Posts by : Izy Berry

There is nothing like a holiday at an island. It’s as if those little pieces of land are intentionally divided from the mainland in order to provide us with a peaceful vacation place. Add some white sugary sand, crystal blue water and refreshing Mediterranean breeze and you will get the ultimate holiday. The good news is you can find great cheap flight offers to all the best European islands.

Places like Malta where history meets the best climate and nature in Europe to provide you with a great holiday destination. There is everything for everyone – excellent beaches, great baroque architecture, vibrant nightlife and magnificent views along the coastline. In Malta the British colonial legacy can be felt in the air but at the same time the island is so close to Italy and the Italian influence is obvious. Plus the tourism infrastructure has been improved over the last decades and there are some great-class hotels on the island.

Madeira is another destination that can provide quality service and experience. The archipelago is part of the Portugal territory and there is a great opportunity for year-round holidays. If you are a fan of the good wine, you will feel at home in Madeira. There is even a chance to see how they make the famous Madeira wine. For those who prefer the never ending beaches, Porto Santo Island is offering 9 km long sandy coastline. Madeira is also known as the Garden Island, there are so many flowers that it feels like they are blooming all the time.

Majorca can also impress the tourists with its nature. Actually all the Balearic Islands, including Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera are known as one of the best holiday destinations in Europe. Majorca of course attracts most of the visitors with the unique combination of sea, mountains and history. The capital Palma and places like Soller, Valdemossa and the Caves of the Dragon will impress even the most hard to please tourist. It is also worth mentioning the local food.

Another great cuisine but on the other side of the Mediterranean sea can be found in Cyprus. The Island of Aphrodite is easily accessible by plane and once there travelers will be treated with excellent Cypriot wine and the local appetizers called mezze and some amazing vistas. The capital Nicosia and the coastline cities like Limassol, Larnaca and Kyrenia will charm those who love history and legends.

This part of the Mediterranean hides some other magnificent holiday islands like Santorini for example. The white houses with cheerful blue roofs nestled onto the cliffs are the symbol of this little piece of Heaven on the territory of Greece. Everything on the island looks like a postcard and it is a preferred honeymoon destination for many Europeans. Santorini is a result of a volcanic activity which means there are beaches at the island which can never be found on the continent.

It seems that there is a strong connection between the beautiful islands and the volcanoes. This is the case with Sicily as well. Mount Etna dominates over the island. This is the tallest active volcano in Europe. Etna, the beaches, the archeological and historical site and the bigger cities like Palermo, Catania and Siracuse attract visitors not only from Europe but from all over the world. The place you should not miss while on the island is Taormina. The town lies on the Ionian sea and has incredible beaches with unbelievably warm water, besides it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Not very far from there, on the other side of the Ionian Sea another historic island attracts thousands of visitors. Throughout the centuries there were numerous battles for Corfu, and once you see it, you will know why. It is hard to find another place so beautiful. The climate is great, the flora is really impressive, the holiday resorts offer class and comfort but what everybody remembers the most from a holiday at Corfu are the views.

Barbados is renowned for the bright white beaches and deep blue seas that surround this beautiful island. One of the most popular islands in the Caribbean, Barbados offers great holiday opportunities to families and young travelers alike. Whether you want to soak up the sunshine on the beach, try out snorkeling with some giant turtles or a shipwreck, or visit the Barbados wildlife reserve, you’ll find something to keep you entertained on this beautiful island. Here are the top five reasons to visit Barbados:

Snorkeling with Turtles:
Okay, so you can snorkel with turtles in many countries around the world, but when you add in the gorgeous white sand with the contrasting ocean of Barbados you are in for a real treat. There are a number of shipwrecks surround Barbados, so you can swim around these while enjoying the beautiful and varied sea life.

Visit the Barbados Wildlife Reserve:
If you’re a fan of monkeys, you’re going to love this place. From the moment you walk into the gate, you’ll notice the abundance of monkeys. There’s a great variety of wildlife here, allowing you to see a number of local species in a natural setting. While this wildlife reserve is best known for the green monkeys, part of the charm is that it is a lot more open than a traditional zoo, allowing you to get up close and personal with the animals.

Do some Radical Watersports:
Just because you’re in paradise, it doesn’t mean you need to be starfishing on the beach. Barbados is a great place to get involved in some extreme watersports, including water skiing. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that Barbados has to offer, while traveling at speed on the water!

Visit Hunte’s Gardens:
These gardens feel like a slice of paradise – they’re quiet, lush and filled with beautiful plants. You can easily spend a few hours here, taking in the beautiful surroundings. John Hunt offers guided tours, discusses some of the history of the gardens and his family’s history in Barbados. These gardens genuinely feel like a little slice of heaven, so make sure that you have enough time to enjoy them properly. The colours of the tropical flowers are a live rainbow and provide the most relaxing atmosphere. This is must visit when exploring Barbados.

Bottom Bay Beach:
While you are spoiled for choices of beaches on Barbados, Bottom Bay beach is something rather special. It looks like what you would imagine a postcard beach to look like: bright sand and a deep colored sea. Buy a coconut from a local and enjoy the icy treat while watching the sea hug the shore. This beach is exceptionally photographic, so be sure to bring a camera with you so you can capture the beauty of Bottom Bay beach.

Planning a holiday to Barbados? Why not holiday Barbados with www.bestatbarbadosholidays.co.uk?

Have you been to Barbados before? What did you think?

Norway has always been really high on my list of places to visit for a number of reasons. The main reason I’ve always wanted to visit Norway is because of the Northern Lights, but there a number of other reasons to visit this beautiful country. Norway is well known for its striking landscapes and it’s painfully cold winters – adding to the beauty of this country. Another unique way to explore Norway is on a cruise, allowing you to visit a lot of the smaller coaster towns that you might otherwise miss out! There are so many great things to do in Norway, but here is a list of the things I’d like to do most:

See the Northern Lights in Norway:
When I was living in the Czech Republic I almost booked flights to Norway to see the Northern Lights, but the winter had been fairly inconsistent and there was no guarantee that you’d see the lights. Norway isn’t cheap, especially if you’re living somewhere like the Czech Republic and you’re only earning money as an au pair. I’ve seen numerous photos and videos of the Northern Lights and I can’t help but be enchanted by all of them. It’s like a painting in the sky! The best place in Norway to view the Northern Lights is in the North of Norway or actually on a cruise – this is because you’re away from big cities and other light that might distract from viewing the Northern Lights.

Take a Cruise:
Cruising Norway can be a really great way to experience the country. You can get far enough away to enjoy the Northern Lights while still being able to have all the creature comforts of a cruise line. Hurtigruten’s Norway cruises offer a number of cruises to suit every budget and itinerary, ensuring you get to discover Norway how you want to. I’ve never been on a cruise before so I think cruising Norway would be a great way to visit this striking country.

Visit the North Cape:
If you are a fan of natural beauty, then Norway will absolutely spoil you. The North Cape is known for being one of the most popular places in Norway, with over 250,000 people visiting the Cape annually. Here you will see breathtaking views, as well as the dramatic cliff that is at the Northern tip of Europe.

Explore the Geirangerfjord:
If you love cliffs, waterfalls and lush greenery, then the Geirangerfjord is somewhere you must add to your list of places to visit in Norway. A number of cruises pass by here, because it is such a special destination. It’s a great place to take guided tours, to go hiking, fishing or boating. Visiting the Geirangerfjord is really weather dependent and because of the chilly winters it is best to visit during the warmer months.

Those are the things I’d most like to do in Norway. What’s top of your list for Norway? Have you been before?

If I could choose to live in summer forever, I would. I’m always happier when it’s warm and when I’m not too far from a beach. I like snow, but I don’t think it’s worth the deathly temperatures that come alongside it. I remember visiting Berlin in the winter; it was dreary, cold and a little snowy, but I still fell in love. That became my benchmark; if I could still love a city when it was miserable outside, then there was obvious there was something special there. Some people crave snow; they love the freshness of cold air and are eager to explore more places that are in the middle of a winter wonderland! Here are my top winter holiday ideas that suggest you run towards the cold weather, rather than away from it.

Christmas in Prague:
Okay, I’m sure Christmas is beautiful in most places around the world, but I only visited three places during the Christmas I spent living in Europe: Prague, Budapest and Berlin. Unlike New Zealand, Christmas in Europe seems to be a grand thing with special Christmas markets, delicious warm vino, and snowflakes! I remember climbing to the top of the clock tower, overlooking the old town in the middle of Prague to see one of the most enchanting and magical sites I’ve ever seen. On top of that, Prague is incredible value and is very kind on any budget, making it a perfect holiday destination.

Visit Lapland:
While I haven’t been to Lapland, one of my friends decided to visit there a few years ago and I was eternally jealous of his photos. Lapland short breaks are a great treat for the whole family, especially kids or kids at heart. You can head to the North Pole, meet Santa and do a bunch of fun winter activities such as a husky or reindeer snow ride, visiting inside an igloo and playing in the snow. It is a great way to absolutely mesmerize young children and ensure that they have very special childhood memories.

Skiing in Canada:
One of great dreams is to go skiing in Canada. Numerous of my friends have enjoyed working holidays there and spent months riding some of the best mountains in the world. I’d like to improve my skiing abilities before I invest so much money into flights and accommodation over there, but it’s very high on my priority list. I think cold weather is much more bearable when you’re busy outside making the most of it!

What would be your dream winter holiday? 

Airport parking can be expensive, especially if you choose not to book in advance. However, there are countless benefits to driving to the airport, including enjoying the comfort of your own car, being able to arrive whenever you need to and easily being able to transport your luggage with you. I remember one holiday when I was in Paris, my boyfriend and I were too cheap to pay for a taxi to the airport and were busy running through the streets at 5am to make our train to the airport. If you’ve ever lugged a suitcase through the streets of any city at 5am, you can attest to how frustrating this is – and it can really put a damper on your holiday.

Book Ahead:

If you’re flying in or out of large airport, they usually have great facilities to ensure there is enough parking for everyone. I’ve always avoided parking at Heathrow airport because it’s expensive, but if you choose to book in advance you can land some really great deals, saving up to 60% on normal parking fares. Some airports even offer car-washing services, so while you’re away your car will be cleaned, buffed and shined. Other airports, such as airport parking Luton, offer long stay parking discounts so that it can work out to be cost effective even if your car needs to be stored there for a while. The best way to save money on your airport parking is to book ahead and to look around – there are numerous options available to meet any budget or holiday length.

Avoid it all Together:
In many cities around the world, such as Singapore, the entire city seems to live and breathe on the Metro. You can easily get from most parts of Singapore to the airport without having to worry about a car or airport parking. If you are avoiding airport parking, you can look into a number of public transport options including metros, trollies, taxis, mini vans or buses.

The option you choose will depend largely on how far you are from the airport, how much luggage you have and how many people are traveling with you. When traveling to and from the airport in Auckland, New Zealand, the cost of 2 or more people taking the public bus almost costs as much as a taxi – for that price it makes sense to pay a little more to enjoy the comfort and convenience of a taxi. Most cities around the world add on an airport surcharge for any fares going to or from the airport, making driving and parking at the airport even more appealing.

Whether you’re looking for parking at Edinburgh airport or for airport parking in Auckland, you’ll get the best deal by booking online in advance – saving you both time and money. If you want to avoid driving to the airport there are a number of ways you can get around it, for varying prices and levels of convenience.

What’s your favourite way to get to the airport?

Until 1994 UK trains had no means of leaving the mainland. Then came the Eurostar, which utterly transformed the concept of rail holidays forever.

The world is becoming increasingly connected and almost two decades on from the Eurostar’s inaugural trip, it’s now possible to get almost anywhere in the world by rail.

Europe may be reachable with ease, but just how far can you travel by train from London?

Staying close to home

The growth of the rail network in Europe does not alter the fact that you can still enjoy all that the UK has to offer by rail.

While you may be attracted by the allure of the Côte d’Azur, taking a trip through the Yorkshire Moors on a steam train can be equally breathtaking.

Nipping onto the train in London, heading up to Harrogate and taking in the delights of York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, the National Railway Museum and the historic city of York, you won’t be stuck for things to see on your journey.

Discovering Europe

While the Eurostar has made the major travel hubs of Europe – including Spain, France, Germany, Italy and Greece – effortlessly accessible by rail, the more adventurous have also discovered easy access to more far-flung European holiday destinations, such as Russia.

A trip to Moscow from London may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly possible if you’re willing to make your rail holiday a little more daring.

Beginning by taking the Eurostar from London to Brussels – or Paris – followed by a high-speed train to Frankfurt, passengers can complete their voyage of discovery by hopping on the daily sleeper train from Frankfurt to Moscow, for a two night journey.

While it may be tempting to try and complete the 2,000 mile journey across Northern Europe in one go, if you have a little more time, there are plenty of sights you could still see along the way.

On to Beijing

If you’re planning on making your rail holiday truly memorable and are not pushed for time, Moscow need not be the end of your railway jaunt.

If you’ve always wanted to discover the delights of the Far East, six nights aboard the Trans-Siberian railway, starting in Moscow, will see you arrive in Beijing. There are only a handful of trains that leave Moscow for Beijing each week, so a little forward planning is required. If you’ve got the stamina though, after boarding the Eurostar in London, you could find yourself exploring the Forbidden City or traversing the Great Wall!

The Canary Islands are well developed tourist destinations and, as such, resorts there often offer plenty of entertainment and activities, from bars and nightclubs to watersports and kids clubs.

But, while these can be fun, an oft overlooked quality of the Canaries is their outstanding natural beauty. Most of the islands feature unspoilt coastline, plunging cliffs, imposing mountains, awe-inspiring volcanoes, mysterious caves and an abundance of marine life.

So rather than spending all your time enjoying the man-made pleasures of the Canaries, escape the tourist crowds and explore some of the islands’ natural wonders.

Tenerife

There’s no better place to start when discussing the Canaries’ natural beauty than Tenerife as the biggest and most-visited island in the chain is also home to some of its most spectacular scenery. The landscape is dominated by the Pico del Teide, which, at 3,718m, is Spain’s tallest mountain peak. This mountain is in fact an active volcano – the third highest in the world, although there haven’t been any eruptions since 1909. Over the centuries, lava flows have created an almost other-worldly landscape of rock formations and intense volcanic colours across the surrounding area. The volcano and its environs form the Teide National Park, which has an area of 18,900 hectares and is ideal for walking and hiking trips.

Lanzarote

The volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park may be impressive, but the awesome power of nature can really be appreciated at the lava fields of Lanzorate. Timanfaya National Park makes you feel like you’re on an alien planet rather than an island in the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is littered with volcanoes and bizarre rock formations created by the flow of lava over thousands of years. On organised tours of the park you can witness guides undertaking geo-thermal experiments to demonstrate just how hot the earth is under the volcano, while learning about the five villages which were completely buried during the last eruption serves as a reminder of the destructive power of mother earth.

As with other islands in the Canaries, Lanzarote is also home to number of caves and exploring these can make for a fun and different holiday experience. The Cueva de los Verdes is actually a vast network of underground chambers created around 3,000 years ago by lava flows and are among the most spectacular caves in the archipelago – a visit is highly recommended.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura has perhaps the greatest biodiversity and unspoilt natural landscape of any of the Canaries, as indicated by its designation as an official biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2009. There are 13 natural protected parks and areas on the island with nearly 50 per cent of the total land area under legal protection or conservation status. This makes it a great place to spot wildlife and the island is home to one of only two surviving populations of the Canarian Egyptian Vulture anywhere in the world.

Fuerteventura is also an ideal location for spotting marine life, with whales and dolphins often visiting the waters nearby.

El Hierro

A great deal of the Canaries’ natural beauty is hidden offshore beneath the ocean, and there are great diving opportunities off the coast of most of the islands. Perhaps one of the best for diving, however, is El Hierro – the southernmost of the Canaries and also one of the most remote, making it ideal for those wanting to escape the built-up tourist resorts of the better-known islands.

The best diving is at the Mar de Las Calmas, where the water is clear and pleasantly warm most of the year round and there is an abundance of colourful marine life to see beneath the waves.

Of course, the suggestions above merely scratch the surface of the many natural wonders of the Canaries, with all the islands in the chain offering something different.

No longer are cruises something for the elite, the elderly or the super-rich. Cruise holidays have progressed so much since the turn of the century that they’re one of the biggest must-do holidays for many people! Royal Caribbean for example are launching new cruise liners every year, with more luxurious and entertaining facilities on board, they’ve become all-inclusive holiday resorts to rival most luxury destinations around the world. So many new things to see and do on cruises, I’ve put together my five top tips for a 21^st Century Cruise Holiday.

1. Book it Right

If it’s your first or thirty-first cruise, you want to know you’ll be looked after on your holiday. A cruise is just like any other holiday; you still need to research destinations, accommodation and anything else you want from your holiday. A reputable cruise operator can be your one-stop for everything you need, from ship descriptions to tour ideas and tips on where to visit.

2. Make it About the Stops

It’s not just about the cruise liner, despite everything you have within, the luxury spa, the restaurants and the entertainment. You need to make the most of visiting all the countries along your route, make sure you are on a cruise that takes you to places you want to go! If you’ve always wanted to see Rome, then make sure you have a stop on your cruise!

3. Indulge

You’re on holiday, make the most of it! On days when you are at sea, floating along between ports, what else is there to do but sunbathe, eat and drink? Cruise ships employ some of the greatest chefs in the hospitality industry and serve food from all over the world. Every dining experience is entertainment in itself, cocktails for any spirit and taste, food to meet every diet.

4. Enjoy Extreme Entertainment

Taking 21^st century holidays firmly in their grasp, cruise liners are decked out with climbing walls, surf simulators and even aboard the new Quantum of The Seas, bumper cars! If you’ve always wanted to try any of these or the other sports then take this chance and do them in the strangest of environments floating on the ocean!

5. Socialise

Holidays should be about meeting new people, socialising and making friends. A cruise holiday is the perfect holiday to do this on, everybody (literally) in the same boat spending days, even weeks, together visiting the same tourist spots and all dining together, sunbathing together, travelling together. I’m not suggesting you make friends for life, but good for you if you do, but make more of your fellow holidaymakers and your time aboard will be that much more enjoyable. Meet 1^st-timers, hardened cruisers and share tips, great holiday stories and have a lot of fun sociably!

I’m not saying this is the be all and end all of how to enjoy your cruise holiday, but with the holidays and the cruise ships adapting to the 21^st century, I don’t see why we can’t follow suit and make these holidays as good as can be!