Holiday Bits

Finding the Perfect Location to Site Your Static Caravan

You’ve guaranteed yourself a lifetime of holidays by investing in a static holiday home.  The next step is choosing the right UK holiday park to site it.  Put as much effort into making this decision as you have into choosing your new caravan and you can’t go wrong.

What exactly do you get excited about when looking forward to your caravan holiday?  It could be the freedom to take a lakeside walk before breakfast.  Or it could be the sound of your kids laughing as they splash out of a waterslide.  Finding a caravan park for UK holiday homes that offers a balance of tranquillity and fun is surprisingly easy – just stick to the coast.

When the sun’s out, you can stroll along the prom with an ice cream or enjoy a family game of rounders on the sand.  Whatever you like to do on holiday, the beach will always be a place to make memories.  Keep your caravan close to the coast and you can have this forever.

All the modern caravan parks are packed out with things to do.  Still, depending on what keeps you smiling on holiday, you need to choose the right area of the UK.  Norfolk, for example, comes with all kinds to explore.  The Norfolk Broads make up one of the most peaceful places Britain has to offer.  So staying at Hopton Holiday Park for example means you get the beauty of the Broads whenever you like but also the entertainment and range of activities that come included with a contemporary park such as this one.

The kids are kept busy with children’s activities and entertainment at the kids’ club, so you can take a boat trip through the series of rivers nearby or take in a walk.  Little things like this will keep the whole family excited about visiting the caravan holiday home whether it is regularly or for a summer holiday.

Perhaps you enjoy a livelier family break – so keep an eye out for static holiday homes for sale near Blackpool or any of the well known entertainment hotspots.

Always consider the distance of the park from your home.  A road trip can be part of the holiday if you enjoy the open road! However you may wish to consider a location no more than a couple of hours from home as a long travelling time could reduce how frequently and easily you are able to visit the holiday home.

It is well known that the UK is subject to unpredictable weather, and this should never deter you from purchasing a holiday home in any region. However, it may be worth thinking ahead to which time of the year you plan on going on holiday. Coastal locations such as Devon, Cornwall and Wales are great for visiting during the summer, walking in the Lake District is really enjoyable in the spring and autumn when the greenery is changing and it isn’t too warm, whereas the cold winds of Scotland can be the makings of a cosy winter holiday.

Portugal

The ever welcoming Portugal offers its visitors an absolute wealth of holiday experiences, whilst its Mediterranean climate helps ensure you enjoy these treats in gorgeous weather. Flights to Portugal will see you touch down in south-western Europe, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Spain, the country making the most of its enviable location with a healthy mix of tourism and agricultural developments.

If quality beaches are your holiday priority, then the country’s coastline has more than a few surprises in store for you. You’ll find the golden beaches of the Algarve region complimented by strong tourism amenities, whilst those further from built-up areas offering a more secluded sunning session. With Portugal flights becoming increasingly available you could find yourself working on that tan much sooner than you’d think.

With much of the country’s border being Atlantic coastline it’s no surprise that water-based pursuits are incredibly popular. Whether it’s the high-octane excitement of water-skiing, the awe-inspiring sights of scuba-diving or a laid-back sailing excursion, the shores of Portugal’s coastline are almost as alive with activity as their land-based counterparts.

Easily one of the most popular of these activities is Sea Safari trips, seeing you take in all that the local sea-life has to offer. Dolphins prove a big draw for those setting sail on these trips, but thanks to clear waters you’ll find much more under the sea vying for your attention and even get the chance to swim the warm waters if you so desire.

With tourism being such a strong part of the country’s economy, you’ll find an abundance of diverse attractions across Portugal. From water parks and quad bikes to medieval artefacts and wine tasting, you’ll find almost all tastes catered to. Indeed, at the right time of year it’s possible to sunbath your morning away and then ski through the afternoon on the slopes of Serra Da Estrela National Park.

If the idea of a jetting off to a chilled out island paradise appeals to you, the Portuguese island of Madeira (also known as The Pearl of The Atlantic) could be just what you’re looking for. After a short domestic flight from the mainland you’ll be enjoying the many spoils of this gorgeous island retreat, with a short stay here being the perfect holiday within a holiday.

The country’s climate makes for an impressive agricultural output, with the range of products grown in Portugal broad enough that you could spend your entire stay feasting on her produce. With many restaurants also making use of the local fishing industry, you’re sure to experience the genuine flavour of Portugal on your holiday. Flights to Portugal are now cheaper than ever, making it so much easier to book your holiday of a lifetime.

A Guide to Organising Group Holidays

Group holidays are a great way to spread costs for travel and accommodation but most importantly they are loads of fun!  The trouble is they can be awkward to organise as you have to please everybody and make sure everybody pays up – so it can be useful to study the best ways to approach arranging your group holiday.

Group holidays between friends are much different to group holidays between families and it is important to establish early the type of people who will be vacationing, before committing to a holiday package that may turn out to be unsuitable.

Equally, it is vital to recognise the type of holiday everybody wants.  Some groups may choose to have a wild, action packed holiday whereas others will choose to escape to a quiet haven far from their everyday life.  It’s also important to think of any children coming along and this is where facilities need to be taken into consideration.

Facilities

If your group includes a variety of age groups then you need to ensure the holiday park or complex caters for all of these ages.  Quality family complexes will have entertainment for children before the bar side entertainment for the adults.  They usually have playground areas too which are great for the daytime.

Check out the pool facilities before splashing out on a suitcase full of swimwear.  The beauty of going away with a group is you can all get involved in team water sports and therefore need a big enough pool to jump around in!

If your group consists of adults or you have some people who would prefer to take some time out and relax, confirm that the location has some quieter areas, perhaps even a spa facility or hot tub!

Accommodation

If your group holiday consists of only adult friends and you are looking forward to staying up late and joining in group activities, you need to check if your complex provides excellent group accommodation and is near to a beach, restaurants or anything else you and your group may be interested in.

Groups of singles or work colleagues may not be too bothered with finding luxurious digs but couples are more likely to want some privacy.  Group accommodation ensures each couple has their own room and the group still saves money by sharing the living space and kitchen.

Expenses

Many groups choose to split all expenses equally when holidaying together but sometimes it makes more sense to just pay for the group accommodation as a collective and pay for everything else individually.  This is because some persons in the group may have children and some may not – causing an awkward dynamic (depending on the relationship between parties) when purchasing toys and merchandise for the young ones, if all costs are split equally.

Ultimately, a group holiday should be organised around the people involved.  Get together with all members of the group and discuss the plan as a community – see it as a way of starting your group holiday early!

Vietnam – the varied landscape offering something different

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When people come back from Vietnam they are likely to gush about what a beautiful country it is, and with good reason. It is the varied landscape offering something different to everyone who visits which is making Vietnam an increasingly popular tourist destination; from its beautiful coastline and countryside to its historic and picturesque cities. Choose from a number of Vietnam holidays to make the most out of your trip if you only have a few weeks to spare.

The Old Quarter of the capital city of Hanoi is a great place to explore. The 36 streets, dating back to the eleventh century and each specialising in a particular trade, are still full of merchants and artisans selling products ranging from silk and jewellery to roasted fish. Watch out for the motorbikes weaving in and out of the crowds! The architecture of the city provides constant reminders of the French occupation in 1888; the Grand Opera House, Presidential Palace and Saint Joseph Cathedral are just a few examples of the French colonial style.

In the middle of the famous Ba ?ình Square where the Marxist President Ho Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence, stands his former residence and granite mausoleum. In 1958 Ho Chi Minh shunned the ostentatious Presidential Palace to live here in a wooden house on stilts in the same complex. You can see this house as well as the Palace and wander around the gardens; it is definitely worth hiring a guide to talk you through the site’s significance. In the mausoleum Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved in a glass case and protected by a guard, despite the fact that he actually wished to be cremated. It is usually very busy and you will be moved around the room quickly; hands in pockets or crossed arms are not permitted as a sign of respect.

Finish off your visit to Hanoi with a trip to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Water puppetry has been a Vietnamese tradition since the eleventh century when it was performed for entertainment in the villages of the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam when the rice fields were flooded. The wooden puppets perform folk tales on a pool stage with a traditional Vietnamese orchestral accompaniment.

Approximately halfway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the beautiful city of Hoi An. Its Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its status as an exceptionally well-preserved trading port from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century. Hoi An was made very rich by its inhabitants’ control of the spice trade, and was later settled by the Chinese, Japanese, Indians and Dutch. Consequently, like many other areas of the country, the (predominantly wooden) architecture reflects all the different influences of the people who made this city their home, giving it a really unique feel. Take a stroll down the riverfront and sit in a restaurant all lit up with handmade lanterns, something which will stay with you long after you have left.

Katherine Conlon likes to a get a feel for the history of the places she visits, and seeks out the bits which reveal something about the culture in different areas of the globe. She has travelled in four different continents and is looking forward to exploring the rest.

Family Holidays in Majorca

The largest island in the Balearic archipelago group, Majorca lies just off the east coast of Spain. It’s been a popular holiday destination since the mid 20th century and has plenty of excellent resort areas which are ideal for family holidays.

Taking a family holiday in Majorca will offer you plenty of sunshine and the beaches all around the island offer plenty of opportunities besides sunbathing such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat trips. Water sports are very popular here, and jet skiing, and wind surfing are available in many places. The beaches themselves offer white sands and are spacious and well kept and many such as those at Palma Bay and Alcudia are particularly sheltered and suitable for families.

Majorcan food can be quite varied. Pork tends to feature on many menus with Spbrassada (a spicy pork sausage) being commonly found and very popular with kids. Other dishes your family may like to try include things like Coca de Trampo, a pizza like dish, and Ensaimada which is a spiral shaped sweet flaky pastry desert. In many resorts however, a good range of English food is on offer for anyone who doesn’t find the local dishes appealing.

There is plenty on offer around the island to entertain you and your family when you visit. The island is fairly steeped in history and so there are lots of castles, museums and monuments to explore. The Pirate show near to Alcudia is a very popular place to visit, and offers dancing, fighting, comedy, action and more all rolled into one to create a very popular show. Do make sure if you visit with the family though, that you opt for the early evening showing as the later one is more bawdy and suitable for adults only.

Staying in the resorts around the island will offer you not just the chance to enjoy the beaches and sea, but also plenty of amenities offered within the resort. Many include spas, saunas, swimming pools and children’s play centres or kids clubs. There are golf courses and other sporting activities available at some of them too.

Overall, Majorca makes a great place to visit as a family with all you could want in terms of sun, sea and sand plus plenty more besides and at an affordable price too.

Top Five Family Holiday Destinations

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Picking the right destination can really make or break a family holiday. Get it right and you’ll be in the running for parents of the year. Get it wrong and the kids will be reminding you about it for years to come. Looking for flight deals and affordable accommodation will seem easy after you’ve agonised over choosing the perfect place to go.

Here are five top family holiday suggestions, with old classics mixed with some adventurous new ideas.

1. Spain

A long-time favourite for UK holidaymakers, Spain is perhaps the classic family holiday destination. Its islands and costas have some of Europe’s best beaches, and everyone knows how much kids love the beach. Try Northern Spain to find fewer tourists, beaches that are less busy, beautiful rolling countryside and some cultural treats.

As well as sea and sand, Spain also offers great walking and cycling holidays. Cities like Seville and Granada have enough cultural treasures to keep most kids enthralled. And of course, Spain is the home of the classic villa holiday; lie in the sun and relax while the kids play for hours in the pool.

2. France

The other classic holiday destination. And it’s easy to see why France’s natural beauty will always attract holidaymakers.

One of its major advantages is that it’s close. Load up the car, take the tunnel and you could be at your holiday destination in just a few hours. The northern areas of Normandy and Brittany are ideal for kids as they’ve great camping opportunities.

For those willing to go a bit further, the Vendée on the Atlantic coast has miles of quiet and unspoilt beaches. And what could be more idyllic than a family canoe adventure down the Loire?

3. Croatia

Perhaps not an obvious choice, but the unspoilt coastline of Croatia is a perfect place for a family holiday. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the coastal resorts or marvel at the stunning historic cities of Dubrovnik and Split.

Croatia’s thousands of small islands are the perfect place for a cycling holiday, with many small enough to explore in a single day. Ride along and discover your own private cove for a refreshing swim.

4. Turkey

Although not as cheap as it once was, Turkey still offers an affordable family holiday. Its thousands of miles of Aegean coastline are perfect for beach holidays. Or try Istanbul for an exotic and fascinating urban adventure.

Explore the coastline on a boat cruise or have some more extreme fun with the many adventure sport activities on offer.

5. The USA

The US is the holy grail of family holidays in the eyes of most kids. It really does have it all. With the world’s best theme parks, most iconic cities and famous beaches, you’ll never be short of entertainment that’s for sure!

On a budget? Rent a car and take the family on a road trip adventure of a lifetime. Or simply enjoy the bustle and beauty that California is famous for.

Getting the best golf holiday for your money

Whether your budget is limited or elastic, it’s daft to spend more than necessary on any aspect of your holiday. The briefest research & a couple of phone-calls can knock £100s off a package holiday. There are less obvious ways to save money, too, from buying  lake balls to take with you (instead of forking out £5 a ball at the resort) to using home-exchange programmes to get free luxury accommodation.

Saving money on golf package holidays:

Never assume that a package will be the cheapest option. Although many use attractively luxurious accommodation with food included, they often tie you to one or two specific golf courses, which can be frustrating if you’re staying somewhere like Belek, in Turkey, which is crammed full of world class courses. What’s more, the package may only include two rounds – any more will cost extra.

Factor in resort surcharges & you’ll often find that it works out cheaper to book your own flights & hotel separately, then select your fairways at leisure. This also lets you book a hotel with more general all-inclusive activities, like water sports & yoga, if you’re holidaying with non-golfers.

That said, golf packages often offer fat discounts to groups of 9 or more. Package holiday operators book out entire flights, so grow more desperate to sell holidays as the departure date looms. If you’re flexible – more likely if you’ve no family to consider & your business can handle a last-minute absence – 60 minutes spent calling tour operators can easily get you a hefty discount. This is more effective than buying last-minute online; you can’t negotiate with a website, nor can a website change its mind about the price when you say “oh well, I’d better look elsewhere”.

Travel agents also have a certain flexibility when you book well in advance. Although the discount probably won’t be as much as going last-minute, they do like to get deposits in the bank & turnover ensured. Research online first, then speak to real people to get the discount.

Home exchange – luxury accommodation for free:

Although it sounds daunting at first, this is a booming area, with several agencies catering to golfers. You will of course need a home to offer in exchange. This can be your first home or your holiday property, but it must be tidy, comfortable & close to a decent golf course or two. You can arrange exchanges with a golfers & golfing families from across the globe. The range of homes on offer is very tempting indeed, with luxury or at least very comfortable places available everywhere from St Andrews to Chile, with Hamburg, Reykjavik, New South Wales, California & Cape Town in between.

If you hate the idea of other people staying in your house this might not be for you, but remember that you’ll be staying in theirs as well. You can always remove valuable items to a safe place. The rule is that swappers leave your home the way they found it, if not cleaner, & participants seem consistently satisfied with the experience. You may even establish a mutually beneficial relationship that will furnish you with a home-from-home for years to come.

Sun, Sea and Sand in Florida

Florida, ‘The Sunshine State’, is located in the southeast of the United States, flanked by the Gulf of Mexico on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Take advantage of cheap car hire and you’ll soon discover that the best way to experience many of the amazing attractions Florida has to offer, is by driving. Here is a little about each of the places that are well worth a stop on your road trip around Florida.

Key West, and the surrounding Florida Keys, offers many options for those holidaying here. Popular destinations include the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Harry S. Truman Little White House Museum, and Mallory Square. The latter is host to some spectacular sunsets, and the street entertainment is remarkable. Not to be missed is the notorious ‘Catman’ show!

If theme parks are your thing, then head to Orlando. Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and of course Walt Disney World are among the favourites. Discovery Cove is also highly recommended and a very relaxing resort – the kids will love swimming with the dolphins too! If all this rushing around the parks takes its toll, then head to Bob’s Balloons and experience Orlando from a different perspective, hundreds of feet up in the air.

Miami really has it all. The beaches are incredible, the Everglade National Park is famous the world over, and downtown Miami is a metropolis of trendy bars, clubs and restaurants. Here art deco architecture and golden sands lie side by side. Health and fitness is also incredibly popular; Tropical Park has over 10 kilometres of paved running tracks and Eden Roc Resort sports a monstrous indoor climbing wall, with routes suitable for all skill levels.

Fort Lauderdale is another popular tourist destination and has many canals or ‘scenic inland waterways’, which give it the feeling of Venice in America. Yachting is a trendy pastime here, but more accessible to the visitor is deep-sea fishing. Great fun for all ages and, whether or not you’ve spun a line before, you’ll soon be landing tuna and sailfish by the dozen! Take the catch back to shore and enjoy freshly barbecued fish on the beach that very evening, watching the stunning sunsets that Florida does so well.

Daytona Beach is famous for speed, originating back to when motor races took place down on the wide long beaches. Nowadays it is still possible to drive on some areas of the beach, however a speed limit is firmly in place so don’t get carried away! To satisfy the craving for speed, instead head to Daytona International Speedway to witness NASCAR and motorbike races year round. Daytona also has a credible range of golf courses including The Club at Pelican Bay. This fast course used to be private but is now open to the public and will suit golfers of a moderate standard.

Well, that’s more than enough for any driving holiday around Florida, all that’s left to do is decide the dates, and choose the car.

Magaluf, Majorca – An Excellent Family Holiday Destination

Magaluf is located on the southwest coast of Majorca, Spain. Abundant with sand, surf, and plenty of sunshine, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.

Spend a day at the Aqualand Magaluf for some wet fun without the sand. This huge waterpark has wicked fast slides and plenty of kiddie fun too. In Dragoland, your kids can slide down the water slides and swim with the giant dragon. A whole day of super family fun guaranteed.

For a mixture of fun, visit Western Park. This water park/wild west theme park duo is full of adventure. See beautiful birds in the bird show, check out the small animal farm, or sit back and watch the western divers show.

The House of Katmandu is an upside down mansion that takes visitors on a tour through many different rooms, such as the Library of Illusions and The Chamber of Pain. The tour builds up to the Yeti encounter at the end. Also located here is the 4D Experience Motion Theater. There are six rides to choose from so you won’t have to have the same ride twice.

Magaluf has three main beaches, dusted with beautiful white sand. Magaluf Beach, Majorca Beach, and Palma Nova Beach. Of the three, Palma Nova is the most popular for families. Embarking on a swim to Black Lizard Island is a popular tourist challenge. Located in the centre of Magaluf Bay, the island is named for the abundance of black lizards that crawl around the island.

For dinner and comedy, head out to the Pirates Adventure Dinner Show. Enjoy a swashbuckling pirate filled evening while you satisfy your appetite. For the “uncut” version, come for the late show where it is adults only.

If you enjoy a good game of mini-golf, Golf Fantasia won’t disappoint you. Play amidst caves and waterfalls on one of three different 18-hole courses. See who can get the most holes in one! Or visit some dolphins and sealions at Marineland. See the beautiful colors of the tropical birds in the parrot show. Family fun and entertainment will last for hours.

Music lovers will enjoy “Come Fly With Me,” a cirque de soleil meets Frank Sinatra show. Watch some mesmerizing acrobatics while you listen to the one and only Sinatra, as performed by Chris Mann, a Sinatra impersonator known world wide as one of the best there is. The mixture of the two will amaze and entertain all who enjoy the show. It’s a must see event for sure.

If you have little ones, you won’t want to miss a trip to Lollipops. This adventure play area is great for all kids, but has a special soft play area expecially for the younger kids. Over 10,000 play balls in the ball area will keep any toddler smiling. For the older kids, there’s an awesome video game play area. Keep this one on your list for that rainy day.

The whole family will remember their holiday in Magaluf for years to come.

Amazing Family Holidays in Hurghada

One of the most popular destinations for a family holiday in Egypt, Hurghada offers a great variety of things to do and the perfect climate to explore the area. Situated on the western coast of the Red Sea, Hurghada is a city with abundant natural beauty and a large selection of reasonably priced accommodations, making it an attractive destination for family holidays.

Hurghada, part of the Red Sea Riviera, was until recent years a tiny fishing village. Today it boasts a population of around 40,000 people. The subtropical climate offers warm weather year round making it the perfect locale for a holiday getaway in any season.

Along the roughly forty kilometres of beautiful coastline are many resorts to choose from and most are four and five star accommodations. Guests will find plenty to do, with access to a wide variety of water sports and outdoor activities, guided tours to nearby historic sites and plenty of shopping. Many of the beach resorts also offer activities geared toward their younger guests such as water slides, mini-golf, volleyball and a host of things to keep the youthful crowd thoroughly entertained!

There are several sections to the city of Hurghada, each with distinctly different characteristics.

El Dahar is the oldest section of the city and is downtown. It is also where most of the shops and traditional markets, or souks, are located. Also found in this area are the post office, tourist office, night clubs and other entertainment venues.

Sekala is the district located south of the downtown area and is nearest the airport. Set along the old Harbour, this is a great part of town for sightseeing, rich in the culture and tradition of the region. There is a wide variety of shopping venues, entertainment and dining options to choose from.

Al Ahiaa is the newest part of Hurghada, located to the south of Sekala district. It is mainly the site of hotels and new construction but without much of the native culture in evidence.

Attractions in Hurghada are many, ranging from night clubs and indoor pursuits to desert tours, a hike up Anfish Mountain or pay a visit to the Monastery’s of St. Anthony and St. Paul.

The most popular attraction in Hurghada is the beautiful wide sandy beaches and sparkling waters of the Red Sea. Snorkeling and scuba diving are favourites, as are windsurfing and sailing. Glass-bottomed boats offer the less adventurous a chance to view the diverse and colorful marine life found along the coast.

Two fun and educational destinations near Hurghada where children of all ages can learn about marine life are the Marine Biology Museum and the Red Sea Aquarium.

If time permits when visiting Hurghada, excursions to Cairo to see the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings are available as well and are highly recommended.

Be sure to sample the traditional cuisine of the region! Typical dishes are prepared with seafood, rice or pasta, legumes and vegetables that are seasoned with onions, garlic and spices. The food is very flavorful and unique to the region.