Balkan Holidays are a leading tour operator offering holiday packages to Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro.
Balkan Holidays
Travel Directory: Balkan Holidays
lowcostholidays.com
lowcostholidays.com
Lowcostholidays.com offer amazing cheap holidays to Egypt, from family holidays to all inclusive holidays.
Egypt Holidays
Travel Directory: lowcostholidays.com
Top Tips for Airport Parking
If you’re the type of person who organises your luggage well in advance, makes a checklist of everything you’re definitely going to need, and plans your journey to the minute, you’ve probably already carefully researched and booked your airport parking well in advance and saved yourself a pretty penny. If that just isn’t you then you might not realise you could be paying up to 60% more than you need to.
It only takes a few minutes to take a look at websites such as Airport-Parking.co.uk and you could find cheap airport parking by comparing 90% of the airport parking market.
To lend you a helping hand, and to make sure you don’t pay through the roof, here is a ‘Top Money Saving Tips’ guide to cheap airport parking. With the proper planning and the implementation of these tips you’ll be able to save time and money.
1st Top Tip: Preparation, Preparation, Preparation.
If you’ve not pre-booked your airport parking and turn up on the day hoping to get a cheap space, you’re going to be very disappointed, and get a costly surprise. In many UK airports there is a premium charge for holiday goers who haven’t booked their spaces, you’ve most likely got nowhere else to park and they know that! Paying 60% more for your parking isn’t a tiny amount and if you’d pre-booked you could be taking that money away on holiday with you. Booking weeks or months in advance will obviously get you the best deals but you can still book days before, or even on the morning of your departure. You won’t save as much but you won’t be charged the set gate fee when you arrive.
2nd Top Tip: The Early Bird
The earlier the better! As soon as you know when you’re flying out get online and check the airport parking prices. If you check early enough you’ll find that airport car parks will have advance purchase prices – but these can drop off at any time, the closer the departure date the less likely you’ll get a big discount. Once it’s booked you’re not going to have to worry about parking, reducing the stress of holiday preparation closer to you going away.
3rd Top Tip: To Drive or not to Drive
It’s the big travel day and you’re thinking it’s going to be cheaper and easier just to book a taxi and have them drive you to the airport. If you live 5 minutes away this is probably true, however most people live a little further away. The traffic around the airport is going to be busy and you have to hope your taxi turns up on time, your taxi meter is going to be ticking away and you might not get there as early as you’d have liked.
4th Top Tip: Take a little Walk
Parking offsite might seem like a daunting process, the idea of dragging your suitcases, but this just isn’t the case anymore. Offsite airport parking provisions provide a quick and efficient shuttle service that run regularly day and night, and can often be less congested and quicker than those attached to the airport. If you do you research and book early enough you’ll most likely be able to get yourself a cheap airport parking fee and only be a 5 walk away.
5th Top Tip: Stay the Night Before
If you’ve got an early flight travelling up in the middle of the night isn’t always the most stress free start to a holiday – you’ll have been up most of the day and all the want to do is get to your destination. Deciding to stay in a hotel the night before can not only get rid of the nasty stressful feeling of the night time travel but in many cases reduce the cost of your parking. Many hotels offer discounts on airport parking if you book a hotel room with them.
Guest Post by Airport-Parking.co.uk.
Stadhuis, Kortrijk – Belgium
On the Quest for a Wave – Cruise Demand up by 35%
The U.K’s interest in cruises is very much still afloat, and with the nation recognising cruise week between the 19th and the 26th of September, it’s comforting in today’s climate to see even more holidaymakers wanting to sail away.
Research conducted by travelsupermarket.com and information from its cruise provider Cruise118 has shown a 35% increase in holidaymakers interested in a cruise departing from UK shores compared to 2009. Theories from the experts suggest this could be down to a few reasons, including the hassle free experience of not having to fly.
With so much media surrounding flying this year, whether it be from the ash cloud, BA strikes or numerous airlines going bust, it’s no surprise people are considering holidays that don’t involve the airport.
There has also been an increase of the arrival of new ships that are being docked in the UK, take this with the amount of value for money of the cruise holidays available and you’ll understand why cruises are becoming so popular.
The majority of ex-UK cruises also have the added benefit of no luggage restrictions, taking away that added worry some people encounter at the airport check in. Be sure to pack your dinner suits and dresses for any dinner dress ups.
According to the research, the average of days taken for a cruise has increase to 10.7 days this year compared to 10.4 back in 2009. The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) also have figures to back this up, and these show that the 8-14 day holiday have proven the most popular with fellow Britons.
There has never been a better time to consider a cruise holiday, whether you’re a veteran or new to the experience. Cruise ships are forever improving, with each having its fair share of on board activities and entertainment.
Party sizes are also on the rise, with cruises becoming increasingly popular for families. Ex-UK cruises aren’t the only ones on the rise; many people are looking that little bit further with the Far East and the Caribbean being on the agenda.
UK’s top 5 itineraries for 2010 compared to 2009
Top 5 cruise itineraries 2009:
Mediterranean from Southampton
Mediterranean from Barcelona
Northern Europe from the UK
Eastern Mediterranean from Venice
Caribbean from Miami
Top 5 cruise itineraries 2010:
Mediterranean from Southampton
Mediterranean from Barcelona
Northern Europe from the UK
Caribbean from Miami
Dubai and the Far East
Data supplied by Cruise118, travelsupermarket.com’s partner for cruise.
Correct on 22/09/2010
Australian Surf Holiday Destinations – Where’s Best?
As an island nation, Australia boasts some of the world’s best surf breaks and beaches, and riding the Australian waves is at the top of every surfer’s to-do list. Due to the size and diversity of the Australian continent, there are plenty of surf breaks and beaches to choose from – if you’re an experienced surfer, there are a number of beaches that offer more challenging big-wave surfing. If you’re just starting out, however, it’s also the perfect destination for surfing lessons.
Image Source: Jessica Rabbit
When visiting Australia, you’ll never be short of surf destinations and beaches to choose from. But here’s a selection of some of Australia’s most popular and famous surf spots and destinations.
Bondi Beach, Sydney, NSW. It’s an iconic Australian destination that attracts all levels of surfers. Whether you want to take a lesson or get amongst the locals, surfing at Bondi Beach is a quintessential Australian experience. It’s one of the city’s biggest and most popular beaches, however, so be prepared for the crowds. If you’re after a more isolated surfing experience, head to Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Manly, Dee Why and Narrabeen beaches have consistently good surf. If you’re looking to sample the Sydney surf, there are daily cheap flights to Sydney from a number of destinations around the world.
Margaret River, Western Australia. The water in Western Australia is almost as warm as the air, making for a very pleasant surfing experience. Add consistently good surf and glassy barrels into the mix, and it’s no wonder that areas in Western Australia – particular Margaret River – attract surfers from all over the world. There may be an added risk in surfing the Margaret River waters (Great White Sharks call the area home!), but this doesn’t deter the keenest surfers searching for that perfect wave.
Bells Beach, Victoria. The Victorian coast, south of Melbourne, is completely exposed to the open ocean and swells from the Antarctic. This means big – and cold – surfing conditions. Bells Beach is this stretch of ocean’s most famous. It was the setting for the final scene of the classic surfing movie Point Break, and is home to one of the world’s longest running surfing competitions, the Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival. Torquay is another favourite Victorian surf destination. Just remember your wetsuit!
Byron Bay, NSW. Byron Bay and surrounding beaches is as well known for its surf culture as its waves. Visitors will have as much fun enjoying the quirky and alternative culture of this beachside town as they will riding its great waves. Wategoes and Tallows Beaches are popular with experienced surfers, while the Pass and Main Beach are the perfect place to learn to surf. There are a number of surf school operators to teach you the tricks of hanging ten.
Australia is one of the world’s number one surf destinations, and these are but a few places where surfing enthusiasts can either get into a ‘green room’ or experience a wipeout! In Australia, the surf’s always up.
Author Biography – Cheap Flights
Fancy going to Sydney then? Save yourself some money and book a cheap flight to Sydney. Cheap flights Australia will get you to your preferred Australian destination and enjoying the Aussie waves today!
Holidays in Rome
Rome is the true heart of Italian culture, and with fascinating history actually visible in its remarkably long-standing buildings and ruins, is one the world’s must-see cities. So much world history can be traced to ancient Rome, and visitors are spoilt for choice between the spectacular old world sights, before even considering what the culture of modern Rome and contemporary Italian cuisine offers.
Famous sights abound in Rome, such Via Veneto – one of the most famous streets in Rome, home to Café de Paris and Harry’s Bar, as immortalised in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. This iconic 1960 film was mostly centred around the Via Veneto area, which is now home to upmarket cafes, exclusive shops, and luxurious hotels.
Nearby is the Hotel Eden, which overlooks the seven historic hills of Rome, and provides an ideal base for full immersion in the cultural ambience of the ‘eternal city’. The hotel has a reputation for sophisticated luxury and has served as a host to royalty, world leaders, and the international rich and famous since the turn-of-the-century. Decor is elegant throughout all guest rooms and suites, with rich fabrics and antique Italian furnishings. Classic paintings and opulent bathrooms add to the sumptuously grand atmosphere and spacious picture windows frame inspirational views of Rome.
A short walk from the Hotel Eden are the famous Spanish Steps, a monumental stairway of one hundred and thirty-eight steps descending a steep slope from Piazza Trinità dei Monti with it’s grand church, to the Piazza di Spagna below. The Spanish Steps or Scalinata, is the longest and widest staircase in Europe.
Along the Via del Babuino from the Spanish Steps is the Hotel de Russie, a romantic five star hotel in the heart of the city’s most fashionable area. The hotel is within easy walking distance of Rome’s most famous attractions, making it a perfect base for exploring; The Vatican City, with St Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel, is just a ten-minute walk from the Hotel de Russie and Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain are within easy access.
This contemporary Rocco Forte hotel is an oasis amid the surrounding bustle. Rooms are decorated and upholstered for a restful ambience, with highly individual suites available such as the ‘Picasso’ and ‘Nijinsky’. The extensive terraced gardens are perfect for balmy evenings and the hotel boasts a unique ‘Secret Garden’, home to a rare urban butterfly reserve created in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund.
A classic and unforgettable Roman site is the gigantic oval of the Colosseum – 186m long, 153m wide and about 47m high. Constructed by Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus from AD72, it was the scene for the famously gruesome ‘games’ where gladiators, lions and wild beasts fought to the death.
A short walk, but a world away in terms of civilisation and sophistication, is the St. Regis Grand Hotel, a landmark in its own right. Built in 1894 as the city’s first deluxe hotel, today it exemplifies iconic elegance as its millennium renovation has reaffirmed its position as one of the finest hotels in Rome. Each of the guest rooms and suites is exquisitely appointed in a combination of Empire, Regency and Louis XV styles, with swathes of richly coloured damask, Murano glass chandeliers and lamps, original hand-painted frescoes, and Italian marble. The hotel is famed for its legendary service, with guests staying in a suite enjoying complimentary butler.
Guest post by elegantresorts.co.uk
Free $50 Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com
Take advantage of the BedandBreakfast Gift Card Giveaway Sale. From now through September 30, when you buy Getaway Gift Card of $250 or more, you get a free $50 gift card.
You can give it away as a gift or treat yourself to your own relaxing getaway.
The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com is the only travel gift welcome at over 4,000 inns in the U.S. and Canada that ships for free and can be customized with the image of your choice for free.
Cards never expire and have no blackout dates. It’s the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Free $50 Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com
Travel Directory: BedandBreakfast.com
Best Place to Travel
bestplacetotravel.com
Travel guide for the most interesting places around the world. We give you travel advice, tips and basic destination information with links to other helpful sites.
Best Place to Travel
Travel Directory: Travel Sites B
Budget Accommodations in Hawaii
For so many people a vacation to Hawaii is a dream. But if you are on a budget, you may think you can never get there, well think again. You just have to know the secret to finding affordable Hawaiian accommodations. And, the answer is, a timeshare rental.
Renting a timeshare from the owner can really save you money. Often times, the price you pay will be 50% less than a hotel. And instead of getting a cramped hotel room, your timeshare rental will give you plenty of space and a kitchen, too. Timeshare rentals provide spacious accommodations that include separate bedrooms, a living room, a dining area, and a patio or lanai. It’s a perfect home-away-from-home and especially great for family travel.
And you’ll really appreciate the full-sized, fully-equipped kitchen, giving you the chance to prepare meals that are filling and delicious while saving money on high-priced restaurants. Hawaii certainly offers nature’s bounty in delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, often available at farmer’s markets, along with fresh caught fish and seafood. You can prepare your own version of Polynesian dishes right in your own timeshare kitchen, and feast like Hawaiian royalty.
Your timeshare rental will be attached to a resort, and all of the resort’s amenities are there for you to enjoy: Several pools, often with waterpark features, separate kiddie pools, and hot tubs. Many Hawaiian resorts have water sports such as snorkeling and wind-surfing, and even offer classes in lei making and hula dancing. You may also find spa facilities at the resort, additional fees will apply.
A timeshare rental is your opportunity to have a first-class vacation at your Hawaii dream destination – for a budget price. Timeshare rentals listed by owners are easy to find online. RedWeek.com have over 112 Hawaii resorts to choose from, including: HGVC Hilton Hawaiian Village, Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club, Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas and Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club to name a few. Now’s the time to start planning your special vacation in paradise!
Guest post by RedWeek