


Archive for May, 2010
Ski Holidays to remember – France
Author: samuel
Some of the best skiing in the world is to be found in France and there are over 200 ski resorts which can be visited. Of course some areas are more popular than others which are the top of people’s wish list. This could be because of the night life, whilst others are good for beginners.
The best package deals for a ski holiday usually include cheap ski holidays to France as well as luxury chalet holidays and family ski vacations. The price quoted usually includes flight and ski accommodation in resort, though many can be booked with alternative travel to France. You will be given facts concerning snow reports and forecasts, although this may be restricted to the major resorts. Naturally you will be able to hire ski equipment and take comprehensive ski holiday insurance for yourself and your family. Skiing holidays in France is something that should not be missed.
read comments (0)Renting Holiday Cottages in France
Author: samuel
There are few places on earth with the romance, luxury, and cultural richness of France. For your next holiday, consider a brand new way to experience everything this amazing destination has to offer, private holiday rentals.
You’re sure to be surprised by the variety of holiday cottages, townhouses, apartments, holiday villas, chateaus, and castles available for rent all across France. Destinations can include Brittany, Normandy, the French Alps, the Loire Valley, Burgundy, Provence, Paris, Midi-Pyrenees and other areas too numerous to mention. Thousands of private owners offer their properties for holiday rentals all year round.
You’ll enjoy all the comforts of home including self-catering facilities, furnished sleeping and living quarters, exclusive gardens and patios, and even swimming pools and private spas. Accommodation can be found to comfortably sleep two or two dozen, and special considerations can be made for those travelling with infants, children, and elderly or handicapped companions.
The value of renting holiday cottages in France is second to none. As hotel and resort rates continue to increase, stretch your holiday budget further with a weekly booking at gites in France (‘gites’ is the French term for holiday cottages). Just £150 will get you a week’s stay at a lovely Breton cottage or a quaint country home in Provence. For around £12,000 you can rent a spacious villa in Cannes, or a luxury ski chalet in the French Alps, with plenty of room for friends and family.
There’s no better way to treat yourself and the ones you love to a truly memorable experience, than with holiday rentals in France.
Holidaying with P&O Cruises
Author: samuel
P&O is a well known name in the cruise industry. They offer cruises to destinations worldwide and can cater for very short two night breaks right up to 98 night voyages taking in 37 ports in 21 countries.
Accommodation onboard is varied and suitable for all budgets, from indoor state rooms to deluxe penthouse suites P&O Cruises caters for everyone. All accommodation has as standard a daily maid service, refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, television, radio and telephone, safe and air conditioning. Outside staterooms also have picture windows to make the most of the view.
Evening entertainment choices onboard P&O cruises are varied and as such will have something to please everyone. Casinos and theatres are available for those who do not wish to visit the cocktail bars and night clubs; live bands and classical concerts will entertain those who won’t be joining in with the quizzes. P&O Cruises also run themed fun nights including 60’s and 70’s or Black and White ball themes.
Certain itineraries allow for overnight stay in some ports including New York, Acapulco and Barbados meaning the chance to explore the nightlife and entertainment as part of a shore excursion. Daytime shore excursions include once in a life time opportunities like a helicopter ride over Monaco or exhilarating activities like travelling though the Jamaican rainforest on a zip wire.
As an added extra P&O Cruises also offer weddings and vow renewals. A unique way to spend your honeymoon is to wake up every day in a different port.
Must see travel destinations – The Italian Riviera
Author: samuel
Probably the most popular Mediterranean holiday destination has always been the Italian Riviera. Liguria (as it is oftentimes called) is comprised numerous beaches and resort towns including Portofino and Rapallo. Heading north from Genoa to the border of France, most towns in the region afford the visitor the ability to have a holiday itinerary filled with entertainment and adventuresome one-day experiences. Genoa is the principle city in the region and its extensive rail system makes for easy access to important points of interest.
Without a doubt, Italy’s Riviera is the country’s most picturesque shoreline, dotted with a number of seaside caves and cliffs as well as some very beautiful beaches. In addition to this, Genoa is also Italy’s busiest port city and contains the area’s most important cultural events. This is especially true when you are discussing all the dining opportunities you will find there. They are unparalleled anywhere in Italy and most likely the entire European continent.
There are several links that you can explore in order to rent holiday apartments or villas along the Italian Riviera. One of the more reliable sources for this is Rentvillas.com which was established in 1984. They are a reliable source should you be looking for an apartment or villa to rent while on holiday in the region. If taking a cruise on the Italian Riviera is part of your itinerary, consider going to Kosmixtravel.com and selecting a cruise that you feel would be what you are looking for.
Ooh La La! – Luxury Ski Chalets in France
Author: samuel
Lounging in the lap of luxury in a French chalet surrounded by snow and skiing probably represents the epitome of the term ski holiday. Having a staff catering to every need, haute cuisine prepared by private chefs, and ease of access to the pistes makes for the ultimate chalet experience.
Meribel of Les Trois Vallées ski region, the largest ski area in the world, also has some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Chalet Valentine is catered comfort for up to eight people to share. The chalet has been profiled in magazines for its glamour. It is located less than five minutes from the Middle Lift Station. Another example is the ultra private Chalet Foinsbois in Meribel Village. Chalet Foinsbois, also within walking distance to the lifts, comes with a live-out staff to pamper up to fifteen lodgers, champagne on demand, and features is its own cinema room.
Chalet Saphir in Chamonix is close to the airport in Geneva. With its indoor climbing wall and a Jacuzzi for the adults, and a games room complete with PlayStation for the kids, it is just a sample of what comes with the architectural beauty of the chalet. Despite its ultra private location in the Chamonix Valley, the private chauffeur can take lodgers to the slopes less than five minutes away, and the private chef can have a multi-course dinner waiting after a full day of skiing.
Val d’Isere in the Savoy Alps with easy access to the Espace Killy ski area has the Chalet Montana. An indoor swimming pool, chauffeured 4×4s, and extensive wine cellar are some of the amenities on offer. Chalet Montana is only a few hundred metres from the lifts on the Face de Bellevarde piste and less than a five minute drive to the village centre.
France is brimming with luxury chalets, and while the above only offers a short selection, there is still a demand for luxury lodging which the French ski resorts can easily fulfil.
A guide to Turkish self catering holidays
Author: samuel
The Turquoise Coast of Turkey is well known as an attractive location for British holidaymakers. It offers clear blue seas, secluded beaches, stunning scenery and bustling towns such as Fethiye, Dalyan and Oludeniz. The area is easily reached via the busy airports of Dalaman or Antalya. Sailing, walking and visiting ancient ruins are some of the many attractions, and you can rent a beautiful four bed luxury Turkish holiday villa with a pool surrounded by lush private gardens, from £350 a week. You get a whole lot more for your money when comparing Turkish holiday accommodation with Euro countries.
Bodrum, on the Aegean coast attracts those seeking sun, sea and a party atmosphere. With the combination of a lively nightlife, great beaches and easy access via low cost airlines, it’s easy to see why. There’s a wide range of affordable and comfortable holiday apartments in the area, or you can find delightful villas in quaint old villages as well as stylish new developments. Away from the tourist hotspots, Turkey has numerous delightfully unspoilt areas where you can find cheap holiday villas and apartments. After a huge boom in tourism in the 1980s, there is now a new focus on avoiding over-development and encouraging environmentally sustainable holiday accommodation.
As well as being cheap to travel to, with friendly and welcoming inhabitants, Turkey is a great place to dine like a king for very little money. Simple, tasty food such as fresh seafood, delicious cheeses and flat breads, and mouthwatering mezze dishes are all available in the many cafes and restaurants.
All aboard with Princess Cruises
Author: samuel
Princess Cruises offer over 120 individual cruise holidays with over 330 ports of call so there is bound to be something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
Priding themselves on excellent customer service Princess Cruise staff is always on hand to give help and advice to passengers who require it.
Covering all continents including Antarctica, and taking in destinations not covered by most other cruise companies such as the Falkland Islands, Midway Island, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima, Princess Cruises has some of the most unique holiday destinations covered.
Princess Cruises offers a once in a lifetime world cruise of 107 days taking in 42 ports of call onboard the Pacific Princess (the new version of the famous Princess Cruise lines popular ‘Love Boat’ from the television series of the same name).
Cruise options range from two days right up to the 107 day world cruise. All 17 Princess Cruise ships adhere to the same high standards, with the same wide range of onboard activities for both adults and children alike.
Princess Cruises also offer Cruise Tours. This is when part of the holiday takes place on land and allows the passenger to enjoy several nights inland to enjoy sights that cannot be accessed by ship.
One fun onboard activity is the golf simulator. You can even take golf lessons while at sea which is perfect for all abilities. While the adults are enjoying sports children can take part in scavenger hunts, themed parties and talent shows. Princess Cruises really are fun for all the family.
Visiting Athens – one of the worlds ancient cities
Author: samuel
Greece’s capital and largest city is Athens; it is one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back to ancient times. It is rich in culture and filled with history as well as being one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. The city has transformed itself into a cosmopolitan metropolis which is flourishing extremely well, with a sizable urban area and diverse population. Athens is also considered the political, industrial, financial, economic, and cultural centre of Greece and features a number of activities and events.
The city of Athens is rapidly becoming a business hub in the EU (European Union) and is greatly influenced by the EU culturally and politically. However it is the allure that the city holds for the international traveller which is well known worldwide. It is known for its famous art, educational entities, and history as many of the great scholars such as Pericles, Socrates, and Sophocles were born in the city of Athens.
With nearly 500 hotels in Athens listed online, you could be faced with quite a challenge when trying to decide on where to stay while visiting this historic city. Additionally, there are hundreds of private villas and vacation retreats to be taken advantage of in the city, nearly all of which are excellent values for money. Whether you choose a hotel or a private villa, you will not be disappointed with the selection at hand. The balmy climate, the culture, and the city’s intriguing history all make Athens a favourite destination of millions of international travellers annually.
Ski Schools for Children
Author: samuel
Skiing is often seen as an adults-only sport but this would be inaccurate. Some of today’s child skiers will be tomorrow’s ski champions and this makes choosing a ski holiday with proper skiing tuition important. Parents can find ski schools that provide lessons for a few hours or the entire day.
Les Arcs – Lessons are available for children as young as three-years-old, and ski passes are free for children under age six (proof of age is required). Children can even take French language lessons. All of the ski schools in the area offer all-inclusive packages that include lessons and day care.
Les Gets – 360 International has classes for children from age four upwards. Classes are limited to ten children between two instructors, and all instructors are fluent in English.
Tignes – Evolution 2 offers classes with a group size no larger than eight for children ages five to fourteen, and helmets are provided. English-speaking instructors, video analysis, and competition classes are some of the items available.
Lech – In Austria, Skischool Lech has lessons that both teach and challenge children ages 4½ to fourteen in a stress-free atmosphere. Lessons start at 10am and lunch is included. Booking in advance is recommended to guarantee a space at this ski resort.
Seefeld – In the Tyrol region, the Seefeld Ski School is for children aged three to fifteen and students are grouped by age and ability. Lunchtime supervision and private tuition is available. Upon completion, children are given a ski school pass which entitles them to skip the initial ski test on their next visit.
Enjoying your stay in Nesebar
Author: samuel
Nesebar is one of the oldest coastal cities in Bulgaria and is now a major seaside resort on the Black Sea coast. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Black Sea, Nesebar is a unique combination of seaside resort and museum, drawing upon over 3,000 years of history as a coastal city of importance. It is one of the more lucrative private seaside destinations in the Black Sea, located adjacent to the more tourist-trendy Sunny Beach.
Nesebar is unique in that there are two distinctly separate sections of the city: the old part of town and the mainland. The old section of the city containing the World Heritage Site and most of the ancient structures is located on a peninsula that was initially an island, but eventually connected to the mainland via a man-made isthmus. This is where the best villas and apartments can be rented for holiday excursions, although it should be noted that the prices are a little higher than the mainland. The mainland section of the city contains more modern buildings and amenities, as well as the more tourist-friendly hotels and resorts.
Where you stay in Nesebar determines the type of experience you have. There are several beaches surrounding the island and the mainland, and travellers looking for a more intimate experience will rent an apartment on the island, while those looking for an all-inclusive stay can book at one of the hotels on the mainland. However, most of the best restaurants are located on the island itself.
