The impeccably-preserved city boasts renowned sites from all periods of its past, from renaissance masterpieces to historical churches to famous fountains. Imposing monuments and palaces dominate a city, which comes to life with the hustle and bustle of Vespas, visitors crowding the sites and locals going about their daily lives.

Most of Rome’s most famous sites are situated around the central and western portions of the city and many are within walking distance of each other. While accommodation in this area is convenient, prices are high, but Rome’s efficient Metro system makes it easy to navigate the city for people who wish to stay further out.

There are many large hotels located to the south west of Termini Railway Station and small cheaper hotels to the north of the station are popular among independent travellers. Tourists shouldn’t be afraid to try other types of accommodation, however. There are an increasing number of apartments, penthouses, villas and studios available for short stays which offer the comfort of a fully-equipped holiday home and make good alternatives to hotels.

Once you have arranged your accommodation and booked your flight to one of Rome’s two airports – Rome’s main airport, Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino International Airport, is connected to the city by train, or Ciampino International Airport serves most of the budget airlines and, while it is closer to the city, it does not have a train connection ? it is time to decide which sites you’re going to see.

Keep the saying ‘A lifetime is not enough’ in mind when planning your trip to Italy’s capital. For tourists who have booked to stay for a few days, it is unlikely you will see everything. Some of the essential highlights are the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Victor Emmanuel Monument in the south of the city, the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain in Old Rome, St Peter’s, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City and Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gardens for a relaxing afternoon in the north of the city. The catacombs, in the southern suburbs, are also worth a look.

Dalmatia

Dalmatia, on the Adriatic coast of Croatia, is one of the few remaining totally unspoilt areas of the Mediterranean. Here you can enjoy beautiful beaches and islands to explore, dramatic mountains and absorbing cultural experiences. A villa holiday in Dalmatia gives you the opportunity to discover the real Croatia. The local markets supply all the fresh produce you need and there is a wide choice of restaurants, bistros and small taverns where you will find local speciality fish or meat dishes and local red and white wines.

Meganissi

Villas can be rented on many of the Greek islands, but visitors to Meganissi will find a peaceful, traditional destination where they can relax and enjoy the lovely beaches or walk on the many footpaths through the beautiful scenery. The rich history of the island is evident all around and you can see old churches, wells and ruined windmills. The island’s cuisine can be sampled in the local tavernas.

Marrakech

The exotic city of Marrakech makes for a very different destination where you can rent a villa. The culture of Morocco is very interesting and you will find souks and bazaars where you can haggle for a wide range of produce. The architecture is stunning and there is plenty to see in and around the old city.

Hurghada

In Hurghada on the Red Sea Riviera you can enjoy wonderful snorkelling and diving to see the rich sea life, try a variety of water sports or simply relax on the beach. This is a lively resort with a wealth of shopping opportunities and energetic nightlife. The old town is quieter and gives visitors a taste of traditional Egyptian life.

Madeira

This beautiful island is famous for its gardens and flowers. Holidaymakers are attracted by Madeira’s subtropical climate and stunning scenery, but there are lots of activities and water sports to enjoy as well. Whale and dolphin watching are also popular pastimes and visitors to the island will have a huge selection of restaurants to try as well as excellent shopping facilities.

Wherever you decide to go for your villa holiday, you will enjoy the benefits of your own private accommodation and a more relaxed, independent experience.

Last minute holidays have continued to grow in popularity over the last several years. Even if you do not feel as though you have enough money to enjoy a break away from home, taking advantage of late deals can provide you with the travel experience of your dreams, all on an everyday affordable budget. There are several factors playing a part in their growing demand. This includes online booking and comparison websites, website subscriber discounts and affordable direct flights.

Online Booking and Comparison Websites

Online booking and comparison websites like Holiday Hypermarket play a major role in scoring the best deals around on last minute holidays. In just minutes, users can log on to their favourite travel websites, input their desired dates and be provided with a listing of the latest holidays that have had their prices drastically reduced for late travellers. Searching online makes it simple to compare different holidays with one another. See pricing, travel dates and different features that are included within each package. This gives travellers the option to select the perfect experience for them and book right from the comfort of their computer screen. Last minute holidays are ideal for those who do not have busy schedules and are available to travel at any given time for the lowest prices out there.

Affordable Direct Flights

Direct flights will take you to your desired destination without any layovers or stops along the way – the bane of all frequent travellers. Get from one location to the next quickly and with ease. Last minute flights make it easy to find affordable direct flights, a major perk for those looking to enjoy a holiday on-the-fly, as the low cost carriers tend to drop prices in the days and hours before flying just to fill seats and get the cash flow. You just have to be very vigilant for the best deals.

Subscriber Discounts

Members-only travel clubs give their subscribers the opportunity to save up to 70& off on luxury holidays around the world. Quality holidays and great offers can be found daily with special deals available for last-minute experiences. For those who enjoy travelling a lot, becoming a travel club member could be the right choice for you. With access to hotels and holidays at some of the lowest prices around, you will not find these deals available anywhere else.

Spontaneous Experiences

And lastly, another major driving demand point in late travel packages is the ability to be spontaneous. Take a break from your normal day to day life and live a little on the wild side. Booking a holiday at the last minute can be thrilling, exciting and provide you with an experience that you may have never thought was possible.

There are many packages that can be secured by buying Orlando tickets online and, with the surrounding theme parks being among the most popular in the world, it is certainly advisable to book and plan in advance. The most famous of all the resorts is the stunning Walt Disney World, a place where dreams come true. Meet Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Sleeping Beauty and many more legendary characters, and take in the superb attractions such as the famous Magic Kingdom, the futuristic Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, and eat at one of the many restaurants on site.

Golfers will delight in Disneyland’s choice of five courses, each with different levels of difficulty. Further thrills can be had with the Richard Petty Driving Experience, a race track devised in conjunction with the legendary NASCAR king. The sheer excitement that Disneyland Florida provides makes it a holiday in its own right.

Orlando itself is a wonderful city, a vibrant place with plenty of attractions. A small but lively city, the mix of modern and older architecture makes it a marvel for those who like to admire local architecture. The city is served by a high speed rail link and a busy airport, and highways are well planned and efficient. Unlike the coastal regions of Florida, Orlando is not so susceptible to damage in the hurricane season, and this is the major reason why Walt Disney chose the city over others for his theme park.

Walt Disney World will continue to draw visitors to the region thanks to its continued expansion and innovation. The new Fantasyland attraction has been hailed as the best so far to grace this wonderful complex, and offers visitors the chance to meet even more of Disney’s many famous characters. Fantasyland, a high-tech feature, offers something new and exciting to the attractions the park has to offer.

Visit Orlando for the best holiday experience you will ever have, and you won’t forget it.

If you’re planning a quick break away then Malaga could be the destination for you. We’ll give you a break-down of our top four things to do in this fantastic city.

Museo Picasso Málaga

No trip to Malaga could be complete without a trip to the Museo Picasso Málaga, which celebrates the life of Malaga’s greatest son, Pablo Ruiz Picasso. It may be one of the world’s many Picasso museums, but this one can boast 285 works donated by members of the legendary artist’s family.

Dolphin Watching in Gibraltar

A great benefit of Malaga is its proximity to neighbouring Gibraltar. Making for a fascinating day trip it’s just a two hour air-conditioned coach journey across the border, where you can climb the famous Rock of Gibraltar to marvel at the views of Spanish and Moroccan coastlines. There are several dolphin-watching cruises to add a touch of magic to your trip. Home to three different species of dolphin, the cruises often deliver sightings of the beautiful creatures.

On Your Bike

See parts of Malaga that traditional tours simply can’t reach on a thrilling guided biking tour! You can cycle through narrow Arabic streets and the historic Jewish quarter, around beautiful Spanish churches, ancient Roman ruins, hidden plazas and parks, the port, the bull ring, and along the beachfront – to name but a few, of course.
Your guide can explain the history and culture of Malaga and its people. When you take a break at the beach bar don’t miss a chance to try Malaga dulce, the famous local sweet wine.

Dine at La Moraga

This new chain opened by the Michelin star awarded chef Dani Garcia simply must be experience. It can be found near the airport, so it’s easy to locate. Promising creative cuisine with deep local roots, the cherry gazpacho is great, as is the ox tail hamburger, but you’re sure to find your own personal favourite.
To do all of these great things and more in Malaga, simply head to Jet2.com to snap up cheap flights to Malaga for less than you might think!

There’s one place in particular that’s synonymous with skiing luxury and where this image comes unquestionably true: Switzerland. Here, the Alps cover 65% of the country’s surface area and reach over 4,500 metres high. The thick snow that falls here eventually ends up in one of the many rivers meandering their way around the mountainsides, helping give Switzerland its nickname of the ‘water tower of Europe’.

To ski Switzerland means to enjoy some of the best snow conditions in the world, surrounded by the most magnificent and awe-inspiring scenery of the Alps. But its famous reputation isn’t just for the rich and the royals.

Switzerland should be at the top of everyone’s dream ski destination list. Aside from its first-class reputation, Switzerland also has excellent transport networks and fantastic ski schools.

Families, friends and couples can all experience the authentic alpine atmosphere in the heart of Europe at an affordable cost. The increase in popularity of skiing and snowboarding over the past years has given birth to a range of ski companies who specialise in making the world’s best ski resorts available to every budget.

The hardest part about heading to Switzerland for the snow season is choosing which resort to stay at. As you can imagine, with the country largely covered in mountains, there’s plenty to choose from. Combining your perfect destination with Crystal Ski deals means you can create the ideal snow escape for your personal taste.

Grindelwald

This picture-postcard village is full of traditional Swiss charm and character. Set in the Jungfrau region and beneath the backdrop of the mighty Eiger, you’ll struggle to find a more impressive location.

A mixed-bag of blue, red and black runs, Grindelwald caters for all abilities and provides fantastic activities for those less inclined to strap on a pair of skis. Take the train to just beneath the peak of the Jungfrau and witness the awe-inspiring views, including an ice palace carved into a glacier.

Wengen

As a neighbour to Grindelwald, Wengen is also surrounded by unforgettable scenery, but is full of skiing history. It was one of the first places where British skiers were welcomed, and from here you can reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jungfraujoch, often referred to as the land of eternal snow.

Wengen is a quaint village scattered with chalet-style shops, bars and restaurants, and can be accessed via a charming mountain railway.

Veysonnaz

Looking over the Rhone valley and across to the Bernese Alps, Veysonnaz combines modern tourism with a traditional village atmosphere. As soon as the snow begins to fall, Veyonnaz becomes a haven for winter sports. But it still maintains its small, quiet resort feel that is perfect for a relaxing holiday for couples and families.

As part of the ‘Four Valleys’, Veyonnaz is surrounded by over 250 miles of piste. First-time skiers will love the beginner runs manoeuvring their way down the slopes from the top of the Gondola, while fans of long lunches will appreciate the selection of bars and restaurants in the old village.

France

Several of the world’s most famous wine regions are packed between French borders. Probably the most extensive—and prestigious—wine producing region is Bordeaux, a city known for its fine arts scene and shopping as well. Stay at the Relais & Chateau hotel member Chateau Cordeillan-Bages for easy access to some of the region’s best wineries, or head to Les Sources de Caudalie for some rest, relaxation, and vinotherapie, wine-flavoured spa treatments.

The wine regions of Burgundy have been cultivated by monks since the 500s, and still have a reputation for producing some the world’s finest wines today. Because the vineyards in this region are mostly independently owned, you can have a lovely experience staying at a small bed & breakfast like Chateau de Melin (Auxey-Duresses) or Caveau Saint-Nicolas (Morey-Saint-Denis), or be pampered with luxury stays and meals at Hotel Restaurant Lameloise (Chagny) or Hostellerie de Levernois (Beaune).

For sparkling wine lovers, the Champagne wine region is a must-stop, and getting there is a cinch when you take the train from London to Paris and then continue east. Hearty dishes like carbonnade de boeuf and cheeses like chaource and langres are popular here, though they don’t pair particularly well with the region’s signature drink. Learn about the champagne-making process with a stay at Champagne Ployez-Jacquemart (Ludes) or the luxury Château des Etoges (Etoges).

Italy

Doing a weekend wine tour in Italy is truly a special treat, as each region’s local cuisine reflects its native wines. Tuscany and Umbria are probably the two most famous wine regions in Italy, known both for their stunning mountain and vineyard scenery and wine varieties such as Chianti, Orvieto, and Torgiano. The food is simple but flavourful, including fresh bruschetta, pasta fagioli, beef valigette, and affettati misti. Plan to stay—or at least eat and drink—at the Michelin-starred resort Il Pellicano (Porto Ercole).

Close to the border of France lies one of Italy’s other famous wine regions, Piedmont, known for its rich, complex wine flavours. Piedmont is also known as Italy’s most progressive food region, though you’ll probably want to taste an old favourite—the while truffle—while you’re there. Stay at the Bella Baita Bed and Breakfast in the Italian Alps for a peaceful retreat and some excellent country-style cooking. There’s an excellent guide on Trip Advisor with detailed information on some France’s wine producing regions

London has a reputation for being a city with a big appetite. It may not be as precociously ravenous as New York, but then the UK capital isn’t nicknamed after a foodstuff. Instead, Londoners like themselves good food and a lot of it; in variety and diversity…but also sometimes we like something a little bit dirty. Easy. And not too posh.

It’s at Christmas time that all these hungers come to a head: the traditional season of feasting yourself silly, big cities are well-known for doing the festive dining thing with over-enthusiasm.

Whether you’re up in the capital for a city break and need a reason to leave your hotel breakfast or cosy bed, or you’re a resident and need a bit of inspiration, here are some thoughts and tips on eating well in the coldest of seasons.

Big dinner blow-outs for meat eaters

Where to go? Meat is a big deal in London dining circles at the moment. For the ultimate roast – beef, that is – then you’ll want to check out Hawksmoor. It’s pretty fancy schmancy but the runaway success of the restaurant now means that you have four London branches to choose from. The central one in Seven Dials Covent Garden is ideal for a big boozy Sunday lunch and good cocktails too.

For the ultimate in indulgent snacking, however, check out Meat Liquor.  There’s no reservations and this Welbeck Street newbie is fast becoming a hipster favourite with evening queues, but hop in at 1am on a Friday or Saturday and you can gorge on the most ridiculously massive – and very good – burger you may ever eat. For a burger prices are pretty high – but I’ve been reliable informed that it’s worth it….

Quick refueling

If you want a delicious falafel and you’re in the east, wander up Hoxton Street – you might be lucky enough to find the falafel man with his wandering trailer. For £4 you get a righteously massive wrap – but if that doesn’t sate your hunger you can go one size bigger for an extra pound.

Other great stalls and street vendors around the city include the Wahaca pop-up outside the Southbank Centre, where you’ll get a huge burrito for £6, or some of the excellent stalls on Whitecross Market near the Barbican. It’s very busy at lunchtime, but a bit less of a crush than Borough Market.

Cheap and cheerful

Indian Veg on Chapel Market N1 remains my ultimate place for never ending, healthy and yummy food: a choice of three vegan curries, rice, salads, onion bhajees and lots of little extras, for about £4 all you can eat. Mien Tay on Kingsland Road is a standout Vietnamese spot for your cheap and cheerful needs – plus it’s BYOB.

Festive as hell

An obvious choice is the Real Food Christmas Market, back on the Southbank for another bumper year. Get inspired by everything from great little liqueurs and drinks to huge cuts of meat and cheese for the end of the Christmas feast. Or, for a proper posh mince pie, head to Villandry on Great Portland Street for some very soft buttery pastry and mini sizes.

And if you’re looking for a hotel in London during the festive period, consider a stay at the Crowne Plaza London-Kensington hotel.

How things have changed! Today’s family holidays are as likely to be taken at the other side of the world and the vacation could involve anything from cooking to coasteering, as well as just soaking up the sun. And, it is equally the case that different members of the family can be involved in different activities within the same holiday.

The change in our holiday patterns reflects changes in society and today, it is more than likely that a family holiday group will contain step children, family friends, grandparents and sometimes even ex spouses. Therefore, it is vital that anyone planning a holiday with the family does their research thoroughly to take into account the different needs of different members of the group.

Take accommodation; for most families, self catering cottages and apartments turn out to be the most economic option. In addition, it gives more flexibility for meals, but also more facilities; the latter being particularly important if it is an active holiday requiring equipment and drying facilities.

Many of the most successful holidays designed for families and groups involve activities. This is particularly the case if the party contains children and teenagers, as then there is the opportunity to learn new skills, as well as developing existing ones. And, with activity meaning everything from walking to windsurfing, this type of holiday is ideal for a large group of varying ages.

Take a stunningly beautiful mountainous are like the Dolomites, for example. Activity holidays can involve the more energetic negotiating the high altitudes of the mountains by via ferrata, others can spend the day painting the dramatic landscapes, while another group might be learning more about Alpine flora on a wildflower walk. And what better way to find out what everyone else has been up to than over a hearty meal round the chalet kitchen table?

The range of different types of holiday and destinations is now vast and even those with eccentric interests, or the desire to visit exotic destinations, will find something to suit them. And, in the internet age, it has never been easier to keep abreast of summer holiday travel news.

The fascinating souks, refreshing hammams and exquisite dining are all popular reasons to visit Morocco. One activity in particular that attracts visitors throughout the year is hiking. If you’re eager to plan an activity holiday to Morocco this winter, search holidays to Marrakech with Dealchecker and other online providers.

Discover the High Atlas

The High Atlas mountain range is easily accessible from Marrakech – only a couple of hours’ drive away. Winter is a good time to explore the region because it’s cooler than at other times of the year and yet it remains mild, dry and sunny. Temperatures range from 10° C to 20° C, although night time temperatures can regularly fall below zero at high altitudes.

Because of the short distance between Marrakech and the key hiking areas, travellers can arrange short hikes from the city, travelling to the High Atlas and back again in the same day. However, overnight stays are often recommended for longer treks.

Popular hiking areas in Morocco

The village of Imlil is a good place to start any hike. From here, hikers can explore the Imlil Valley, as well as trekking to the summit of Mount Toubkal, which at 4,167 metres is the highest peak in the whole of North Africa. This offers a challenging climb and dramatic scenery, but hikers need to prepare themselves for the freezing conditions during the winter months.

The Ourika Valley is another good area that provides gentler hikes, although the landscape isn’t as dramatic as that surrounding Imlil. Hikers will discover deep gorges and ancient Berber villages as they enjoy a trek that can last anywhere from one day to a whole week. Visitors may also want to stop off in the village of Setti Fatma to see its seven waterfalls.

Winter hike preparations

Travellers heading to Marrakech for a winter hiking experience need to be well prepared. The steep, rocky terrain and high altitudes mean that a good level of fitness is essential, as is the right equipment, which includes walking boots, a sleeping bag for cold nights, waterproof gear, gloves, hats and sun cream.

Travellers may also want to hire a guide to accompany them on their hikes. The affordable local guides are very knowledgeable, and will arrange mules to carry the heavier equipment and take hikers to the most interesting places.

Discover winter hiking in Marrakech

Hiking is the perfect activity for anyone visiting Marrakech during the winter months. With cooler weather, fewer tourists and hiking trails to suit all levels, there’s plenty of uninterrupted opportunity to enjoy the landscape. Don’t miss out on this rewarding activity – even if you opt for a day trip from Marrakech and come back to the refreshing hammams (Turkish baths) in the evening!