Christmas is now a distant memory and the chilly weather is slowly but surely moving on, making it an ideal time to start planning your 2012 family holiday.

Travelling with kids can seem like a daunting prospect. Cheap holidays to Spain can be a great first holiday for families with young children, as are holidays to Turkey (another family favourite).

There’s a whole world of options to explore, so aim to find a place that is right for you and your brood, with a relatively short travelling time and that offers something to please everyone.

Benidorm, Spain

Picking one of the many hotels in Benidorm can be the ticket to a fun-packed family holiday to remember. This coastal town in the south of Spain is known for being home to some of the liveliest child-friendly bars and restaurants as well as some top attractions.

Adrenaline junkies will love Benidorm’s Terra Mítica Fun Park, the largest theme park in Europe, which offers rides for all ages as well as street performers and spectacular shows.

Other excursions include Mundomar, a marine life paradise, and Aqualandia, an immense waterpark with pools, flumes and lagoons.

Marmaris, Turkey

Holidays to Turkey have become increasingly popular in the last ten years. The port city of Marmaris is an alternative to holidays in Spain, offering beautiful beaches, stunning weather (reaching approximately 35 degrees C at the height of summer) and an extensive range of activities for the family.

Traditionally a fishing town, Marmaris welcomes tourism, which is now their financial backbone. As well as some of the best waterparks in the Mediterranean (AquaDream is not to be missed), nearby Cleopatra Island is home to beaches that are known for their super soft sands.

Rome, Italy

Spending your days eating fine Mediterranean food and drinking wonderful wines in a city that oozes history and culture makes Rome an excellent city destination for your family holiday.

The city is brimming with historical sites such as the Colosseum, where vicious gladiator and animal fights brought in crowds in their thousands, and the Trevi Fountain, one of the largest and most well-known fountains in the world. There is no better way to whet a child’s appetite for history than by living it and only a select number of places bring it to life quite like Rome.

It would almost be a sin to visit Rome and not eat a true Italian pizza. Enjoy a simple, fresh piece of mozzarella heaven and put your meat feast days well behind you.

Coral Bay, Cyprus

Although having lots to do is great for keeping everyone occupied, those who prefer to spend their holidays kicking back and relaxing will feel right at home in Coral Bay.

Cyprus can seem a little pricier than other holidays in the Mediterranean, however, if you are planning to spend your days lazing on a lounger, with your children happily occupied building sandcastles and splashing in the pool, you can save a fortune in attraction tickets, while having luxurious surroundings to relax in.

Menorca, Spain

Travelling with the family can be expensive, though it is still possible to find some excellent cheap holidays to Spain. Many have visited the holiday hot spot Majorca, but if you instead consider its slightly quieter sister island, Menorca, you should find a good deal surprisingly easy.

Although a holiday in Menorca is predominantly based around sun, sea and sand, watersports and little shopping towns are also a pleasurable way to spend a day.

Should the kids get a little temperamental, a trip to Cala’n Forcat with its waterslides and trampolines bids a day away from bathing in the beautiful beaches and soaking in the stunning scenery.

Puerto De La Cruz, Tenerife

The Canary Islands are a popular destination for UK holiday makers. Tenerife is typically known for its year-round warm weather and its lively nightlife. However, if the latter of the two usually strikes this destination off your list, Puerto De La Cruz in the north of the island is a family-friendly destination which still benefits from the gorgeous Canaries climate.

Like the rest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife offers stunning sands and wondrous waters. Puerto De La Cruz has three volcanic sand beaches as well as being home to the largest salt water lake pool in the Canaries, Lago de Martianez. The pool is surrounded by refreshment areas, which can get particularly busy during peak season.

If splashing and swimming gets a little tiring, Loro Parque brings children up close to wetland wildlife including penguins, dolphins and orcas.

Whatever destination you choose, discovering any of the best places in the Mediterranean is the perfect way to spend your summer.

While the surrounding oil rich Arabian countries are constructing modern day marvels, there is one local destination where history and culture are being focused upon. The place that has set out on a present day cultural revival is none other than Oman. Thanks to the sultan who rose to power back in the seventies, this has been a constant goal.

The results frame such achievements as some of the grandest hotels, a tremendous yacht accommodation on its coast. Hence, a high rollers paradise, and a playground for those who want to experience the life of a member of royalty. Nothing is spared, if you can yearn for it, they can produce it.

Go here to escape the massive and overpowering skyscrapers. Spend your day light hours amongst the sculptured desert gardens and the evenings in the new opera house. In total, you would have to travel far and wide to formulate even pieces of what this refined quarter offers in one locale.

Jordan holidays are a destination you can return to again and again. The scenery is timeless, the food is alluring and the Jordanian hospitality is priceless. Take a quick Jordan break to Amman or indulge your senses with the grand tour. Some of the highlights are found in Amman, Petra, Aqaba and Madaba:

1. The Dead Sea
Take a break for a full or half-day excursion to the lowest land level on earth. The Dead Sea is a scenic place and the water performs a magic trick when you jump in. Due to the high salt content, everything floats in the Dead Sea. Kick back on an inner tube and enjoy the ride, the Dead Sea excursion remains one of the most popular excursions for a unique day out from Amman.

2. Royal Automobile Museum, Amman
This one of a kind attraction houses the vehicles treasured by King Hussein of Jordan. From luxury cars to flashy sports cars, the hip and happening king had the need for speed with Lamboghinis, Cadillacs and a collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Royal Automobile Museum is located in King Hussein Park and the Children’s Museum is just a few steps down the block.

3. Petra
Situated out in the desert, Petra is a blast to the past with a remarkably well preserved city built by the ancient Nabataean peoples. Visitors may access the site by donkey or horse, however the best way to get yourself down there is on foot. Explore the intricate carvings on the ancient homes cut into the rock and gain a new perspective on Middle Eastern architecture.

4. Aqaba
Take a first-class dive in the crystal clean Red Sea with an excursion to beautiful Aqaba. Whether an experienced diver or just getting your feet wet for the first time, Aqaba dive centres use the best equipment and provide expert instruction for all ages.

5. Madaba
One of the most fascinating and hypnotic maps in the world is housed at the Church of St George in Madaba. This treasure from antiquity maps out the region of the Holy Land with over two million pieces of stone.

Some of your Jordan holiday meals are meant to be special. However, some times you want a full stomach and a wallet to match. Eat more and spend less at these top picks for quality Amman restaurants priced cheap as chips.

1. B Lebanese Pastries
Eat and drink on the cheap for a tasty pastry or full service meal. B Lebanese is opened for breakfast, brunch and lunch and makes a excellent choice for a quick hot meal on the run.

2. Pizza Lover
This economical pizzeria keeps the price down low and the Italian flavors running on high. Zesty sauces, pasta dishes and signature chicken wings make Pizza Lover number one in Amman.

3. Wild Jordan
Kick back, relax and take in the views. Wild Jordan is opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner and provides some nice scenic dining over the hills. Priced as a moderate, Wild Jordan fits into to most holiday budgets.

4. Jafra
This busy coffee shop is popular with tourists and locals alike. Jafra is a dependable restaurant for an upbeat atmosphere, pleasing decor and a price that’s just right.

5. Kan Zaman
This classical Arabic eatery is just what you are looking for when you want Middle Eastern food. Kan Zaman is opened for lunch and dinner, however you get the real feel of the place at night with live Arabic music and entertainment.

Click here for great deals and offers on Jordan tours and escorted tours.

Boston sits along the Charles River. It is famous for both its historical importance in America and its vast array of tourist activities. It is also the largest city in New England, as well as the capitol of the State of Massachusetts. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Eastern coast, pulling in more than 16 million visitors every single year.

There are more than 16 districts in Boston, effectively making it a considerably larger city than it was during the 18th century. It can also have pretty unpredictable weather, with cold bouts during the winter and stints of humidity during the summer, so it’s best to be prepared for a variety of climates before you set foot in town. The best time to visit Boston is between the months of May and September. The weather is generally pleasant during this time.

John Winthrop, the first Governor of Massachusetts, famously referred to the city of Boston as a “shining city on a hill.” It was originally envisioned to be a Christian utopia for the previously persecuted settlers from Europe. Today it is looked upon as the starting point of the American Revolution, making it important to historians.

Looking to fly into Boston? You can fly into the Boston Logan International Airport. It is the largest and most convenient airport in the region, also acting as the gateway to New England. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are two of the main European carriers that fly into Boston Logan International Airport. If you are arriving by train, you can choose from the South Station, Back Bay and North Station. Amtrack also serves the Boston area, although there is no direct link from Boston and Canada. Coming in by bus is also an option, but driving in your own car is not recommended. Traffic in Boston can become quite gridlocked, and it is better to commute using the “T” or commuter train. You’ll spend less on transportation and you won’t have to sit in heavy traffic.

There are several main attractions to visit in the Boston area, chief among them being The Museum of Fine Arts and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments. The Harvard Art Museum and the Harvard Museum of Natural History are also big tourist attractions. The USS Constitution Museum is definitely a must-see. It is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Tour Old Ironsides and enjoy hands-on exhibits. The Independence Day Celebration in Boston is also an incredible experience.

As far accommodations go in Boston, the area near the Charles River and downtown Boston offer the best choices. Boston Harbour also offers some stunning hotel choices in addition to the hotels on the Charles River.

Click here for great deals and offers on Boston hotels and family holidays.

Unfortunately, due to the possible effects of global warming, there are certain places that are not expected to always be around in their current state for our enjoyment. One of these destinations is Alaska, the icy wilderness wonderland. It has been reported that the impact of global warming will seriously impact this spot.

This is a locale known best for its natural beauty, in both warm weather and cold. While some people opt to visit it when the glaciers are in their most spectacular setting of winter, others prefer the sheer gorgeousness of the wild animals returning from hibernation and roaming freely within view.

Whether you are a believer of such claims or not, it makes sense either way to get to this enchanting region to see all that it has to offer. To prompt you even further, the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, which was opened in 2009 is said to be outstanding. It allows visitors to stay in cabins within the confines of the Kenjai Fjords National Park, something previously unheard of. This could become more than just an experience of a lifetime.

Some people go to great lengths, and expense to preplan every inch of a trip, while others leave things up in the air. You will get proponents of both camps, but without a doubt, in most cases I would have to say a modicum of preparation upon arrival to your destination is in your best interest.

Sure, sure keeping things open, and going with the flow both sound nice. However, if you were to look back at photos taken on a holiday that was well mapped out in advance and those from one that kind of evolved on its own, I think the better of the two will become obvious.

Certainly, everyone does not have to buy three travel guides, research every sight, and compile a two hundred bound manual on what they will see and do on their trip. But, if you can get your hands on one of those already made by somebody else, I would highly recommend it.

The point is, if you are completely nonchalant, you are going to miss out on some photo worthy experiences, and if you are so wrapped up in the guide you will miss the moment altogether too. Balance things when creating your plan, and chances are when you flip through your holiday photos you will recognize the importance of it.

When you are on a family trip, you have your heart set on acquiring some great pics of the whole group. Unfortunately, more often than not this is not possible, unless you ask some passerby to take the shot. However, you can make it so that you are able to take the photos yourself, and be in them too with a single purchase.

Thus, you will no longer struggle to find someone else to help capture the moment. Nor will you leave things to chance that the person you stop will not run off with your camera and all of the priceless pictures that already exist within it.

Look into a product called the QuikPod. It is an extendable hand-held unipod. When folded the telescoping wand is seven and a half inches long, and is four ounces in weight. But, when extended it becomes eighteen and a half inches long, making it possible for you to take the images. Best part in my opinion is that it has a mirror that allows you to preview images. This item works with any camera or camcorder that has a standard tripod fitting and weighs under ten and a half ounces. It also comes with a bunch of useful accessories.

While on a photographic safari through Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, which is listed as the eighth natural wonder of the world I learned an unexpected lesson. After the first three days of our journey, our guide, Justin, told me that while I was spending so much of my time trying to capture images, I was not seeing them properly, and as such was missing out on the proper experience.

Considering I was on a trip in which everyone in the group was heavily loaded down with photography equipment, I decided to sit back and watch for a bit. I did indeed see what the guide meant, and I changed my approach for the rest of the excursion. Even by minimizing the number of pictures I took from that point on, I still returned home with over five hundred shots.

Still, I got Justin’s valid point, and it has impacted the way I travel ever since. I set out to observe more through my own eyes, and less through the lens of a camera. I highly recommend it.

Believe it or not, there are still railways that are economical, accommodating and enjoyable to travel on. While our experience in the homeland may be something extremely different than any of that, it does not mean that it should be avoided outside of the United Kingdom.

If you interest has been peeked, then look to the Polish railways to set a wonderful example of what a train trip should involve. Things run so smoothly that bringing kids along is actually enjoyable for both you and the children. There is a thrill in seeing new territory from a well equipped train window, and it is my preference to cruise ships for certain.

I will continue to weed out the good from the bad, and show my support for what can still be a romantic form of travel.

Many of us have plans to travel to Australia in the next few years, but most of us will miss out on what might be the most overlooked city. Newcastle is often overshadowed by its larger counterpart Sydney. This turns out to be a real shame because Newcastle boasts a subtropical climate, outstanding cuisine, great water sport beaches, and an impressive art scene. From this interesting city you can get to the Hunter Valley wineries in under an hour. But before getting tipsy on the fab wines that are offered at the testing events, you may like to head north to Stockton Beach for some sandboarding. Of course you can still make it to Sydney after you have made the most of Newcastle, as they are only separated by 150km. It is only a matter of time until the secret is out, and this little gem is being explored by the masses, so sooner rather than later is best for a visit.