Breaking Blue : Helping you explore the world!

Skiing holidays are as popular as ever these days and unlike years ago they are no longer just for the elite. There are now many more economically priced ski deals that allow everybody to try their hand at learning to ski. The increase in low cost airlines helps to make resorts all over the world accessible to people of all ages, capabilities and budgets.

Many of the travel agents organise package holidays for both ski enthusiasts and novices who may be glad of the support of an organised trip. There are also specialised firms who can often offer excellent ski deals. It is possible to arrange your own trip, which will give you the chance to go where you want as well as somewhere that is within your budget. Whether for a weekend or a two week break, it is easily arranged. It is possible to ski all the year round as there are some resorts in Chile where it is possible to ski in the summer.

Of course the facilities at resorts will vary depending on whether you choose skiing in France or Switzerland in one of the well known resorts or whether you try your luck in one of the newer destinations such as Bulgaria. Alternatively there are holidays available in Canada and the United States or even Australia and New Zealand for anyone who wants to spread their wings and travel even farther afield. The one thing for sure is that there is a skiing holiday available to suit all pockets as well as skiers of all capabilities.

read comments (0)

Scotland is a beautiful country full of charm and enchantment.  There’s so much to see and do here that it can be easy to overlook many of this legendary destination’s finer points.  For a different, more authentic perspective on all that Scotland has to offer, why not have a look at private holiday rentals?

Cottages in Scotland are secure, clean, and well cared for.  Most holiday cottages in Scotland are private, which means you won’t have to fight the tourist crowds as you would at traditional resorts or hotels.  You’ll be able to sit back and relax amidst all the comforts of home including fully furnished bedrooms and living quarters, clean linens, television, and completely equipped kitchens.  Many cottages in Scotland also feature attractive extras like private laundry facilities, swimming pools, high speed internet access, log fireplaces, scenic balconies and terraces, and convenient on-site parking.

Renting private holiday cottages in Scotland allows you to really explore just what this magical country is all about.  Located in nearly every region across the nation, cottages in Scotland position you near some of the most intriguing sites and events to which most conventional travellers are not privy.  From the mountains and lochs of the Highlands to the stately castles and whiskey distilleries in the north and from the rocky coastline to the stunning medieval architecture and vibrant nightlife in modern Edinburgh, you’ll be free to choose the kind of holiday that will best suit your taste.

If you’re thinking about a different kind of holiday, consider renting private cottages in Scotland.

read comments (0)

Barbados, Havana, Montego Bay, the Cayman Islands… the names and locations of various exotic destinations for Caribbean cruises offer up some obvious clues why so many people opt for a cruise to the Caribbean. The Caribbean has long been a measure of luxury for many people. But you normally have to endure the stress of airports, long flights and many hours travel to get there.

With Caribbean cruises the journey is very different.  You can begin to relax as soon as you are on board. You will start to enjoy your holiday long before you reach your destination, and once you are there you are ready to explore without that jet lagged feeling.

When you take a Caribbean cruise you will be able to see more than just one location. Many cruises are available for seven or fourteen nights, with some going to eighteen nights or more as well. For instance a typical two week long cruise offered by Thomson Cruises takes you to various locations within the Caribbean, including Havana, Bridgetown, Kingston and Montego Bay.

In fact if you have always wanted to visit the Caribbean, a cruise is by far the best way to do it. You can explore all kinds of locations in the area without having to worry about getting from A to B. You will also benefit from enjoying the same accommodation throughout, without moving your luggage from place to place. What better way could there be to enjoy the delights of the Caribbean?

read comments (0)

Undiscovered by the majority of Brits, the Portuguese city of Oporto (Usually known as Porto) is a fascinating cultural and historical gem. The city is at the centre of the Port wine trade and the historic centre is a UNESCO world heritage site. The ancient harbour is full of traditional wine boats and is surrounded by Port wine warehouses.

Anyone with an interest in history will love Porto, steeped in Portuguese tradition and mostly unchanged for centuries it’s an architectural delight; with its 13th century Cathedral, beautiful gothic churches and intricately designed bridges spanning the Douro River. There are countless historic buildings, some displaying the famous Azuleto tiles, and many of which were constructed in the city’s golden age in the ‘20s and ‘30s.

Wine lovers can visit famous Port wine houses for tastings and guided tours to learn about the history and techniques of this regional speciality.  Set in tranquil gardens, the National Museum of Modern Art is housed in a spectacular Art Nouveau building and is a must for art lovers. Gourmets too will love the fresh seafood and pork dishes of this region.

Finding somewhere to stay in and around Porto is no problem. You can rent waterside apartments with views across to the old town, or stay a few kilometres outside the town, close to beaches and golf courses, and surrounded by natural beauty. Porto also makes an excellent base for visiting the many attractions of the area, along the Costa Verde.

read comments (0)

Italy may not be your first choice if you are planning a skiing holiday as it is traditionally seen as a destination for those wanting a beach holiday, but many forget that the northern part of the country is home to part of the Alps mountain range, which means that there are a number of ski resorts available to enthusiasts.

In fact, for many years Italy was seen as ideal for those wanting a cut-price ski deal, since the majority of skiers were choosing skiing in France and Switzerland over Italy, so prices were lower to attract visitors.  This does not mean that the facilities available are lacking in any way.  In recent years there has been much development of the ski holiday facilities and they are widely considered to be on a par with those offered by neighbouring countries. 

When skiing in Italy you will find that they consider it to be a relaxing pastime, with as much emphasis on the nightlife and dining as there is on the time spent on the slopes.  The ski facilities are equivalent to those in other resorts and it is possible to take lessons in most of them.  Some of the Italian skiing locations are for beginners and intermediates, so if this is your first skiing holiday then Italy is good choice.  There are some low priced deals available on the internet if you are prepared to shop around, especially if you choose not to holiday at peak times.

read comments (0)

Croatia is just beginning to take off as a popular holiday destination following the demise of Communism and subsequent devastation of the Balkan Wars. The country has a lot to offer, with almost 2000 km of magnificent coastline, and almost the same number of islets and islands, ruins dating back to the Roman period and quaint little villages in the hills. The Croatian cuisine is regional and heterogeneous, with something literally to suit every taste, and the Croatian people are amongst the most hospitable in the world.

Explore this fascinating country by renting a villa for the duration of your stay, and use it as a base to inspect ancient ruins, visit museums and galleries, and enjoy the sun, sea and sandy beaches. Holiday villas in Croatia are plentiful, and it’s a matter of finding one that best fits your needs. From cottages in the hills and apartments in Dubrovnik to beach villas along the Dalmatian Coast, there are plenty to choose from. If you go as a group you can share the cost, and self-catering allows for flexibility. You can come and go at all hours, and if there are kids around they’ll love the space and relaxed atmosphere that is usually absent from hotels. No need to worry about fellow guests or getting back in time for lunch or dinner – often a major source of friction!

Many villas in Croatia, especially along the Dalmatian Coast and Istria, come with their own private pools, which are always popular with kids and keeps them entertained while you’re planning the day.

read comments (0)

New Zealand is a beautiful country and it is a great destination for ski holidays; the geography of New Zealand makes it ideal for winter sports.

Tectonic forces working in the South Island have created the Southern Alps, which are a range of mountains that stretch for 550 kilometres, being 3,700 metres tall in some places. In the North Island skiing opportunities are provided by three large volcanoes in the Tongariro National Park, the tallest of which is Ruapehu, rising to almost 2,800 metres above sea level.

The majority of New Zealand’s ski areas open in mid-June and the season runs until October. Each ski field has something unique to offer, but all of them have good facilities that are kept up-to-date and offer slopes that are suitable for a range of abilities, everything from easy, gentle slopes for beginners to black diamond runs for the more advanced skier. There are areas dedicated to those who are just learning to ski, whilst for those who want something a bit more adventurous heli-skiing will take them to slopes and glaciers that are remote and beyond the reach of road transport. 

New Zealand is renowned worldwide for its range of outdoor activities so there is always plenty to do if you want to take a break from skiing. Jet boat rides and bungee jumping are just two activities that are available. New Zealand is also home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

New Zealand has several top ski resorts where the après ski scene is lively, with plenty of bars and clubs where the partying can go on into the small hours.  Queenstown boasts several ski areas, a beautiful lake, and is a cosmopolitan town. Wanaka is a lakeside town that has four world class ski and snowboard resorts. The Cardona Alpine Resort is a great choice for families whilst the Treble Cone offers exhilarating runs and breathtaking views. Christchurch, Canterbury, Methven and Mount Ruapehu are other good options for ski holidays in New Zealand.

read comments (0)

In the early days of considering cruise holidays, you’ll probably start by picturing many of the conventionally lovely routes, like Caribbean cruises, Mediterranean cruises or Far East cruises. But it may be worth taking a closer look at the increasing number of Baltic cruises now available.

If you take this option, you’ll not only get to see some of the most beautiful architecture in the world, including authentic medieval art galleries and superb museums, but your ship will also take you up close to some of the most stunningly spectacular archipelagos on earth. They’ll simply take your breath away as you meander past. Baltic cruises are also ideal for anyone in search of a no-fly option, with many Baltic itineraries starting from ports in the UK.

The Baltic region is immense, so there are numerous different itineraries to choose from. You could try a Russian Baltic cruise, stopping at St Petersburg with its infamous ‘onion domed’ architecture. Or dock in the enchanting city of Stockholm on a Swedish Baltic cruise, where you’ll be immersed in jaw-droppingly beautiful architecture and surrounded by cafes and shops galore. Baltic cruises in Denmark will take you to the magnificent city of Copenhagen, where you’ll see the movingly beautiful statue of Hans Christian Anderson’s ‘Little Mermaid’ staring wistfully out to sea from her rock.

Cruise lines offering Baltic cruises include P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Costa Cruises. These cruises provide ample proof that traditional choices like the Caribbean and the Med, most certainly don’t have a monopoly on beauty.

read comments (0)

Counting down the last hours of single life is the perfect time to go out and do something exciting if not different.  Regardless of any actual skiing involved, ski holidays aimed at the stag and hen market provide plenty of varied activities.

There are many different stag and hen ski holidays and they offer affordable packages at resorts and locations throughout Europe that can be all inclusive or self catering. Below are some popular areas for skiing and partying where stag and hen outings can be arranged.

United Kingdom – Ski the Scottish Highlands in the Cairngorms, or Glencoe, or Aviemore. Indoor skiing options include the Midlothian Snowsports Centre outside Edinburgh in Scotland. There is also SnowDome in Staffordshire and Xscape has real snow slopes at their locations in Glasgow (Braehead), Yorkshire (Castleford) and Milton Keynes.

France – Have a ski holiday weekend at Alpes d’Huez and enjoy the beauty, spa, and massage services suitable for both stags and hens once the skiing is done. Alpine, multi-activity weekends can be found in the Aravis Mountains, or there is Club Le Bristol accommodation at the Isola 2000 Resort in the Alpes-Maritimes located 90km from Nice.

Slovenia – Holiday packages for a stag weekend in Maribor at the Mariborsko Pohorje ski area can include lodgings at a three-star or four-star hotel or apartment, casino, and other activities.

If planning to take one final lost weekend as a single person, stags and hens should take care not to injure any vital equipment that will be required after the nuptials.

read comments (0)

When researching travel destinations and scheduling travel plans on a budget, it is very easy to become overwhelmed with the wide variety of travel options that are available.  Often travel websites and agencies focus heavily on sales, dodging pricing enquiries until the last minute.  With these sorts of blocking tactics it can seem impossible to create suitable travel plans within an allowed budget.  Despite the difficulties, following the tips below can ensure that any traveller can get the most for their money, out of almost any trip.

First and foremost it’s an excellent idea to consult a specialist both before travel plans are made, and again when these plans are to be finalised. This way you will receive assistance not only with managing the logistics of your holiday, but you will also be provided with a variety of travel options and ideas long before you depart.

It’s important to note that each travel agency specialises in a unique kind of travel, and not all agencies will be able to help with all types of travel.

Hotels, cruises, and airlines simply cannot afford to leave rooms or seats empty.  Rarely does it reward the traveller to book a room early; instead it’s often cheaper to wait as long as possible before booking a room, in order to fill those potential vacancies. While each holiday differs greatly from another, research and communication with as many possible travel providers is still the best method of securing the best travel deals all across the world.

read comments (0)