Kitzbühel

The small medieval town of Kitzbühel is a popular holiday destination when it comes to skiing in Austria. It is located in the Kitzbühel Alps and you should find holidays to Kitzbühel are usually really affordable. Situated within Tyrol, Austria, this pretty little town has a contrasting landscape. This makes it suitable for all kinds of activities, not just skiing.

What Kitzbühel has to Offer

Skiing is by far the most popular activity for those taking Kitzbühel holidays. When you take a look at the history of the town in terms of skiing, you’ll find it has one of the deepest rooted histories out of all of the alpine ski resorts.

It has a very high standard of skiing with its premium snow park. There is 170km worth of ski runs and each is easy to get to thanks to the 54 ski lifts and gondolas situated around the resort. If you’re wary about booking holidays to Kitzbühel because you aren’t a very experienced skier then worry not – there’s plenty of ski schools which offer affordable lessons.

If skiing isn’t your thing then that doesn’t rule out Kitzbühel holidays. There are 4 local golf courses and another 18 courses located close by. This makes it an excellent destination for keen golfers to head to. Another popular activity includes diving in the Schwarzsee Lake. This picturesque lake is stunning and will provide you with a very relaxing afternoon. It’s actually quite warm to bathe in too and many tourists flock here on their holidays to Kitzbühel.

Hikers also love the varying landscapes that this small town has to offer. There are many hiking trails to follow. As well as hiking trails there are 750km of cycling trails available too. It’s the perfect destination for those who love the outdoors.

When you aren’t enjoying the skiing and hiking trails that Kitzbühel holidays have to offer, you can enjoy the many small cafes in the area. There are also plenty of bars available where you can keep warm with a nice strong drink after a hard day on the slopes.

The Beluna Bar and Chizzo bar are just two of the best available in the area. If you’re looking for a bite to eat,  head to the Centro or the Da Vinci Café. Both have a fantastic reputation and offer a great selection of food.

A great family activity you can do while there is to take a trip to the town’s cinema. Or for a more adult evening you could enjoy the delights of the local casino. These are just some of the activities available in the town.

Overall holidays to Kitzbühel are perfect for those who love the outdoors. It’s definitely more of a destination aimed at those who prefer an active holiday. While there’s still activities designed for those who enjoy to just relax and take it easy; the main focus is definitely on outdoor sports and activities. You’ll be welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm by the locals. Many people who take holidays to Kitzbuhel end up returning year after year.

Zermatt

No mountaineer worth his or her salt has not dreamt of scaling the daunting peaks (over 3,000m above sea level) that surround Zermatt.  Most mountain climbers dream of following in the footsteps of Edward Whymper who conquered the majestic Matterhorn. Zermatt is a famous mountaineering and skiing resort is found in the German-speaking part of Switzerland in a district called Visp. The town itself is home to a number of suburbs, some of which were once mountain hamlets. More of these hamlets are found higher up above Zermatt, though a number of them are not inhabited all year round. Looking at how the place is abuzz with tourists milling about hotels and restaurants, it’s difficult to believe that Zermatt was once a simple agricultural village.

Sightseeing and activities

Whether you decide to take your skiing holiday in winter or summer, Zermatt’s high altitude ensures that you get optimal conditions throughout the year. There are four designated skiing areas in Zermatt; Gornergrat, Sunnegga, Klein Matterhorn and Schwarzsee.

Each has unique features that attract skiers of differing abilities. Sunnegga, for instance, is more suited to beginners as its slopes are not too steep. But all of them are well served with cable cars and chair lifts. Those who would rather attack the slopes with a snowboard are welcome to do so

There is a museum at Testa Grigia, an area on the Theodul pass that stretches into Italy which tells the story of the first mountaineers to climb to the top of The Matterhorn. On the descent though, the majority of the group perished, with only 3 returning safely. The Matterhorn Museum in the town of Zermatt also relates these events. One of the interesting exhibits in this museum is one of the stones taken from the Matterhorn summit to outer space by Claude Nicollier.

At night Zermatt comes alive with a number of restaurants and bars serving skiers and mountain climbers with delicious repasts and their choice drink to help it down. Apart from savoury Swiss dishes, eateries in this area cater to the diverse tastes of holidaymakers by serving Italian, Japanese, Chinese and many other specialities. Tourists also get to dance to live music in some bars or let their hair down in discos while there. The mingling with travellers from all over the world is what makes many look forward to spending time in these spots.  And after a tiring day of activity, visitors to these parts can seek repose in elegantly furnished apartments and chalets offering breathtaking views of the mountains.

For those who consider a holiday incomplete without a splash of shopping, there are several shops in Zermatt including jewellers, clothing stores and even bookshops. But more than just the joy of owning new stuff, the experience of walking around the cobbled streets that are free of the noise and fumes of motor vehicles is invigorating.

Other things to do

Other than the skiing and mountaineering, this locale offers visitors a number of winter sports including ice skating, cross country skiing and winter walks punctuated by scintillating views. You can also savour the natural beauty of The Matterhorn from above by taking a helicopter ride around it.

Voss

Voss is a small resort at the heart of Hordaland, in Norway, and has gained a reputation of being the adventure capital of the country.  It is home to two ski centres and is surrounded by some of the most majestic countryside found anywhere in Norway, consisting of rivers, mountains, lakes and fjords.  It offers a ski holiday experience suitable for all levels of skiing expertise, from complete beginner to seasoned expert.

The resort is of one the skiing world’s best kept secrets.  The runs are well-maintained and never crowded.  They are particularly suited for beginners and children, with specialist children’s instructors easy to find and hire.

There are not a huge number of runs; you could quite comfortable ski the entire resort in one, thigh-twinging day, but the runs are so pleasurable and comfortably isolated repeated use infrequently becomes dull.

Voss strives to be friendly and trusting, something it readily achieves.  The equipment hire shop is small but that means a personalised service is what you will experience.  Some of the equipment is old and old-fashioned though.  The lift-system up to the heights is also somewhat in need of a refurbishment to bring it in line with modern standards although it is perfectly safe.  You should never need to queue to use it though.

The resort is a very family-orientated place.  The lower altitude (just over three thousand feet) means that children who suffer from altitude sickness (as the younger ones are prone to do) shouldn’t have to worry.  The instructors are attentive, patient and speak excellent English, and will not allow your children to be let loose on even the gentlest of slopes without be certain they have learnt the correct techniques.

Voss is not the place if you are expecting a highly energetic night-life.  The village is a very quiet place with only basic restaurants and hotels.  Don’t expect the kind of accommodation and bars you’d be hopeful of finding in Alpine resorts.  The town only has one mountain-based restaurant, and that’s a very basic fast-food joint.  Voss is a place to relax and enjoy fluster-free winter sports, not for thrill-a-minute white-knuckled killer slopes and rampant partying until the early hours.

The resort has around thirty miles of prepared pistes.  It is a very reliable venue for snow and World Cup Events are frequently held in the area.  There are also possibilities for cross-country skiing and hiking.  If you want to mix your skiing with other activities, you can brave the cold at the outdoor swimming pool at Prestegardsmoen, or visit Myrkdalen, just under twenty miles north of Voss, which has terrain parks and children’s play areas.  In the summer the Voss Rafting Senter is open for the adventurous who want to experience the turbulent waters of the Melsvatnet river.

If you want to improve your skiing, or introduce the non-skiers in your family to the slopes, then a ski holiday in Voss could be just the thing.  With its unhurried and relaxing, family-orientated approach, a ski holiday in Voss is both a peaceful and snow-tastic experience.

Verbier

Verbier is a ski resort in the east central part of Valais, an area of southern Switzerland.  The resort is in the most outstanding of settings, on a wide, sun-kissed balcony surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Alps.  It is not as expansive as the more popular Swiss resorts but is still a fashionable place to be seen and is particularly popular with late-teenagers and twenty-somethings.

The resort sits at one end of a long, inter-connected series of slopes.  Verbier is a lively place, especially in the evenings, and the slopes and pistes in the resort are more engineered for the intermediate skier, rather than the novice.  It can also act as a base to visit other resorts that are close by, such as Chamonix and Champéry.

Verbier has a range of extensive and challenging slopes with the opportunity to go off-piste and lengthy bump runs.  The upper slopes with leave you not wanting to go back down again, due to their magnificent views and the unique feel of being up so high in the bright sunlight.

Verbier has impressive views, with Mont Blanc to the west and the Matterhorn to the east.  The resort village itself has many truly wonderful bars and restaurants, although they can be a little expensive.  Verbier can also become a little crowded at the most popular times, meaning waits for lifts and over-burdened pistes.

Verbier consists of a conurbation of chalet-like accommodation surrounding the Place Centrale which itself is lined with shops, place to eat and hotels.  This street stretches for nearly a mile, and each even begins to throng with après-ski fun-seekers.  Strangely, cars are not banned from the main areas unlike many other resorts and this can become an annoyance as it lessens the resort’s appeal.

Getting around the area can be done using the free bus service which runs until the early evening.  The Place Centrale is of course the place for night-life, so if you’re after a more peaceful time, make sure you accommodation is in the quieter areas to the north and east of the resort.

All areas surrounding Verbier has good snow most of the year, but the Mont-Fort glacier is the pick of the bunch, particularly if you enjoy going off-piste.  The main slopes of Verbier are quite low by comparison and can sometimes conditions can be less than impressive.  If you have transport you can visit the areas of Les Attela, La Chaux and Veysonnaz-Thyon.

If this is your first skiing experience, or you want to up your current level of efficiency, there are an extensive number of educational opportunities.  Group are often small and you can even book private lessons for some one-to-one encouragement.  You can book specialist child tutors as well.

At Verbier the focus is very much on skiing, so if you’ve very young children or children who are not keen to hit the slopes keeping them amused might be an issue.  There are nurseries available and nanny services if you want to use them.

Verbier offers you a decent all-round ski and snow experience with breath-taking views of the Alps and the opportunities to party away the evening.  Book your alpine holiday today and you’ll soon be gliding down a sun-kissed mountain like an expert.

Sestriere

Sestriere can brag of its proud heritage of being the first purpose-built Alpine resort, being developed by Fiat’s Gionvanni Agnello now over eighty years ago.  It has well-designed slopes that are suitable for every level and – if skiing is as natural to you as walking – some tough runs that will certainly challenge you.  Sestriere forms part of the Milky Way area, with both Sauze d’Ouiz and Sansicario being just a lift away.

The resort itself seems slightly in need of a makeover, and the arrangement of the resort does seem a little odd.  Sestriere is geared towards the weekend visitors from the nearby Italian cities, meaning it can get crowded at these times, but conversely the resort seems a little too quiet during the week.

The resort consists of rows of apartment blocks which sit in the sun and wind.  This is not the most attractive-looking resort in the world, even though improvements were made for the 2006 Winter Olympics.  If you want somewhere that looks a little more modern, try nearby Borgata or Pragelato, although shopping and nightlife here is less lively.

Eating out in Sestriere provides no difficulties, from rustic eateries to pizza and pasta restaurants.  There are also many decent options once you are up in the mountains.  The resort is vacated by the weekend-visiting Italians between Monday and Friday, and the lack of apres-ski opportunities during these periods can be a little disappointing.  If you fancy a break from zooming down the mountain slopes, you can check out the shops, ice rink or sports centre.  You could also visit Pragelato or Turin, both around 70 miles away.

If you are visiting Sestriere, you are more likely than not to be staying in one of the many apartments, the most modern of which were built for the 2006 Winter Olympics.  There are a small amount of hotels, but all of them are either three-star or deserving of three-stars.

The ski slopes here give you plenty of lovely views looking across the Milky Way, with its tree-covered slopes that lead to the mountains on the Italian-French border.  Sestriere at times suffers from inadequate from a lack of satisfactory snow-cover, but snow-making is usually decent enough to make up for any potential lack of coverage.

Schools are available, but groups tend to be large and lessons are long.  There are also no special features dedicated towards children.

Sestriere is a decent resort lying at the heart if the Milky Way that offers an amazing three hundred miles or so of piste for all abilities.  Book a ski-holiday to Sestriere today for a chance to export this wonderful, excellent bars and lively entertainment.

Sauze D’ouix

Sauze d’Ouix forms part of the spectacular ski circuit known as Via Lattea or “Milky Way”, a track that covers almost three hundred miles of pistes and spans Italy and France.  Its use for the 2006 Winter Olympics saw over nine million euros worth of investment which saw the resort gain several new runs, lifts and accommodation.  The love of this resort by Brits has seen it dubbed the “Ibiza of Skiing”, but in recent years this reputation has been toned down a little thanks to the return of a little Italian influence.

This really is a fantastically thought-out resort with a whole host of excellent attributes.  It enjoys plenty of sunshine and boats wide open runs and tree-lined scenic terrain.

The openness of its pistes makes it ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders and especially for larger groups containing mixed abilities.

Sauze d’Ouix has a rather archaic but attractive town centre that gives it an authentic, Italian feel.  Adjacent to this is an area full of hotels and bars which is where the partying gets started every night of the season.  The newer area is built up of pubs and bars with a distinctly British flavour.  The older side of time has fine wine bars and excellent restaurants.  This twin-centre approach is ideal, as you can pick which side to visit depending on your mood.

The Via Lattea terrain links Sauze d’Ouiz with the nearby resorts of Claviere, Sestriere and Sansicario.  The run is ideally suited to improving intermediates and a range of experiences and fun day trips are always available to such skiers.  There are plenty of picturesque, tree-lined runs in the area and a massive amount of rolling terrain, making the availability of choice quite dizzying.  All are easily reachable via lifts or drags.  Some of the lifts and drags are two-person adding to queuing times, but such is the range of options, waiting never seems to be a huge problem.

For beginners, the Sportinia area is where to start as it is the meeting point for the ski schools.  Here you will find a wide bowl above the village, and a few wooded runs once your confidence increases.  Don’t expect much if you’ve never even put on a pair of skis though – the schools are not meant for the complete novice.  Also, if you are an experienced skier looking for a challenge, you will be disappointed as this is a resort where the emphasis is on fun.

If, however, if you’re up for a gentle day of fun-skiing followed by an evening dedicated to drinking, dining and dancing, then Sauze d’Oulx should be right up your piste.  The resort has somewhere suitable for every taste, from sun-kissed terrace bars, to wine bars for chilling, to rowdy pubs.  You will find the partying still happening in the early hours.

Sauze d’Ouiz really does serve as an excellent introduction to the concept of ski holidays, as long as you have done a little preparation at home beforehand, as well as a chance for those with a little more experience to have some fun.  Book your ski-holiday at Sauze d’Ouiz today for a ski adventure you’re unlikely ever to forget.

Pas De La Casa

Pas De La Casa is a small ski resort located in Andorra, in the parish of Encamp, on the border with France.  It is part of the Grandvalira area of resorts, along with El Tarter, Canillo, Encamp and Soldeu.  This means a pass to Pas De La Casa also means you gain automatic access to these other resorts.

Both skiing and snowboard are relatively cheap in Pas de la Casa.  The skiing area itself is best suited to beginners and intermediate level skiers, with a sixth of the runs suitable for beginners and a third for intermediate.

The remainder of the forty miles or so of runs should only be tackled by advanced and expert skiers.  Throughout the season, which runs from December to April, a decent range of skiing is always available.

The Pas de la Casa sector rises immediately above the town, with extremely wide piste made for cruising, the kind you’d find at any leading ski resort in the Alps.  You can ride down the pistes right into the centre of town.  Its location makes it easy to gain access to the more extensive Grau Roig sector and the other Grandvalira areas.

The Grau Roig sector is more extensive than Pas de la Casa, with a greater amount of variety, characterised by long cruises on the languidly wide super-piste slopes.  The areas to check out are the Cubil area to the west, the quieter, wooded slopes of Pioler and Montmalus leading to the southern Circ Del Colells courses, and the wide slopes of the Pic Blanc/Envalira ridge to the east which link back to Pas de la Casa.

The town of Pas de la Casa will welcome you openly, with plenty of excellent bars and fine restaurants.  For the best in après-ski activities head for the bars called Marseilles, Billboard and Milwaukee.

You will also find plenty of other off-slope activities such as shopping, and you can visit the nearby Andorra la Vella for other entertainment such as leisure centres.

Pas de la Casa is a very youth-orientated resort.  Snowboarding is very popular amongst the younger skiers and there is a compact board park and a half pipe that can be found in the Grau Roig area.  The nightlife is similarly geared towards young clubbers; some refer to Pas de la Casa as the Ibiza of the Pyrenees, although the resort is not nearly so manic.  If you’re not recovering from a night that lasted until 4am the previous day, you can try a few different activities such as ice driving, skidoos and even paintballing.

Pas de la Casa is a resort that caters for the whole and encompassing ski-holiday experience.  Book your ski-holiday at Pas de la Casa today for super skiing, varied activities and proper partying.

Courmayeur

Courmayeur is a mountaineering village in Italy that has managed to maintain much of its ancient character and charm despite the influence of modern resort considerations.  It boasts a car-free centre with excellent shops and bars, all under the stunning shadow of Mont Blanc.

It has a great deal of off-piste and heli-skiing, as well as access to the notable Vallée Blanche run, and some memorable mountain restaurants.

Being small, Courmayeur does not have a great expanse of slopes (around 50 miles or so) and much of them are geared towards intermediate and expert skiers without being too challenging.

The resort gets crowded at busy times, and all pistes lead to Dolonee, when you need to catch a bus back to the resort centre.

The village has a central core of cobbled streets that are kept car-free and preserved old buildings that make you feel as if you have stepped back through time.  The central Via Roma area sets the scene for partying once the lifts have closed with its numerous bars and restaurants.  You’ll also find places to shop for clothes and equipment, and there’s even a museum.  The accommodation is mixed, from dull apartment blocks to more pleasant options dotted amongst the trees.

The heart of the slopes is at Plan Checrouit, and there is a huge cable car at the edge of the village to take you there (and back again).

As stated above, the runs all take you to nearly Dolonne, and buses from here back to Courmayeur can be annoying infrequent.  Buses will also take you to La Palud for the Monte Bianco cable car that takes you to Punta Helbronner and the Vallée Blanche run to Chamonix.

The valley is speckled with many excellent restaurants, all easily reachable via taxi.

Skiing in Courmayeur means skiing underneath the stunning Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps and of Europe.  The slopes themselves in Courmayeur are not that high (between five and half and six thousand feet).  Those north facing keep their snow but the Plan Checrouit side is subjected to too much sun in the late season to maintain its comfort.  There are runs to suit most standards of skier.

Courmayeur has an excellent ski school which is especially tailored to the young and those who prefer snowboarding.  You can also find and hire a guide if you are considering going off-piste.  There are few facilities for children though – a playground at Dolonne and a nursery at Plan Checrouit for children under the age of eleven.

A ski-holiday to Courmayeur is for those who want to experience a ski-holiday in the manner that ski-holidays used to be before they achieved the level of popularity they enjoy today.  Book a ski-holiday to Courmayeur for that old-fashioned quaintness and the spectacular views afforded by your proximity to Mont Blanc.

Borovets

Borovets is a ski resort situated within a dense pine forest on the northern slopes of the Rila mountains in Bulgaria.  It has gained a reputation, as with most ski resorts in Bulgaria, of being at the budget-end of the ski spectrum, along with Andorra.  It was originally a hunting ground for the Bulgaria royal family and later a recreation facility for the party political leaders.  In the 1960s the decision was made to turn Borovets into a ski resort with the emphasis on package tours.  Borovets is very popular with the British.

The resort is a 90-minute trip through hills lined with silver birches and flatlands from Sofia airport.  Accommodation errs on the side of basic rather than exclusive, but most of the top end range of available hotels are perfectly fine.  The food is also rather rustic, but then when you think of international cuisine, Bulgarian seldom tops your list or tickles your taste buds.

A massive effort has been made in the centre of Borovets to bring it up to the standards of the more expensive ski resorts.  Most restaurants are housed in wooden cabins, giving the place an almost beatnik feel.  Service is excellent, as is the food, and the prices will not suck your funds dry.  The Bulgarians you meet in Borovets are extremely welcoming and delight in making you feel at home and making sure you have a good time.  When it comes to attuning to your partying side, alcohol is ridiculously cheap, which always helps.

The pistes are not to the standard you’d expect in the Alps or the Rockies, but are perfectly serviceable.  Borovets has two ski areas, the lower being Yastrebets at just under 8,000 feet, which is reachable by a six-seater gondola.

The top station has its own eatery, when you can warm yourself up with pork stews and lentil soups whilst enjoying the hospitality and familiarity of the Bulgarian people.

Mount Musala is Bulgaria’s highest peak at around 9,500 feet, and boasts the most spectacular views in the entirety of the country.  There are a series of zig-zagging runs here for the expert skiers.  More enjoyable are the immense but easier runs which zoom down the tree-lined slopes for almost three miles.  You end up far from Borovets itself but transport is on hand to return you to the resort centre.

Skiing the entirety of Borovets will only take you a day or two, so it’s good that the sister resort of Bansko is a commutable distance away.  Here you will find more of what you might come to expect from a skiing holiday, but at an added premium, of course.  Bansko is more obviously geared to attract the numbers, so don’t expect the kind of personal experience Borovets will offer you.

If you want a decent ski-holiday with a quaint level of charm, then Borovets will provide everything you are looking for at a price that is not going to leave your credit cards forever in the red.  Book a ski-holiday to Borovets today for something unique and a little off the normal track when it comes to snow, snowboarding and skis.

Mexico

If your ideal holiday is one where you get to see it all and do it all, Mexico is the place for you. Whether its historical monuments you’re looking for or intensely beautiful countryside, or magnificent beaches, or a totally new cultural experience, you’ll find it here. This North American country is bordered by not one but two water masses: the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

It ranks as the 13^th largest independent nation in the world and is the most populous among nations that have Spanish as their national language. Occupation of this area began thousands of years ago and it was home to both the Mayan and Aztec civilisations before Spain laid claim to it. Being bisected by the Tropic of Cancer, you will find that the weather in one part of Mexico can differ greatly from another part.

Sightseeing and activities

Cancun is one of Mexico’s most celebrated resorts and contains a diverse assortment of attractions. One of the most interesting is the Coba Ruins that are evidence of the country’s Mayan heritage. These ruins have been carefully preserved for the benefit of visitors and the fact that they lie miles away from civilisation make them all the more enchanting. Explorers will be thrilled that they are allowed to climb all the way to the top and view this breathtaking spectacle and its surroundings from above.

The cenotes near this site are not only beautiful, they provide a unique swimming experience. The El Meco and El Rey ruins are also worth a visit. Apart from a poignant history lesson, Cancun will also supply you with the perfect setting for utter R&R. We’re talking miles of white sands bordered by crystalline blue waters and unlimited sunshine. We’re also talking of well equipped spas offering a number of treatments designed to fully relax your body and mind. Did we mention that while in Cancun you can also get a chance to swim with dolphins? Well you can.

If you’ve seen the pyramid-like structures of Mexico on TV and wondered where they are, they are tucked away in San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico City.

While taking your tour there you might want to go with a guide who will elaborate on the significance of each feature of these magnificent structures. Or you could pay a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, one of Mexico City’s many museums and get the knowledge in advance.

But even without this the aura of the place is overwhelming and you are guaranteed to spend hours wandering from temple to temple. The visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, by the way, is quite an experience itself. It is one of the largest of its kind in the world and you will be lost in a maze of artefacts depicting life in several ancient cultures.

But perhaps Mexico’s most visited attraction is the Chichen Itza temple. This structure is revered for its age and historical significance, as well as unique astronomical design.

Events

Every February Mexico goes wild as the annual carnival that precedes Lent is celebrated. This week long festival features plenty of live music and dancing and games.

Jamaica Holidays

The home of reggae music is the fourth largest island of the Greater Antillles whose unique identity is only just emerging after gaining its independence from Britain in 1962. It was originally inhabited by the Arawak Indians who had christened it Xyamaca before Christopher Columbus came across it towards the end of the 15^th century. It is a land of immense natural beauty boasting stunning beaches and a wealth of flora and fauna that is the envy of many. Consider Jamaica holidays for unforgettable time of life.

Small wonder it has provided the picturesque backdrop for a number of novels and Hollywood productions, including the popular James Bond series. The island is also the perfect setting for a number of outdoor activities and the production of some of the tastiest rum in the world. The open, friendly nature of the Jamaican people is legendary.

Jamaica Holidays – Sightseeing and activities

You need to plan your Jamaica itinerary carefully as there is plenty to see and do, and you don’t want to call it a vacation before you’ve savoured this island to the last drop. Among the magnificent natural features here is the Blue Lagoon.

Resisting the turquoise charm of the waters of this natural pool is futile especially as you notice the changing emerald hues as the sun traverses the sky. Scuba diving here is a particularly thrilling experience. Another stunningly beautiful water body awaits visitors in the south coast of the country; the Black River.

Gently gliding along the tranquil waters surrounded by dense greenery is just what the doctor ordered to chase away the effects of stress. Making this trip with a tour guide is a good idea as they will furnish you with plenty of information on the flora and fauna. And oh, you might see the odd crocodile creeping onto the banks. While here you will get to see the beautiful YS Falls which provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic picnic. Before you leave St. Elizabeth be sure to pass by the Appleton Estate for a taste of Jamaican rum.

From there you can head north to Ochios Rios where Christopher Columbus and his crew allegedly first set foot in Jamaica. This picturesque town provided the canvas on which some scenes of the very first James Bond movie were painted. Fancy descending into Jamaica’s lush rainforests on a zip wire or a bob sled? Then don’t hesitate to make the Mystic Mountain a part of your Jamaica itinerary.

From a commanding height of over 700 feet you will have an excellent view of not only the lush rainforest but the town and shoreline as well. Dunn’s River Falls are another must-see in Ochios Rios. Apart from providing the battlefield for an Anglo-Spanish confrontation centuries ago, it offers lovers the ideal setting for a fun day together with plenty of photo ops. The White River, also in the same locale, promises a bit of adventure with white water rafting on top of stunning views.

The Seven Mile Beach in Negril is the place to be for those looking to lounge and sunbathe. Its lengthy stretch of golden sand is however best enjoyed in the off season when there are less crowds to contend with. While there you can also engage in a bit of swimming, snorkelling or kayaking.

Dominican Republic Holidays

Beautiful year round sunshine, magnificent coastal views and an explosion of colourful culture are what tourists to the Dominican Republic can expect. This Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola of the Greater Antilles region with Haiti is one of the hottest destinations and any traveller worth their salt will be delighted to add this particular feather to their cap. Consider Dominican Republic holidays for unforgettable time of life.

Apart from offering visitors plenty to see, this country has the full range of activities expected of a seaside location. There is also a lush green landscape waiting to be explored on exciting hikes and challenging mountain heights waiting to be conquered by the more daring. It truly is the ultimate all-in-one resort.

Dominican Republic Holidays – Sightseeing and activities

The country is quite sizeable with a number of cities, towns, beaches and national parks within its borders.

It is therefore perhaps a good idea to rent a car (reputable firms like Avis, Hertz and Budget have offices here) to get around the Dominican Republic’s many attractions at your own pace. If this is out of reach for you in terms of budget, take a taxi, or use the public buses or the gua-gua minivans, if you can bear the discomfort.

Once you get your transport sorted out one of the first places you should make a point of visiting is the Dolphin Island in the city of Punta Cana. Here you will get a chance to interact with these friendly sea creatures up close and even swim side by side with them.

While still in this coastal part of the country you can go deep sea fishing and chance your arm at catching something exotic like a giant marlin. You could otherwise engage in some water sports such as surfing, kite surfing, boogie boarding or wind surfing. If you’ve never attempted these activities you can get your first lessons at a modest fee from nearby clubs. You can also get up close with the marine life by diving at the North Coast.

For a secluded beach experience, it is recommended that you pay a visit to Playa Bonita or Playa Limon. The latter offers a special treat to nature lovers with its lagoon and waterfalls. Speaking of waterfalls, you won’t want to leave without seeing the Damajagua or Ciguapa Falls. Spectacular, tranquil, scenic are the words that best describe what you’ll see there.

These two babies are off the beaten track and for more unspoilt beauty you will also want to head out to the secluded paradise of Bonao. With the abundance of views in this place, you won’t be able to stop snapping away with your camera. One of the ways to view the vast scenery is by gliding down a zip line. The thrill of plunging down a cable into the dense greenery is hard to put into words and really must be experienced firsthand.

Interested in a bit of history? Visit the Tainopark in the Samana province, the biggest of its kind in the Caribbean. By the exhibits here you will learn of how the Tainos fought against the Spanish and other such historical anecdotes.

Our Dominican Republic Holidays will definitely etch themselves on your memory.

Cuba Holidays

Are you looking for a destination choke-full of cultural and historical sites, surrounded by pristine beaches and able to serve up an exciting night out? Look no further than the Caribbean island of Cuba and its surrounding islets. Though many unfortunately only recognise this beautiful nation by its political complexities, there is so much more to it. Scenic locales, vibrant culture and friendly locals are what will greet you when you touch down in Cuba. And great cuisine! Cuban delicacies are a fusion of Caribbean and Spanish cooking styles and what comes out of the pan is something your palate will never forget. The place is also blessed with abundant natural beauty so nature lovers will have plenty to keep their senses busy. Consider Cuba holidays for unforgettable time of life.

Cuba Holidays – Sightseeing and activities

Most anyone who has set foot in Cuba comes away singing the praises of Old Havana or Havana Vieja, as the locals know it. Visiting the Plaza de la Revolucion is like stepping into a time machine and being transported back in time to when the Revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara victoriously swept through.

For more reminders of this poignant chapter in Cuba’s history you can visit the Museo de la Revolucion, a museum capturing memorable moments of the revolution which is housed in the palace where the ousted president Fulgencio Batista lived. Here you will see some of the weapons used, historic photos, a waxen image of Che and perhaps the most captivating exhibit, Granma, the ship on which Fidel and his comrades sailed into Cuba to begin their quest in 1956.

History aside, Havana’s seafront walk, El Malecon, is another one of its key attractions. It was initially built in the 1900s and is a great place to walk and sightsee from. A horse-drawn carriage is an excellent way of traversing this coastal thoroughfare if walking sounds too tedious to you. The world-famous Cuba Carnival takes place along this stretch of road as well. This is where the performers and revellers do their parade.

Havana is not the only place that speaks to Cuba’s illustrious history and culture; the colonial town of Trinidad is equally beautiful and laden with buildings showcasing colonial architecture. So much so that in 1988, this former mining and farming town founded in 1513 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trinidad also has its share of museums, including the Museo Nacional de la lucha Contra Bandidos which has a unique bell tower. While still here tourists can relax on one of Cuba’s best beaches, Playa Ancon.

Cuban’s love their music and it comes as no surprise that there is a wealth of bars and entertainment spots offering revellers live performances by local artists. The Bodeguita del Medio and Bar Monserrate in Havana are recommended for first time visitors to the island for their great ambience and sumptuous cocktails.

For a tour of Cuba’s geological marvels, take time to visit the Cuevas de Bellamar. What you can expect here is an awe inspiring collection of caverns, stalactites and stalagmites.

Cuba Holidays – Events

The most renowned of Cubas festivals, the Carnival, takes place every year in the last week or so of July. This grandiose celebration the country’s multifaceted culture attracts visitors from all over Cuba and around the world.

Our Cuba Holidays will definitely etch themselves on your memory.

Cancun Holidays

This touristic gem on the Mexican Caribbean provides refuge, year in year out, to travellers from the Northern Hemisphere looking to escape the bite of winter. Between December and April its beaches are thronged by sun-worshipping Americans and Europeans enjoying the warm tropical weather. Consider Cancun holidays for unforgettable time of life.

But apart from lounging or promenading along the inviting coastline, Cancun has plenty of outdoor activities lined up for tourists as well as astounding historical and cultural sites depicting its Mayan heritage. It is therefore wise to do some research and plan a solid itinerary to make the most of your time in this adorable resort before touching down at the Cancun International Airport.

Cancun Holidays – Sightseeing and activities

You can make your tour of Cancun in a number of ways, each having its own merits. If you choose to drive yourself, there are many car rental firms stationed right at the airport. A cheaper way is to take the public bus, which though is not the most comfortable experience, will give you a chance to interact with locals and get directions from them.

There are also taxis, though these might be a bit expensive depending on where you catch them from. Whichever means you find the most convenient, chances are your first stop will be the fine white sands and turquoise waters of Cancun’s beaches. The north-western part of this locale has its best beaches which are safe for swimming. These include Playa Las Perlas, Playa Juventud, Playa Linda and Playa Caracol. However, the south also has a few nice beaches such as Playa Delfines and Playa Ballenas. It’s worth noting that not all beaches are accessible publicly; you may have to go through a hotel lobby to get to a number of them. There are also clear colour coded signs depicting how safe a beach is, so read them carefully.

While you spread yourself underneath a parasol and sip a cocktail from a nearby restaurant, your kids can splash about in the clear, shallow waters or fly colourful kites sold right there at the beach.

Given the clarity of the waters that surround Cancun and the fact that it has the world’s second largest barrier reef, going scuba diving or snorkelling should be automatic. Other water sports on offer include sport fishing, parasailing and jet skiing. If you also love boating or riding jet skis, you may purchase a watercraft and then install a jet ski floating dock in Merrick NY.

There are few places in the world where you will be able to swim with dolphins so why not take advantage of your Cancun holiday to do so at Wet ‘n’ Wild? You can also get the same experience from a visit to Delphinus Dreams or Dolphin Discovery.

Having worked so hard throughout the year, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek total relaxation and rejuvenation at one of Cancun’s 30-plus spas. Get the kinks kneaded out of your back and your mind transported to a peaceful place as you enjoy the vast array of treatments on offer.

Lovers of golf, or those who simply want to try it out, are welcome to enjoy its championship-standard courses at the Moon Spa and Golf Club or Riviera Cancun Golf and Spa.

Cancun Holidays – Events

This resort hosts a number of exciting events including the Festival of Life and Death Traditions held towards the end of October. Our Cancun Holidays will definitely etch themselves on your memory.

Barbados Holidays

A trip to this Caribbean island is quite simply entry into a coastal paradise from which you will find it difficult to depart. The tepid blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea lapping up the golden sands of Barbados’ shores is a scene that has driven many holidaymakers to this resort, making it one of the most popular in the world. Consider Barbados holidays for amazing time of life.

Most of the island is surrounded by coral reefs making its beaches safe for swimming. This and the constantly sunny weather (temperatures are always between 21 and 31°C) make it a sunbather’s heaven. Apart from the picturesque coastline, Barbados also has some unique geological features. There are also a number of other interesting sights to see.

Barbados Holidays – Sightseeing and activities

Among the unique geological formations caused by the erosion of limestone rock are the Harrison’s Caves, the Welchman Hall Gully and stacks. A trip into the hinterland will lead you to a botanical garden where you will see many exotic plants and learn a lot about them. You are also well advised make an expedition to the island’s highest point, Mount Hillaby a part of your itinerary.

What attracts most tourists here are the immaculate beaches on which they can lounge and get a tan, promenade along or swim. The beaches on the west coast of Barbados are particularly ideal for a day of family fun as the waters are safe for swimming and the sands soft and inviting. A number of water sports are also done off this part of the Barbados coast including snorkelling, jet skiing and kayaking. For more of these you might want to head to the south coast where conditions are optimal for wind surfing and kite surfing or to the east side which is popular with surfers. The north coast offers magnificent views from sandstone cliffs. Those used to the privacy of nudist beaches will perhaps be disappointed to learn that there are none here.

Loitering about in the island’s capital Bridgetown provides a rich cultural experience as you sightsee and interact with the friendly locals. The city also supplies visitors with a worthwhile shopping experience. But perhaps the pinnacle of the city’s attractions is the beautiful Jewish synagogue which was originally built in 1654.

Though the building was destroyed by a hurricane in 1831, it was restored and today tourists can walk around and marvel at its unique architecture. Another of Barbados’ famed landmarks are the Jacobean mansions that were also constructed in the 17^th century.

The nightlife in Barbados is quite something and you have the option of partying on the beach at Harbour Lights and other such seaside clubs or taking a tour of the St. Lawrence Gap which hosts a number of bars and restaurants. Speaking of places to buy drinks, making a detour to Mount Gay Rum distillery is a great way to pass an evening. Here you will be able to take a tour of the place and sample various brands.

Barbados Holidays – Events

The month-long Crop Over Festival is a cultural feast of calypso and soca music as well as a number of other traditional activities. It takes place through the month of July every year.

Our Barbados Holidays will definitely etch themselves on your memory.