Holiday Destinations, News and Information

Many peoples holidays are now over before they have actually even started. This is because of the outbreak of Swine Flu. Some travellers are deciding to stay at home, with others actually being turned away at the airport because they show signs of the H1N1 virus.

Some airlines, including Virgin and British Airways are turning passengers away if they show any sign at all of the flu symptoms and they have been told return once well with a ‘fit to fly’ certificate.

P&O cruises are even getting staff to assess passengers before they board and are getting them to complete medical questionnaires to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Many passengers at airports are now wearing masks in the fear they could catch the virus and are taking all precautions necessary.

Make sure that you take paracetamol and drink plenty of fluids. Try and stay away from crowded areas and if you know anyone that has caught the virus, stay well clear!!

Hopefully, this outbreak has not affected your dream holiday and you will be able to jet off into the sun as planned.

If you have been affected, let me know!

Florida is one destination where you can guarantee to have fun, fun, fun! With it’s numerous theme parks and shopping malls.

The sunshine state has a large number of theme parks scattered around including Disney, Universal Studios and Sea World, all of them kitted out with thrill rides and ones that even your gran would be happy with. Florida is a destination where everyone would find something to do. Send the kids off to Wet & Wild whilst you spend the day shopping or even take a trip to Miami.

Orlando is the most popular part for holidays where you will find places such as Kissimmee and International Drive.

Wherever you decide to go in Florida, you will be gaurunteed a jam packed, fun filled holiday!

The best holiday I have ever been on is to Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt. This could have been because the boyfriend paid for it or it could be the fact that for the whole week I was there I didn’t see one cloud in the sky…bliss!

The weather was absolutely amazing, the sea was warm and the sand was soft. The hotel (Iberotel Palace) was absolute luxury and whilst we were there we were treated like royalty. If we ordered a drink from the bar we weren’t allowed to take it to our table, the waiter was persistent that he took it over to us along with a bowl full of nuts.

After we had spent a whole day soaking up the sun on the glass bottom boat or seeing the Bedwins in the desert we would make our way back to our room to find a pretty heart made out of towels, this would change each day.

Egypt is definitely somewhere I will be going back and would definitely recommend it. Just wish I had stayed for 2 weeks!!

If you haven’t already been to Ibiza, then make sure you book your tickets and get a flight out there pronto! Ibiza is definitely the place to be for both the young and the old. Many people think of Ibiza as a haven for young, single teenagers who spend all day and night drinking and causing mayhem. I’m not going to lie, in some parts of the island this is the case but there are parts which are away from the hustle and bustle and are what Ibiza is all about.

If you are looking to dance the night away, then San Antonio is the place to go. Make sure you visit legendary clubs such as Amnesia and Pacha and once you are done partying, rest your head at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel.

If you are looking to relax and get away from it all, then make sure that you check out the dazzling blue sea and soft white sands.

For only a 2 hour flight away, Ibiza is a must see destination.

I’ve decided that my next holiday is going to be to the neon city of Las Vegas. I’ve heard many reports of how fantastic Vegas is and how is doesn’t do things by halves. From roller coasters on top of sky scrapers to wedding chapels, Vegas is the place to be.

Renowned for it’s casino’s, Vegas is filled with celebrities who are looking to splash the cash. Everything you need is on one street  and it’s all about glamour on Las Vegas Boulevard. The hotels themselves are just worth the journey with the Bellagio and MGM Grand being firm favourites.

Holidaying in Las Vegas AKA Sin City, is meant to be spectacular, just remember to take your novelty cowboy hat and some pennies for the arcade machines!!

Have you been to Las Vegas? Where did you stay?

The recent economic struggles have seen many holiday goers opting for package holidays rather than booking their flight separate from their hotel. This is partly down to the fact that a number of these package holidays are ATOL protected.

The Air Travel Organisers Licence is a scheme that has been put in place to protect travellers who have purchased package holidays and flights. The aim of the scheme is to provide travellers with a refund if they are affected by something that can cause the airline to be unable to provide travel. Flights can also be arranged for those travellers who are abroad at the time of the event.

At a time when companies are facing massive financial problems, it is important to make sure that if a company does fold, you will be able to get your money refunded. Although you are not always 100% safe with a tour operator as the recent collapse of XL shows, it is far safer.

If you do decide to put together your own holiday just be careful, try using a credit card if you are spending over £100, this way the card issuer becomes as reliable as you for the failure of the company you are meant to be paying.

One of my favourite places to visit is Turkey. If you are looking for a last minute holiday or somewhere to take the kids for a 2 week break, Turkey will suit you. The gorgeous Mediterranean getaway boasts amazing beaches and soaring temperatures, and with endless sea activities, your holiday will definitely be jam packed full.

The food in Turkey has a slight Greek twist with Meze’s being the order of the day and the spices on offer are definitely worth a taste.

Bodrum, Marmaris, Dalaman and Antayla are the most popular places in Turkey and are filled with little cafes, shops and bars.

A couple of years ago, I visited a small part of Turkey called Kalkan. Situated on the Lycian coast, Kalkan has got to be one of the nicest places I have been. This was partly down to the luxurious Kalkan Regency Hotel we stayed at,  a family run establishment with breathtaking views and only a handful of rooms, perfect!

As of yet, Kalkan has not been taken over by tourists and is definitely a place to unwind and get away from it all. Take a stroll into the town where you can pretty much purchase anything from carpets to shoes,  and make sure you try the Apple Tea and Turkish Delight.

If you have been to Turkey before, let me know where and if you enjoyed it!

Before I go away on holiday, I religiously check the holiday review sites which tell you the truth about your hotel! When people book a holiday they normally go off the picture in the brochure. Do not be fooled by this, the photo could have been taken when the hotel first opened and may have even been edited.

Sites like Trip Advisor and Holidays Uncovered are great for finding out what your holiday is really going to be like. They give people the chance to post their own photos of the resort and also to write comments and vote for how nice they thought it was. An honest review from members of the public, much better than just the good points that the holiday companies use to sell you the holiday!!!

Here are some sites that are worth a look before you go away:

• Holiday Watchdog
• Holiday-Truth
• Real Holiday Reports

Have you ever used review sites? You may have even posted some comments, advising people not to visit the resort or to tell them that the hotel really is as luxurious as it says? Let me know!

If you are lucky enough to be jetting off into the sun, then here are a few useful hints and tips on how to stay safe, keep well and keep your belongings secure!

• However tempting it is to fall asleep on your sun lounger after numerous cocktails the night before, don’t!! Not only will you get sunburn but your belongings will be free for anyone to pinch.
• Make sure that you re-apply sun cream after you have been in the water. No sun cream is 100% waterproof!  you could try putting on t-shirt, this could work as a temporary sun block.
• The main cause of heat rash is the build up of sun cream which blocks the pores. To avoid this, if there is a shower on the beach, try and have a quick wash to get rid of the old sun cream you applied earlier.
• Even if the tap water is safe to drink in the country you are visiting, try and buy bottled water. It could save you a gippy tummy in the long run!
• Before you go away, make a note of your passport number and take a copy of your insurance documents. Make sure that you keep the documents with you but separated from the originals. In the awful case that your documents go missing you will have back up.

I’ve never been on a cruise before and quite frankly, after watching Titanic I’ve been slightly put off!! Jokes aside though, many people decide to take their summer holidays on a cruise and stay on board for 1 night up to 2 weeks plus. There are so many different destinations to choose from, that picking just a few may prove difficult.

There are family cruises, designed with entertainment for the kids and a place for them to play whilst you dine al-fresco or chill out sunbathing on deck, and there are also adult only cruises which mean you get to leave the kids at home for a few weeks of peace.

With most cruise packages these days you get a fairly spacious cabin kitted out with an en suite, television, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities.

Make sure that you take a few of your best frocks though; the dress code on a cruise can be fairly strict. No swimwear in the restaurants during the day and it’s definitely dress to impress in the evenings which is fairly traditional for cruises.

If you fancy an adventure and the chance to visit a number of different countries for your holiday, then a cruise may just be up your street. For some people, the thought of being stuck on the same island or in the same hotel for 2 weeks sounds dull, if this is you, make sure you book your cruise today!!