Best Winter Sun Destinations - Tenerife, the Canary Islands

With summer still feeling a long way off, a bit of las-minute winter sun wouldn't go amiss would it? Tenerife is one of the best holiday destinations for a spot of winter sun, and Feb-March are great times to go. The Canary Islands, off the North West coast of Africa, have year long sunshine and high temperatures - because they are near the equator there are no distinct seasons. Around February-March, temperatures average 22-23˚C, rising to around 28˚C in August. Cheap package deals have made holidays here hugely popular all year round, combined with just a 4 hour flight and you are onto a winner. Being a Spanish island the locals speak Spanish but most know some English so you should be able to get by, if not the obligatory tourist hand signals should do the trick.

There are several main resorts in Tenerife. The first is near the airport in the South of the island, and is split into 3 areas, Los Cristianos, Las Americas and the Costa Adeje. This large resort attracts most of Tenerifes tourists, as the South gets the best weather and generally has nicer beaches than the North. Tenerife is a volcano and as a result it tends to be rainier and cooler in the North due to the winds, however it is windier (but sunnier) in the South. There is plenty to do in this area - a newly opened waterpark, Siam Park, is one of the main attractions and is much more impressive than anything found back in the UK. There are also a variety of tour operators that specialise in dolphin and whale watching.

The main disadvantage of Los Cristianos etc. is that the 18-30's flock there on lads holidays, and as a result the area has become slightly tacky. Drinks offers can be found in force, with a large array of bars and clubs perfect for youngsters. Gary Lineker's brother even owns a bar here and is one of the top draws come sunset - the creatively named Lineker's Bar.

The North of the island is slightly less developed, including Puerto de la Cruz. The town has a couple of decent black sand beaches - the main attraction here is Loro Parque, an impressive zoo which also has live dolphin, sea lion and killer whale shows - well worth a visit no matter what your age.

I would recommend getting a hire car if you wanted to explore the island, the best beaches are out of the tourist hotspots - for example Playa las Teresitas, just east of the capital, Santa Cruz (see photo below). Although the beach is artificial, it has white sand (imported from the Sahara) unlike the natural Tenerife beaches and is probably the best beach on the island, and rarely gets crowded. There is also a breakwater that makes the sea great for safe family swimming, and the water is usually nice and warm.



Overall Tenerife has alot to offer - a trip up to the top of Mount Teide is a must as well - and is definitely one of the best holiday destinations for some winter (or summer) sun.

American West Coast Road Trip - San Diego, California

Last November saw us travel to the US for a 2 week holiday. Flying into Phoenix for a night, we picked up a Ford Mustang hirecar (it’s compulsory, right?) and drove the 4-5 hour drive to San Diego on the West Coast of America. Reading forums, we had considered flying to San Diego - costing about £20 more, but probably more faff. Users talked of a long, dull drive, however it was a drive of many contrasts - from dusty vistas, to full-on deserts, to twisting rocky mountain passes where you could really feel the chill of the air. We also passed a huge livestock farm - miles long and literally full of cows - presumably one of the fast food giants. Quite a shock but still another interesting early insight into the Arizona/California region.

Arriving in San Diego to a beautiful sunset, we stayed in an Airbnb - a little Spanish style self contained flat. Starving, we went out for dinner in the Hillcrest area. Being November, Southern California is still sunny and fairly warm in the day but there was a real chill at night, while the further up North you go the colder and rainier it tends to get. The following day we took a 30 min drive to La Jolla (pronounced La Hoya) - a beautiful, affluent suburb of San Diego. Set along the coast, the huge Atlantic waves come crashing against the rocks, sending spray soaring in front of your face and creating mini-rainbows. Sea lions also sat in crowds, lazing on the rocks, just metres from the wandering locals and tourists. La Jolla is definitely one to visit if you’re in San Diego - there are some great cafes and restaurants in the area as well as some stunning short walks along the coast.

Sea lions at La Jolla

Being a surf hotspot, we decided to go for a spot of surfing the next day. Having gone once before and got up  few times, we were confident we would master it this time round. Unfortunately, the waves, although smallish, were crashing aggressively on Pacific Beach. Usually packed with surfer, we were joined by only 5 or so other surfers, including a surf school of teacher and 2 students who retreated to the beach after only 20 mins. We did the same after being wiped out repeatedly by the waves, combined with oncoming hypothermia from the chilly water and cloudy conditions that day. A trip to San Diego Old Town for lunch, home of many taquerias, helped sooth the pain with a burrito and bottle of Mexican beer.

Evening surfing, San Diego

Overall San Diego is definitely a great place to spend a few days (or more) - with great food, lovely weather (most of the time) and a chilled out vibe - different to that of it’s big brother Los Angeles a couple of hours North.

Pacific Beach, San Diego

-->

Holidays in Grenada, Caribbean - The Spice Isle

Grenada is a fantastic destination for tourists looking for a fun-filled Caribbean holiday. Nicknamed the Spice Isle, after the array of spices grown and used there such as nutmeg, the island offers a host of activities for visitors, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, scenic boat trips, hiking and much more. There is also plenty of culture to enjoy - especially in the capital of St Georges, making the island a great destination for visitors looking for a blend of qualities and experiences with their holiday.

The beaches in Grenada deserve a special mention. Picture your perfect idyllic Caribbean beach scene, and you'll be getting close to Grenada. Glorious white sands coupled with turquoise waters and palm trees gently swaying in the Caribbean breeze. Grand Anse beach, located in the south west of the island, not too far from the majority of the hotels and villas on the island, is Grenada's most famous beach. It's sheltered position means it generally avoids strong winds, currents and large waves. Plus, it's 2-mile stretch of white sand means you'll always be able to find some space to yourself, and you shouldn't have anyone disturbing your relaxation or kicking up sand in your face, Benidorm style. Having mentioned Grand Anse, it's worth noting there are a huge number of other stunning beaches on Grenada. Some of these may be a bit of a drive away but you can be sure that a bit of exploration will yield the rewards. Some of the beaches, especially the further North you go, will be pretty much deserted. Just remember to pack your sun block, as you won;t want to leave once you've laid your towel down and got stuck into your holiday read.

Grand Anse beach

The food in Grenada is delicious - fresh ingredients and flavoursome, exotic dishes dominate menus. The national dish is oildown - a stew made with salted meat, breadfruit, daheen and vegetables, simmered in coconut milk with dumplings until the liquid has been absorbed. Give it a try if you visit. Rotis, calaloo (a soup made with a spinach-like leafy green) and seafood (caught fresh locally and often served within hours of being caught) will often pop up regularly on menus. You certainly won't go hungry and you're sure to try a range of new dishes and flavours you won't find in Europe or America.

In terms of accommodation, there are a multitude of choices, mainly within fairly close proximity of Grand Anse and the airport. Our personal recommendation for accommodation is a beautiful luxury villa in Grenada overlooking the bay, 10 mins from Grand Anse and 20 mins from the airport - it features an infinity pool and modern interior. 

If you're looking for a Caribbean holiday, we think Grenada is a top destination - with it's blend of sun-soaked beaches, culture, great food and (generally) easy transport links from the airport. 

Cheap Caravan Holidays & Motorhome Holidays - UK & Abroad

-->With the weakening Pound following the Brexit vote in the UK (among other factors), it is becoming significantly more costly to go abroad that it was this time last year. A trip to the US cost us an estimated 22% more in Nov 2016 than it would have done 6 months earlier for example, and this year the trend will be clearer as holiday makers book their holidays with the knowledge of the rates rather than booking pre-Brexit and then exchanging their cash after the vote at a much worse rate. This year, as seen during the 2008-2009 recession, we expect a large number of holiday makers to keep their wallets firmly in their pockets when it comes to overseas trips, and for demand in cheap holidays to spiral upwards. Back in the recession, our stats showed that searches online for the phrases "motorhomes" and "caravan parks" increased by about 450% each over 12 months pre and post recession, as Mr Joe Public shunned traditional foreign holiday destinations for cheaper, but equally cheerful breaks away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
A huge range of UK and foreign caravan holidays can be found online, each company offering a slightly different take on the traditional concept. Many sites offer a variety of caravan types, from basic to luxury, which you can tow away to your destination of choice and simply return within a given date. This offers a great deal of freedom and excitement - you never quite know where you will end up. The same is true of motor homes, which are basically caravans with an engine, an all in one car and caravan essentially. Caravan and motorhome hire has really taken off, many of the most popular destinations in the UK include the national Parks and areas of natural beauty, including the Lake District, Snowdonia, The South Downs, the Dales and the Peak District. However there are no limits to where you can go. Many companies allow the caravan or motorhome to be taken abroad as well, allowing you to drive down to the South of France or right down to Italy or beyond.



Caravans and motorhomes offer a real sense of adventure that you rarely get on a traditional package holiday. You can visit some of the best holiday destinations in England and abroad in your own time, whether you are a family, a couple or simply on your own. Many caravan and motor home parks exist around England and Europe for you to take a break and socialise with other families or individuals. There are so many characteristics of a motorhome or caravan holiday that make it easy to see why we expect to see a big surge in this type of holiday over the next 12 months. So while we may see less people going abroad for their holidays, hopefully travel and tourism businesses in the UK should see a boost from this.

Summer Holidays Destinations - Puerto Banus, Marbella, Spain

-->Marbella, situated on the Southern coast of Spain on the Costa del Sol, is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for us Brits, and for good reasons. The climate in Southern Spain is wonderful, with long sunny days and high temperatures of 30 degrees celsius and upwards. Coupled with this, wonderful food and drink, and great beaches make the Costa del Sol a very desirable location. Even Channel 4 Reality Show TOWIE has got in on the act, filming several shows in the location.
If you're holidaying in Marbella or Malaga this summer, I would highly recommend a visit to Puerto Banus, although the town is certainly well worth a visit in its own right. It is known as a bit of a playground for the rich and famous, and often draws comparisons as the Spanish St. Tropez. The marina area is always full of huge yachts in the summer months, and flash Ferraris, Aston martins and Lambos line the seafront. Puerto Banus is the place to be seen, celebs will often be spotted dining in the fabulous restaurants or doing a spot of shopping in the areas many designer boutiques.


Puerto Banus Marina

You can get to Puurto banus easily - it is around a five mile drive from Marbella so if you're planning on having a few drinks with the glitterati I recommend getting a taxi. After a wander around the marina, you're bound to be slightly peckish and luckily Puerto banus doesn't disappoint. When I visited we went to a restaurant called Antonio's which quite simply served up the finest Paella I have ever had. There are several other cuisines to choose from apart from Spanish and most restaurants have kids options so you shouldn't be stuck for choice. After dinner there are a good number of bars lining the marina - so order a nice cocktail, sit back, relax and watch the world go by in front of you.

Puerto Banus is one of my favourite places in Spain and certainly one of the best holiday destinations to visit during the summer, for a week or two or just for a shorter visit. And keep an eye out for deals on websites like Groupon and Expedia as there are often great packages offers to be had.

Boozy Holiday Destinations – Stag Weekends in Riga

As far as city breaks or stag weekends go, Riga, Latvia’s capital city, is right up there as a great holiday destination. Visitor numbers to this city have soared over the last decade as the secret gets out about this cracking place. Cities like Prague, Krakow and Bratislava (and maybe Newcastle!) often get banded about as top destinations for a weekend of debauchery for the groom to be. But Riga is a great alternative, with a varied mix of cheap bars, culture, attractive women and adrenalin-filled activities.

Riga is a student city at its heart which lends well to the objectives of many a stag do. A young demographic helps ensure a plentiful range of bars and pubs on offer in the city, drinks are fairly cheap although probably not quite to the same extent as Prague or Bratislava. But it is probably a classier, nicer place to go in our opinion, with more to do aside from just drinking.

Indeed, if you are after a pleasant city break, Riga is a great holiday destination in its own right. Just outside the city you can find a Bobsleigh track you can actually get involved in, the old town boasts some magnificent buildings including St Peters Church, as well as countless museums such as the frankly beautiful Latvian National Museum of Art, which features the largest collection of National art in the country. Also, Riga features a great zoo (with around 4000 animals), countless shops, restaurants, golf courses, an aquapark, karting...the list goes on and on.

The locals are also friendly and accommodating to the tourists in Riga – something some other Eastern European countries have (perhaps understandably in some cases!) been lacking on our travels.  All in all weekends in Riga offer excellent diversity, and its also an excellent destination for a weekend city break. There’s plenty to see, plenty to do, and all relatively cheap and close to the UK. You can fly there in less than 3 hours from London. So if you’re looking for a lads weekend, a spot of culture or an adventure holiday – Riga is one of the best holiday destinations in Europe.

Best Summer Holiday Destinations in Europe

Its pretty dreary outside at the moment. But summer is around the corner, and with summer, comes summer holidays. Many of us have planned and booked our holidays already but if you're stuck for ideas, fear not. Hopefully Best Holiday Destinations can help out.

Spain looks set to remain top of the list of most popular holiday destinations in Europe for the coming year at least – choices that thoroughly deserve to be at the top. The Costa Del Sol, Costa Blanca, Marbella are all excellent choices that are sure to offer up plenty more than just sandy beaches and roasting hot sun. If, like me, you’re after cheap flights this summer, we recommend Kayak and Sky Scanner - 2 sites that offer great usability and seem to yield the best comparison results. Browse holidays in Spain, Turkey, Egypt, Tenerife, Ibiza, Greece and more to find the hotel, flights and destination that’s right for you.  

Ever-Popular Package Destination Benidorm, Spain

Also something to consider – last minute bookings can help save you money – although perhaps not in quite the same way they used to. But if you’re flexible on destination and departure airport then this could be for you, although could be risky if you have a family with specific wants or needs. Happy hunting – planning and booking your holidays can be an exciting and potentially stressful time so get thinking about it and keep checking back here for more info and advice on the best holiday destinations in Europe.