Friday 24 December 2010

Our Top 5 Honeymoon Holiday Destinations

Looking for the perfect honeymoon holiday destination? Then take a look at this list of top worldwide honeymoon destinations for great ideas on where to go for that special break.

Caribbean - The Caribbean is made up of many islands which lie in the Atlantic Ocean south of the USA. The Caribbean is an obvious choice of honeymoon holiday as the islands are graced with long, white, sandy beaches, luxury resorts and more importantly peace and tranquility. Islands such as St Lucia and the Bahamas are favourites with newly weds as they offer total relaxation.

Mauritius - Mauritius is a small tropical Indian Ocean island, renowned for its natural beauty, great cuisine, coral reefs and stunning luxury resorts. The island has other attractions too, including a large waterpark, dophin watching and deep sea fishing.

Paris - The romance capital of the world. Great for a shorter honeymoon, but with lots of attractions and things to do. If a city break if what you are looking for in a honeymoon, Paris offers excellent restaurants, romantic trips along the Seine and don't forget the Eiffel Tower!

New York - The Big Apple may not seem like an obvious choice of honeymoon, but it is a city with so much to offer. A great choice if you are looking for an active city break instead of a relaxing beach holiday. Visit attractions such as the Empire State building and Central Park, do a spot of bargain shopping and enjoy the huge variety of worldwide cuisine on offer.

Sardinia - The island of Sardinia is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a short haul beach holiday. It is a tranquil, picturesque holiday destination that offers great water sports including diving and fishing, along with mountain activities such as trekking and cycling.

Wednesday 13 October 2010

Paris Plage - the Paris beach

A beach in Paris? It seems like a bizarre idea, but each year during July and August two miles of the bank of the Seine are turned into a beach. White sand, palm trees and parasols are lined along the Seine close to the Hotel de Ville in Paris. The Paris beach, or Paris Plage, was first introduced in 2002, and although it was branded as crazy by the Socialist mayor Bertrand Delanoe, it is now a successful annual event.

Parisions and visitors take to the beach not only to sunbathe, but to take part in the free beach activities on offer, including beach volleyball and boules. The Paris beach hosts numerous concerts throughout the summer, as well as providing a great place to lie down and absorb the calming atmosphere of the riverside. From comedy to dance acts, the bizarrely located beach offers a variety of entertainment for everyone.

Paris is usually popular with couples, groups and families looking for a busy sightseeing city break. The city is packed with world famous landmarks, shops, bars, cafes and restaurants serving traditional French food along with cuisine from all over the world.

Many visitors head straight to the Eiffel Tower when in Paris, but there's so much more to see and do. The transport in Paris is excellent with a fast and efficient metro system. Using the metro means that you can visit all of the best sights all over the city. Popular visitor attractions in Paris are the Champs Elysees with its fantastic range of shops and designer boutiques, the stunning Sacre Coeur, the Moulin Rouge, the Louvre and much more! The city has many museums, art galleries, Seine boat trips and open bus open tours to enjoy.

Cheap flights are available from many UK airports direct to Charles de Gaulle airport, and accommodation is in abundance in Paris. Budget travellers can take advantage of the low cost airlines and cheap hotels. Holiday makers with a little more to spend can stay in the grand hotels in the centre of the city.

Friday 1 October 2010

Las Vegas Jazz Festival

The Las Vegas Jazz Festival is a spectacular three-day event held at Fremont Street, Las Vegas' indoor party street. The festival has over 25 bands and 220 performances; performances include blues, gospel, Latin jazz, swing, babershop and more. The Las Vegas Jazz Festival is held throughout various venues with Fremont Street, a one-stop entertainment mall housing spectacular light shows, shopping, eating, gambling and live entertainment.

Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment City of the World, it is home to a vast selection of casinos & hotels, great shopping, exciting rides, lavish shows and a huge selection of restaurants. The strip, is the heart of Las Vegas, and has been the setting for many movies and tv shows. Most entertainment is provided on the Strip - gambling, shows and bars & restaurants. Within Las Vegas, you should make time to see the Bellagio fountains, MGM Grand lion habitat, shark reef at Mandalay Bay, Stratosphere Tower, Grand Canal shopping centre at the Venetian Hotel and take a helicopter tour at night. There are also major sights just outside Las Vegas, including the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and the Great Basin National Park.

Monday 27 September 2010

Stag and Hen Party Destination Guide

Looking for somewhere different for your stag night or hen party? travelonly.co.uk can help you to decide with this great party destination guide. Throw out the obvious choices and treat the party to an exciting alternative destination for that special night out.

travelonly.co.uk recommends Warsaw as a stag night or hen party destination. The capital of Poland is a surprisingly cool city, with an abundance of bars, restaurants and hotels. Nightlife in Warsaw is energetic, although quieter bars can also be found. Cheap flights are available to Warsaw from the UK and the short flight means that Poland is a great weekend destination.

An alternative short haul party destination is Tallinn in Estonia. Tallinn is a beautiful seacoast resort yet is a great base for stag and hen parties. Cheap flights can be found from the UK and accommodation ranges from small guesthouses to posh hotels. Tallinn has a range of exciting and lively bars and nightclubs, making the city perfect for party weekends. Cigar lounges, casinos and pool halls are popular with stags, whereas classy wine bars and luxury spas are great for hens.
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For a truely unforgettable stag or hen weekend, travelonly.co.uk recommends Las Vegas, entertainment capital of the world. Las Vegas is popular with stag nights and hen parties as the city has so much to offer. Visit 'The Strip' and enjoy a night of dining, drinking, partying and gambling. Cheap hotels can be found, although you may choose to be pampered in a luxury resort.

Another city great for stag and hen parties is Bangkok. Although it is usually visited for a long haul holiday, many groups visit Thailand's capital for a long stag or hen party. Bangkok is a vibrant city with a host of bars, restaurants, nighclubs and shops. There is so much to do in Bangkok that you will be spoilt for choice. In the day take a trip down a river market, visit the beautiful temples or just chill out by the hotel pool. At night, start the evening with some traditional Thai cuisine before heading off to the numerous lively bars and nightclubs.

To find great deals to any of these destinations, use the online search on travelonly.co.uk.

Thursday 23 September 2010

King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament Thailand

Visit Thailand and support the Elephant Conservation Centre by taking a trip to the annual Kings Cup Elephant Polo Tournament. The unusual spectacle takes place every year at the end of March, beginning of April, to help raise money for the Centre which looks after the welfare of more than 4000 wild and domesticated elephants.

The polo players ride elephants and play with elongated polo sticks. The game is slower than the horse polo tournaments, but is far more interesting. An elephant orchestra and elephant painting takes place at the polo tournaments and the paintings, along with polo memorabilia, is auctioned to raise money for the Conservation Centre.

For more information visit the King's Cup Elephant Polo website.

Thailand, as well as having some unusual sporting events, makes a great long haul sun holiday destination. The Asian country has something for everyone, ranging from white, sandy beach resorts with beautiful hotels to vibrant and exciting cities.

Many holidaymakers travel to Thailand to stay in the beach resorts of Koh Samui, Pattaya and Phuket to enjoy their idealic, quiet beaches, warm, clear waters and luxury resort hotels. The seaside resorts have plenty of things to do, including diving, snorkelling and sightseeing. Evenings can be as lively or as quiet as you like in the beach resorts, which have a variety of bars and restaurants.

Many travellers who visit Thailand choose to discover the capital city of Bangkok. Bangkok is a vibrant city with a host of bars, restaurants, nighclubs and shops. There is so much to do in Bangkok that you will be spoilt for choice. In the day take a trip down a river market, visit the beautiful temples or just chill out by the hotel pool. At night, start the evening with some traditional Thai cuisine before heading off to the numerous lively bars and nightclubs.

Thailand really does something for everyone, from sun-worshippers to city slickers. For more information visit the Official Thailand Tourism website.

Friday 17 September 2010

Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival - Miami Florida

Once a year Miami hosts its own Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, a traditional sport originating from the Far East.

The Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is a free event, which takes place at Brickell Key in Miami. This festival is a 250 metre race between boats containing approx 20 paddlers each. No experience is necessary but you should have a competitive nature and be a team player.
The Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is a colourful and spectacular event, which includes plenty of entertainment throughout the day. A perfect excursion for families and couples alike during any Miami holiday. Visit the official Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival website for more information.

Miami is a popular Florida holiday destination because of its fun atmosphere, fantastic beaches, year-round climate and variety of attractions. There is so much to see and do in Miami, there has to be something for everyone. From sunbathing to sightseeing and fishing to skydiving, you won't believe how much you can enjoy on a holiday in Miami. For more information about what to see in Miami visit the Official Visit Florida website.

Thursday 16 September 2010

Rome City Break Destination Guide

Rome is a bustling, chaotic city yet attracts visitors from around the globe for exciting city break holidays. The Eternal City attacks the senses on every level with its stunning sights, creative Mediterranean cuisine and captivating culture.

Rome city breaks guarantee an active and enjoyable holiday for all. The fascinating history, lively nighlife and some of the most famous buildings in the world including the Vatican mean that you will leave Rome with incredible memories of an incredible holiday.

Many people visit Rome to pay their respects to the Pope in St Peter's Square, before taking to the thrilling streets of the city. Bars, cafes and restaurants are open until late in the evening, serving traditional Italian delicacies including antipasto, pizza and pasta. Another famous landmark that Rome visitors flock to is the Colosseum, to relive Ancient Rome's gladitorial battles.

Shopaholics need to make time in their itinerary for shopping in the city. Rome has several shopping districts where you will find both designer boutiques and small souvenir shops. Take a stoll through the streets away from the main tourist attractions to discover where the locals shop and you may just pick up a bargain or two.

Rome has a vast range of accommodation, ranging from small family run guesthouses to large luxury hotels in the centre of the city. You can find cheap flights from many airports across the UK, with many low-cost airlines flying to the area.

Rome is a great city break destination for couples, groups and families who will appreciate the historic character of the city and enjoy the vibrant, lively nature.

Friday 10 September 2010

Gozo Festival Mediterranea

The Festival Mediterranea in Gozo is an annual event, in which the people of Gozo unite to celebrate their culture, history and artistic talent. The festival is held every October / November and features an array of entertainment, including opera, classic and symphonic music, and culinary events. Visit the official Festival Mediterranean website for more information.

The Festival Mediterranea transforms Gozo into a vibrant party, which is complimented by the island's warm autumn atmosphere... making it an ideal time to visit this beautiful island.
Unlink its sister island of Malta, Gozo is much less commercial and has more of a leisurely pace. The island is begging to be explored, as it has a rugged landscape and a beautiful coastline, which are dotted with baroque churches, prehistoric temples and other historical sites of interest. The best time to visit Gozo is between October and May because the average temperature is approx 18C, which is ideal for rambling around the island. Whilst exploring the island you will come across many amazing views and there are an abundance of ancient sites hidden in the countryside.

Besides exploration, the island has some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving sites in the Mediterranean; the Blue Hole is one of the more popular diving sites on Gozo. Other highlights of Gozo include the Azure Window, a beautiful cliff outcropping with a hole in the middle, and the Inland Sea, a small lake connected to the sea through the cliffs, it is a picturesque and unusual place to swim.

Friday 3 September 2010

Visit the magical Butterfly Valley, Olu Deniz

The Butterfly Valley is a hidden gem of Turkey's Turquoise Coast. It is located in the Olu Deniz area of Turkey, near Fethiye, and it is a protected site because millions of butterflys come here to breed during June and September.The Butterfly Valley is only accessible by boat or walking the Lycian Way Trial, boats leave daily from Belcekiz Beach in Olu Deniz.

At the Butterfly Valley you can see over 70 different species of butterflies, hike through the secret valley, discover the waterfalls and swimming in the turquoise water of the bay. You can also stay overnight in one of the treehouses or bring a tent and camp.

Olu Deniz is a low-rise village, with an idyllic lagoon (called the Blue Lagoon) and golden sand, backed by the Taurus mountains. Olu Deniz is a popular holiday resort, especially with British families. The resort is great for a beach holiday and there are a few beaches to choose from, the best is the Blue Lagoon but this is a national park so you have to pay entrance. However, it is well worth the money as the lagoon has turquoise still waters and golden sand beaches, perfect for small children. The Blue Lagoon is also popular for watersports.

If you want a more energetic holiday, there are plenty of sights and attractions around the Olu Deniz area to keep you occupied. You could visit the turkish market at Fethiye (be prepared to haggle), visit the deserted town of Kaya Koy, hire mountain bike, go horse riding, take a jeep safari, visit the mud baths and the canyon of Saklikent.

The nightlife in Olu Deniz is pretty low-key, there are a few bars along the sea-front and the larger hotel resorts provide evening entertainment. Head to the nearby resort of Hisaronu if you want lively nightlife, there are a larger choice of bars and clubs here. Restaurants are geared towards the British tourists, so most serve unadventurous international food. Again, a wider choice of restaurants can be found at Hisaronu.

Wednesday 18 August 2010

Marbella's Nikki Beach

Every summer, Nikki Beach in Marbella provides a summer line-up of parties, fashions shows, concerts and champagne showers. During the daytime, Nikki Beach offers a relaxing atmosphere, its perfect for sunbathing whilst enjoying a cocktail and listening to the chillout tunes. At night, the beach becomes clubbers paradise, with an action-packed programme, including R&B, funky house, club classics, live musicans, beach bonfires and champagne showers.

Marbella is a popular Spanish holiday resort and is the most well-known resort on the Costa del Sol. Marbella is a chic and glamorous, which offers fantastic beaches, upmarket hotels, exclusive restaurants and vibrant nightlife. This Spanish holiday resort is often compared to St Tropez or Monte Carlo, as it attracts the rich and famous and the port of Marbella is home to numerous luxury yachts and cruisers.

The 7km long golden sandy beach in Marbella is the perfect setting to enjoy lazy days enjoying the wonderful sunshine in Costa del Sol. Watersports sailing, golf, tennis, hiking and bike riding are readily available if you want to be more energetic. There is also a beautiful promenade, which runs the stretch of the Marbella and is ideal for a leisurely stroll. The promenade is lined with various shops, bars and restaurants. Hidden behind this glamorous exterior is an authentic old town, home to Marbella's Andalucian and Moorish influences, such as the Moorish castle and the famous Orange Square. Here you will find narrow streets, flower-filled balconies and traditional tapas bars.

Nightlife within Marbella is provided by the exclusive restaurants, trendy bars and modern clubs. Restaurants serve everything from internation cuisine to traditional Spanish dishes. The nearby resort of Puerto Banus offers even more choice of exclusive casinos, all-night clubs and trendy bars.

Friday 13 August 2010

Morocco Holidays and Marrakech City Breaks

Want to take a short break but fancy going somewhere a bit different to the normal European
destinations? Then why not try Morocco for a short city break? Morocco offers so much more than many sun destinations, and is perfect for a weekend getaway.

Marrakech is the second largest city in Morocco. It is a popular holiday destination with Europeans, as although it is in Africa, it is only a short flight away. Morocco is bursting with Arabic culture and charm, and is particularly evident in Marrakech.

Marrakech visitors are amazed by the city when they appear to be sent back in time. The streets are narrow, with hidden souks and souvenir shops. The bustling markets are full of herbs and spices and handmade crafts, including rugs and scarves. Marrakech has great examples of traditional architecture, adding a sense of mystery and beauty to the city.
Marrakech is home to many traditional carnivals, but also some more unusual events such as the Marrakech Salsa Festival and the Riad Art Expo.

The Moroccan city has a range of places to eat and drink, with small bars and restaurants offering traditional Moroccan food. Eat in the in-expensive cafes or up-market bistros. Accommodation in Marrakech varies from cheap guesthouses to exclusive hotels with beautiful pools. Cheap flights can be found right across to UK, directly to Marrakech. When it comes to visiting Marrakech, there's something to suit all pockets.

For more information visit the Morocco Official Tourism Website.

Friday 6 August 2010

Portugal Family Holiday Guide

Travelonly.co.uk recommend Portugal as a fantastic family holiday destination. Portugal has lots to offer families and is a popular sun holiday destination. Portugal's sunny climate, beautiful beaches and variety of attractions mean that families head to the country all year round.

Portugal has what most families seek in a summer holiday. Warms seas suitable for swimming, plenty of hotels to choose from, family friendly bars and restaurants plus a whole host of activities. Portugal is home to aquariums, theme parks, zoos plus much more. A family on holiday in Portugal will never be bored.

The southern Portuguese province of the Algarve is particularly popular with families. The Algarve sees year round sunshine and calm sea waters. It is a European paradise and is great for a relaxing family holiday. If you want a taste of adventure, take a trip on a jeep safari, enjoy a boat trip or go mountain biking through Portugal's scenic countryside.

Accommodation in Portugal ranges from small guesthouses to large hotel resorts with pools. Cheap flights can be found from many UK airports and because the flight time is only short, Portugal makes a great holiday destination for families.

For more information visit the Portugal Official Tourism Website.

Friday 30 July 2010

Egypt holidays - great winter sun destination for all the family

Egypt is renowned for its pyramids, the great Sphinx of Giza, pharoahs and a preserved existence of ancient civilisations. Egypt is a fantastic winter sun destination and the popular holiday resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada provide a great base for visiting all of the attractions the African country has to offer.

A holiday to Egypt would not be complete without a trip to the famous pyramids of Giza, along with the great Sphinx. The three pyramids which were built over 4000 years ago are the last of the seven wonders of the world. Visit them early in the morning before the sun becomes too intense. Also, visit the famous necropolis, resting place of many ancient rulers of the kingdon of the Nile, including the most renowned of pharaohs, Tutankhamun.

Egypt offers fantastic weather, the sun shining all year round. However; the best time to visit the country is during the winter months before the climate rises to over 33 degrees in the summer. The holiday resorts, Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada, offer luxury accommodation and restaurants, white sandy beaches and beautiful clear seas perfect for diving in. Cheap flights to Egypt are available from many UK airports, and the flight is relatively short at just 5 hours. Travellers therefore visit Egypt during the winter as an alternative to long-haul destinations which offer the same climate at that time of the year.

For more information about the land of the pharaohs, visit the Egypt Tourism Office website.

Monday 26 July 2010

Madeira Wine Festival

Every September, Funchal and Câmara de Lobos host the Madeira Wine Festival, in which the locals of Madeira celebrate the harvest of their world-famous wine. The festival starts at Câmara de Lobos, with a 'live harvest' show, where the locals adopt traditional harvest methods. The grapes are collected and sqaushed by foot in front of the Festival's crowd. The celebrations of the Wine Festival also take place in Funchal, where light and sounds shows are hosted.

The Madeira Wine Festival provides great entertainment and gives a fantastic opportunity to sample some of the locally produced wine. For more information visit the Madeira Islands Official Tourism website.

Madeira is only a short flight from the UK and is a great holiday destination; you can choose from holidays on the black sand beaches, in the mountains or in the city. The island has warm, comfortable summers and mild winters, which make Madeira a perfect year-round destination.

Madeira is a beautiful island with stunning scenery; it has been described as a 'floating garden'. The island blooms with with colourful masses of orchids, bougainvillea, frangipani, wisteria and geraniums. Fruit and herbs grow in profusion on the hillsides and in ravines, and the mountain slopes are terraced with orchards and vineyards. The most enjoyable way to explore the island is to follow the course of the levadas (irrigation channels). Madeira's stunning scenery is compimented by the island's rich cultural and historical heritage. Funchal is home to the majority of Madeira's built heritage, there are plenty of historical monuments, squares and streets to explore.

Make sure you make time to visit the Funchal Botanical Garden, the volcanic caves, the Orchid Garden, Madeira Story Centre and Cabo Girão (one of the world's highest ocean cliffs). Madeira is also great for golf, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

For more information visit the Madeira Islands Tourism website.

Tuesday 20 July 2010

Celebrities are booking their travel deals and flocking to Sardinia

This summer Sardinia has seen an influx in celebrity visitors for relaxing breaks in the sun. Stars that have taken a holiday on the Italian island recently include Jamie and Louise Redknapp, Flavio Briatore and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The island of Sardinia is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a short haul beach holiday. It is a tranquil, picturesque holiday destination that offers great water sports including diving and fishing, along with mountain activities such as trekking and cycling.

For more information on travel deals to Sardinia please visit www.Traveonly.co.uk
Cagliari is a great base to explore the rest of Sardinia. Cagliari is Sardinia's capital and biggest town, but, despite its size, Cagliari is a charming city. Highlights include; the National Archaeological Museum, the impressive cathedral and numerous Roman ruins.

For more information on Cagliari travel deals please visit www.Travelonly.co.uk.
Sardinia's attractions include; beautiful beaches, Alghero's old-world harbour, Costa Smeralda's marinas home to multi-million dollar yachts and the abundant wildlife including flamingos.

If you want to find out what travel deals are available in Sardinia please visit www.Travelonly.co.uk for more information.

Travel deals to Greece soar after success of film Mamma Mia

It has been reported that 'Mamma Mia! The Movie' has put Greece on the map, and since the success of the film, bookings to destinations across Greece and its islands have increased sharply.
Mamma Mia! The Movie bought an all star cast together in Greece, including Pierce Brosnan, Meryl Streep and Colin Firth. The film was shot in numerous locations in Greece, both on the mainland and on some of its islands incuding Skiathos and Skopelos.

Greece is renowned for its beautiful weather, charming little villages, shaded olive groves and traditional tavernas. It is a popular holiday destination with families, couples and groups alike, as mainland Greece and its islands have something for everyone.Tourists flock to the Greek islands each year for relaxed summer holidays. Family-friendly beach resorts can be found on all of the Greek islands including Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Zante. Tourist resorts tend not to be over developed in Greece, although they still have a variety of fantastic restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.

Skiathos is one of the smallest Greek islands, yet has its own airport and more than 60 beaches. It is a great option for couples and families who want a relaxing sunny beach holiday, but with plenty of facilities and activities. The island has a lively marina, bars, seafood and traditional restaurants and excellent watersports.

For travel deals to Skiathos please visit www.travelonly.co.uk the uk's fastest growing travel comparison site.

Skopelos is situated just off Skiathos and is not much larger than its neighbouring island. Skopelos is a very quiet island and therefore is the perfect place for a laid back holiday. It is charming with its traditional whitewash buildings and is surprisingly lush with pine forests and ollive groves.

There are a number of livelier resorts in Greece, particularly attractive to young groups. These include Faliraki in Rhodes, Kavos in Corfu and Malia in Crete. The resorts are quiet beach resorts in the day, which come alive late at night and stay lively until very late in the morning. There is an abundance of bars and nightclubs in these resorts, amongst many hotels designed specifically for young groups.

For more information on travel deals to Greece and its islands, visit www.Travelonly.co.uk

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Miami Carnival

The Miami Carnival is one of the biggest street carnivals in the USA and the highlight of which is the carnival parade. The carnival parade if held on the final day of the festival at Bicentennial Park, with over 25 steel bands and live entertainment from Miami DJs and Soca stars. The two weeks prior to the carnival parade are also filled with exciting events, with the Mini-Carnival and Jump-up parade on Key Biscayne, there is also a mini-parade with costumed participants as well as caribbean food, drink and arts & crafts.

Miami, Florida, is a cosmopolitan hotspot, and although it is the retirement capital of the United States, it is also playground to the young, rich and famous. It is a fun beach resort, with fantastic warm weather, clean beaches, preserved art deco architecture and a lively, varied nightscene. Nightlife is sophisticated, with bars and clubs offering varied entertainment, perfect for after a taste of Florida in one of the many restaurants. Eating out ranges from 24 hour fast food stands to five star sensational restaurants.

Miami lives outdoors. Sunbathing is a popular past-time, but for the more energetic visitors, there's watersports, golf, sunset cruises and great shopping malls to stroll around.

The city of Miami is the perfect base for
Florida holiday, and gives easy access to the top attractions in the area, including Disney World, the Gold Coast and the naturally beautiful everglades.

For more information please visit the
Miami Carnival Website

Tuesday 13 July 2010

Amsterdam Canal Parade

The Amsterdam Canal Parade is the highlight of Amsterdam's Pride celebrations and this spectacular event attracts around 350,000 spectators as it passes through the city's main canals. Colourful decorated flat-bottom boats, barges and 'floating clogs' all pass through Amsterdam's waterways carrying costumed dancers and partygoers. The best places to watch the Amsterdam Canal Parade are from the bridges over the Prinsengracht and the Amstel, or from the quaysides by the Muziektheater. The next annual Amsterdam Canal Parade will be held on 7th August 2010.

For more information please visit The Amsterdam Gay Pride Website Amsterdam is a popular city break destination with couples, families and groups alike. Amsterdam is a compact city making it easy to explore on foot, or a popular choice of transport with the locals is the bicycle. The 17th century houses, cobbled streets, art museums and minimalist cafes make Amsterdam feel quintessentially Dutch. The city draws visitors to its beautiful canal network, unique culture and relaxed atmosphere.

There are plenty of sights and attractions for types of visitors; Amsterdam has various historical buildings, churches and monuments, as well as numerous windmills and musuems. Visitors can also enjoy shopping or take advantage of Amsterdam's waterways by taking a canal cruise or hiring a boat. Amsterdam, although popular with visitors looking for a cultural city break, is home to many stag and hen parties. The lively nightlife of the city attracts groups for weekend city breaks, and includes trendy bars, fashionable clubs and the infamous red light district.

Cheap flights can be found from many airports across the UK, and as Amsterdam is a short flight away it makes an excellent choice for a weekend city break. (To book cheap fights to Amsterdam visit Flydeals.co.uk) There is a range of accommodation in the city, ranging from budget guest houses to luxury hotels. The closer you stay to the centre of the city the more you will expect to pay for your stay in Amsterdam.

Tuesday 6 July 2010

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

One of the largest arts festivals in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, will take place 4 - 31 August 2010. The Edinburgh Fringe has grown immensely since it first started in 1947, and is made up of a variety of stand up comedy shows, theatrical performances, music and exhibitions.

The show is in its 64th year this year and will be the largest of them all. There will be over 40,000 performances of over 2400 shows in 259 different venues across Edinburgh. An estimated 21,148 performers will take to the stage at the 2010 festival, compared to 18,901 in 2009 and 18,792 performers in 2008.

Virtually anybody who can afford a stand at the festival is welcome to take part, which results in the Edinburgh Fringe being a massively popular event. The events take place in hundreds of different venues across the city, and performers come from all over the world. The festival is great for all the family, as there are many childrens' events to enjoy also.

For more information about the festival, visit the
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2010 website.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a popular European city break destination with tourists from all over the world. It has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world with an amazing mix of galleries and museums, restaurants and bars, and all the shopping you could wish for. The Medieval splendour, streets steeped in history, captivating culture, exciting entertainment and traditional Scottish restaurants all appeal to families, couples and groups alike. Discover world-class museums and galleries, take a tour on an open-top bus or even visit the city's own zoo. There really is something for everyone in Edinburgh.

Accommodation is in abundance in Edinburgh, from stylish hotels in the centre of the city to rural retreats in the Scottish highlands. There are also guesthouses and self catering properties. Spa breaks are also popular with visitors to the city. The city has an excellent nighlife scene, suitable for all ages. There are lively bars and clubs, theatres, cinemas and opera houses.

Edinburgh is not just for city break visitors. The city has a number of fantastic golf courses, bike tracks amongst the mountains and beautiful botanical gardens with thousands of species of plants.

Sunday 4 July 2010

Copenhagen Night of Culture

Every year in October, Copenhagen hosts the 'Night of Culture'. Museums, galleries, churches and theatres, libraries, exhibitions halls and the Rosenborg Palace all open their doors during the night so that visitors can explore the city's attractions after dark.

During the Night of Culture there are street parties, music, dancing and food stalls throughout the city. You will need a pass to get into all of the venues, but this will also give you access to the free shuttle transport around the city.

For more information visit the Night of Culture guide.

Copenhagen is a fascinating city in Denmark, and is home to popular events all year round. Copenhagen hosts cultural celebrations, sporting events, open-air operas and film festivals. It is also a great city destination for taking tours and excursions. You will soon discover that one of the great joys of Copenhagen is its compact size, which means that most of its main sights and attractions can be seen on foot. The sheer density of attractions within the city means that organised tours are often a good way to make the most of a short visit and there are plenty of walking, boat, bicycle and bus tours to choose from.

As with many European cities, Copenhagen has an abundance of bars and restaurants. Copenhagen; however, has a beautiful harbour with waterfront cafes making it a popular focal point in the evenings. The cafes are trendy meeting places, and at weekends many transform into bars and mini nightclubs.

Copenhagen is a year round city break destination. To avoid the crowds, the best time to visit would be in spring or autumn. Summers are warm and ideal for enjoying the outdoor entertainment and activities. Winters in Copenhagen are extremely cold and many of the lakes freeze; however the Christmas markets are worth a visit and draw tourists from all over the world.

Copenhagen makes a great city break destination because of its proximily to the UK. Cheap flights are available from UK airports and there is a vast range of accommodation in the city. The capital has a variety of places to stay, ranging from small cosy guesthouses on the outskirts of the city, to luxury 5* hotels in the centre of the action.

For more information on Copenhagen, visit the Copenhagen Tourism website.

Thursday 1 July 2010

Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival 2010

The Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival which is being held 18th september 2010 was first held in 1991 to celebrate the Mexican Independence and is now a popular annual event. The mariachis convene in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino dressed in wide-brimmed hats and studded charro suits. The mariachis play songs which speak about machismo, love, betrayal, death, politics and revolutionary heroes using instruments such as the bass guitaron, guitar, violin and trumpet.

Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment City of the World, it is home to a vast selection of casinos & hotels, great shopping, exciting rides, lavish shows and a huge selection of restaurants. The strip, is the heart of Las Vegas, and has been the setting for many movies and tv shows. Most entertainment is provided on the Strip - gambling, shows and bars & restaurants. Within Las Vegas, you should make time to see the Bellagio fountains, MGM Grand lion habitat, shark reef at Mandalay Bay, Stratosphere Tower, Grand Canal shopping centre at the Venetian Hotel, Fremont Street and take a helicopter tour at night. There are also major sights just outside Las Vegas, including the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Death Valley and the Great Basin National Park.

For more information please visit the Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival Website

Direct flights to Las Vegas are available from the UK; to book Cheap Flights go to http://www.travelonly.co.uk/ Las Vegas offers a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets, which range from basic hotels to high-end luxury hotels.

Friday 18 June 2010

Los Angeles Sweet and Hot Jazz Festival

Each year the Los Angeles Marriott Hotel hosts the Sweet and Hot Jazz Festival over the Labor Day weekend which is 3-6th September 2010. The festival has been celebrated since 1996 and is regarded by some as the best jazz party in America.

Hundreds of modern day performers appear on eight stages, honouring all time great jazz musicians, performing tunes from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. The pool area of the hotel is decorated with plaques, displaying the names of all time favourite jazz musicians including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Each year an additional six names are added to the collection.

For more information visit the
Sweet and Hot Jazz Festival website

Los Angeles, home to Hollywood, is a glitzy and glamourous metropolis of cities and attracts visitors with its sun, beaches and lively nighlife. Los Angeles is sure to deliver, whether you are looking for an action packed family holiday, or some more grown-up sightseeing. Disneyland and Universal Studios are popular attractions, along with the fantastic shopping, bars, restaurants and Sunset Strip and Hollywood. There is also culture aplenty in Los Angeles with museums, and concert halls. The beach is where everybody heads, to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the sun, or to enjoy the surfing and swimming.

Los Angeles really is as you would imagine, after watching all those Hollywood movies. The film and entertainment capital of the world has something for all visitors, filled with world-class museums, music, food, architecture and gardens.

Tuesday 1 June 2010

International Urban Theatre Festival, Rome 2010

The annual Festival Internazionale del Teatro Urbano, or International Urban Theatre Festival, is taking place in September 2010 and takes over streets right across Rome. The festival is a chance for performers to show off their acting skills, with the beautiful architecture and cobbled streets as a backdrop. The first day is usually dedicated to new, young actors and actresses, and alternative theatre. Performances start at 5pm and can be spotted all over the city until Midnight on the days of the event. The festival can be enjoyed by all, as the performances are on the streets and other open air venues, and therefore there are no admission charges at any of the events.

For more information please visit the International Urban Festival Rome website

Rome is a bustling, chaotic city yet attracts visitors from around the globe for exciting city break holidays. The Eternal City attacks the senses on every level with its stunning sights, creative Mediterranean cuisine and captivating culture. Rome city breaks guarantee an active and enjoyable holiday for couples and groups alike. The fascinating history, lively nighlife and some of the most famous landmarks in the world including the Vatican mean that you will leave Rome with incredible memories of an incredible city break.

Many people visit Rome to pay their respects to the Pope in St Peter's Square, before taking to the thrilling streets of the city. Bars, cafes and restaurants are open until late in the evening, serving traditional Italian delicacies including antipasto, pizza and pasta. Another famous landmark that visitors flock to is the Colosseum, to relive Ancient Rome's gladitorial battles.Shopaholics need to make time in their itinerary for shopping in the city. Rome has several shopping districts where you will find both souvenir shops and designer boutiques. Take a stoll through the streets away from the main tourist attractions to discover where the locals shop and you may just pick up a bargain or two.

Rome has a vast range of accommodation, ranging from small family run guesthouses to large luxury hotels in the centre of the city. You can find cheap flights from many airports across the UK, with many low-cost airlines flying to the area.