TRAVEL ARTICLES
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Christmases Away
Tired of the long cold nights over the festive period? A lot of Britons are packing their bags in preparation of a holiday away this Christmas, with the USA and Spain likely to be the most popular places to go in 2007.
Winter break options are often restricted to sunny destinations or skiing holidays in Europe. However, a few make the longer journey across the pond to the USA, and those that go this year will be able to make use of the record exchange rate. At $2 to every £1, you'll be sure to get your money's worth ahead of previous years, so it's almost the perfect time to go for a shopping trip.
This year has seen a fall off in visitors to the country from Britain to below figures from the year 2000. Despite this, New York is one destination that the dip hasn't affected, and it remains very popular with Britons, especially during this time of year. With its bustling streets and plenty of huge shops it's a great place for a break, and the flight is not unbearable at 6-7 hours. You can also expect some snowfall at this time of year. For cheap flights to New York, take a look at Cheap Flights.co.uk.
The most popular destination for British people in the winter months continues to be Spain, particularly the Canary Islands. The country maintains its warm climate throughout the winter months, and in the Canaries you can expect average temperatures of around 19 degrees Celsius. A lot of Britons have very regular holidays to Spain, and the Association of British Travel Agents has noted that the reason many people return year on year is because they own a property in the country. James Villas is a great place to start looking for Spain Villas whilst Monarch Airlines runs charter flights to a great variety of popular Spanish resorts and cities, from cheap flights to Tenerife, to cheap flights to Barcelona.
Winter break options are often restricted to sunny destinations or skiing holidays in Europe. However, a few make the longer journey across the pond to the USA, and those that go this year will be able to make use of the record exchange rate. At $2 to every £1, you'll be sure to get your money's worth ahead of previous years, so it's almost the perfect time to go for a shopping trip.
This year has seen a fall off in visitors to the country from Britain to below figures from the year 2000. Despite this, New York is one destination that the dip hasn't affected, and it remains very popular with Britons, especially during this time of year. With its bustling streets and plenty of huge shops it's a great place for a break, and the flight is not unbearable at 6-7 hours. You can also expect some snowfall at this time of year. For cheap flights to New York, take a look at Cheap Flights.co.uk.
The most popular destination for British people in the winter months continues to be Spain, particularly the Canary Islands. The country maintains its warm climate throughout the winter months, and in the Canaries you can expect average temperatures of around 19 degrees Celsius. A lot of Britons have very regular holidays to Spain, and the Association of British Travel Agents has noted that the reason many people return year on year is because they own a property in the country. James Villas is a great place to start looking for Spain Villas whilst Monarch Airlines runs charter flights to a great variety of popular Spanish resorts and cities, from cheap flights to Tenerife, to cheap flights to Barcelona.
Monday, 19 November 2007
Winter Sun Destinations
As days get shorter and the sun becomes increasingly elusive it's hard to resist fantasizing about being somewhere a bit warmer, preferably with a beach. In fact it's always struck me that a holiday in the sun makes far more sense in the cold winter months than during the summer when, with a bit of luck, us Brits aren't completely deprived of a bit of sunshine.
The other big advantage of 'winter sun' holidays is that even in destinations with all year round hot weather, you'll generally find tourism drops off considerably in the winter meaning your far less likely to have to fight for beach space.
Here are a few recommendations for sun seeking Brits:
Cancun, Mexico
Mexico's world renowned beach resort is perhaps best experienced off season when the hordes have moved on, of course it will still be busy, it always is. Indeed, four million tourists descend on this sun kissed Yucatan resort city every year.
Despite the crowds however Cancun has much to recommend it - it's blessed with year round sun, endless stretches of white sandy beaches and glorious translucent turquoise waters. Not to mention its reputation as the playground of Mexico; the resort boasts a particularly lively nightlife and has become something of a spring-break mecca for students intent on alcohol fueled partying.
Cheap flights to Cancun from Gatwick in late November can be found on Cheap Flights for £334.
Cyprus
Cyprus enjoys some of the Mediterranean's best weather and remains pleasantly warm well into late November. Winter visitors shouldn't expect blazing heat but will undoubtedly find that the island's climate is a world away from the bracing British winter.
One of the islands unique selling points as a winter destination is that it combines still sunny beaches with the possibility of skiing in the Troodos Mountains, so you could quite feasibly spend the morning on the slopes and the afternoon sunning yourself on the beach.
Great deals on Holidays in Cyprus are available on Travelzoo.
Malaga, Spain
If you don't fancy too long a journey then the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca are probably your best winter sun bets in the Med. Because both these coastal stretches face south or south-east they are protected from cold winds and maintain pretty respectable temperatures throughout winter.
With average day-time temperatures in the mid 60's and 6 hours of sun in the height of winter Malaga is the most consistently hot destination in Spain and its less than three hours away...
For Spain holidays visit James Villas and choose from a great selection of Spain Villas. Cheap Flights to Malaga can also be found on cheapflights.co.uk for not much more than £60, flying from Gatwick in mid December.
The other big advantage of 'winter sun' holidays is that even in destinations with all year round hot weather, you'll generally find tourism drops off considerably in the winter meaning your far less likely to have to fight for beach space.
Here are a few recommendations for sun seeking Brits:
Cancun, Mexico
Mexico's world renowned beach resort is perhaps best experienced off season when the hordes have moved on, of course it will still be busy, it always is. Indeed, four million tourists descend on this sun kissed Yucatan resort city every year.
Despite the crowds however Cancun has much to recommend it - it's blessed with year round sun, endless stretches of white sandy beaches and glorious translucent turquoise waters. Not to mention its reputation as the playground of Mexico; the resort boasts a particularly lively nightlife and has become something of a spring-break mecca for students intent on alcohol fueled partying.
Cheap flights to Cancun from Gatwick in late November can be found on Cheap Flights for £334.
Cyprus
Cyprus enjoys some of the Mediterranean's best weather and remains pleasantly warm well into late November. Winter visitors shouldn't expect blazing heat but will undoubtedly find that the island's climate is a world away from the bracing British winter.
One of the islands unique selling points as a winter destination is that it combines still sunny beaches with the possibility of skiing in the Troodos Mountains, so you could quite feasibly spend the morning on the slopes and the afternoon sunning yourself on the beach.
Great deals on Holidays in Cyprus are available on Travelzoo.
Malaga, Spain
If you don't fancy too long a journey then the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca are probably your best winter sun bets in the Med. Because both these coastal stretches face south or south-east they are protected from cold winds and maintain pretty respectable temperatures throughout winter.
With average day-time temperatures in the mid 60's and 6 hours of sun in the height of winter Malaga is the most consistently hot destination in Spain and its less than three hours away...
For Spain holidays visit James Villas and choose from a great selection of Spain Villas. Cheap Flights to Malaga can also be found on cheapflights.co.uk for not much more than £60, flying from Gatwick in mid December.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Quick Guide to Banff, Canada
If you've ever considered taking a holiday to Canada, then the expansive Banff National Park comes as a highly recommended destination. Located in the Canadian Rockies, and sandwiched between the states of Alberta and British Columbia, it was first established in 1885 as the first National Park in Canada, covering some 2,564 square miles of territory.
A visit to Banff is a must do for keen enthusiasts of both skiing and hiking - there's some of the world's top ski resorts located on the mountain slopes, and it's a haven for campers and hikers with stunning sights and picturesque trails.
Banff is a popular tourist destination all year round with around 4,000,000 visitors every year. Whilst skiing is especially popular during the winter, the average temperature can drop as low as -15 c during this time. The peak season is during July and August, whilst June and September also come as highly recommended periods to go because of the milder weather combined with fewer tourist numbers.
Winter tourism really began in Banff in 1917, with the first Banff Winter Festival. The ski resorts began to sprout up a few decades later with Sunshine Village developing during the 1930s. Today, this remains a popular resort, with some 3,358 acres of skiable terrain and a top elevation of 2,730 feet. The nearby resort of Lake Louise is also an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders; this is the largest resort in the area, with 4,200 acres of skiable terrain.
With almost 2,500 campsites, it's not hard to see why Banff is such a popular destination all year round. While some of the slopes will thaw out during the milder months of summer, it's often a perfect place for hiking and camping. There's over 1,000 miles of trails to walk, through some quite incredible landscapes. Stunning mountains provide backdrops for scenes such as vast lakes and huge pine forests that stretch as far as the eye can see.
There's also a whole range of adventurous activities to enjoy, from rafting in the summer to ice trekking along the same frozen river during the winter. Additionally Banff can boast some world class golf facilities during the summer months. Particularly of note is the picturesque setting of Fairmont Banff Springs.
The park is particularly famous for its wildlife. The forests are populated by significant populations of Grizzly and Black Bears, although you'd be very lucky (or unlucky, however you might see it!) to actually see one. There are also Cougars, Lynxes, Wolverines, Weasel and wolves as primary predators, while Elks and White-tailed Deer are common in the valleys. Beaver, porcupine, squirrel, and chipmunks are the more frequently observed smaller mammals.
If this article has got you interested in Banff, then you should head to the Banff website to take a closer look. There are a number of flights to Canada available with Cheapflights.co.uk, which are bookable up to a year in advance. Travelzoo is also well worth a look for bargain travel packages to Canada. It is recommended that you choose Calgary as the airport if you hope to travel to Banff, but both sites offer extensive lists of destinations in Canada.
A visit to Banff is a must do for keen enthusiasts of both skiing and hiking - there's some of the world's top ski resorts located on the mountain slopes, and it's a haven for campers and hikers with stunning sights and picturesque trails.
Banff is a popular tourist destination all year round with around 4,000,000 visitors every year. Whilst skiing is especially popular during the winter, the average temperature can drop as low as -15 c during this time. The peak season is during July and August, whilst June and September also come as highly recommended periods to go because of the milder weather combined with fewer tourist numbers.
Winter tourism really began in Banff in 1917, with the first Banff Winter Festival. The ski resorts began to sprout up a few decades later with Sunshine Village developing during the 1930s. Today, this remains a popular resort, with some 3,358 acres of skiable terrain and a top elevation of 2,730 feet. The nearby resort of Lake Louise is also an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders; this is the largest resort in the area, with 4,200 acres of skiable terrain.
With almost 2,500 campsites, it's not hard to see why Banff is such a popular destination all year round. While some of the slopes will thaw out during the milder months of summer, it's often a perfect place for hiking and camping. There's over 1,000 miles of trails to walk, through some quite incredible landscapes. Stunning mountains provide backdrops for scenes such as vast lakes and huge pine forests that stretch as far as the eye can see.
There's also a whole range of adventurous activities to enjoy, from rafting in the summer to ice trekking along the same frozen river during the winter. Additionally Banff can boast some world class golf facilities during the summer months. Particularly of note is the picturesque setting of Fairmont Banff Springs.
The park is particularly famous for its wildlife. The forests are populated by significant populations of Grizzly and Black Bears, although you'd be very lucky (or unlucky, however you might see it!) to actually see one. There are also Cougars, Lynxes, Wolverines, Weasel and wolves as primary predators, while Elks and White-tailed Deer are common in the valleys. Beaver, porcupine, squirrel, and chipmunks are the more frequently observed smaller mammals.
If this article has got you interested in Banff, then you should head to the Banff website to take a closer look. There are a number of flights to Canada available with Cheapflights.co.uk, which are bookable up to a year in advance. Travelzoo is also well worth a look for bargain travel packages to Canada. It is recommended that you choose Calgary as the airport if you hope to travel to Banff, but both sites offer extensive lists of destinations in Canada.
Monday, 12 November 2007
Go Ski Insurance
Ski enthusiasts take note; if you're heading off for the slopes this winter you really should make sure you've got the right travel insurance. This probably means that you'll need to take out a policy specifically designed for Winter Sports holidays.
Recent research shows that far too many of us wrongly assume that our existing annual travel insurance covers us for any skiing mishaps we might have. Unfortunately this is rarely the case. Given the potentially huge medical expenses you could end up having to fork out (and let's face it however highly you rate your skiing accidents can happen) single trip Ski insurance is probably the best option.
Ski Insurance isn't actually much more expensive than regular travel insurance but just incase you need any extra motivation the good people at Go Travel Insurance are generously offering a free 5 month subscription to the Good Ski Guide magazine if you take out their single trip ski Insurance. You'll need to get in their quickly however, the offer is limited to the first 500 customers...
To find out more about travel insurance from Go visit the Go Travel Insurance website.
Recent research shows that far too many of us wrongly assume that our existing annual travel insurance covers us for any skiing mishaps we might have. Unfortunately this is rarely the case. Given the potentially huge medical expenses you could end up having to fork out (and let's face it however highly you rate your skiing accidents can happen) single trip Ski insurance is probably the best option.
Ski Insurance isn't actually much more expensive than regular travel insurance but just incase you need any extra motivation the good people at Go Travel Insurance are generously offering a free 5 month subscription to the Good Ski Guide magazine if you take out their single trip ski Insurance. You'll need to get in their quickly however, the offer is limited to the first 500 customers...
To find out more about travel insurance from Go visit the Go Travel Insurance website.
Monarch Leading the Way in Aviation Clean Up
The aviation industry has come in for a quite severe attack from environmentalists over the past year. While emissions from aviation contribute to only around 2% of total global emissions, there has been concern that the growth in the industry is overtaking the improvements in fuel efficiency, and that will be a major factor in global climate change.
Many airlines are now attempting to clean up their image by doing more for the environment. Whilst vastly reducing emissions produced by the aircraft in flight is currently proving to be commercially difficult, there are other ways that airlines can do their part. Most recently, Monarch Airlines has been the first of the UK airlines to announce a full recycling programme onboard its flights.
Monarch has already set up a MAP (Monarch and the Planet) initiative in order to improve its environmental footprint. Now the onboard recycling programme has been introduced after being successfully received by both customers and cabin crew on a selection of flights this summer. It will see all recyclable items, such as aluminium drinks cans, plastic wine and water bottles, glass wine and champagne bottles, and newspapers and magazines placed into recycling bags by cabin crew during the flight. This will subsequently be passed onto airport cleaning staff upon the flight's arrival.
Commenting on the launch of the scheme, managing director of Monarch Airlines, Tim Jeans said, "Monarch has been operating a paper collection scheme onboard its flights for a number of years now but feedback from passengers and crew highlighted the fact that the recycling of other items, such as plastics and cans, is a part of everyday life now which people wished to continue - if they were at home they'd be recycling the items, so why should they not do so on flights?
"With 70% of the waste generated in the cabin being potentially recyclable, Monarch has been working with Gatwick Airport on the initiative to ensure that the recyclable waste is removed from the aircraft on arrival and recycled appropriately. We are looking to extend the scheme to include all Monarch's flights over the coming months and we urge our other UK and European airports to introduce the necessary recycling infrastructure to allow us to do so."
Monarch Airlines is one of the UK's leading leisure airlines, combining a reputation of cheap flights combined with an excellent service. For more information or bookings, head to their website.
Many airlines are now attempting to clean up their image by doing more for the environment. Whilst vastly reducing emissions produced by the aircraft in flight is currently proving to be commercially difficult, there are other ways that airlines can do their part. Most recently, Monarch Airlines has been the first of the UK airlines to announce a full recycling programme onboard its flights.
Monarch has already set up a MAP (Monarch and the Planet) initiative in order to improve its environmental footprint. Now the onboard recycling programme has been introduced after being successfully received by both customers and cabin crew on a selection of flights this summer. It will see all recyclable items, such as aluminium drinks cans, plastic wine and water bottles, glass wine and champagne bottles, and newspapers and magazines placed into recycling bags by cabin crew during the flight. This will subsequently be passed onto airport cleaning staff upon the flight's arrival.
Commenting on the launch of the scheme, managing director of Monarch Airlines, Tim Jeans said, "Monarch has been operating a paper collection scheme onboard its flights for a number of years now but feedback from passengers and crew highlighted the fact that the recycling of other items, such as plastics and cans, is a part of everyday life now which people wished to continue - if they were at home they'd be recycling the items, so why should they not do so on flights?
"With 70% of the waste generated in the cabin being potentially recyclable, Monarch has been working with Gatwick Airport on the initiative to ensure that the recyclable waste is removed from the aircraft on arrival and recycled appropriately. We are looking to extend the scheme to include all Monarch's flights over the coming months and we urge our other UK and European airports to introduce the necessary recycling infrastructure to allow us to do so."
Monarch Airlines is one of the UK's leading leisure airlines, combining a reputation of cheap flights combined with an excellent service. For more information or bookings, head to their website.
Healthy Holidays in the USA with Starwood
With the current drive for us all to lead healthier lifestyles, a spa resort holiday is becoming an ever more popular option. With many spas offering a comprehensive package, from sports and exercise through to a range of health and beauty products, it's easy to see why they've become so popular. Starwood currently have a very large amount of spa resort holidays on offer, across a total of 26 different countries. They have many resorts in holidaying hotspots, meaning you can kick back and relax for just some of your stay, or for the whole of it.
A lot Starwood's spa resorts are in the USA, with spas in six different states, particularly on the east and west coasts. California, Arizona, and Nevada are all popular holiday destinations in their own right, particularly for the more mature traveler. Many of the spa resorts in these states are located in the stunning western countryside such as The Phoenician. This 22,000 square foot resort offers a state of the art fitness centre, a great variety of daily classes, and exercise studio, sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi, pool, boutique, and meditation atrium. It's also a great vantage point for exploring the Grand Canyon.
Starwood owns four more resorts on the east coast, with a total of three in Florida. A popular choice for a relaxing holiday filled with sea and sand is Spa Atlantic, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This has a beach nearby, and treatments are themed around the ocean setting. It's also a great location if you want to sample some serious nightlife, because the resort is only thirty miles north of downtown Miami, and there's plenty to see and do in the urban centre of Fort Lauderdale itself.
Hawaii is another of the American states that is now synonymous with recreation and leisure. The island of Maui has provided a popular tourist destination and the island boasts more than enough natural wonders to take your breath away. For a luxury holiday of relaxation and pampering, the Heavenly Spa by Westin provides a top island indulgence, overlooking the Pacific Ocean from the spectacular Ocean View Lounge.
For a spa resort holiday in the United States, be sure to check out the Starwood website, which also offers resorts in five other continents. Getting your flights to the USA will have to come as an extra if you book through the Starwood website, but you may find that Cheap Flights can get you a cheaper deal on your flights than if you got a package.
A lot Starwood's spa resorts are in the USA, with spas in six different states, particularly on the east and west coasts. California, Arizona, and Nevada are all popular holiday destinations in their own right, particularly for the more mature traveler. Many of the spa resorts in these states are located in the stunning western countryside such as The Phoenician. This 22,000 square foot resort offers a state of the art fitness centre, a great variety of daily classes, and exercise studio, sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi, pool, boutique, and meditation atrium. It's also a great vantage point for exploring the Grand Canyon.
Starwood owns four more resorts on the east coast, with a total of three in Florida. A popular choice for a relaxing holiday filled with sea and sand is Spa Atlantic, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This has a beach nearby, and treatments are themed around the ocean setting. It's also a great location if you want to sample some serious nightlife, because the resort is only thirty miles north of downtown Miami, and there's plenty to see and do in the urban centre of Fort Lauderdale itself.
Hawaii is another of the American states that is now synonymous with recreation and leisure. The island of Maui has provided a popular tourist destination and the island boasts more than enough natural wonders to take your breath away. For a luxury holiday of relaxation and pampering, the Heavenly Spa by Westin provides a top island indulgence, overlooking the Pacific Ocean from the spectacular Ocean View Lounge.
For a spa resort holiday in the United States, be sure to check out the Starwood website, which also offers resorts in five other continents. Getting your flights to the USA will have to come as an extra if you book through the Starwood website, but you may find that Cheap Flights can get you a cheaper deal on your flights than if you got a package.
Top Resorts in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is often referred to as the entertainment capital of the world. The city is bustling with entertainment complexes and leisure facilities, making it a favourite for tourists, whilst world famous casinos make it a must do for gambling enthusiasts.
Las Vegas Boulevard, otherwise known as 'The Strip', is a Mecca of entertainment. The 4 mile section of road is home to some truly breathtaking hotels and structures, each with their own unique theme that is certain to wow guests. Read further on this article to find out more about some of the top resorts on the strip.
Luxor
This hotel is both one of the most noticeable and unmissable on the Las Vegas strip. A 105 meter pyramid of black glass juts out from the skyline, further highlighted at night time by the world's brightest beam shooting directly out of the point of the
pyramid. The hotel has over 4000 rooms, while its interior atrium is the largest in the world. Looking out from one of the rooms from the top of the structure will give a breathtaking view of the interior - a small Egyptian town within the walls.
Mirage
Widely considered to be the father of modern day Las Vegas, The Mirage was the most expensive hotel ever built when it opened in 1989, with a construction cost of some $630 million. The hotel has a number of attractions within its grounds. The Siegfried and Roy Secret Garden is home to a number of very rare white Tigers and Lions, whilst the 20,000 gallon registration lobby aquarium houses 90 species of shark, puffer fish, and angel fish. Outside the hotel is an artificial volcano that actually erupts periodically throughout the evening!
MGM Grand
The MGM Grand is the world's largest hotel, with over 5,000 rooms, and it is also home to the biggest casino in the whole of Las Vegas. Walking into the 16,000 square meter casino is a quite breathtaking experience, as slot machines and gaming tables stretch to as far as the eye can see. The hotel is also home to a lion exhibit, and a Studio 54 nightclub.
New York - New York Hotel and Casino
Located just across the road from the MGM Grand, the New York - New York is billed as 'The Greatest City Inside Las Vegas.' The hotel features a reproduction of the New York skyline, with buildings such as The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building as well as a 150 foot scale replica of The Statue of Liberty. Within the resort particular gambling areas, bars, eating areas and meeting rooms are named after New York neighbourhoods, the hotel also has a roller coaster within its grounds.
Holidays to the top resorts in Las Vegas don't come cheap, and outside guests can visit the hotels at any time. Spa resort holidays come as highly recommended for a Las Vegas break, the luxury pampering will ease your mind away from the hustle and bustle of the streets and gambling tables. Starwood Spa Resorts offer The Hibiscus Spa, situated just one block away from the strip. You can find bargain holidays in Las Vegas on sites like Travelzoo and Cheap Flights for not much more than £300 from Heathrow.
Las Vegas Boulevard, otherwise known as 'The Strip', is a Mecca of entertainment. The 4 mile section of road is home to some truly breathtaking hotels and structures, each with their own unique theme that is certain to wow guests. Read further on this article to find out more about some of the top resorts on the strip.
Luxor
This hotel is both one of the most noticeable and unmissable on the Las Vegas strip. A 105 meter pyramid of black glass juts out from the skyline, further highlighted at night time by the world's brightest beam shooting directly out of the point of the
pyramid. The hotel has over 4000 rooms, while its interior atrium is the largest in the world. Looking out from one of the rooms from the top of the structure will give a breathtaking view of the interior - a small Egyptian town within the walls.
Mirage
Widely considered to be the father of modern day Las Vegas, The Mirage was the most expensive hotel ever built when it opened in 1989, with a construction cost of some $630 million. The hotel has a number of attractions within its grounds. The Siegfried and Roy Secret Garden is home to a number of very rare white Tigers and Lions, whilst the 20,000 gallon registration lobby aquarium houses 90 species of shark, puffer fish, and angel fish. Outside the hotel is an artificial volcano that actually erupts periodically throughout the evening!
MGM Grand
The MGM Grand is the world's largest hotel, with over 5,000 rooms, and it is also home to the biggest casino in the whole of Las Vegas. Walking into the 16,000 square meter casino is a quite breathtaking experience, as slot machines and gaming tables stretch to as far as the eye can see. The hotel is also home to a lion exhibit, and a Studio 54 nightclub.
New York - New York Hotel and Casino
Located just across the road from the MGM Grand, the New York - New York is billed as 'The Greatest City Inside Las Vegas.' The hotel features a reproduction of the New York skyline, with buildings such as The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building as well as a 150 foot scale replica of The Statue of Liberty. Within the resort particular gambling areas, bars, eating areas and meeting rooms are named after New York neighbourhoods, the hotel also has a roller coaster within its grounds.
Holidays to the top resorts in Las Vegas don't come cheap, and outside guests can visit the hotels at any time. Spa resort holidays come as highly recommended for a Las Vegas break, the luxury pampering will ease your mind away from the hustle and bustle of the streets and gambling tables. Starwood Spa Resorts offer The Hibiscus Spa, situated just one block away from the strip. You can find bargain holidays in Las Vegas on sites like Travelzoo and Cheap Flights for not much more than £300 from Heathrow.
Dubai - A Disneyland in the desert
The transformation of Dubai from small pearling village to the vast, brash monument to commerce that it is today makes it a uniquely fascinating city to visit even if you find that the idea of its gaudy, nouveau riche extravagance induces an instinctive shiver of distaste.
Dubai is without doubt a remarkable city, having effectively emerged from nothing forty years ago to become what is now a glittering metropolis in the desert, complete with prosperous economy, world class shopping, and some of the most awe inspiring architecture in the world. Visitors to Dubai can't fail to be impressed by the often overwhelming spectacle that awaits them and can be certain that what the city lacks in culture and history it surely makes up for in extravagant luxury and an impressive array of attractions. Dubai has had more money thrown at it in the last couple of decades than any other city in the world and it shows.
So, what does Dubai have to offer holidaymakers? Perhaps a better question would be what doesn't Dubai have to offer holidaymakers; the city has pretty much all the bases covered - from opulent hotels and world class dining to huge water parks and spectacular indoor ski centres. Here's our rundown of what not to miss:
Where to stay
Since Dubai is generally all about extravagant luxury why not indulge yourself with a full on luxury spa holiday at the Caracalla Spa Resort. Spread over three floors of Le Royal Meridien, the Caracalla distinguishes itself amongst Dubai plethora of 5 star spa resorts by being its biggest and, considering its proximity to the picture perfect and fastidiously maintained Jumeira beach and impressive range of treatments, possibly best. The Caracalla is a Starwood Spa Resort and ranges from £225 to £407 a night.
What to see
There are no shortage of spectacular attractions to keep you entertained but for a surreal and somehow very Dubai experience why not head for the slopes - Ski Dubai, the Middle East's first indoor ski resort (complete with real snow) means you can spend the morning skiing and the afternoon sunning yourself on the beach and typifies Dubai's ambitious efforts to offer visitors almost every conceivable experience, however ostensibly unlikely.
Where to Dine
Again, Dubai isn't short on world class restaurants; there are plenty of gourmet dining opportunities including a host of celebrity chef offerings like Gordon Ramsay's Verre and Gary Rhodes' Mezzanine at Grosvenor House as well as Almaz, part of Mourad Mazouz's (creator of Sketch in London) empire of exclusive restaurants.
Getting there
It's always worth checking bargain travel sites like Travelzoo for cheap flights and holidays in Dubai. At the time of writing for instance 3 nights staying in the 5 star Jebel Ali hotel was available for just 469 pounds.
Dubai is without doubt a remarkable city, having effectively emerged from nothing forty years ago to become what is now a glittering metropolis in the desert, complete with prosperous economy, world class shopping, and some of the most awe inspiring architecture in the world. Visitors to Dubai can't fail to be impressed by the often overwhelming spectacle that awaits them and can be certain that what the city lacks in culture and history it surely makes up for in extravagant luxury and an impressive array of attractions. Dubai has had more money thrown at it in the last couple of decades than any other city in the world and it shows.
So, what does Dubai have to offer holidaymakers? Perhaps a better question would be what doesn't Dubai have to offer holidaymakers; the city has pretty much all the bases covered - from opulent hotels and world class dining to huge water parks and spectacular indoor ski centres. Here's our rundown of what not to miss:
Where to stay
Since Dubai is generally all about extravagant luxury why not indulge yourself with a full on luxury spa holiday at the Caracalla Spa Resort. Spread over three floors of Le Royal Meridien, the Caracalla distinguishes itself amongst Dubai plethora of 5 star spa resorts by being its biggest and, considering its proximity to the picture perfect and fastidiously maintained Jumeira beach and impressive range of treatments, possibly best. The Caracalla is a Starwood Spa Resort and ranges from £225 to £407 a night.
What to see
There are no shortage of spectacular attractions to keep you entertained but for a surreal and somehow very Dubai experience why not head for the slopes - Ski Dubai, the Middle East's first indoor ski resort (complete with real snow) means you can spend the morning skiing and the afternoon sunning yourself on the beach and typifies Dubai's ambitious efforts to offer visitors almost every conceivable experience, however ostensibly unlikely.
Where to Dine
Again, Dubai isn't short on world class restaurants; there are plenty of gourmet dining opportunities including a host of celebrity chef offerings like Gordon Ramsay's Verre and Gary Rhodes' Mezzanine at Grosvenor House as well as Almaz, part of Mourad Mazouz's (creator of Sketch in London) empire of exclusive restaurants.
Getting there
It's always worth checking bargain travel sites like Travelzoo for cheap flights and holidays in Dubai. At the time of writing for instance 3 nights staying in the 5 star Jebel Ali hotel was available for just 469 pounds.
