Orlando is a city that is famed as a prime holiday resort, not least for its many theme park resorts. The beautiful state of Florida is perfect for a family break, with stunning beaches and a wealth of attractions, and it is to Orlando that visitors flock to each year. There is no mystery as to why they come: in addition to the attractions of the city itself, easy access to the famous Disneyland Florida, SeaWorld, Gatorland and a variety of top class water parks makes it a place where there is always something to see and do.

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.

When winter hits it’s all too easy to sink into misery at the sight of grey clouds and rain. But in some parts of the world, winter is the most beautiful time of the year. A majestic mountain range covered in a thick layer of powdery, white snow and dotted with charming towns full of chalets and lodges is a picturesque image of natural beauty.

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.

What could make a better escape than a weekend getaway to one of Europe’s most renowned wine regions? When you schedule a wine tasting tour through France or Italy, you’ll learn more about the wine production process, be surrounded by gorgeous vineyards, and, of course, have plenty of fine wines on-hand to try and enjoy. Read this guide for tips on where to travel and stay during your trip.

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

Time was family summer holidays meant mum, dad and the two kids taking off for a couple of weeks to a traditional seaside resort for a bucket and spade holiday. The same scenario would be repeated throughout the country where the entire family indulged in some paddling and sandcastle building, with maybe a trip to the pictures, if the weather turned wet.

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.

One of the most popular times to visit Marrakech is during the winter months when the weather is cool, but remains warm enough to attract travellers seeking respite from the bitter cold of the European winter.

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!

Madagascar is an island which is can be found in the Indian Ocean just off the Southern coast of Africa. Madagascar is the fourth biggest island in the world and is home to five percent of all the worlds animal and plant species. Madagascar has recently made a name for itself as a great holiday destination for people who enjoy outdoor activities and extreme sports and here’s why:

If you are a fan of water sports, there is much to enjoy on the island of Madagascar. There are several diving centres on the island, the main ones being Nossi Be, Nossi Lava and Toliara. Divers of all levels will find a suitable place to dive and diving lessons are offered throughout the island. There are many municipal pools in Madagascar for bathers to enjoy. Both the west coast and the north coast are home to scuba diving instructors and the seas there are perfect for spotting exotic marine life. Water skiing, sailing and white water rafting are also extensively available all over the island.

Trekking is a very popular outdoor activity on the island. There are many different trekking and hiking tours available on Madagascar and they are operated by experienced local tour operators who know the best places to visit and the safest way to proceed. Tours are usually split up into categories based on the interests of the walkers. For instance, if you are interested in the rare orchids of the island, you could go on a tour which specifically takes you to locations where they grow or if you like birds, you could go on a hike which takes you into the habitat of the islands various bird life, a bird watcher’s dream.

If you are a sports fan, there are many facilities which will be suitable for you. There are many football pitches on the island and some of the rice fields are even used for football when the weather is right. Volleyball, golf and basketball facilities are also widely available on the island.

When going on a holiday which will be filled with outdoor activities, it is very important that you have the correct equipment such as walking or hiking boots if you are going trekking. If you are trekking in the rainforest, you will need decent waterproof clothing made by a decent company such as Berghaus which will stand up well in whatever conditions you encounter.  You may also need water flasks, rucksacks etc. If you do not go prepared for your activities, you could get yourself into trouble and possibly even injure yourself, so, it is always best to be prepared for all eventualities.

In the old days, when the children were younger, the family holiday was something that you did every summer without fail. Despite the rising cost and the difficult logistics, it was something you looked forward to. Whether it was flying to the south of France to soak up some relaxing lemon-coloured sunshine and eat some world-class cuisine, or taking a two-week city break in Athens or Rome, where the kids could finally be introduced to classical antiquities and paintings and frescoes from the Old Masters, the family holiday was non-negotiable. Of course, the summer trip did not have to be as expensive as those memorable examples, nor did it have to be as far way. You used to go hiking for a week in Cornwall, or venture up to the Scottish highlands.

Reinstating the Family Holiday

As the children got older, however, the family vacation fell by the wayside. The kids wanted to take summer jobs or go on trips to Ibiza or Croatia with their classmates. This year, whether the kids like it or not, you are putting your fatherly foot down and reinstating the family holiday. When you told them at the beginning of summer that you had booked a family holiday to America, their eyes lit up with excitement. When you told them that you were heading to the Walt Disney Resort for a week at the end of July, their jaws dropped in dismay and horror.

The Magic Kingdom Comes Under Attack

To be fair, your kids are not really kids anymore but young adults, so their initial reaction was not surprising. However, once you told them about the classy resort hotel, pristine golf courses and world-class restaurants, they started to warm up to the idea. Once you gave them a full description of Epcot Centre, Universal Studios and the Typhoon Lagoon, they were sold, which was good because you had already booked the tickets. The Magic Kingdom, however, was met with fierce resistance. What could you do? The kids might be right; the Magic Kingdom was certainly nothing like the all-night discos of Ibiza or the culinary hotspots in Croatia. Maybe you had misjudged the idea that everyone, no matter what their age, is going to love Cinderella’s Castle, Space Mountain, Big Thunder, midnight fireworks and the Electric Parade.

You All Lived Happily Ever After

Of course, the kids did love the Magic Kingdom. Once their youthful irony and smarminess was defeated by the idea of having a fun and carefree time, they let themselves enjoy the moment. This is what Walt Disney World is all about. Cynicism is defeated, and the family lives happily ever after, at least until the next family holiday.

For trips to Disney World, visit Travel City Direct for more information!

The Open Air Theatre has been a key part of London’s Regent’s Park for 80 years, providing outdoor theatre and live events from May to September. Ticketing options for the 1,240 seat auditorium range from £49.50 for premium seats, through to £22.50 for budget visitors. One of the current events at the Theatre is a new production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which runs from June up to the 5th of September 2012.

The play, directed by Matthew Dunster, updates Shakespeare’s farce to take place in a gypsy camp facing eviction, and also makes use of contemporary music. The play’s staging makes the most of the outdoor park setting to include a lavish single set, as well as a rich selection of costumes.

This performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream builds on past successes at the Open Air Theatre, which have recently included re-imaginings of Into the Woods and The Crucible. The Theatre is also hosting the American history-themed Ragtime: The Musical until the 8th of September, as well as performances by Jimmy Carr, films, and some live music gigs throughout the summer months and the early autumn.

A visit to the Open Air Theatre is ideal for exploring the lakes, villas and fields of Regent’s Park in West London. The Theatre is located within the Park’s inner circle. Visitors can make the most of picnics and walks around the Park before a performance and there are also several hotels in the area, such as the Holiday Inn at www.hilondonregentsparkhotel.co.uk.

The Theatre also provides barbecues and packaged picnics, as well as a larger bar than any West End venue. Coffee shops and other small restaurants are also available nearby. Although bad weather can be a problem for performances, the Theatre will exchange tickets for another night.

The Open Air Theatre is accessed via a short walk from local Tube stops, with the closest station being Baker Street on the Bakerloo Line. Further up the Line, the main Regent’s Park stop, and the Great Portland Street stop on the Westbound Hammersmith and City Line are also within walking distance.

Regent’s Park is also about 20 minutes’ walk from the West End, and close to Madame Tussauds by Baker Street station. Those wanting to go out and eat or drink after watching A Midsummer Night’s Dream this summer can enjoy sampling restaurants like Iberica on Devonshire Street, and a selection of pubs along Marylebone High Street.

Many major cities have a rich art heritage, but some cities are so steeped in art history that tourists will flock to them specifically for that purpose.  Travel companies have identified the demand for art tours. Consequently, art lovers can now visit the home cities of famous artists, from Pierre-Auguste Renoir in Paris to Rembrandt in Amsterdam.

Paris and Amsterdam

Paris and Amsterdam are two of the best cities in the world for art lovers to visit, with the French capital being the centre of the Impressionist Movement in the late 19th Century. Amsterdam has been famous for centuries for being home to many great artists. Aside from Rembrandt, tours are available relating to artists such as Johannes Vermeer and Vincent van Gogh.

Italian Art and the Renaissance

Italy is probably the country with the richest cultural history in the Western World. Beginning with the classical sculptures of the Romans, Italy has had a massive influence on art and culture around the globe. The Renaissance, which began in the 1300s, saw great leaps forward in art, science and exploration. Florence, Rome and Venice were three of the cities that were the most significant during the Renaissance period, which produced artistic geniuses Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael.

There are tours to Rome that focus on this magical city’s art and history and Renaissance tours to Venice and museum and art tours to Florence. Other Italian cities rich in culture include Milan, Turin, Naples and Genoa.

 Spanish Art and Culture

Spain is another country which will greatly appeal to lovers of art, with Madrid and Barcelona being two of the most culturally rich cities in Europe. The work of Pablo Picasso can be seen on an art tour to Madrid and Barcelona provides art and architecture tours that take in the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral, which was designed by Gaudi.

 A Whole World of Art

Art and culture tours are not only available to European countries, but also to America and Australia. Whether it’s seeing great works of art close up, or being inspired by a room a great artist worked in, art tours help in giving an art lover a very real understanding of an artist and their work.

This great cities offer exhibitions dedicated to the artists’ work but also, the culture of the city helps you to imagine the influences that lent themselves to the artist’s style and development.

The Ultimate Travel Company have partnered with The Tate to create Tate Travels which have tours to Oslo to explore the work of Edvard Munch, a tour to Madrid to see the influence behind Picasso’s Guernica and many more.

When I was a child, my dad had a whole cupboard filled with slides from the holidays we went on. That was the memory closet, and when often during restless summer days I would go to it. Taking one by one out, as not to disturb the order that my father had so thoughtfully created, I sat on the floor looking at them. Tedious as it was, I tried to recapture the moments from an image the size of a stamp.

Happily, there are new ways of holding on to such images. They are improving at a rapid pace also, but the mere fact that we have progressed to a point where we can flip a switch and watch the key times experienced on a trip. Plus, the equipment that makes it possible can be found in the size of a camera the size of a pack of playing cards.

If you are planning a journey that you would like to memorialize then now is a great time to invest in a pocket sized camcorder to make it a reality. Many will shoot HD movies while simultaneously saving the info for high quality photos. Uploading is as easy as connecting a USB plug. Thus, you can share the experience with friends and family both local and far and wide.