Beaches

Coolangatta Beach is among the most popular of the Gold Coast. It is family friendly, clean, and not all that crowded even during the busy season. This beach is great for all water sports including surfing and great to visit on Gold Coast Holidays. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. Another amazing beach area is Snapper Rocks. It is also great for surfing, very safe, and a great spot for swimming. With its white sand and beautiful views, it’s a great spot to sit and watch for dolphins as well. Then there is the secret paradise of Kirra Beach, located right by Coolangatta. This beach seems to go on forever, with plenty of sand and a perfect beach for swimming and for families.

Sights to See

•    Bluewater Cruises offers an affordable lunch and two hour cruise. A cruise is a great way to check out the canals and another perspective of surfer’s paradise. Patrons will see million dollar homes and yachts, Palazzo Versace Hotel, and marinas. The crew is friendly and offers random facts and humor along the way. Another awesome visit is the
•    SkyPoint Observation Tower. It allows visitors to see 360 degrees for miles. There is also the SkyPoint climb which allows you to climb 30 meters above the platform level while in a harness, after your climb, enjoy drinks at the SkyPoint Nights lounge.
•    Lella Mammam-Moroccan Bath and Spa is the perfect day getaway. After being on the go all day at beaches, shopping and the like, visitors must stop here. Lella is the only Moroccan bathhouse on the Gold Coast. It begins with a Moroccan rinse and hair wash, followed by massage, then a Moroccan exfoliation treatment, after that it’s a steam followed by another massage and a dusting of exotic perfumes.
•    Sea Wold Gold Coast Australia is the best theme park in the area. The marine attractions are amazing with a large penguin exhibit, sharks, polar bears and more every visitor will have a great time. Sea World also offers rides and shows, as well as great dining and more. It is a must see attraction.

Dining

There are countless eateries and restaurants on Australia’s Gold Coast. Some are tucked away and are local favorites; others are spectacular and desirable mostly for the decor and views. For a little romance try Allure on Currumbin. The dishes and wines are to die for, the ambiance is perfect, and the seafood is more than fresh. For a family dinner, Chiang Mai Thai offers a fun atmosphere and excellent Thai dishes at affordable prices; no one can beat a deal like that.

What the Gold Coast has to offer is just too much for words. There is no comparison, and no reason to not book a holiday that everyone will be talking about for years to come.

The Houses Of Parliament

The British Government are seated in the Houses of Parliament and throughout the year they will debate on a vast array of different topics. You will be able to have the opportunity to attend a debate, tour the buildings and witness Big Ben it all its awe inspiring height.

Buckingham Palace

A visit to the residence of the Queen is a real must do activity, particularly for first time visitors to London. You will be able to view some of the rooms that are used by the Queen herself as well as see some of the wonderful trinkets, treasures and fineries available for Her Majesty to use. During the Summer it is also possible to visit the grounds where the Queen holds some of her famous tea parties throughout the year but these are by extreme invitation only and members of the public cannot gain access to these.

The Tower of London

This is one of the most famous historical locations in London and is the place where Anne Boleyn was beheaded. You will find Warders here who will guide you around the Tower and you will be just metres away from where the Crown Jewels are held. A guided tour here is fantastic, informative and fun for all ages with lots of conversation and interaction amongst the groups.

The London Eye

Being higher than Big Ben would probably be a big enough experience in itself but on a clear day you will be able to see for up to 25 miles. The London Eye was originally installed for the Millenium celebrations but has been such a hit that it is has stayed in the very same place that it was first installed and it is now starting its twelve full year in the capital. Even a cloudy day in London can be a fantastic one as you can see some of the most historic landmarks from here even if the visibility is not very high.

St Paul’s Cathedral

Located in the City of London for over 300 years St Paul’s Cathedral has stood the test of time. The Cathedral has survived the Blitz and is a place that is well known throughout the country for holding some truly beautiful services and being home to many a well known and respected church member throughout the years. The Cathedral is absolutely stunning and must be seen to be fully appreciated in all its glory.

Tower Bridge

Here you can see some Victorian work in all its marvel. Having stood for over 125 years you will be able to watch this being lowered and raised several times a day and this is truly fantastic to see in action. If you want to learn some more about the bridge, how it works and how it was built there is an exhibit just waiting to be explored and even the option for some very high level walking which makes way for some truly breath taking views. Be sure to take a camera with you but ensure that it is firmly secured!

The Southbank Centre

If you are looking for some diversty, some arts, some crafts or some entertainment on your London break then why not come here? The Hayward Gallery is home to some amazing pieces by World renowned artists and you will find numerous types of music on offer here including classic music in the Queen Elizabeth Hall. If you are looking for somewhere amazing to dine then visit the Skylon restaurant while you are here for a meal that you will not forget in a hurry.

The River Thames

A boat trip along the Thames will allow you to witness some of the buildings and architecture here without having to even walk or queue up for ages. You can have lunch or dinner on a number of boats and you are also able to enjoy a nice glass of champagne or a beer while cruising along taking in the sights. You will find many boat trips available at any number of points along the River Thames but you can take a boat trip as part of a London Eye package and save yourself some money also.

The Royal Observatory

Located in Greenwich you will be able to visit the National Maritime Museum and see the Royal Observatory too. While here one of the most fascinating things to do must be to stand in both the Eastern and Western hemispheres at the same time which is definitely not something that you can do on any old holiday!

The O2

What started out life as the Millennium Dome has now become known as the O2. You can spend a whole day enjoying some wonderful cuisine and taking in a show with around 20,000 other fans! You will see huge celebrities performing here and you can also watch a movie, enjoy a night out in the nightclub or just grab a drink and have a catch up with friends or family. The atmosphere in the arena can be truly amazing, particularly when everyone is singing along to the song of a well known musician such as Lady Gaga or Prince.

Whatever you decide to do while in London you can be sure of an amazing fun filled adventure for the whole family and by booking a four star hotel central London you will be right in the heart of the city and in walking distance from most attractions.

Below, we look at 5 of the best restaurants in Barcelona:

El Racó d’en Cesc, for example, is found at Diputació 201 and is run by Francesc Cánovas. Cánovas opened the establishment in 1986 and has developed his restaurant since then. The establishment offers private dining facilities as well as areas in which to hold business meetings or larger events.

The El Racó d’en Cesc has earned a mention in the Michelin guide and the establishment is also noted as having been awarded the best sommelier for three different years.

The restaurant is known for its reasonable prices and for dishes that combine Catalan traditions with modern innovations. A typical meal will set the customer back around 60€. Typical dishes found here include chickpeas served with langoustine and grilled pig’s feet.

Located at number 8 on the Placa del Olles, Cal Pep is run by the Pep of its title and specializes in tapas-style dishes that typically follow in the traditions of Mediterranean cooking. This place is popular with both tourists and locals alike and tends to get very busy during the evenings.

The restaurant is divided up into a busier front section and a back area that’s quieter and contains the restaurant’s wine section.

Many of the offerings at Cal Pep are either seafood or otherwise traditional Spanish foods and most are brought out as small portions for diners to enjoy. At any one time, there are around 70 or more tapas dishes to enjoy, as well as house specialities that vary from day to day. A typical meal here costs between 30€ and 50€, with individual tapas dishes selling for somewhere between 5€ and 15€ a piece.

A restaurant with an unusual name, Moo is one of the pricier options in the city, but its food and wine are of great quality. The place is managed by head chef Felip Llufriu and can be found at Hotel Omm, on Rosselló 265. The restaurant offers Catalan cooking with a twist, with many dishes taking traditional food and planting a modern interpretation on it. As a result, the food at Moo feels modern and original but without missing some of the Spanish standards people have come to expect.

While a typical main course dish at Moo will cost a customer between 16€ and 20€, more expensive tasting menus, accompanied by specially chosen wine, are available. These tend to cost between 90€ and 140€.

It’s no surprise that Moo has become popular, as it is an establishment that has been widely recognised for providing excellence in terms of service and in its food and wine selection. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in 2006 and was acclaimed as Restaurant Magazine’s Best Spanish Restaurant in 2008. Meanwhile, Business Traveller Magazine gave the establishment their Best Hotel Restaurant award in 2005 and Moo won the Sanchez Cotan award in 2004 for its splendid wine list.

Found at Plaça Reial 6, Les Quinze Nits is known for getting pretty busy during certain times of the evening, with large queues forming up outside and rightly so. This place isn’t about luxury dining, but about understated and excellent eating experiences.

With its white linen-covered tables and value-for-money prices, the restaurant concentrates on the food itself. Customers should expect dishes such as squid and black rice, duck confit served with caramelised apples and gilthead fillet. In general, many of the dishes on offer at Les Quinze Nits can be classed as Spanish cuisine, with influences from other Mediterranean countries.

This restaurant, as mentioned, gets very busy, so customers are advised to get there and grab a table before 10 in the evening to stand the best chance of avoiding disappointment. The establishment is also highly suitable for visitors who want a place to eat that offers some sightseeing opportunities, since an upstairs table at this two-storey restaurant provides ample views of the nearby square below.

Situated at number 1 on the Avinguda Del Tibidabo, ABac offers an innovative and often inspiring take on Spanish cuisine. The head chef here, Jordi Cruz, doesn’t offer a huge menu, but what he does serve is well-thought out and designed to please.

Those enjoying fine dining at ABac can expect dishes such as baby octopus with mushrooms and calamari with lettuce. Customers can relax in areas such as the establishment’s lounge bar, with its controlled lighting features and nearby garden.

A gourmet experience at the ABac restaurant can cost as much as 290€ per person and includes hotel accommodation at the hotel the restaurant is attached to, along with two meals. The ABac restaurant has won awards such as a Michelin star.

Written by the TravelSupermarket holidays team

The Hotel and Rooms
The hotel is shaped like a breaking wave and it sits practically surrounded by water. It has 26 stories and is made of aluminum and blue plated glass. Inside décor is equally impressive, patterned after the four elements of water represented by blues and greens, fire in red and yellow, air in blue and white and earth symbolized by brown and red. A total of 598 rooms or suites and 19 villas offer a variety of accommodations for every need. Choose a 1 to 2 bedroom villa, family suite or a variety of deluxe rooms with floor to ceiling windows and a view of the ocean, some with balconies. All rooms come equipped with wireless internet access and a printer/fax/copier. Also included is a hairdryer, safe and mini bar. Check in time is 2:00 pm and check out time is at noon.

Dining
The hotel has 20 restaurants, bars and other food facilities within its boundaries, so there is no need to go anywhere else. Choose from elegant dining, family or casual dining or just a quick snack. International cuisines span the globe. Some restaurants are in the wave-like building while others are on the beach and at the pools. Many provide nightly entertainment. Reservations are easily made from the rooms or by email.

Activities
Swimming and sunning on the 364,000 square foot beach is enough for many visitors, but there is also a variety of other activities including diving on the coral reefs, boating or playing sports like squash or tennis at the Pavilion Sports Club. Relax at the spa equipped with saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms or take advantage of the massage service. The hotel offers a climbing wall, marina for boat charters, exercise rooms and swimming pools including a kid’s pool. There is free access to nearby Wild Wade Waterpark that has a number of exciting slides and other activities for family fun.

Children
Children are always in mind at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The Hub caters to pre-teens and teens where there are video games, music and other activities like dance competitions, volleyball and other sporting games, movie night and more. Children 10 and under enjoy Sinbad’s Kids Club where they make crafts, play games, swim, see movies and have a good time under supervision.

There is no need to travel anywhere else once reaching the Jumeirah Beach Hotel because it satisfies all needs. Enjoy the extensive amenities, luxurious dining opportunities, and family time all in an elegant atmosphere.

The Botanical Gardens

Wildlife and botanical life is fairly scarce in Las Vegas thanks to the harsh, acrid environment, however, at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens you can find flowers and wildlife in bloom all year round. Being almost 14,000 square feet in size and with over 100 staff it is easy to understand why these gardens are simply stunning
and beautiful all year round. Throughout the year there are numerous different themes here so if you are returning for a second or third time you will be sure to see something new and whatever time of year you want to visit, and time of day, you will find the gardens open and that entry is completely free of charge. You can find the botanical gardens located at the Bellagio Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard South.

The Bellagio Fountains

Another attraction at the Bellagio Hotel (Las Vegas Boulevard South) is the wonderful water fountains. Every evening there is a light show that is set to music. You will find lots of different tunes on offer and at Christmas time you will find some seasonal carols and songs being played. The fountain display is absolutely fantastic and is a
real must see for anyone who visits Las Vegas. You will find shows on Monday – Friday every 30 minutes from 3pm to 8pm and every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight. On Saturday & Sunday you can find shows every 30 minutes from 12pm to 8pm and every 15 minutes from 8pm to midnight. This is a fantastic event and draws a huge crowd so get there early to
avoid disappointment.

The Pinball Hall of Fame

Here you will find lots of older style pinball games and this is a fantastic cheap day out in the gambling capital of the World! You will find the Hall of Fame on East Tropicana Avenue from 11am to 11pm and for just 25 cents (a quarter) you can spend many minutes playing a fantastic pinball game. There is a wide selection on offer and this is great fun for the whole family with minimal money required.

Take in some of the wildlife

If you are looking to see some animals while you are here then be sure to visit the Mirage where you can see some lovely dolphins that inhabit the waters here. Mandalay Bay is a delightful place to take in marine life but both of these attractions will cost you money. If you want to see some marine or wild life without having to pay then be
sure to go to see the flamingos at Flamingo Las Vegas or the lions at the MGM Grand to please the whole family. Children in particular will love the flamingos!

There really is so much to see and do in Vegas and once you have visited a few of the free or cheap sights if you are looking for somewhere cheap to have a drink then be sure to visit Slots-A-Fun in downtown Las Vegas (Las Vegas Boulevard South).

With so much to see and do in Las Vegas it need not cost you a fortune to enjoy a holiday with your family or friends.

Nonetheless, there are loads of good deals around to be found on everything from travel insurance  to home insurance if you know where to look, and there’s actually quite a lot of competition in the UK insurance market with big banks like Santander (a relative newcomer with Santander travel insurance) competing against smaller independent brokers.

Next year, early indicators suggest that travel insurance costs could rise by as much as 40%. In addition to the rise in fraudulent costs, the relatively weak pound is also having an impact, as insurers generally have to pay more, whilst a rise in the amount of tax on insurance premiums that was originally put in place in January continues to have an impact.

One possible way of finding cheaper deals is to use comparison websites, these sites allegedly give the best deals available, but there are a few problems, primarily that they don’t cover the whole market – nor do they include deals that are available only to existing customers (if the insurer happens to be a bank).

Nonetheless, comparison websites can be a good place to start when it comes to looking for insurance, because they can give you a benchmark for how much you should be looking to spend.

Another point to consider is that single trip insurance policies are not always the best idea, if you’re going away several times throughout the year, then an annual policy may actually end up being significantly cheaper. So keep an eye out for good deals on annual cover.

The best way of getting a good deal on insurance remains to being to actually go and talk to someone. If you have bank accounts or mortgages with a certain back, go in and see if they can do you a good deal on travel insurance, you’ll often find you save a lot of money.

The only way of saving pennies on insurance, particularly when premiums are rising, is not to settle for second best, a little research and a little legwork can go a long way.

While of course it is a matter of personal preference, you may be one of the many people who are now choosing to stay in holiday cottages rather than a hotel or Bed & Breakfast. Why is this?

Cost
Typically, cottages to rent in Yorkshire may work out more cost-effective than alternative accommodation. And in today’s tough economic climate, for most of us, every penny counts.

Privacy
If you are the type of person for who holidays are a chance for you to chill out and sprawl across the sofa without being interrupted, then holiday cottages may be just what you are looking for. For some people, staying in a hotel with interruptions from housekeeping staff and having the formality of going downstairs to the breakfast room etc is not relaxing.

Space
Even though you may be out and about exploring Yorkshire during the day, do you really want to spend the evening stuck in a hotel room? With holiday properties you have a whole cottage to relax in after a hard day of walking and / or sightseeing.

Experience
Cottages to rent in Yorkshire allow you to have your Yorkshire experience in a more personal atmosphere. What sounds better for you – a quaint and quirky cottage in a small village or a large, impersonal hotel room in the middle of town?

Pet-friendly cottages
If you hate being separated from your pet when you go on holiday, then the good news is that there are pet-friendly holiday cottages. This is not only good for you and your pet’s emotional welfare, but it saves you money on kennel costs too!

So now we have discussed hotels versus cottages to rent in Yorkshire, which option will you choose?

A visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the mysterious Sphinx is sure to be an unforgettable sight as part of a cruise along the river Nile, which flows through nine countries in addition to Egypt.

The West Indies, set in the Caribbean Sea southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, consists of over 7,000 islands including Antigua, Barbados and Jamaica, as well as Cuba and the British Virgin Islands. The area is remarkable for the wealth of animals, plants and marine life and renowned for its distinctive cuisine.

The Hawaiian Islands are made up of eight major islands and many atolls and islets in the North Pacific Ocean. Due to the latitude of the location, the climate remains around 28 °C all year round. In addition to many ruined temples, the islands’ stunning natural attractions include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to an active volcano and Akaka Falls State Park with its spectacular waterfalls.

Cruises from Southampton call at several destinations in Southeast Asia including Singapore, Penang, Phuket and Ho Chi Minh City. Thousands of ancient temples are scattered around Southeast Asia alongside busy shopping areas, while perfect beaches and clear blue water offer a choice of scuba diving, surfing and sailing.

The Mexican Riviera incorporates twenty cities and lagoons situated off the west coast of Mexico. Many cruise deals stop at several destinations, including Acapulco with beautiful beaches for sunbathing and water sports and a superb shopping district. Mazatlan, the largest port on Mexico’s Pacific coast is popular with fishermen and has a promenade of over ten miles with a mouth watering selection of fish restaurants.

The best time to take a luxury cruise on the Mediterranean is from April to November because the weather is nicer. The major port countries on the shores of the Mediterranean include Spain, France, Italy, Monaco, Greece and Turkey. Other popular stops are the islands of Malta, Crete and Sicily.

Luxury cruises in the Mediterranean offers guests the opportunity to explore parts of Asia, Africa and Europe. Travelers can easily reach the beaches and major port cities without the stress of crowded trains or airports. Travelers can explore the great legends of the sea while relaxing on a luxury cruise ship. The port stops offers guests a chance to explore the city or just relax on the beach. Guests are spoiled with outstanding service, delicious cuisine and lively nighttime entertainment.

One of the most well-liked luxury cruise liners in the Mediterranean is the Regent Seven Seas. This is considered a smaller vessel, as the capacity is only from 200 to 700. This cruise will offer its guests quality service, excellent dining and luxury accommodations. The ship normally departs from Rome, Venice, Athens, Monte Carlo, Barcelona or Istanbul, and the duration of the trip is 7 days. Some of the stops along the way might include Florence, Marseilles, St. Tropez and Croatia.

Another luxury cruise in the Mediterranean is Crystal Cruises. Most of their cruises are 7 to 12 days and will offer visitors spectacular views of the sea, as well as stops at historic cities. For couples who are looking for romance, this is the cruise to take. The romantic French Riviera is just one of the fabulous stops that you can discover on the cruise.

The Silversea Silver Cloud is a liner that offers guests superb accommodations with luxury service. You can depart from Athens, Istanbul, Rome, Venice, Barcelona or London. These cruises last anywhere from 7 to 12 days.

If you really want to travel in style, you can take a cruise aboard a yacht. The Yachts of Seaborn offer luxury cruises for 7 to 30 days. Some of the departure and destination ports include Lisbon, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Rome, Venice, Athens and Istanbul.

Mediterranean cruises are normally all-inclusive; therefore, your drinks, shore adventures and sometimes, even airfare are covered. Port taxes and other fees will vary, and guests need to ask if they are included in the airfare. Many luxury cruise lines include tips in the price.

A luxury European cruise will motivate and astound you, as it will be an experience of a lifetime. Whether they are taking a short break or a longer holiday, guests will find breath-taking beaches, fascinating historical sites, interesting culture and many more things when taking a cruise in the Mediterranean. It will be an unforgettable holiday.

For a long time, the cruise holiday was thought to be the province of rich and leisurely, as our classic conception of what it means to go on a cruise tends to entail a long voyage lasting several weeks on a five star boat, complete with a smattering of well known celebrities and aristocrats. But thanks to high street travel bookers such as Thomas Cook there is now a much wider range of cruise holidays available for the average holiday maker with a modest budget and a week or two off work.

If you’re passionate about European history then one of the most appealing choices is likely to be the famous German Rhine Cruise. This is an unforgettable trip that will allow you to gaze upon, and indeed explore, the fairytale castles scattered along the banks of the Rhine. Many such cruises continue northwards into the Netherlands and include a tour of the country’s artistic highlights, such as the Reich and Van Gogh museums.

But if culture isn’t your top priority, there are plenty of other cruise deals up for grabs. If fine wining and dining is your passion, then look no further than Portugal for your perfect cruising opportunity. A cruise along the Douro River encompasses a long weekend in Porto, prior to departure. This beautiful city is famous not only for its rich Port wine, but also for a range of different gastronomic delights, including ‘Bacalhau’ – a fresh, salted fish dish served with seasonal vegetables and lashings of local wine. Upon departure, you will be given the opportunity to take a tour around some of Portugal’s most spectacular vineyards, winding steeply upwards from the banks of the river.

For more information about shorter and cost effective cruise deals, simply head down to your local travel agents and see which destinations and packaged prices catch your eye.