiday destinations worldwide. For anyone interested in the winter sun breaks described, flights to Paphos in Cyprus and flights to Gambia are now provided by FlyThomasCook via their website http://book.flythomascook.com

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