Holidays | Travel

Short winter breaks in the UK

Bookdirectrooms.com, featuring over 3000 B&Bs, guesthouses, farm houses, restaurants with rooms, inns and small hotels across the UK, currently has hundreds of great offers for those seeking a short winter break.

More choice for holidays in Canada and Alaska

Independent luxury tour operator, Prestige Holidays (prestigeholidays.co.uk) has launched its first brochure to Canada and Alaska featuring a diverse selection of holidays ranging from city breaks and self drive itineraries to wildlife tours, wilderness lodge stays and Alaska cruises.

Cornish Cottages expands portfolio for 2010

Cornish Cottages (formerly Mullion Cottages), the specialist in self-catering coastal and rural properties in south-west Cornwall, has announced substantial expansion in 2010.

Take a multi-activity trip this winter and do more for less

Travellers are realising that snow is good for a lot more than just skiing, according to The Adventure Company. The adventure tour operator has seen its winter multi-activity trips rise in popularity this season as travellers look for more varied and unusual ways to embrace the European winter.

Skydivers reach new highs in Nepal

Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, a Nepal based adventure company, organized the highest skydiving event in the Everest region of Nepal on 28th October.

The ‘Primrose’ makes its debut at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks

Save up to £280 on a 2010 holiday in a brand new luxurious ‘Primrose’ caravan holiday home – complete with central heating and French doors leading onto decking – courtesy of Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in North Devon.

More choice for private villa holidays in Rhodes and Croatia

Vintage Travel – specialising, exclusively, in hand-picked houses with private pools in areas of local tradition and culture – has introduced the Greek island of Rhodes into its 2010 programme as well as significantly expanding its portfolio in Gozo and Croatia.

Luxury cruising on the Nile

Egyptian holiday specialist, Red Sea Holidays, has added luxury Nile cruises to the portfolio of holidays in its 2009/10 brochure. Red Sea Holidays works exclusively with Grand Cruises which operates nine five-star cruise ships and is one of the Nile’s most modern fleets.

Glenton’s bookings boom sparks recruitment drive

Scottish holiday operator Glenton Holidays has seen bookings over the peak summer months soar by more than 100%, thanks to booming demand for tours in the UK. The Glasgow-based coach tour specialist expects to see bookings for the whole of 2009 rise by at least 35% as holidaymakers defy the recession.

All inclusive with guaranteed winter sun in the Red Sea

Guaranteed sun less than six hours away, plus all-inclusive value from £369 – that’s the promise from Olympic Holidays beside the Red Sea.

New eco-lodge and campsite opens in Montserrat

Travellers to Montserrat now have a wider choice of value accommodation with the opening of the island’s first campsite and new eco-lodge.

Families head to Egypt for cheap sun

UK families in search of sunny bargains this October half term are heading to Egypt according to one of the UK’s largest holiday providers, The Co-operative Travel.

Long-haul sunshine at short-haul prices

If you think a long-haul break to enjoy the sunshine this winter is prohibitively expensive, think again, says Premier Holidays. The tour operator is urging travellers to make use of the fabulous long-haul deals available to maximise their enjoyment of the winter sun.

Stress free rail journey planning at your fingertips

Rail travellers who’ve missed their usual train home can avoid the stress of not knowing when the next one is, or even if there is a next one, thanks to the new journey planning iPhone app from thetrainline.com.

Cut the cost your nuptials with a wedding in Greece

What could make your wedding more memorable than hiring your own boutique hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea? Ionian Weddings offers couples the opportunity to hire luxurious boutique hotels in the Greek islands on an exclusive basis so they can enjoy the ultimate in privacy and pampering for their wedding day.

Thomson Tailormade offers new BA routes

Tour operator Thomson Tailormade is to offer new British Airways routes to 3 fantastic destinations - Las Vegas, the Maldives and Sharm El Sheikh – each with a convenient direct flight from the UK.

Half term travellers risk holiday cash hangover

New research from First Rate Exchange Services has revealed that less than half (48 per cent) of UK holidaymakers calculate how much cash they will need for their for overseas holiday spend, resulting in many paying far more for their holiday money through costly cash withdrawals from ATMs whilst overseas.

Going loco in Portugal

Britain’s leading guided walking holiday specialist, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, has just launched an exciting choice of new holidays to Portugal. They include an unusual 10 day rail and walk holiday which leisurely meanders through some of the country’s most stunning countryside and cities.

Sailing on a waves of success

Cruise ferry operator, DFDS Seaways, is celebrating after winning the Oscar of the travel industry for the third successive year – Europe’s Leading Long Sea Ferry Operator 2009 – at the World Travel Awards.

Around the world in 80 fays for Children in Need

The Adventure Company is supporting this year's Children in Need campaign by donating £5 for every one of its adventure tours booked to destinations featured in the new celebrity BBC series Around the World in 80 Days.

Winter hotspots – Where to go to top up your tan

To coincide with Flight Centre’s October sale, the travel retailer has put together its predictions for the top five destinations for winter 2009 – perfect for Brits who want to experience some sunshine on a budget.

Winter sun is just the ticket for credit-crunched Britons

A selection of new winter sun city break destinations – such as Benidorm, Faro and Fuengirola – have been added to city break specialist, Cities Direct’s programme with departures available from the beginning of November through to the end of March.

New direct flights open up Iceland’s next ‘must see’ destination

In Iceland the old idiom ‘it’s grim up north’ does not apply and with the launch of new direct flights next summer to Iceland’s second city, Akureyri, UK visitors can now find out why.

Aruba reports record growth for cruises

The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is becoming increasingly popular with cruise holidaymakers, with the Aruba Cruise Tourism Authority reporting a record growth in numbers of cruise passengers for the months of July and August.

New website offers a guide to Britain’s finest

Looking for a memorable hotel – perhaps a former Castle complete with battlements? Maybe you need a Dog-friendly inn for a country weekend? Or a romantic retreat with a four poster bed?

Thomson Tailormade launches new Worldwide Value Collection

Following the success of last year’s brochure, Thomson Tailormade has just launched their new Worldwide Value brochure offering savings of up to £650 per person.

Holiday hikes hit half term

Parents planning to treat their kids to a last minute family holiday during autumn half term will be hit by massively inflated holiday premiums, according to the latest study from Santander Cards.

Escape the winter blues with a trek through Patagonia

With longer days and a warmer climate, Patagonia offers escapism from the cold of the UK this winter. Journey into the mountains from the southern shores of Lake Argentina to the ‘trekking capital’ El Chalten.

Make a winter discovery in the dolomites

On the edge of the Brenta Dolomites, high above the beautiful Renaissance town of Trento, lies Monte Bondone, an awe inspiring landscape of silver birch forest, rocky peaks and frozen rivers.

Explore the Himalayas this autumn

Get fit this autumn, the perfect time to visit Nepal, with clear, mild days and cool nights. Home to some of the most breathtaking treks in the world, the Annapurna foothills in Nepal lead to Kopra Ridge is an ideal vantage point to explore the Himalayas.

Hikers walk to the moon – and back

HF Holidays has calculated that guests on the company’s British walking holidays have been to the moon and back this year! Between them, the 19,000 guests on guided walking holidays at the company’s country houses in the UK have walked 523,494 miles in spectacular countryside as diverse as the Scottish Highlands and the Cornish coast.

Rock the Kasbah this winter

With the nights drawing in and the clocks changing this weekend, head for some heat this Christmas. Journey into the heart of the “real” Morocco for sightseeing with gentle rambling and visit Morocco’s ancient palaces, bustling souks, medinas and Kasbahs.

Enjoy the action, on and off the rugby pitch, in Las Vegas

You’ve heard of the Dubai and Hong Kong Sevens - well new for next year is the first ever Las Vegas Sevens. Famous for glitz, glamour and casinos, the city that never sleeps has now added the IRB Sevens World Series to the list of spectacular events.

Voluntourism wins out with today’s adventurers

Voluntourism is still one of the major buzzwords when it comes to holidays, but according to Acacia Africa, a softer version where charitable pursuits are juxtaposed with adventure is winning out with today’s travellers.

MSC Cruises offers free spa treatments at Luxury Travel Fair

MSC Cruises is offering visitors at the Luxury Travel Fair, 5-8 November at Olympia London, a free SPA treatment worth £250 for all new bookings made with MSC Yacht Club between the 5-30 November 2009.

Last minute holidaymakers count the cost of delay

With half term just around the corner, over 4.8 million people (10 per cent) are set to go abroad, but many of these will leave the planning and purchasing of holiday essentials until the very last minute according to new research from Post Office Travel Services.

UK "summer of love" will return, says Parks Group

With advance bookings for 2010 up by 66 percent on last year's figures, Park Holidays UK has announced a major investment in new accommodation, facilities and jobs at its 25 centres.

Eat, drink and be merry in Slovenia

It’s not all gloom and doom on the money front when travelling to eurozone destinations is the message from Slovenia specialist, Holiday Options. Despite the country’s currency being the euro, local costs are considerably cheaper than in the UK and eating out doesn’t cost ‘an arm and a leg’.

2010 ‘early bird’ savings at Woolacombe Bay

Early season holidays reduced by up to £400 – for reservations made by 30 November – is the mega early booking offer for 2010 at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks.

The Croatian villa collection from Holiday Options

A wide choice of luxury villas in Croatia – sleeping between four and 12 and situated in a choice of locations throughout the country – is on offer in 2010 from specialist operator, Holiday Options.

Enjoy a hotel break in Wicklow with Stena Line

Leading ferry company Stena Line is offering customers the opportunity to enjoy a mid-week hotel break in Wicklow from only £67* per person, per night (minimum 2 nights) which includes return travel, accommodation and the kids go free.

Turkey set to sizzle with Brit tourists this half-term holiday

Turkey - one of the most popular destinations for Brits in 2008 - was a firm favourite again this summer. The Turkish lira was the third most popular selling currency in Q2 and Q3 behind the Euro and US dollar, according to the M&S Q3 Travel Money Report.

‘There’s still time to book a half term break’ say Haven

Whatever the weather Haven’s 35 family holiday parks offer plenty to do so it’s worth making the most of the last school holiday break before Christmas. Facilities include heated indoor leisure pools, indoor sports, play areas and kid’s clubs with arts and crafts, music and dancing, games and competitions.

Bournemouth is number one for ‘staycations’

Bournemouth is celebrating winning top spot for ‘staycationers’ as the UK’s most holiday-friendly destination. Beating 65 other popular getaways Bournemouth triumphed in a survey, undertaken by Virgin Money Travel Insurance, aimed at finding the best places to holiday in the UK.

On your bike for a colourful tour of the Scottish Borders

This autumn take in the changing colours of the landscape on two wheels by enjoying a cycling break in the Scottish Borders. As well as the long distance routes of Border Loop, Tweed Cycle Way and The Four Abbeys Cycle Route there are also some little known shorter routes which are available on visitscotland.com/autumnborders.

British Holidays are here to ‘stay-cation’

2009 has undoubtedly been an outstanding year for UK holidays, but it isn’t going to be a flash-in-the-pan according to Hoseasons, the UK’s leading self-catering operator, as they announce advanced bookings for 2010 are already up by 61%.

Dog-sledding, gastronomy or gauchos – the choice is yours

Learn how to be a husky musher in Finland or a gaucho in Argentina on one of the 13 new trips launched by The Adventure Company.

Enjoy more Asia for less with Qantas Holidays

Qantas Holidays has launched its second Asia dedicated brochure offering a whole host of new tours, cruising options and great value for money holidays.

Wicked witch is nation’s top leading lady

Elphaba, the green-skinned witch from hit musical Wicked, has been voted the nation’s favourite leading lady in a poll from leading London theatre breaks website Show-and-Stay.co.uk.

Travel Indochina goes back to the future

Leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina has announced the launch of its latest Small Group Journeys brochure. Focusing on its area of specialism - Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos – and now expanding further into India, Thailand, China and Japan, the tours featured in the 2010/11 brochure are better value than ever.

Head to the Sahara this half term for the adventure of a lifetime

You can have an adventure of a lifetime this October half term by taking a 4x4 trip across the Sahara desert with Small Families, the UK’s leading operator for single parent holidays, and visit the location of one of the most famous films ever made.

Get green and active in Lancashire this half term

Families can enjoy a range of active and environmentally friendly days out in rural Lancashire this October half term. The newly opened, purpose-built mountain bike trails at Gisburn Forest, near Clitheroe are a must for any mountain bike enthusiast, whatever their ability.

Last-minute European city breaks offer value for money

Those still looking for a great value break this October half-term should check out the special offers – including free night deals – available on selected European city breaks courtesy of city break specialist, Cities Direct.

Book now for 2010 holidays at 2009 prices

Book your 2010 holiday before 30 November and enjoy savings of £50 on 2009 prices, courtesy of Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks.

Prestige Holidays adds new special interest tours for 2010

Independent luxury tour operator, Prestige Holidays, has revealed its programme of escorted tours for next year featuring 13 special interest holidays, four of which are new for 2010.

More holiday options for walking enthusiasts

HF Holidays – the UK’s largest specialist walking and leisure activity holidays company – has launched its expanded Walking & Outdoor Holidays 2010 brochure which features 20 new itineraries including nine new European and Worldwide guided walking tours and six new trail holidays in the UK and Europe.

Last minute half term holiday bargains

Savings of £150 on October half-term multi-activity holidays for children have been announced by PGL, the market leader in residential adventure breaks for children.

Head east for a sizzling winter break

For a sizzling winter break, why not head east this winter? Goa and Sri Lanka both combine stunning beaches, a fascinating culture and delicious food, as well as delivering a suitably exotic winter sun experience.

Book now for the best deals on Scottish boating breaks

Book a 2010 Caley Cruisers boating holiday on Loch Ness/Caledonian Canal before 24th October, 2009, and secure the reservation at 2009 rates.

UK weddings to Aruba double

The sun-kissed Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba is becoming a favourite for loved-up UK couples looking to tie the knot, with bookings for wedding packages for 2010 already at twice the number sold this year.

See the image of spring in Holland

After a long and dark winter what better way to welcome in spring than seeing spring itself, thousands of flowers bursting in to bloom in the Tulip fields of Holland.

UK holiday makers seek out ‘mid-term’ breaks for 2010

Leading tour operators Thomson and First Choice are increasing the number of ten and eleven night holidays available for customers travelling next summer, to reflect a reported 64% increase in demand throughout this summer season.

Holiday Options introduces Malta and Gozo

Holiday Options has introduced Malta and Gozo to its line-up of Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands for 2010. To celebrate the launch of this year-round programme, the company is offering – for bookings made by 31 October – a discount of £50 per person on all flight-inclusive packages taken between 1 November 2009 and December 2010.

Five of the best winter holidays

As the nights draw in and the days get shorter, it is no wonder that many of us start to feel a little down, knowing that we won’t see the sun for another six months! Our lack of sunshine only makes us crave it even more and it should therefore be no surprise to hear that the UK has the highest occurrence of self-reported Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the world.

Gap Adventures improves payment options

The Great Adventure People announced simpler payment options for their 1,000 globally-renowned tours this week. Starting 1 October, new Gap Adventures bookings will no longer require travellers to pay a portion of their tour price locally on the first day of a trip. This ‘local payment’ is now being included in the pricing displayed on the Gap Adventures website.

TripAdvisor's flight search takes off in the U.K

TripAdvisor, the world’s most popular and largest travel community, today announced the launch of its award-winning flight search engine in the U.K., offering British travellers a vast selection of flight itineraries and the best available deals on the Web.

Royal Caribbean opens a sea of dreams for budding reporters

Royal Caribbean International is teaming up with Daily Mail Online’s Travel Mail to launch the “Reporter at Sea” contest in search of the UK’s most aspiring reporter to cover one of the biggest stories of the year – the unveiling of Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship.

Love football or hate football - Visiting South Africa in 2010

South Africa is ready to welcome the world in June 2010 as it prepares to host a World Cup like no other, and this will provide an ideal opportunity for many fans to combine sport with a trip to a truly world class travel destination.

Enjoy a sailing holiday this autumn with Dream Marine

Dream Marine is offering a range of great deals on sailing holidays this autumn, with choices available throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Seychelles and Thailand.

Forget the winter blues with Keycamp

Forget the winter blues – with selected apartment resorts offering extended opening and savings of up to 25%, families can escape the humdrum of home and experience stunning locations across Europe from only £305 per party with Keycamp.

Jetsetting Beckham boys are flying high

As Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz Beckham continue to lead the kiddy jetset, ebookers.com, one of Europe’s leading online travel agents, today reveals that four out of five (81%) British children under the age of three have been on at least three holidays outside of the UK since birth.

In the footsteps of David Attenborough

As of last week many of Sir David Attenborough’s most memorable TV moments are available online for the first time ever – and if you feel inspired to follow in the footsteps of Britain's best-known wildlife filmmaker, World Expeditions offers a selection of trips all over the world where you can get up close and personal with some of the most amazing creatures on earth.

Elvis returns to Las Vegas

The brand new Cirque du Soleil’s production of Elvis – taking place at the brand new five-star Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas – is the winning combination from US specialist, Bon Voyage.

Cosy cottages for autumn breaks

Minimalist chic is all very well, but it is good to come home to a cosy cottage after a day on the fells. And if you can dry your socks– as well as the dog – in front of a roaring fire, it is even better!

Exciting packages to Durban for fun seekers

Emirates Holidays is offering a range of tailor-made packages to Durban, to mark the launch of Emirates airline’s new direct flights from Dubai to the fun seekers’ capital of South Africa, which started on 1st October.

Credit-crunch busting hotel breaks in Kinsale with Stena Line

Leading ferry company Stena Line is offering customers the chance to enjoy a hotel break in the Carlton Hotel Kinsale from only £64.50* per person, per night including return travel from Holyhead to Dublin Port or Fishguard to Rosslare.

Outdoor UK holidays are the new ‘staycations’

New research just published by the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA) has revealed that even in the ongoing economic downturn, the demand for outdoor recreation is growing and the outdoor industries, from equipment manufacturers to retailers to holiday providers, have a good future.

Holiday Options introduces Malta and Gozo

Holiday Options has introduced Malta and Gozo to its line-up of Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands for 2010.

Sweet travel ideas for chocoholics

Chocoholics rejoice! To celebrate Chocolate Week (12-18 October 2009) specialist tour operator Journey Latin America offers some sweet travel ideas linked to the real home of chocolate.

A safari with a difference

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get really close up and personal with the wildlife of the African bush? Did you avidly follow the adventures of Emma in Vet Safari on the BBC, and wish you could trade places with her for a day? Well, now you can!

Caribbean savings for singles

Whopping savings of up to £480 per person on Caribbean getaways – plus lots of complimentary goodies – is the offer to singles in Grenada this autumn from specialist operator, Friendship Travel.

Britain’s holiday gems revealed

The Farmers Arms, Miretti patissier and Tilly’s Tea room - these are just some of the 1,200 recommended pubs, restaurants and attractions which make British staycations truly memorable, according to a new online guide launched this week.

Indulgent self-catering in a Cornish cottage

Barclay House, Looe, offers guests a restful base from which to explore the wild winter of the Cornish coast with cliff path or woodland walks followed by relaxing evenings in a luxury lodge.

2010 holidays to France at 2009 prices

Book your independent walking or cycling break with Belle France before 30 November and enjoy 2010 holidays at 2009 prices.

Great Rail Journeys boosts UK programme for 2010

Great Rail Journeys, the tour operator for escorted holidays by rail, has added five new British itineraries for 2010 to bring its choice of UK holidays to ten.

The Gap Year challenge is on

The Gap Year is back! This year the ground breaking reality TV show will follow five lucky Bebo users on an unforgettable journey to the adventure capital of the world - New Zealand.

October offers on the Amalfi Coast

The Villa Book has some great offers for Amalfi Coast villas for the remainder of this season. Still warm, with clear blue skies in October, the Amalfi coast is the perfect destination to catch the last of the summer sun.

Discover the beauty of North Cyprus this Autumn

Autumn is the perfect time to discover the historic sites and cultural delights of the beautiful region of North Cyprus. Direct Traveller (directtraveller.com), the first and leading UK tour operator providing direct flight holidays in North Cyprus, offers a range of fantastic value packages throughout the winter season.

Embark on your own rock star tour

The rock-star on tour: astonishing locations, the best hotels, wild nights, broken strings and hearts, and great music. For many, the celebrity road-trip is a dream, but with Flight Centre’s Round The World Experts, it’s a reality.

Year round ranching for a range of cowboys in Arizona

Temperatures in Arizona might exceed 100 degrees fahrenheit in the height of the summer, but from October to May the year round ranching state has a more amenable climate.

Explore brave the London Great Gorilla Run

Explore, a leading small group adventure holiday company, is painfully aware that the mountain gorilla - an extraordinary, almost human, species - is slipping into extinction.

Island hopping the world’s most romantic destinations

New for 2010, the privately-owned luxury yacht Cookielicious is hosting Romantic Getaway Cruises over five separate weeks in four different and exotic locations.

Tread your own path in the Falkland Islands

With Autumn fast-approaching, it’s the perfect time to start planning your adventure to the Falkland Islands, located 400 miles off the south-eastern tip of South America.

Travel the Dominican Republic in style

The Dominican Republic is shrugging off its ‘poor man’s Caribbean’ image. Previously associated with mass market tourism and low-budget package holidays, in recent years much has changed to counter this impression.

All shook up in Donegal

Travel to Ireland’s remote, north-west coast this November and get ‘all shook up’ at the Bundoran Elvis Festival where some of the world’s best tributes to ‘The King’ will be competing in the final of the All Ireland Elvis competition.

The early holiday booker catches the deal

Purse-friendly prices from Eurocamp mean that you can set your sights on next year’s spring/summer holiday, without worrying about the pennies.

Sterling recovery and winter sun deals boost long haul prospects

The Far East looks unbeatable value for winter sun trips according to the latest annual Long Haul Holiday Report from Post Office Travel Services.

Jetsave’s ‘top 10 sights to see before you die!’

Once the realm of the intrepid traveller, many of the world’s must-see sights – like the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore and the Great Wall of China are now included in touring itineraries, making it easier to visit these global wonders.

Last chance to see Asia’s endangered wildlife

In response to a rising demand for wildlife experiences in the Far East, Bamboo Travel is launching a special tour of China and Borneo to see some of the planet’s most endangered animal species.

Qantas Holidays expands to offer 75 fly cruise options

Qantas Holidays is offering 75 cruise options as part of their new fly cruise programme with prices starting from £999 for a 14-night tour of the Far East.

Living history at Ingleby Manor

Ingleby Manor, a stunning Grade II*, 16th Century Manor House, was built from the generosity of Henry VIII to the powerful Eure family in the early 1500s, possibly with some of the riches from the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

Explore Papua New Guinea - Lost land of the volcano

If you have been blown away by the breathtaking views of Papua New Guinea’s landscapes shown on BBC’s Lost Land of the Volcano, World Expeditions offers you the opportunity to experience one of the least explored countries in the world.

Cosy cottages for October half term

For the first time since it launched its British collection in January 2009 CV Travel has half term houses and cottages available for the October half term weeks, including cosy Cornwall cottages for 4, a farm set amid 37 acres of pastureland for up to 8 guests and a gorgeous Enid Blyton style cliff-top family home near Land’s End.

Classical music meets nature on a musical sea voyage

In January 2010, MV Trollfjord will transform into a musical stage as she travels south from Tromso to Oslo with onboard concerts and a performance in Oslo’s newly built opera house.

A golden opportunity for last minute sun

The nights may be drawing in but October’s starting to look a little brighter with outdoor holiday company Keycamp offering up to 20% off accommodation at selected parcs for arrivals throughout the month.

Up close and personal with Exmoor red deer

Porlock’s Rutting Weekend, Friday 16 – Sunday 18 October, which gives visitors an opportunity to get close to the magnificent Exmoor red deer in their natural surroundings, has now been reduced to £195 per person for double or single room occupancy.

Bewitched in Ireland this Halloween

Families can celebrate Halloween in style this year at Ireland’s leading golf and spa resort, The K Club, and enjoy a half-term holiday to remember at this luxurious hotel within easy reach of Dublin airport or Dun Laoghaire ferry port*.

Discover the South West of Ireland with Natural Retreats

For a truly unforgettable family break this October half-term why not visit the picturesque Ring of Kerry in the South West of Ireland, where the mild climate ensures palm trees grow year round.

Footie madness for fans in South Africa

After England’s 5-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley, the team and fans are looking towards the start of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa kicking off on 11th June 2010.

Retreat to the country with a rural stay in the West Country

Farm & Cottage holidays offer the finest selection of hand-picked properties in superb rural and coastal locations throughout Cornwall and the West Country.

Top Ohio golf course extends season with value packages

Longaberger Golf Club, Ohio – recognized by Golf Digest, GolfWorld, Golfweek and GOLF Magazine as one of the best courses in the country – has announced value-laden stay-and-play packages throughout the remainder of the 2009 season.

The summer of love for Prestige Holidays

British travellers continue to look abroad for a relaxing holiday despite the recession. Premier Holidays, the leading independent tour operator, has seen an increase in both passengers and revenue over the summer.

MSC Cruises launches new regional flights

MSC Cruises has launched new regional flights from Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh airports between April and September 2010.

Libya revealed

As Libya celebrates 40 years since Colonel Gaddafi came to power, there is no better time to discover the history and culture of this ancient country.

A gourmet’s delight in the Lake District

A superb all-inclusive Food and Wine holiday is on offer this November at a national award-winning hotel in the Lake District.

Gymtastic sporting breaks for kids

With many children looking towards the 2012 Olympics and wanting to be part of the action, what better way to start getting involved than by watching the professionals in action.

Enthralling Ethiopia

Walking through the dramatic mountains of Ethiopia, visiting the Blue Nile Falls and taking a boat trip on Lake Tana provides some of the best scenery in Africa, and the cities are just as fascinating.

Newquay amongst top destinations for camping holidays

Newquay’s position as one of Cornwall’s most popular destinations for camping holidays has been further strengthened with the news that ten of the town’s holiday parks are in the running for a prestigious ‘Top 100 Sites Award’ by Practical Caravan for 2010.

Gastronomic festivities on Mauritius

To mark the 10th anniversary of Alain Ducasse’s ‘Spoon des Iles’ restaurant at the One & Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius, Bailey Robinson is offering visitors the chance to meet the chef and join the culinary celebrations, saving £645 per person on a seven-night trip.

Marvellous Menorca

With more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined, Menorca exudes peace and tranquillity.

Families tucking in to more on holiday

UK holiday company Haven has seen a big increase in bookings this year as many families opt for “stay-cations” rather than going on holiday abroad. And once they check into the holiday park, many families are taking the easy option of hanging up their car keys and enjoying all the facilities on offer.

Daredevil holidaymakers beware

British holidaymakers are giving in to their daredevil impulses and taking part in extreme sports while on holiday, according to moneysupermarket.com.

Days out in Dublin

Stena Line is offering customers the chance to travel to Dublin and enjoy a great day out in October with a fantastic day trip by foot travel fare from only £27* per adult and £18* per child.

Slovenia’s oldest town to host unusual folklore festival

Slovenia’s oldest town, Ptuj (pronounced Petooey), will host the annual Kurent Festival between 6th and 16th February. The ten-day traditional event is intended to banish winter and to welcome the arrival of spring.

Experience the spectacular autumn colours of Scotland

Instead of flying to New England to witness stunning autumn foliage, VisitScotland is inviting lovers of gardens and the outdoors to choose the environmentally-friendly option as well as making the most of their holiday budgets by exploring home-grown autumn highlights.

Find a home from home this halt-term holiday

For October half-term, Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire is highlighting 10 per cent savings on the rental of four beautiful barn conversions – all with exposed stonework and beamed ceilings – set around a courtyard just a few miles from the coastal village of Little Haven.

Try Wiltshire for an alternative short break

VisitWiltshire is positioning the county as an alternative destination for shopping/city breaks.

Nautical but nice halt-term adventures

If you’re after a value-for-money family break this October half-term, look no further than Italian cruise line, Costa Cruises.

Keycamp early birds catch some great deals

The fastest way to shake off the onset of the winter blues is to choose a summer holiday, and with Keycamp offering up to 25% off the base price of 2010 holidays booked by 30 September with a deposit of just £50, now’s the time to book; especially as early birds will get the pick of the outdoor holiday company’s very best parcs.

Discover Anitgua’s laid-back beach life without breaking the bank

Take one look at the exclusive range of Antigua hotels offered by Thomson Tailormade, and you'll see Antigua holidays are all about laid-back beach life.

History lovers can take a voyage of discovery to St Helena

History lovers and intrepid travellers can celebrate the life and death of one of the most influential men in history – Napoleon Bonaparte – on a new voyage introduced by St Helena Line to the far-flung South Atlantic Island of St Helena on one of the world’s last working Royal Mail Ships – the RMS St Helena.

The world’s most popular beaches

Summer has nearly ended and the days are getting shorter and cooler. What remains are the best memories from the last beach vacation.

Late summer camping discounts in Devon

Bring your tent, touring caravan or motorhome to North Devon for a late summer break and enjoy savings of 25%. This special deal, on offer from Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks, applies to stays of a minimum of three nights in duration for breaks completed by 24 October at all four of the company’s Parks in the seaside village of Woolacombe.

Amazon adventures in Peru

Study the four icons of the Amazon; jaguars, pumas, parrots and peccaries (pig like creatures) this winter with Biosphere Expeditions – the award winning, non profit making conservation specialist which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Hotel breaks in Co Wexford with Stena Line

Leading ferry company Stena Line is offering customers the chance to enjoy a hotel break in the Carlton Millrace Hotel and Spa in Bunclody, Co Wexford from only £67* per person, per night including return travel from Holyhead to Dublin Port or Fishguard to Rosslare.

Wine, gastronomy and safari in South Africa

Native Escapes, specialist operator to Southern Africa, has announced a new 15 day Wine, Gastronomy & Safari itinerary perfect for anyone who enjoys the good things in life.

Stay on your bike with Headwater

This autumn grab the opportunity to get up close and personal to your holiday bike. Headwater, offers independent cycling holidays to France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Austria and Britain.

A winter voyage around the Cape Verde Islands

Early bookers can pay just £49 per person per night – and save up to £28 per night - when booking and paying for a winter voyage by 30 September with Tall Ships Adventures.

Tourists will take a pounding in New York

Set sail for adventure in Thailand

From November Gap Adventures travellers can sail by catamaran around the waters surrounding Thailand’s world renowned beaches. Each shipmate can learn the ropes by actually skippering the comfortable 8-person catamaran.

Holiday Options to feature Albania for 2010

Tour operator, Holiday Options, is featuring Albania for the first time in 2010 with highlights of the programme including small group tours and, for more independent clients, the lively beach resort of Durres.

Swashbuckling Champagne tours for wine lovers

Swashbuckling wine lovers can master the Napoleonic Art of Sabrage – uncorking a champagne bottle with a sword - on an exclusive five-day Champagne-tasting tour with specialist operator Grape Escapes.

Celebrate ‘Grandparents’ Day’ with Eurocamp

When holidaying abroad it is becoming more popular for families to bring grandparents along for the ride.

Celebrate Halloween with Mickey and friends

Nobody does Halloween quite like the Americans, so what better place to head on holidays for some terrific thrills this All Hallows’ Eve than Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando?

Authentic cultural adventures in Kenya

For a truly unique family travel experience, join Wrestling the World in Summer, 2010 at the International Village in Nakuru, Kenya and spend 13 unforgettable days touring the area and making a real difference in the lives of the local community.

Uplifting autumn getaways

The three and a half months between September and Christmas are bleak and Bank Holiday free. But look on the bright side: the kids have gone back to school, temperatures in southern Europe are still warm, holiday prices in Autumn are considerably lower.

New holiday options to the Adriatic

Holiday Options has launched its 2010 Adriatic brochure dedicated to Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro and has introduced escorted small group tours of

Jordan and Syria or Venice – The choice is yours

Independent luxury tour operator, Prestige Holidays, still has availability on two of its specialist interest tours this autumn/winter.

Moctezuma and the Aztecs in Mexico

Specialist tour operator Journey Latin America has launched a new ‘Moctezuma and the Aztecs’ tailor-made tour to coincide with the opening of the British Museum’s latest exhibition, Moctezuma: Aztec Ruler.

Thomson Tailormade launches new Africa brochure

Tour Operator Thomson Tailormade has launched the Africa brochure, offering an extensive selection of quality hotels and unique experiences tailored to suit every need.

MSC Cruises launch thermal spa package

MSC Cruises’ MSC Yacht Club guests can now enjoy a complimentary Thermal SPA package during their cruise which includes one sauna and one Turkish bath session on board in the MSC Aurea SPA.

Top tips for trekking the Inca Trail

Camping with a difference in Botswana

Ker & Downey Botswana has upgraded the tents at Kanana enabling it to achieve five star grading to keep it in line with its other two luxury camps, Shinde and Okuti.

Short break ideas for Autumn

Save up to £116 on a late-summer holiday in Croatia – staying at the three-star Hotel Villas Kolocep on the small, laid-back island of Kolocep – courtesy of specialist operator, Holiday Options.

Marrakech for singles

For an exotic, exciting and cultural city break – with pleasantly warm temperatures to boot – leading singles specialist, Friendship Travel reckons that Marrakech is hard to beat.

Autumn guided walking breaks in the UK

For a great value autumn break, HF Holidays – the UK’s largest specialist walking and leisure activity holidays company – suggests staying at one of its UK Country Houses and enjoying a guided walking break amid the autumnal hues of the UK countryside.

Halloween horror at Universal Studios

Short breaks in Florida – with a catalogue of horror on the menu - is the offer this Halloween from US operator, Bon Voyage.

Head for winter sun and enjoy free nights

‘Free night deals’ on selected winter sun breaks taken between November 2009 and March 2010 – with four nights starting from just £199 per person – are being highlighted by city break specialist, Cities Direct.

Young explorers go from strength to strength

The Ker & Downey Botswana Young Explorers programmes are specially designed safaris offering families the opportunity to discover the wonders of the African wilderness together.

Brits rush to book last of the summer sun

Britain’s wet summer has led to fed-up Brits rushing to book a last minute holiday in the sun, new research has revealed.

Cayman Islands welcome first ‘ladies only’ dive trip

The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism has welcomed the initiative by tour operator DiveQuest to put together a ‘ladies-only’ holiday for 2010.

With kids back at school, holidays for adults rule

It’s official – the summer holidays have ended, the kids are back to school and it’s the perfect time to take a relaxing, child-free holiday.

Perfect your technique with surf camp in Cornwall

Using the latest coaching techniques such as video analysis, nutritional advice, body conditioning and surf theory, the Surf Academy will ensure that individual performance and all round enjoyment of the sport is taken to the next level.

Head to Gumbet for 2010’s biggest summer party

If you’re still reeling from the sun’s no-show this summer then now’s the perfect time to make sure summer 2010 is hot in more ways than one. With a 2wentys holiday you’re guaranteed warm, sunny weather, and steamy clubs and parties every night.

Half term deals at Haven

Haven Holidays are offering breaks during October half term from as little as £179 for four nights for a family of up to six people. First class facilities and a wide range of activities and entertainment are included in the price.

Thomson launches excursions website

Booked your holiday but not sure what to do when you get there? Travelling on a budget and want to get your “extras” accounted for before you travel? Visit the new excursion website from leading travel company Thomson, thomsonexcursions.co.uk to research and book activities across the globe.

A guided tour of Andalucia's Grazalema

The UK’s leading guided walking holidays’ operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, is offering a week’s tour of Grazalema, Andalucia – a jewel in its own natural park surrounded by beautiful mountains and rolling sierras – one of the most ecologically important in Spain.

The Crème de la Crème of culinary travel

Culinary travel is a growing trend, and with good reason. You can have your gâteau and eat it - and when you return home, you can make it for your friends too.

A walk in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

The UK’s leading guided walking holidays operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, is offering a 19 day adventure, combining vibrant Ecuador, with a cruise around and stay on the amazing Galápagos Islands much in focus in this celebratory year of Darwin’s monumental discoveries.

Sardinia for late summer sunshine

September is a great time to visit the beautiful Italian island of Sardinia - the water is warm from the long hot summer, the beaches are less crowded, the countryside is becoming green again and the price of accommodation has dropped significantly to make it an ideal late summer holiday destination.

Tourists return to Mexico enticed by winter deals

Holidaymakers are returning to favourite destination Mexico in their droves, and there is no better time to go than this winter with some of the best deals around to entice customers to visit.

Tailor-made holiday options in the US and Canada

Tour operator Thomson Tailormade has launched a new America & Canada brochure, offering a widespread selection of quality hotels and holidays to the USA and Canada. From cosmopolitan cities to stunning scenery, the extensive programme guarantees the perfect holiday for every taste and budget.

Top long-haul trends for 2010

As 2009 becomes the year of the credit-crunched traveller, specialist long-haul tour operator, Tropical Sky, has seen some interesting changes to the habits and trends of customers.

South Africa calling - World Cup holiday ideas

With England officially qualifying for next year’s World Cup, now is the time to start organising your trip to South Africa as flights are selling fast.

No "staycation" in cruising with record year predicted

Cruising is on the upswing: bigger ships, new destinations, more deals, a wider variety of choices and more passengers.

Artemis Travel slashes autumn holiday prices

Artemis Travel has released its lowest ever autumn accommodation prices, meaning a week-long stay in Turkey may now be even cheaper than the train fare to the airport.

More choice for Corsican travel

A leading UK tour operator and specialist to Corsica has added 14 new properties to its 2010 collection of villas, apartments and hotels on the island, catering for increased capacity following the announcement that no frills' airline Bmibaby is commencing a new service to Bastia, from East Midlands Airport.

An A-list holiday destination on a shoe-string

The Côte d’Azur has more than earned its reputation as ‘playground to the rich and famous’ this summer, with the likes of Kate Moss, Lily Allen, J-Lo and Tom Cruise flocking to St Tropez.

A new cruise for music lovers

If you have a passion for orchestral music and would like to experience one of the world’s premier orchestras in some of the most stunning settings in Europe, then look no further.

Enjoy picturesque Turkey this half term

‘Escape to the sun this October half-term’ is the message from specialist operator Vintage Travel which is highlighting its hand-picked collection of houses with private pools on two of Turkey’s most picturesque coastlines – the southern Aegean and the Mediterranean.

Travel back in time with Libra Holidays

Have you been following Kate Humble’s Frankincense trail and wanted to step back in time and discover ancient lands and traditions?

Holiday Options launches 2010 Adriatic Brochure

Holiday Options has launched its 2010 Adriatic brochure dedicated to Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro and has introduced escorted small group tours of Albania.

Boost your career – take a year out

For those graduating from university this year the job market certainly looks daunting, with the UK’s leading graduate employers having reduced their recruitment targets for 2009 by nearly 20 per cent and unemployment amongst the 16-24 age group at a record high*.

Families that play together, save together

Families that play together, save together, with PGL’s October half-term Family Active offers. Savings of up to 25 per cent are available on Family Active October half-term holidays and short breaks at six PGL adventure centres around the UK.

Jet2holidays launches new brochure

Yorkshire based tour operator, Jet2holidays, has launched its brand new Winter 09/10 into Summer 2010 brochure, and is available to all agents now.

Budget friendly half term breaks in Ireland

Irish Ferries Holidays has special prices on self-catering breaks throughout October, including the half-term holiday weeks, with prices from as little as £85 per person based on a family of two adults and two children.

Enjoy a half-term hotel break in Dublin with Stena Line

Leading ferry company Stena Line is offering customers the chance to enjoy a 3 night half-term hotel break in Dublin from only £135* per person.

Prestige Holidays reveals 2010 Bermuda programme

Prestige Holidays has revealed its 2010 Bermuda programme featuring a lead in price of just £886 per person for seven nights at Grotto Bay Resort, the newly opened Reefs Club Suites, a range of fantastic money saving offers and regional connecting flights to London from just £17.

Head East for holiday bargains

A great British holiday may have seemed like the best option for many families this year. However, those who have held back on their holiday plans would be wise to look further afield to make their money go further according to research from Tesco Travel Money. That is before the weather is even taken into consideration.

Sea dogs head for Irish shores

Thomson Sport - In for the long haul

After Team England’s 5-1 drubbing of Croatia at Wembley this week, Fabio Capello’s squad members now face nine months of maintaining sufficient form and fitness to make sure they are the ones lining up for England’s opening match in South Africa next June.

Stress-free self catering breaks for half term

Whatever the weather at Half Term, the Lake District is a great family getaway with a host of outdoor activities for fine weather and top-notch indoor attractions for rainy days.

Adventure Company launches new family trips

Tour operator The Adventure Company has launched its new Family Adventures brochure for 2010/11.

A complete spa experience in Malvern

Natural resources and modern art join in harmony at MalvernSpa where guests can enjoy the benefits of bathing in natural spring water in one of the country’s original spa towns.

Over-50s travel rush set for September

As the kids go back to school, it will be the over-50s' turn to pack their sun hats and cream as they head off for their summer break. According to research from Saga Travel Insurance, September is the most popular month to go away among the over 50s. Almost two thirds (61 per cent) of over-50s holidays were taken in September 2008. This Saturday, 12th September is going to be the busiest day for the over 50s to travel, so they may in fact find themselves caught up in a ‘silver rush' at the airport

Rise of the Grey Gapper

New research by Halifax Unsecured Personal Loans reveals it's not just students who'll be taking time out to go traveling. For many working Brits it seems there aren't enough hours in the day and to escape, they are choosing to take a gap year at a later stage in life.

See a wilder side of Scotland

Aurora Expeditions is offering adventurers the opportunity to explore the magic and mystery of the Scottish Isles, with a new voyage onboard the Polar Pioneer departing in June 2010.

Salsa in Sardinia

'Sardinia in Salsa' is an International Salsa Event which offers 3 days of dancing and fun with 23 Latin dance workshops on the beautiful Italian island of Sardinia.

A holiday on West Virginia’s country roads

Hammocks and rocking chairs on wrap-around porches, cosy quilts, antiques and memorabilia, lace tablecloths and warm, hearty, old fashioned American hospitality add to the ingredients of a driving holiday along the country roads of West Virginia.

Tropical Sky expands Down Under

Long-haul tour operator, Tropical Sky has added a new brand to its portfolio. Launched this week, Australian Sky will offer competitively priced holidays from self-drive and escorted tours across the Australian states to beach breaks, city stays and special interest or activity-based holidays.

Holidays to inexpensive Europe

Value for money has always been a priority for Regent Holidays, which takes away the tedium of watching the pennies on holiday thanks to its selection of unusual, accordingly-inexpensive destinations, including the vast majority of Europe’s top 10 least expensive countries, as revealed by Eurostat in July.

Enjoy a Sicilian September

With its wonderful climate, Sicily is a top holiday destination all year round and each season has its own distinctive charm. September is a great time to visit the beautiful island, as the weather is pleasant, the beaches are peaceful and the sea is still warm from the scorching August sun.

Walking in rustic Sicily

The UK’s leading guided walking holidays’ operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, is offering a week walking tour in one of the most rustic and historical parts of Sicily.

Embark on your own ‘American Road Trip’

Jamie Oliver begins his American Road Trip on Channel 4 this week - a journey to discover the real heart of America through its people, landscapes, culture, music and food.

Gap year gatecrashers

With many young adults expected to take a gap year to avoid the credit crunch, research from Post Office Travel Insurance reveals they could be receiving some unexpected guests. A fifth of parents (21 per cent) aged 50+ with children that have lived or holidayed abroad, said they had visited their child to broaden their own horizons.

Harvest a true taste of Tuscany

Savour the true taste of Tuscany on a harvest-time holiday celebrating the autumn’s wine and olive oil crop.

Tour operator launches ‘Last Chance To See’ itineraries

To coincide with the new series of ‘Last Chance to See’ which hits our screens on Sunday (6 September), tour operator Bales Worldwide has created the ‘Last Chance to See Collection’.

Criminal holiday offerings in Philadelphia

For those with a slightly suspect taste in entertainment, US specialist, Bon Voyage, has created short breaks to Philadelphia which include ‘Terror behind the Walls’.

An extra week in the sun for single travellers

Singles specialist Friendship Travel says strong demand for sunshine breaks means they are extending the season at their hotel in Turkey.

September holiday savings in Italy

Specialist camping and mobile home tour operator Venue Holidays has announced savings of 50% on holidays to Venice for arrivals on site after 19 September.

Magical Morocco gets under the skin

‘Magical Morocco’ explores every aspect of this diverse country from the labyrinthine souks of the imperial cities to the windswept heights of the Atlas Mountains. This 14 night small-group tour with local guides gets right under the skin of Morocco, says adventure travel specialist Kumuka Worldwide.

Autumn sun and big savings for empty nesters

Summer lingers longer in the Greek islands, making October holidays not only relaxing but also great value for couples whose kids have flown the nest, according to Olympic Holidays.

Fine food and fine walks in Provence

Pan-fried foie gras, turbot slow cooked with ceps, pear poached in Chardonnay… food too good to resist – but what about the waistline?

A horrifying Half Term and Halloween

As school summer holidays draw to a close, it’s time to start planning fun for Halloween and October Half Term.

Cruise holidays - beating the credit crunch

Socruise.com, the online travel agency, community and news source for cruise lovers is gearing up for National Cruise Week, September 20-27 2009. Having recently gained more than 1000 new members, socruise.com is reaping the benefits of the increased interest in cruise holidays.

Turkey - The cool choice for savvy autumn travellers

Savvy travellers can experience Turkey’s Aegean coast at its very best with Artemis Travel this autumn. With guaranteed sunshine at temperatures that are warm but not scorching, September and October are the perfect months to visit the region.

Credit-crunch Brits opt for late summer breaks

Late summer holiday bookings are on the up as Brits cut back on other areas to ensure that they can still take a family trip abroad, says research released today by HolidayExtras.com.

Autumn holiday savings in North Devon

Save a massive 50% on an autumn holiday in North Devon, courtesy of Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks. This extra special offer applies to holidays taken in September and October (excluding half-term period) in their two and three-bedroom centrally-heated luxury Lodges.

Free B&B nights with Irish Ferries in October

One of the best ways to get ‘under the skin’ of Ireland is by staying in some of the country’s renowned B&Bs where the welcome is warm, the local knowledge second-to-none and the breakfasts memorable.

Half term fun at Kelling Heath Holiday Park

Kelling Heath Holiday Park in north Norfolk is the perfect Half Term escape for families set in natural, surroundings.

Take a hike for September holiday savings

Stay in the UK this September and enjoy a special 20% discount – saving up to £130 – on selected fully-inclusive UK walking breaks courtesy of HF Holidays, the UK’s largest specialist walking and leisure activity holidays company.

Half-term is for camping, camel trekking and volcanoes

There’s no need for children to be ‘kicking their heels’ during the half term holidays, with this selection of great holiday ideas from the UK’s leading guided walks specialist, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays.

Luxury for less along Australia’s humpback highway

The 2009 whale watching season is gearing up to be a big one in Western Australia. Combine a trip to see these majestic giants and their newborn calves with a special luxury package that won’t cost the earth.

Louis Majesty - the single cruiser’s friend

Louis Cruises’ new ship, the 1,790-passenger Louis Majesty, is the single traveller’s friend this winter, with no single supplements to pay on any of its sailings between January and March 2010.

MSC Cruises launches new microsite dedicated to groups

MSC Cruises, the most modern fleet in the world, has launched a new microsite dedicated to group travel called MSC Groups. To celebrate this new online service, MSC Cruises is offering a special launch deal.

Staycation breaks for Autumn

The vivid colours of autumn trees reflected in the still waters of a mountain-ringed lake…no, not New England but Lake Vyrnwy in Powys near Snowdonia.

Save money on Autumn sun in Crete

Villa specialist Freelance Holidays is highlighting September and October stays on the island of Crete, when the sun still shines for up to nine hours a day, the average temperature is a comfortable 20°C, and the sea is equally warm.

A far eastern odyssey with Bamboo Travel

Inspired by Rick Stein’s recent series, Bamboo Travel have put together a special 3-week private tour “A Far Eastern Odyssey”, which follows his epic culinary journey through Indochina and Thailand.

Autumn offers from European Waterways

European Waterways have some great offers on a number of their luxury 'floating boutique hotel' barge cruises in the autumn, meaning prices start from just £1,550 per person for a 6 night cruise.

Ultimate autumn adventures

September and October is the perfect time to book an overseas adventure, for a whole host of reasons, not just because you will miss the crowds of the Summer months.

Ultra-exclusive blow out escapes for winter

This winter families and groups are spoilt for choice with an exceptional collection of secluded suites and private villas that combine stylish safari and barefoot beach extravagance in Kenya and Mozambique.

Laidback holiday companions highly sought after

As millions of Britons prepare to get away today for the bank holiday weekend, new research by Abbey Reward Bank Account reveals that while two thirds of people (65 per cent) would choose their partner as their ideal holiday companion, one million Britons would choose their favourite celebrity and nearly half a million (477,880) would choose a work colleague.

Cruise your way to serious fun

If you are looking for a fun filled break away with family, friends or a loved one, DFDS Seaways’ collection of themed mini cruises offers you the perfect break.

Wine ace to lead exclusive ‘Grape Escapes’ tour

Award-winning wine expert Chris Scott will add extra piquancy to an exclusive tour to the Champagne region in October, being offered by specialist operator Grape Escapes.

Brits back great British holiday

Ninety-five per cent of Brits are choosing to spend the August Bank Holiday in the UK, despite previous predictions of a mass holiday exodus to warmer climes in attempt to escape the no show ‘barbeque summer’. Over half of these (56%) will be jumping in their cars to get to their chosen UK destination, meaning there will be more vehicles than ever on the roads.

Go wild on the Isles of Scilly

Looking for the perfect end of summer or autumn short break getaway? If you are and don’t want to travel too far afield, then you could go wild on the Isles of Scilly - the UK’s own Island Archipelago, warmed by the Gulf Stream and lying 28 miles off Lands End.

Durham hosts UK Peace And Tranquillity Week

Durham is hosting UK Peace and Tranquillity week for the third time from September 7-13 and has unveiled a calendar of 18 free and affordable events including open air picnics, classical music recitals, Tai Chi, yoga and Chi Kung, photography and painting workshops, candlelit gardens and baby owl walks.

Cycling adventures in South Australia

Active, bike loving travellers will be impressed by the range of cycling tours available in South Australia through Adelaide-based operator The Adventure Collective, with options including an epic 30-day Gulf to Gulf trip, five-day food and wine lovers tour as well as something for Tour Down Under race fans.

Explore the wonderland of the Galapagos

Experience the unique natural wonderland that inspired Charles Darwin - and save more than £340 per person in this special last-minute deal with World Expeditions.

St Ives September Festival getaways

If you are looking for an entertaining getaway this September, the annual St Ives September Festival gives you an added reason to visit the picturesque Cornish town.

Cruising into the Thames’ rich past

Winston Churchill – inspiring politician, leader, soldier, orator, writer and artist. ACE Study Tours’ new cruise along the River Thames on board the magnificent Spirit of Chartwell, offers a truly unique insight into this great man.

Back to school for a Lake District holiday

As children glumly get ready for school, families with toddlers or couples without encumbrances can look forward to the new term – by renting a former school!

Chocoholics paradise in the Italian city of Perugia

Chocoholics should head to the Italian region of Umbria between 16 and 25 October for the popular ‘Eurochocolate festival of Perugia’ and enjoy the exhibitions, cooking classes, tastings and celebrations of all things chocolatey!

Experience the highs of the Himalayan Peaks

Kedarnath is a Hindu holy town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Situated in the Himalayas, about 3584m above sea level near the head of river Mandakini, this destination is flanked by breathtaking snow-capped peaks.

Celebrating 250 years of Guinness

With one of Ireland’s most famous exports, Guinness, celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, what better time to enjoy an autumn break in Dublin and make a ‘pilgrimage’ to the brewery for a few samples of the ‘black stuff’.

Authentic road trips in California

Travellers are being offered the opportunity to drive an iconic, convertible Ford Mustang from Los Angeles to San Francisco, staying in some of California’s best beach resorts along the way.

Forget the credit crunch – this is luxury Australia

Bailey Robinson has created two, nine-night, three-centre itineraries featuring five of Australia’s top properties that together showcase the best Australia has to offer – premium wine, gourmet food, beautiful unspoilt locations and outstanding, award-winning resorts.

First Class all the way to Cologne

Great Rail Journeys, the UK’s market leader for escorted holidays by rail is highlighting its Cologne Premium tour as the ultimate way to enjoy the best Christmas Markets in Europe.

Take the tinsel & turkey to South Devon

Hoping to entertain the family this Christmas or New Year, but the house simply isn’t big enough?

Tough economy makes luxury cruising more affordable

"Cut-backs" and "budgeting" might be the buzz words for this summer, but the rough economy does have its advantages, luxury is now available for much less, according to cruise reviews and news Web site, CruiseCritic.co.uk.

Holidaymakers in Turkish delight

Latest sales figures from leading online travel agent On the Beach suggest Turkey is enjoying a bumper August as thousands of British holidaymakers sweep into the country.

Selsey Bill tops list of top beachcombing beaches

Cottages4you.co.uk today announced its top 10 list of best UK beaches for beachcombing, with Selsey Bill in West Sussex taking top spot.

Bank Holiday boltholes on the Scottish islands

Scotland’s islands offer a haven for travellers to escape the bank holiday bustle and truly get away from it all.

Italy’s renaissance treasures at a gem of a price

Keycamp’s Italian Renaissance break offers a price that is as breathtaking as the cities and sights it takes in, with 22 nights from 12 September costing just £510 per party.

Brits continue to get into trouble abroad

The latest annual British Behaviour Abroad report that reveals Britons are continuing to get into trouble abroad, with key concerns including drink and drug related cases.

Christmas on the Isles of Scilly

Escape the stresses and strains of Christmas this year with a festive break on the beautiful island of St Mary's in the Isles of Scilly.

Funway Holidays announces new tours to Taiwan

Specialist tour operator, Funway Holidays, has added Taiwan to its 2010 brochure. The company is now offering four escorted tours to some of the island’s most popular regions and attractions.

Enjoy wild food in Pembrokeshire’s countryside

With the credit crunch biting, there couldn’t be a better time to learn more about ‘food from the wild’ and one of the best places to do this is at the ‘Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival’ held in St David’s in Pembrokeshire on September 5 and 6.

Tantalizing offers for Egypt

Gently sail along the Nile in luxury, discover Ancient Egypt and swim with colourful fish in the Red Sea, all for amazing prices with Kuoni.

Discover the unspoilt beauty of Bhutan

For centuries the highest mountains in the world have hidden a tiny jewel, the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan - one of the last pristine places on earth, a place of unspoilt natural beauty and heart warming hospitality.

Follow the English cricket team to Cape Town

This could prove a memorable year for British cricket fans as Andrew Strauss is now on a quest to take on the best team in the world in South Africa this November.

All aboard for luxury holidays

Entrepreneur and founder of Millies Cookies, Mario Budwig, is the financial backer behind a company helping holidaymakers enjoy a genuine flavour of the A-list lifestyle onboard a private luxury 72ft yacht, Cookielicious.

September holiday bargains for pre-school families

As the new school year looms, families with pre-school aged kids can pick up superb September bargains. Olympic Holidays is highlighting two great value self-catering complexes that are exclusive to its programme.

Autumn is the time for a tipple

The arrival of Oktoberfest from 19 September to 4 October is fast approaching. And this got travel search engine nowfly.co.uk thinking, as all that lederhosen and alcohol seems like an alarming amount of fun.

Late summer sailing in Greece

Sunvil Sailing are offering several late summer deals for a week’s flotilla sailing in the Greek Ionian Sea with optional tuition for departures on Sunday 30 August, and 6 and 13 September from £295 per person.

It’s mustering season at Wrotham Park Lodge

Saddle up and strap yourself in for the ride of a lifetime! The cattle muster has started at Wrotham Park Lodge, Queensland’s most luxurious outback cattle station property.

Feeling fabulous in the Balearics

From this month, some of the best Spa & Wellness offers in the Balearics can be found on spa-in-spain.es. The website is part of the Majorcan-based company SIS, the first and only booking agency specializing in Spa & Wellness trips to Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza.

Discover the biological treasure trove of the Eastern Himalaya

A “rugged and remarkable landscape” and “a biological treasure trove” - just two of the terms used to describe the Eastern Himalaya in a new WWF report. Now you can experience this remote, pristine environment for yourself with World Expeditions, which offers 10 per cent off on a selection of its trips to the region.

Book early for a Caribbean cracker

Long-haul tour operator, Tropical Sky, has announced a selection of unbeatable Caribbean Christmas holiday offers, enabling credit-crunched clients to enjoy exceptional festive packages to St Lucia and Barbados from just £999 per person.

Experience Slovenia’s ‘Cows’ Ball’ festival

As if the scenic delights of Lake Bohinj in Slovenia weren’t enough for most visitors, those holidaying there around 20 September have the option to take in one of the region’s oldest and most quaint festivals.

September savings for travel to Corsica

Savings on September sunshine holidays for singles to the island of Corsica have been announced by specialist operator, Friendship Travel, to the San Lucianu Resort near the old port town of Bastia.

October city breaks offer value for money

Book now for some great value European city breaks during October half-term – with prices from just £199 for three nights – is the message from city break specialist, Cities Direct.

Are you part of the Brit Hop generation?

We’ve had the ‘Staycation’, where holidaymakers spend their annual leave holed up at home to save money. Now Kwik-Fit has identified ‘Brit Hopping’ – a new trend to emulate expensive foreign multi-destination holidays from within the UK. So instead of Bangkok and Bali, think West End and Weymouth, Cardiff and Carmarthen or Glasgow and Glenfiddich!

On the trail of John Ruskin in Coniston

John Ruskin’s reputation is taking a battering in the ‘Desperate Romantics’ series on BBC2, Tuesday nights. Portrayed as an impotent egotist in the paint-spattered bonk-buster, his undoubted genius and own artistic merits are somewhat overlooked!

Last minute bank holiday breaks in France

European accommodation specialist P&V has some great last minute deals available for short breaks to France this August Bank Holiday with prices starting from as little as £10 per person, per night.

Head to the Azores for island jazz this autumn

Experience some of the world’s finest jazz this autumn on the beautiful island of Terceira located in the heart of the Azores.

Brits book last minute foreign getaway

With just over a fortnight to go until most schools return, a total of 1.8 million Britons (4 per cent) have booked a last minute holiday abroad according to new research sponsored by GE Money Home Lending on behalf of independent financial advice website Moneybasics.co.uk.

Beat the credit crunch and the weather with a staycation in Kent

With reports that the recent unsettled weather is likely to continue, rain-weary UK families who had committed to ‘staycations’ in the UK in an effort to beat the credit crunch are being forced to consider last minute deals abroad.

Explore springtime along the Rhine

Connections, the specialist independent travel division of Titan Travel, has launched a comprehensive new brochure of Elegant River Cruises for 2010.

Lanzarote – The perfect winter sun destination

Lanzarote – one of the most striking Canary Islands – is a perfect walking holiday destination with its varied landscape. Ranging from volcanic cones and sandy beaches to vineyards and white-washed villages.

Football focused cruise breaks to Amsterdam

As the Football season kicks off for 2009/2010 why not treat your family to a truly football focused cruise break to Amsterdam, with a tour of the famous Ajax stadium.

Autumn sailing on the Norfolk Broads

For those who fancy trying their hand at sailing, one of the best places to do this is on the quiet and peaceful waters of the Norfolk Broads.

Kids give UK holidays the thumbs up

The Isle of Wight was today named as one of the world's top holiday hot spots - by kids. The popular British holiday destination, which lays three miles off the Hampshire coast and is famous for the picturesque Needles and the Cowes festival, came third in the poll of 2,000 youngsters.

September sunshine at a bargain rate

September sunshine – at a bargain rate – is the invitation to couples from camping and mobile home operator, Venue Holidays.

Explore Central America for less this autumn

Adventure travel specialist Kumuka Worldwide is highlighting its range of small group tours to Central America this autumn, with savings of up to £122 per person.

Acacia Adventure Holidays launches Madagascar “Tweet Up”

Acacia Adventure Holidays will be running a Madagascar “Tweet Up” on the tour operator’s Twitter page (twitter.com/AcaciaAfrica), this Friday 21 August.

Business nous wins Londoner a Cornish farm holiday

Razor-sharp business acumen has won a London recruitment consultant an idyllic holiday on a Cornish farm.

Full of far eastern promise

The world’s longest established travel company, Cox & Kings, has launched its new Far East brochure for 2010 featuring a comprehensive programme of escorted group tours and private tailor-made travel to China, Japan, Mongolia and South East Asia.

Explore Germany’s legacy of wine

Thanks to the Romans, the German history of wine starts as early as 100 AD. Visitors can explore the famous wine regions including some of the country’s beautiful historic cities along the river valleys of Moselle, Rhine and Main.

Experience Dubai with Thomson Tailormade

Tour operator Thomson Tailormade has launched the new Dubai and Indian Ocean brochure, offering an extensive selection of quality hotels and unique experiences tailored to suit every need.

Ibiza – A cyclist’s paradise

Just minutes away from the crowds of revellers, Ibiza offers undiscovered tranquillity and a series of clearly marked cycle routes covering intertwined paths, hills, tracks and forests guiding cyclists effortlessly through beautiful countryside, rural villages and rugged coastline.

Movie magic in Venice with Keycamp

Between 2 and 12 September, Venice is set to become even more magical when the 66th Venice Film Festival kicks off and stars such as Colin Firth, George Clooney, Nicolas Cage and Matt Damon head for town.

Get away from it all with Stena Line

Stena Line is offering customers the chance to get away from it all, with a hotel break to Ireland from only £95* per adult. This great price includes travel and one night’s accommodation (minimum stay two nights) and the kids go for free.

Sky-gazers flock to see Northern Lights

Every year in snow capped destinations across Scandinavia, Russia, Canada and Alaska, sky-gazers flock to see the Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis.

Last minute escapes before the kids go back to school

Desperate to escape before the kids head back to school? Holidaying in the final week of the summer holidays is a great way to bag a family bargain break – with Eurocamp offering 30% off all arrivals between 28 and 30 August*.

Brits plan to get away as BBQ summer called off

A survey for insurance comparison site Gocompare.com has revealed that the majority of Brits plan to holiday abroad to escape the doom and gloom of the recession and the dismal summer weather, with 76 per cent either planning or considering taking a foreign holiday before the end of the year.

Trekking trips capture public’s imagination

Trekking holidays have become increasingly popular this year, according to specialist, The Adventure Company.

Modern style, traditional charm in Bali

Chandra Luxury Villas, Seminyak is a boutique resort where luxurious modern villas blend seamlessly with the exotic Balinese landscape.

Thistle makes waves in Asia second hotel in Malaysia

Marked the official opening of Thistle Johor Bahru, the second Thistle hotel to be opened in Asia in the last month.

Embark on your own gastronomic odyssey

Rick Stein is back on our screens and back in the best-seller list with tales of his ‘Far Eastern Odyssey’.

Culture and cycling in Linz

There’s still time to visit the 2009 European Capital of Culture – the Austrian city of Linz – as part of a self-guided cycling itinerary courtesy of specialist operator, HF Holidays.

Surf’s up – Holiday rentals in top surfing locations

Every UK surfer worth his salt knows that in autumn Britain enters prime surfing season. Not only are the conditions perfect and the water still warm, surf enthusiasts enjoy more space – fickle summer surfers tend to leave once the summer is over.

London to New York - and not a flight in sight

If embarking on a bus journey some 12,000 miles from London to Sydney seems to be taking trans-global adventure travel to a new level, then imagine travelling 15,000 miles from London to New York.

Staycations make way for last minute holidays abroad

Despite the much publicised UK ‘staycation’ plans this year, the resulting washout summer so far and current economic climate have bucked the trend resulting in families in particular searching instead for last minute holidays abroad.

Bargain breaks for August bank holiday

Families looking for an adventurous getaway before the schools re-open would do well to check with PGL which has availability – and savings – on Family Active breaks at various centres at the end of August.

Destination hidden Britain

New research into the spending habits of holiday makers has been carried out by cottages4you, as part of its Championing Real Britain campaign. It is calling on people touring the nation this summer to support local, independent shops and tourist attractions.

Born to be wild

Go ‘full throttle’ on a Harley Davidson in Millwaukee, courtesy of US specialist Bon Voyage.

Visits to the UK up 4 per cent

The seasonally adjusted number of visits to the UK rose 4 per cent during April to June 2009 when compared with the previous three months according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Finances and fear of swine flu delays family holidays

Taking a summer holiday is the highlight of the year for most families, however, two-fifths of parents (39 per cent) with children of school age have not yet booked a trip, reveals research from Tesco Travel Money.

The family that plays together stays together

In a new study released today, Expedia.com found Americans overwhelmingly (94 percent*) agree that even in tough economic times, family holidays are worth the money. Why? Because they help build memories that last a lifetime and reinforce family bonds.

Gourmet Golf in France

Luxury short breaks in Normandy and the Loire – combining play on three first-class golf courses, wine tasting and gourmet dining at superb auberges and chateaux – is the offer this autumn from Belle France.

See Africa’s ‘Big Five’ for less

Acacia Adventure Holidays will be running a Big Five Flash Sale on Friday 14 August, lasting for exactly five hours. Featuring discounts of up to 55%, this is the ideal time to book an overland tour.

Experience the best of America and Canada

Leger Holidays has announced the launch of new tours and dates for holidays to the USA and Canada.

Short holiday ideas for late summer

Messing about in boats - that’s the proposition for Bank Holiday from Kate Boats, the Warwickshire-based narrowboat specialist marking 25 years on the canals.

Low cost ferry travel for Autumn

Irish Ferries, the low fares ferry company, has announced that for the autumn and winter it will be offering a £69 one-way fare to Ireland.

Ever seen a lobster hypnotised?

Volvo Car UK has joined Causton CID’s leading crime-fighters in a mission to rid the fictional village of Midsomer of its murderous reputation.

Weddings with guaranteed blue skies

The question’s been popped, along with a dozen champagne corks; you’ve got the ring and now all thoughts turn to the venue. The last thing you want is for anything to rain on your parade and, ideally, the ‘something blue’ on your big day will be the sky!

Kuoni puts Africa in the spotlight

Visit Africa and view rhinos, elephants and giraffes in the Masai Mara, take time to unwind on soft sands in Mombasa or stay at a beautiful private game reserve in Kruger - and all at affordable prices.

Last minute holiday deals to France

Families who are looking for a last minute summer holiday can still pick up some great deals from European accommodation specialist P&V, which is offering up to 45 percent off family holidays in Europe for the rest of the school, summer holidays.

Head to Europe for August Bank Holiday savings

For a last minute August Bank Holiday getaway check out the fantastic savings available on selected villas with private pool in a range of European destinations courtesy of specialist operator, Vintage Travel.

Say ‘bon voyage’ to stressful holidays

This summer make the most of your free time and enjoy your holiday with minimal travel stress. With cruise ferries travelling daily from Newcastle to Amsterdam, and three or four times a week from Harwich to Esbjerg, DFDS Seaways will do the travelling for you so that you can take your mind off the journey and set sail for Europe, carefree.

Pro-active gap years – The talk of the town

Long gone the days where community service, the Duke of Edinburgh award and Combined Cadet Force were the biggest parts of any young person’s CV.

Discovering the delights of Dartmoor

Britain’s leading guided walks operator, Ramblers Countrywide Holidays, is offering a range of 3, 4,and 7 night tours to Dartmoor – one of the country’s most scenic regions.

Family fun for less in Holland

After a last minute break that offers both rest and relaxation for mum and dad and plenty of action for the kids? Then consider Keycamp’s Duinrell parc at Wassenaar, where families staying from 22 August will not only save 30% off their holiday but also catch the final days of the free Vondelpark Summer Festival in nearby Amsterdam.

Antigua resort announces big discounts

Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts are offering a huge up to 40% discount when staying in a Gardenview Room or higher at Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua. This fantastic offer is for bookings made until 31st October 2009 and is valid for travel up until 26th December 2010.

Couple enjoy 150th holiday on Malta

Some travellers like to return to a favourite destination time and time again but Michael and Mary Hirst from Harefield, Middlesex, have surely taken the term 'repeat visit' to another level.

Don’t let the UK weather rain on your parade

Shattering the sunny hopes of Brits, the new Met Office forecast is predicting further unsettled weather for the rest of August - a far cry from the ‘barbecue summer’ predicted back in April.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 50th State

On August 21st 1959 – 50 years ago - Hawaii was admitted as the 50th US State. Called ‘the loveliest fleet of islands that lies in any ocean’ by American author Mark Twain, Hawaii offers some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including tropical rainforest, volcanic landscapes, golden sandy beaches and exotic flowers.

US PGA breaks from £69

The US PGA is the last major of the year so, with an eight-month wait until The Masters, golfers need to make sure they get the most out of the tournament, and with your GolfTravel.com they can.

Champagne tasting for Bank Holiday weekend

Make a grape escape this August Bank Holiday weekend and tickle the taste-buds on a last-minute Champagne tasting break to the prestigious French wine region.

Visit Hugo's island of inspiration

Discover why the ‘rock of hospitality’ inspired literary great, Victor Hugo. Exiled to Guernsey in 1851, Hugo refused an offer to return to France 150 years ago and remained on the island for 15 years, producing some of his most famous works.

Holidays to remember

Bailey Robinson’s September offers include the dramatic sight of thousands of water filled sand dunes covering hundreds of square miles in Brazil, an annual horseback game census in South Africa and a romantic beach based holiday in the Seychelles.

Book giveaway puts reading on the holiday agenda

Holidaymakers arriving at selected Haven Holiday parks this summer are being given a bag containing more than £50 worth of brand new books.

Soaring demand for holidays to Turkey and Egypt

Leading holiday companies Thomson and First Choice have increased its mid-haul destinations such as Egypt and Turkey by over 11% in response to a surge in popularity in the last few years as UK travellers become more adventurous.

Tailor-made is the trend for Latin America

Travel company Cox & Kings is responding to increased demand for tailor-made travel in Latin America with an expanded brochure for 2010.

Booze cruise – Brussels Beer Festival

Enjoy over 450 different varieties of beer at one of the most famous beer festivals in the world held in Brussels’ stunning Grand Place. With two nights in the vibrant Belgian city of Brussels, you'll also have plenty of time to visit at least one of its 80 museums and cultural sites.

Sardinia - Why the 'heart of the Med’ is perfect for honeymooners

With an exclusive reputation, Sardinia is the perfect honeymoon destination. Locals claim that God created the island by stepping on it with his sandal - hence why 'Sandalyon' was the ancient name given to it by the Greeks and Phoenicians.

The Cape Verde experience

The new Cape Verde Experience brochure November 2009 – April 2010 has been produced and is now available to download from the tour operator’s website - capeverdeexperience.co.uk. The specialist continues to feature six out of the ten islands in this West African archipelago.

Join world-class photographers for a tour of Turkey

Turkey specialist Journey Anatolia is offering a unique tour of Mesopotamia in the company of award-winning photographers Bob Moore (former president, Royal Photographic Society) and Rod Wheelans (immediate ex-president of the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain).

Last minute summer sun in the South of France

Heading down to the South of France for some last minute summer sun? Then Rail Europe’s special offer on French Motorail could be just what you’re after. Rail Europe is offering £50 off selected one-way journeys from Calais to a choice of 6 destinations in Southern France.

Corsica – The perfect honeymoon destination

Referred to as 'Kalliste', meaning 'most beautiful' by the Greeks, Corsica has always possessed an exclusive reputation, long having been the choice of the world's rich and famous: Prince Rainer of Monaco brought his bride, Princess Grace, to Calvi for their honeymoon, as did Richard Burton when he married Elizabeth Taylor.

Celebrate ‘Wild Food and the Countryside’ in Pembrokeshire

With the credit crunch biting, there couldn’t be a better time to learn more about ‘food from the wild’ and one of the best places to do this is at the ‘Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival’ held in St David’s in Pembrokeshire on September 5 and 6.

Longaberger Golf Club celebrates 10th anniversary

Volvo Car UK has joined Causton CID’s leading crime-fighters in a mission to rid the fictional village of Midsomer of its murderous reputation.

Dublin for the day

Stena Line is offering customers the chance to see the sights of Dublin this summer with a fantastic day trip by foot travel fare from only £27* per adult. Set sail from Holyhead onboard the Stena HSS Fastcraft to Dun Laoghaire and jet across the Irish Sea from only 119 minutes.

Lumley's absolutely fabulous visit to Nepal

Actress Joanna Lumley, who recently spearheaded a highly publicised and successful campaign to secure the rights of the British Army’s Gurkha officers to settle in the UK, has returned from her celebratory trip to Nepal.

Recuperate and rejuvenate on Gran Canaria

Famed for its healthy microclimate averaging 24 degrees all year round and its purifying natural mineral waters and Aloe Vera, Gran Canaria offers perfect conditions in which to recuperate and rejuvenate.

A flood of bookings for boating holidays

Waterways Holidays, the UK’s leading website for those seeking a boating holiday in the UK, reports an increase in sales this year in excess of 40 per cent.

August Bank Holiday fun in North Devon

August Bank Holiday getaways – where a family of four can enjoy a three-night break in North Devon from as little as £295 – are being featured at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks.

August Bank Holiday bargains

There are big savings to be made for families who can hang on to start their break until last week of the school holidays.

A journey to a better future

In an escalation of its long-standing relationship with the clean water charity Just a Drop, the long haul holiday specialist Hayes & Jarvis has announced a new project-based support campaign which aims to deliver water to those who most need it in places around the world where the dual impact of climate change and the global recession is hitting hardest.

Self-catering summer specials

There’s still time to escape and enjoy a last minute summer holiday with Scotland’s specialist holiday lettings company, Cottages & Castles Ltd, offering some fantastic deals on properties still available for rent.

MSC Fantasia to serve gluten-free products

MSC Fantasia has received certification from the Associazione Italiana Celiachia (AIC) to serve gluten-free products, thus becoming a legitimate partner in the AIC’s Network Alimentazione Fuori Casa (Eating Out).

An authentic cultural adventure in Morocco

Adventure travellers, take note. BikeHike Adventures is offering a rare opportunity to transcend the invisible boundary that exists between tourist and local and completely immerse in a native culture that is so unlike our own.

Key2holidays has Christmas packages all wrapped up

If Christmas without a cardigan appeals, consider one of these packages instead of unwrapping another matching scarf and glove set this year.

Italian language trips on the Amalfi Coast

All In Italian, the Italian Language and Cultural School, has launched its new Amalfi short breaks and Italian language trips to Salerno and the Amalfi Coast taking place in October 2009.

Luxury travel that eases the conscience

In recent years, research has shown that a new "sophisticated" traveller, naturally more aware of global responsible principles in their business place and home, is now starting to adopt eco values into their leisure decisions. This holistic approach is not a new one but is a fast growing important lifestyle trend.

Join the grandstand crowd for Schumacher’s return

Since the news was released last week that Michael Schumacher is to come out of retirement to drive for Ferrari and cover for Felipe Massa as he recovers from the crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix, the UK’s leading motor sport travel specialist Grandstand Motors Sports has seen a 200% surge in traffic to its website.

France Tourism launches “Affordable France”

In response to today’s challenging economic climate, ATOUT France - France Tourism Development Agency has launched the “Affordable France” online selection, handpicking exceptionally good value deals on transport, accommodation and activities throughout the country.

All is not lost for some summer sun

All is not lost for those who didn’t get a chance to escape on a big summer break this year. September is an ideal time for that long-overdue holiday – the sun is still out, but the tourist hordes have eased off the beaches and the prices are low. What’s not to like?

Fruits of the forest and a Turkish delight

The ‘Pathway of the Gods’ is the Amalfi Coasts most scenic walk with bird’s eye views of fishing boats and pretty villas. Learn about local plant life and folklore while tasting delicious regional food.

Football fever in Africa

For the first time in the history of the tournament, the continent of Africa is holding the FIFA World Cup.

East meets west during the Hong Kong Sevens

Referred to frequently as a place where ‘east meets west’, Hong Kong offers an unforgettable introduction to the Orient.

Give your family a break at Alton Towers

Play-and-Stay.co.uk, the family break specialist, has a great Alton Towers offer. The exclusive deal includes a free overnight stay in one of three local hotels for the month of September.

Free hotel nights for theatre lovers

Leading London breaks website Show-and-Stay.co.uk is offering a free overnight hotel stay for those booking a theatre break between 8 July and 5 September.

Brits need to get spending savvy this summer

Despite gloomy economic forecasts, Brits on holiday could be averaging almost £3k on spending money during a fortnight-long family break, says research released today by Holiday Extras.com.

Holiday like Sarkozy and Bruni on the French Riviera

French President Nicholas Sarkozy and wife Carla Bruni have headed to the Cap Negre in the south of France for some much needed rest and recuperation this August. And it’s not too late for us ordinary folk to pick up a bargain to the Riviera too.

Stena Line extends summer sale to Ireland

Stena Line has extended its fantastic summer sale giving customers the chance to travel to Ireland mid-week from an incredible £79* single for a car and driver and kids go free.

A unique insight into life on Montserrat

Broadcaster and writer Sarah Dickinson will be giving four illustrated lectures about Montserrat during Fred Olsen’s transatlantic Braemar cruise, which departs Dover for the Caribbean on October 27th 2009.

September savings in Italy and France

Whopping savings of up to 50% on a choice of mobile home holidays in Italy and France on selected dates this September have been announced by specialist operator, Venue Holidays.

Plain sailing for Monaco Grand Prix fans

For the first time, the 170 passenger ‘Star Flyer’, one of the world’s largest and most luxurious tall ships, will be anchored in the bay of Monaco on the day of the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix.

Experience Tuscany’s biggest wine festival

If it's a question of true British tourism, Italy is still considered to be one of the most popular destinations, and an area still very pleasant in late summer is Tuscany.

Summer savings for travellers to India

Mahindra Homestays has launched a summer sale offering a 50% saving on stays up until September 30 2009 on selected properties in locations throughout India.

The early bird catches the winter holiday deal

DFDS Seaways is offering an early bird City Cruise Break to Amsterdam offer for winter travellers, including three nights for the price of two at the Eden Hotel in Amsterdam.

Newquay’s campsites are best in the west

Newquay boasts a third of the top graded holiday parks and campsites in the south west. There are approximately 220 graded Parks in Cornwall which have received official gradings by the AA or English Tourism Council (ETC).

Happily ever after in the Loire Valley

With more than a hundred châteaux set in beautiful rolling countryside, the Loire Valley is an enchanting destination – and with Keycamp offering seven night holidays from only £895 for the whole family, this really is the stuff fairytales are made of.

More travel choices for the over 50’s

Holiday choices for over 50’s are no longer limited to walking round and round the worlds’ largest cruise ship or standing in a uniform line of old timers waiting to be packed into a double-decker tour bus.

A great alternative to city centre hotels

A new website, apartmentbreaks.co.uk, has been launched as a cost-effective alternative to booking a hotel in major city centres across the UK. The user-friendly site allows visitors to view serviced apartments in 19 city centres and book directly online.

Commemorating the Warsaw Uprising

As part of its programme of guided Remembrance Tours, Poppy Travel, the travel arm of the Royal British Legion, this year commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising with a 5-day guided tour to Poland from 31st August – 4th September 2009.

Working holidays in the land of the rising sun

School leavers, graduates and anyone between the ages of 18 - 30 struggling to find work in the current recession are being encouraged to take a working holiday in ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’ by Japan Journeys.

Super summer holiday savings

With up to 30% discounts, free mid-week ferry crossings and complimentary kids’ clubs – not to mention a choice of over 160 quality parcs in 16 countries and islands across Europe – there are some great value summer holidays up for grabs from Eurocamp.

More choice for singe travellers

The biggest ever choice of winter holidays for singles – including more city breaks, more skiing and more exotic long haul options – is on offer in the 2009/10 brochure from leading specialist operator, Friendship Travel.

Enjoy an Indian summer with savings of 50%

Mahindra Homestays has launched a summer sale offering a 50% saving on stays up until September 30 2009 on selected properties in locations throughout India.

Holidays with a taste of the east

Food lovers with a taste for the east can embark on the journey of a lifetime with incredible holiday adventures in the east inspired by the Pan-Asian influences of the Wagamama menu.

DFDS Seaways launches Festive Breaks brochure

This winter period soak up the atmosphere, get into the festive spirit and sail away on an ultimate New Year experience or explore stunning European cities and Christmas Markets with DFDS Seaways’ range of festive cruise breaks.

School's out for summer at Retallack Resort in Cornwall

This summer is set to be a scorcher in the UK and with more of us looking to holiday at home, seaside favourites like Cornwall are the perfect choice.

Peak season savings in Corsica for last minute bookers

Grab a bargain-priced last-minute deal to Corsica – and enjoy savings of up to £255 per person – courtesy of Holiday Options.

Put the kids in touch with nature this summer

Ranch Rider has a range of ranch stays for parents who are looking for more than a kid’s club in 2009. Agri-tourism, wildlife rides, cultural excursions and even overnight camp outs for Brave Buckaroos (aged five and upwards) are on offer for those with kids in tow.

Luxury Bermuda on a budget

Prestige Holidays is offering huge discounts of off breaks to ten hotels in Bermuda if booked between 2 and 5 August 2009, representing savings of at least £1039 per couple for holidays taken in August.

Book early for affordable Corfu in autumn

Book early for October half-term and take advantage of superbly priced villas and flights is the message from Vintage Travel, which specialises exclusively, in houses with private pools in areas of local tradition and culture.

Blockbuster holiday locations

The Canaries have long been an established holiday favourite, but this year the beauty of two islands – Lanzarote and Tenerife – landed them the star roles in two upcoming blockbuster movies: Pedro Almodóvar’s Broken Embraces starring Penelope Cruz and the remake of the Clash of the Titans with Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes.

Interesting short breaks – near and far

‘Little and large’ cottages at reduced rates - that’s the offer in Scotland this August from specialist operator, Ecosse Unique. For large groups of friends or a couple of families planning a getaway together, the company is offering ‘The Old Schoolhouse’ – an exquisitely restored detached Victorian villa overlooking the village of Auchtermuchty, with lovely views across the Lomond Hills.

Walking the Catalan Coast

Save £50 per person on a walking holiday exploring the Mediterranean coastline of France and Spain - taking in pretty fishing villages, vineyards and orange groves this September - courtesy of specialist operator, Belle France.

Holidaymakers - Don’t let the bed bugs bite!

Sometimes unpleasant hotel experiences can put a put a strain on a vacation. The hotel price comparison site, trivago.co.uk asked its visitors in their latest survey what was the worst hotel experience they have encountered on holiday.

Office top summer holiday destination for Brits

School may be out this week, but more than one in ten Brits have chosen not to take a week of their annual leave this year because they are worried about whether or not they will still have a job to return to, according to new research from BT Business.

A great time to visit Canada

There may be a credit crunch, but rather than staying at home and sticking it out, Frontier Travel say there has never been a better time to travel to Canada.

Spain or Turkey best for last minute bargains

Spain and Turkey have been voted the best value destinations for last minute summer holidays, according to a new Sunshine Price Index from Teletext Holidays.

Alternative holiday accommodation

True to the motto 'Live a life less ordinary', the online holiday rental agency Casamundo features extraordinary types of new accommodation throughout the whole of Europe.

Gap year reassurance for parents

Tour operator TrekAmerica has developed a ‘Parent Charter’ to help reassure those mums and dads whose children are heading off to travel for the first time.

A villa for two in the Caribbean

Villa accommodation for a couple in the Caribbean is the rarest of things, so anyone searching for a romantic setting offering the comfort of a luxury hotel combined with the privacy and security of a homely property, will find just that at Turtleback Pavilion, now available from specialist tour operator, Just Grenada.

Bag more bargain breaks from Eurocamp

Schools out and the summer holidays have begun. And with discounts of up to 30% on a whole host of self-catering breaks with Eurocamp – as well as free midweek ferry crossings and kids’ clubs – there are some great value getaways up for grabs.

From the heart of London to the heart of adventure

Taking the adventure hungry from the heart of London’s Marylebone Station to the hub of all things active in North Wales, Adventure North Wales has teamed up with Wrexham and Shropshire Railways to offer an exhilarating package.

A millionaire’s view of the English Riviera

Enjoy the many delights of the English Riviera from one of the most exclusive self-catering properties in South Devon. Brand new for 2009, West Wing Cottage enjoys a superb yet secluded position right in the heart of Torquay, with fabulous sea views from its sweeping lawn and master bedroom suite, and private access to the water's edge.

Haven supports ‘Great Family Escapes’

Haven Holidays have teamed up with Reading for Life to support ‘Great Family Escapes’ - an exciting campaign to encourage families to have fun reading on holiday.

Autumn savings for holidays in Turkey

Turkish self-catering accommodation specialist Artemis Travel has launched special offers for September and October arrivals, with apartments available from under £4.80 per person per night.

Head to Hamburg for new Beatlemania Experience

If you are a fan of the Fab Four, then head to the vibrant German city of Hamburg to experience its latest attraction, the fascinating Beatlemania Experience. The exhibition is set over five storeys, and presents a fascinating experience using original items and an unconventional way of presenting the career of the Beatles.

Make a splash this summer

The schools have broken up, and millions of us will be packing our bags and heading off on family holidays. A recent survey* has shown that the number one thing British kids love to do on holiday is spend time playing in the pool or on water slides.

Value for money holidays, far and away

Tailor-made specialists, Premier Holidays, have reinvented the holiday brochure with a host of innovative additions. The independent tour operator’s new Faraway brochure invites customers to choose value adding extras such as exclusive Club Room options, food and beverage credits, free nights and activities and services from evening cocktails to private pool access.

Adventure beckons for the single traveller

Single travellers can discover a world of new opportunities and delve deeper into some of the most fascinating travel destinations with the UK’s leading single traveller specialist Just You.

Foreign holiday offers are sizzling hot

Cox & Kings' new collection of summer offers includes £1,660 off Iceland tour plus great savings on Jordan and China.

Turtles take to the tides

Mother Nature works her magic in North Cyprus during the summer months as newly-hatched sea turtles take their first steps on to the stunning beaches.

Leave the grey skies behind and head to Italy

With August fast approaching, rental specialist Holiday Homes in Italy still have some remaining self-catering apartments and villas, many offering last minute discounts and a perfect antidote to the grey skies and rain.

Get seriously adventurous with Qantas Holidays

Qantas Holidays has expanded its range of adventure holidays and by adding New Zealand has made a name change - the 'Discover Australia & New Zealand' brochure now features a wide range of adventure options across both countries.

High season Devon without the high price tag

Short of time, on a budget and want to take the family away this August? If yes is the answer to all these questions, head to Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in North Devon.

See South Africa’s highlights

Native Escapes, specialist operator to Southern Africa, has announced a new 16 day small group trip to South Africa, taking in the Kruger National Park, Cape Town and the stunning Garden Route.

Staycation or vacation?

With the Met Office predicting that the rest of the summer in the UK will be a washout, a holiday abroad offers value for money in more ways than one.

A polar adventure for the determined

Become part of an elite group of polar explorers who have completed one of the most challenging expeditions imaginable and arrive – on foot - at the Geographic South Pole, an endeavour that tests strength, endurance and resolve to their limit.

Is this the future of coach travel?

Sleek space age exteriors, elevating seating areas and energy-efficient hybrid technology – coach travel in 2030 is set to undergo a radical transformation, according to the 12 designs shortlisted in a national competition to uncover the future of coach travel.

Enjoy a day away in Dublin

Stena Line has launched a new day trip fare to Dublin from only £27* per adult giving the perfect excuse to explore Ireland’s capital city this summer.

Japanese journeys for Manga fans

Specialist tour operator Japan Journeys has added an afternoon at Nippon Animation Studios in Tokyo to its Manga Tour. Japan Journeys is the number one tour operator specialising in Manga itineraries.

Dive in for underwater preservation

Dive in and take part in a pioneering study helping to map a unique underwater environment off the coast off Oman with Biosphere Expeditions – the award winning, non profit making conservation specialists which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Climbing high at low prices

Holiday company PGL has announced a special offer on ‘Climbing Adventure’ seven-night residential holidays for children at its Boreatton Park centre in Shropshire in August.

Dominica – A Caribbean cruise stop with plenty of choice

Dominica, the Nature Island of the Caribbean, is an increasingly popular destination for cruise ships due to the abundance of activities and adventures it offers.

Financial concerns cause Brits to holiday at home

Some 19.8 million Britons, 63% of all those planning a summer break, intend to holiday in the UK this summer according to new research from Sainsbury's Travel Insurance, as the recession bites into people's holiday plans. One in five (19%) of these people says they are going to holiday at home specifically because of financial concerns.

The real cost of your holiday case

Volvo Car UK has joined Causton CID’s leading crime-fighters in a mission to rid the fictional village of Midsomer of its murderous reputation.

Pick up a new skill, not a new man

How about picking up a new skill rather than a new man on holiday? Independent women wanting to steer clear of the cheap nightclubs and the usual tourist traps can now book inspirational learning holiday courses at GoLearnTo.com.

The holiday market is a battlefield!

Leading Battlefield tour specialist, Leger Holidays, has launched five brand new WWI and WWII tours for 2010 – including a special look at the Great War poets and a tour dedicated to the occupation of Jersey.

Kids’ holiday treats could bust the family budget

The sun may be shining in Europe and the pound rising in value, but families heading off to resorts abroad could face hidden beach costs they had not bargained – or budgeted for – according to the new Post Office Travel Services’ Beach Barometer.

Walk this way for cheaper holidays

‘Buy one get one half price’ is the great offer this summer on selected six and seven night breaks – starting between 22 August and 17 October – at a choice of UK Country Houses courtesy of HF Holidays - the UK’s largest specialist walking and leisure activity holidays company.

An unforgettable summer challenge

Lucozade Energy is challenging fans to do more with their energy with a series of once in a lifetime challenges taking place this summer.

Tailor made travel in the Middle East

Travel company Cox & Kings, has launched its new Middle East brochure for 2010, featuring a comprehensive programme of escorted group tours and private tailor-made travel to the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and the Gulf.

Walking in bountiful Barnstaple

Discover some of the most stunning English Countryside with Ramblers Countrywide Holidays in Barnstaple, North Devon.

Planning ahead - European Christmas markets

For one of Germany’s best Christmas markets, head to Berlin where – during December - the Christmas markets spring up at many locations throughout the city, with the most popular one located next to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.

More choice for winter sun

Luxury independent tour operator, Prestige Holidays, has launched its winter brochure featuring new hotels in Tenerife, Morocco and Madeira. Winter prices start from just £399 per person for seven nights at Hacienda Sao Jorge in La Palma on room only.

French fancies – Continental dining for a little less

The most outstanding ‘fromages’, the finest ‘escargots’ and charming cafes. Now you can savour the world’s culinary best, for a little bit less, as this month France has cut the VAT levied on restaurants and cafes from 19.6% to just 5.5%.

Short holidays with a difference

One of the most spectacular carnivals in Europe - with flower festooned floats of up to 45 ft in length, musicians, dancers, marching bands and entertainers – awaits visitors to Jersey on 13 and 14 August.

In the wake of Griff Rhys Jones

Having done his best to encourage us to climb Britain’s mountains, Griff Rhys Jones’ latest series, ‘River Journeys’, is set to do the same for the nation’s waterways.

There's still time to whisk the family away

For families still considering where to take the family this summer, a fantastic ‘Kids Go Free’ offer from PGL should make that decision easier.

Peak season breaks with style

The best of both worlds – the luxury and style of an Edwardian or Georgian manor house combined with the mega facilities of a holiday park – is the offer this peak season from Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks.

Head for the hills of Andalucia

Britain’s leading escorted walks holiday operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, is offering a one week or 12 day tour of the spectacular hill villages of Andalucia, Southern Spain.

Life’s a beach with Keycamp

The Vendee’s 140km coastline dotted with unspoilt islands and picturesque fishing villages make this spot of Western France the perfect seaside destination. And, with seven nights in August from just £728 per family – life really is a beach with Keycamp.

Pre-holiday tension steals two days from summer trips

Research released today from Norfolkline Ferries has found it takes parents up to two days to relax on holiday as a result of Pre-Holiday Tension, with many admitting the symptoms impact their ability to let go and have fun with the family.

Pitch perfect in Scotland

As the summer warms up – and more of us look for great value holidays and an escape from everyday life – camping just keeps getting cooler.

London nano breaks rise in popularity

Short break specialist Superbreak has recorded a new trend towards the ‘nano break’ in London. During the last six months, the operator reports a 32% increase in bookings for one night leisure stays in London, compared to the same period in 2008.

Discover India at its best

Dreaming of a trip to the Indian subcontinent? Then check out the latest discounts from Bales Worldwide and Oberoi Hotels and Resorts of up to 25% off. Three of the most popular itineraries have savings of as much as £1,600 per person throughout the high season October 2009 – April 2010 with the best reductions for Christmas and New Year holidays.

Hungary for an adrenaline fuelled weekend?

Pumpkin Tours is offering two weekend tickets for the price of one at the Hungarian Grand Prix – a saving of £599. The activity travel company is inviting petrolheads to Budapest to witness first-hand if Jenson Button can reclaim his Hungarian Grand Prix win.

Acacia Adventure holidays launches “Voluntour Tweet”

Acacia Adventure Holidays is continuing to see increases in bookings across the company’s dedicated voluntour section.

Time for Tunisia

Although part of the African continent, Tunisia has a very pleasant climate and even in August temperatures rarely get above 30 degrees Celsius. The North African country also offers visitors plenty of things to see and do, all set against an exotic background of palms, jasmine bushes and orange trees.

Go wet and wild out west with Ranch Rider

If you’re looking for some added thrills and spills on your ranch stay and want to do more than simply ride the range, North America has plenty of dude options that are ideal for wet and wild pursuits.

Brits put pets first as they plan holidays

A quarter of dog owners in Britain have deliberately chosen a holiday in the UK over a holiday abroad so that their pet could go with them, according to a new poll by Tesco Pet Insurance.

Enable Holidays expands programme for disabled travellers

Enable Holidays, the specialist tour operator for people with limited mobility, their families and friends, has introduced an exciting new collection of accommodation to its portfolio ranging from budget conscious apartments through to top of the range hotels featuring the latest facilities and excellent adaptations for the disabled guest.

Wolf watching in the Tatra Mountains

Biosphere Expeditions – the award winning, non profit making conservation specialists which is celebrating its tenth anniversary, has announced a new project for 2010. This is in the Tatra Mountains of Slovakia to monitor wolf and lynx populations and their interrelationships with key prey species.

Culture and walking in Slovakia

Mountain Paradise (mountainparadise.co.uk/summer) is offering £50 off of its week long cultural breaks and walking holidays plus a free day pass for luxury water park and spa, Aquacity, worth £50 - a total saving of £100.

Experience nine lives in the Azores

Located just over 3½hrs from the UK, SATA Internacional makes exploring the Azores archipelago on a two-centre, fly-drive or island-hopping break even easier thanks to its convenient flight connections.

Cover yourself properly for UK holidays

As the number of people planning on staying in the UK for their holiday rises, AXA, the UK's largest travel insurer, advises holidaymakers to ensure they are covered by travel insurance.

A Cumbrian retreat for chocoholics

For all those with a sweet tooth, Cumbrian Cottages recommends a break at the elegant two-bedroom/two-bathroom (sleeps four) apartment in one of the wings of 17th century Jacobean Orton Hall, in the pretty Cumbrian village of Orton, high up in the fells, in the Eden Valley.

Spend it like Beckham

According to the latest reports, the Beckhams celebrated their tenth anniversary on the luxury eco-retreat of North Island in the Seychelles for a reputed £100,000. While the lavish spend may be necessary to keep ‘Brand Beckham’ safe from prying eyes during their romantic stay, fortunately, ‘Brand Everyone Else’ can enjoy the paradise offered by these 115 islands for a price tag to suit them too.

Love in the city, romance on the shore

Rayavadee, Krabi and The Sukhothai Bangkok have launched a tantalizing twin-centre ‘Island Honeymoon-City Romance’ offer, a Thailand honeymoon package that offers the perfect romantic escape for newlyweds to two of Thailand’s most enchanting destinations.

Rustic charm in South West France

A massive £500 saving is available this August at a large and spacious farmhouse in South West France courtesy of Vintage Travel, which specialises, exclusively, in houses with private pools in areas of local tradition and culture.

An ‘insider’s tour' of the Deep South

Mix with the locals and check out hidden musical venues and haunts on a ‘Music and Heritage of the Deep South ‘escorted tour, courtesy of US specialist, Bon Voyage.

Marbella Belles – How hens are bucking the credit crunch

Despite the credit crunch and predictions of a hot summer at home, the hens are still off in the hundreds to the Costa del Sol for their share of sun, sangria and silliness! Marbella has always been popular with hen parties and, while many groups are opting to stay in the UK for their last weekend of freedom, Brilliant Trips are finding the pull of this Spanish town is as strong as ever.

Short breaks close to home

For pony-mad youngsters there’s a saving of £150 on one-week Pony Trekking & Riding holidays beginning 1 August at three PGL adventure centres – Boreatton Park (Shropshire), Little Canada (Isle of Wight) and Caythorpe Court (Lincolnshire).

Mumbai to Delhi by luxury train

Great Rail Journeys, the UK’s market leader for escorted holidays by rail, has expanded its range of tours to India for 2010 with the introduction of a new 10-day Indian Maharaja itinerary which travels right across the north of the country – from Mumbai to Delhi – on board the luxury train, the Deccan Odyssey.

Family adventures in Kenya

Kumuka Worldwide, the adventure travel specialist, has introduced savings of up to 15% on all Family Adventures to the end of the year. Families with children as young as five can ride elephants in Sri Lanka, go rafting in Thailand or head off on safari in Kenya.

Peak season holiday fun without the crowds

For active families seeking an alternative to beaches and sizzling temperatures this peak season, Holiday Options reckons that Slovenia is the place to head.

Bargain mobile home holidays in Europe

With only a very few gaps left to fill during the peak school holiday period, camping and mobile home specialist, Venue Holidays is highlighting savings of up to 30% on selected stays.

Make a break for freedom

HF Holidays is well-known for walking and leisure activity holidays, but the long-established specialist is aware that some walking and activity enthusiasts may prefer to explore the great outdoors independently.

Watch out for ATM charges abroad

This year, Brits abroad will waste a staggering £284 million in ATM withdrawal fees. This means that, added to a weak exchange rate, the average family on holiday will spend £380 more this year than they did in 2008.

MSC Splendida – More than a cruise ship

Last Sunday, 12 July 2009, in Barcelona (Spain), MSC Cruises’ stunning new flagship MSC Splendida was christened in suitably splendid style by screen legend Sophia Loren. The ceremony was accompanied by a spectacular gala show starring operatic maestro José Carreras and other acclaimed artists.

Follow Posh & Becks to the Seychelles

Tourism to the sultry Seychelles enjoyed a boost last week with the visit of Posh & Becks, there to celebrate 10 years of marriage. For those who want to emulate the couple, at a fraction of the cost, Somak Holidays offer the 4* Le Meridien Barbarons from just £1419 per person.

Close encounters on the shores of Loch Earn

See something that no human being has observed before – and no one alive will ever see again - when Mars and the Earth have the closest encounter in recorded history this August.

Boating and biking on the Grand Union Canal

Combine boating and biking on a holiday or short break on board ‘Activity’, a luxurious, modern narrowboat which has an extended foredeck with secure locker space for six full-size cycles.

Leave your wallet at home with free activities for kids

You can almost leave your wallet at home is the message to families this peak season from Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in North Devon. The company is offering more than 40 free activities so Mum and Dad can enjoy a family break safe in the knowledge that they won’t have to shell out loads of cash to keep the youngsters amused.

Get up close with the famous big cats

People are being offered the opportunity to study three of the world’s most famous big cats in one of the last true wilderness areas of Africa by Biosphere Expeditions – the award winning, non profit making conservation specialist which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Portugal hots up for invasion of the Brits

As schools across the country break up for the summer holidays this week, ebookers, one of Europe's largest online travel agents, reveals that according to booking data*, Saturday 25th July is Britain’s emptiest day with thousands of travellers jetting off from on their summer breaks to destinations across the World.

A magical start to your Disney adventure

For families hopping across the Channel this summer to visit Disneyland’s favourite Mickey Mouse, Norfolkline provides a magical start to your holiday with fares starting at as little as £29* each way for a car and up to a family of four – that’s only £7.25 per person each way.

Holiday hotspots for child medical claims

Spain, the United States and France may well be popular family holiday destinations, but in fact they don't top the list when it comes to medical emergency claims for children under the age of 10, according to Aviva, the new name for Norwich Union.

Long-haul offers for family holiday fun

With long haul offers like these who can resist whisking the family off for a week in the sun.

56 million trips planned by holiday-mad Brits

Britons plan to take a total of 56 million holidays this summer, according to new research from Sainsbury's Travel Insurance, and will spend around £43.86 billion on them. More than one in three people (36%) intending to go on holiday plan to take a trip to the Eurozone, despite the current poor value of sterling against the Euro. The findings reveal that around 670,000 people intend to take more holidays than usual specifically to escape ‘recession depression'.

Let’s get physical this summer

Lucozade Energy is challenging fans to do more with their energy by offering the chance to win one of five unforgettable physical challenges across the globe this summer.

Save holiday spending money by tipping correctly

British families could save up to £135 in holiday spending money just by investing a few minutes reading up on the tipping etiquette for the country they are visiting, according to new research.

Top tips for a hitch-free summer holiday

With the summer season now in full swing, and many Brits planning a UK getaway to enjoy the English sunshine, it is essential to have the right insurances in place to avoid any potential mishaps. The UK's leading price comparison site moneysupermarket.com offers the following top insurance tips for a hitch-free summer getaway.

Splash down in the Vendée

What better way to cool off this summer than with some exhilarating watersports – and, with Keycamp’s fantastic discounts of up to 30% at its family-friendly Zagarella parc on the Vendée coast, this is the perfect opportunity to dip your toes in the ocean.

Vineyard cottage holidays in Slovenia

Specialist tour operator, Just Slovenia, is offering peak season holidays in comfortable vineyard cottage accommodation for £478 per person, based on two people travelling.

The American west’s best dude ranches

At the more than 100 dude ranches that make up The Dude Ranchers’ Association, guests are sure to find the All-American Western vacation they have been dreaming of—days spent in the saddle, enjoying stunning scenery and breathing fresh country air, and evenings enjoying tasty down-home cooking and ranch entertainment.

The hottest holiday reads of all time

Murder, romance or comedy – what are the ingredients for the perfect holiday read?

A new destination for small families

The UK’s leading operator of single parent holidays, Small Families has announced a new addition to its summer programme to Portugal - the Falesia Mar Aparthotel, set on cliff tops overlooking a large sandy beach.

Over 45s re-visit holiday fun from their youth

Empty nesters are still enjoying the same overseas holiday experiences as they did in their youth – according to research by tour operator Jet2holidays.com – whilst a third (35 per cent) are now doing so to bond with their ‘adult children’.

Term-time holidays spark park discounts

Britain's classrooms were emptier than usual in the run-up to the school holidays, according to a major holiday parks group. And there will still be empty desks when schools re-open in September.

Big is beautiful says Ecosse Unique

For all those ‘last minute’ bookers out there planning a cottage holiday this summer, Scottish agency, Ecosse Unique, is highlighting two large ‘new arrivals’ – perfect for big families or groups of friends planning a peak season getaway.

Go self-catering for peak season savings

Peak-season savings of up to 20 per cent on a choice of properties sleeping up to 10 have been announced by Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire.

See the sights of Dublin this summer

Stena Line is offering customers the chance to see the sights of Dublin this summer with a fantastic 24 hour return travel fare from only £30* per adult travelling by foot. Set sail from Holyhead onboard the Stena HSS Fastcraft to Dun Laoghaire and jet across the Irish Sea from only 119 minutes.

Enter the world of Harry Potter

With the eagerly anticipated Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince movie hitting our cinema screens on the 15th of July there’s never been a better time to stay a bit closer to home to experience some of the fantastic locations the infamous film was set in.

Bargain villas for the last week of summer

Villa specialist Freelance Holidays is highlighting the last week of August for family bargains, as prices drop by up to £400 this week – before it’s ‘back to school’ for everyone.

Peak-season savings for motorhomes to Ireland

Irish Ferries isn’t just offering substantial savings for car drivers this summer, the special deals also apply for holidaymakers taking their own motorhome or caravan across to Ireland.

Inspired to travel by the Tour de France

If you’ve been inspired by the Tour de France coverage to get on your bike for a holiday – but don’t like to follow the crowd, check out Belle France’s programme of tours for independent cyclists, graded from easy to challenging, that get well away from the beaten track.

Don't let an adventurous trip turn into a holiday nightmare

It seems that the average Brit abroad is now looking for adventure rather than just sun, sea and sandy beaches but any adrenaline-pumping activity comes with its associated risks. According to new research from esure Travel Insurance, over one in ten (13 per cent/5.2 million) holidaymakers have been injured whilst taking part in a more adventurous sport or activity.

Get adventurous this summer

Adventure travel specialist Kumuka Worldwide is offering up to 25% off a range of adventure holidays departing between 1 October and 5 December 2009.

Moonwalk your way to Jackson’s shrine at Hitsville

Head to Detroit – the original headquarters of Motown Records and home to the Motown Historical Museum where the Jackson Five recorded many of their big hits – courtesy of US specialist, Bon Voyage.

The return of the weekend tripper

The best British summer for years sees cash-strapped families opting for old-fashioned weekend outings that are bringing traffic jams to popular holiday routes, says Trafficmaster.

MSC Crociere takes delivery of new flagship

In a traditional handover ceremony last week, MSC Crociere officially received its new flagship MSC Splendida from the STX Europe shipyard at Saint-Nazaire (France).

Life in the slow lane on the Warwickshire Ring

Anyone who has ever been stuck in traffic on the M6 will question Kate Boats’ recommendation for a relaxing holiday: circling the Midlands…But chugging at four miles an hour around the Warwickshire Ring means this narrowboat holiday is a million miles away – in concept if not geography – from Spaghetti Junction.

Island hopping on the Dalmatian coast

Explore the islands dotted along the Dalmatian coastline this August – and save up to £220 – courtesy of Croatia specialist, Holiday Options. These seven-night holidays are on-board the M/B Nikola – a small cruising vessel which accommodates up to 34 guests – and visit several of the islands including Mljet, Hvar, Korcula and Split.

Holiday savings for active kids

PGL, the UK’s leading operator in residential activity holidays for children, has announced a ‘book one, get one free’ sale for selected July and August dates at six UK adventure centres.

It’s all Greek to British holidaymakers

In a survey conducted by leading online travel agent On the Beach, a staggering 72% of holidaymakers admitted that other than saying “hello” and “thank you”, they could not communicate with the locals in their language.

Return of the £10 Pom

STA Travel in association with Tourism Australia and Qantas today announced the ‘return of the £10 Pom’ - almost four decades after the last post war £10 Pom set sail for Australia under the government’s assisted passage scheme.

Escape from the tourism trap

Believe it or not, in the south of Italy, Sicily & Sardinia there are still many beautiful towns and villages that are undiscovered, not only by the Brits, but even by Italian tourists - the accommodation and the cost of living is very good value, and there are wonderful beaches, architecture, art and history, museums and galleries, pretty piazzas, superb restaurants - but best of all – no hordes of tourists.

Ride out the recession with a Gap Year

If the thought of job seeking fills you with horror and daily news bulletins about redundancies and lay offs make you question the sense in even writing a CV then beat the recession with a Gap Year with a difference.

A beach holiday with the locals

Enjoy a week’s break in Larnaca, Cyprus’ southern coastal resort, which is favoured by the locals. Stay at the 4-star Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows with 5-star facilities saving £213 per person by booking to fly from Stansted, East Midlands or Bristol with Olympic Holidays.

Luxury on the Nile

Discover Egypt is currently offering a selection of Nile cruise packages starting in Luxor and gliding down to Aswan to discover the many sites. Prices start from just £599 per person, saving up to £150 per person.

Do you have the energy for a summer challenge?

Lucozade Energy is challenging fans to do more with their energy by offering the chance to win one of five unforgettable physical challenges across the globe this summer.

Kick off your summer with On The Beach

Leading online travel agent On the Beach, has launched three of its biggest ever customer promotions with holiday give-aways, a summer sale and its industry leading Triple Price Match Guarantee.

Explore the Alps and experience traditions alive

It is a sight to behold and a true example for the preservation of tradition - every year in September, thousands of cows are brought down from their summer alpine pastures high up in the mountains and treated like celebrity on their return to the valley. Head for Oberstdorf in the Southern Bavarian Allgäu region where this event will take place on 11 and 12 September.

Put the ‘wow’ into your vows

With the average wedding this summer costing more than £21,000, more and more happy couples are taking their big day abroad.

Walking the Algarve with a touch of luxury

Britain’s leading guided walking tours operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is offering an eight day holiday in Tavira, the Algarve with the benefit of staying at the 4-star Vila Galé.

Voyage to the volcano in Montserrat

Montserrat’s Green Monkey Dive Shop and Tradewinds Real Estate have teamed up to offer a new holiday package on the island, combining villa accommodation, sightseeing tours and adventure activities.

Escape to the Isles of Scilly this Autumn

Prestige Holidays is offering three night breaks to Tresco’s Flying Boat Club this autumn from just £315 per person, based on six sharing a luxurious three bedroomed beach front house.

A new flagship holiday village for Rhodes

Family holiday operator First Choice has today unveiled plans to open a brand new resort for family holidays on the Greek Island of Rhodes as it launches its new programme for Summer 2010.

Keycamp announces high season, low cost holidays

High season holidays don’t have to mean high prices – self-catering specialist Keycamp is offering from up to 30% off selected holidays in Europe arriving between 15 July and 29 August, so there’s no need to miss out on that much needed rest and relaxation this summer.

Saga Rose bows out in style

Saga Rose, the record breaking classic cruise liner, will depart her homeport of Southampton on 30th October 2009 for the final time as she embarks on a 37-night Farewell Voyage around the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.

Beach holiday bargains with Eurocamp

Looking for a short break before the school summer holiday rush? Eurocamp is offering a whole host of getaways at bargain prices. Eurocamp is offering massive discounts on holidays in early July as well as free mid-week Dover-Calais ferry crossings.

Enjoy the US for less this summer

Bag a bargain-priced peak season US deal – including Orlando at £465 per adult and £389 per child – courtesy of specialist operator, Bon Voyage. These seven-night prices, representing a saving of £75 per adult, include return Gatwick or Manchester flights, taxes and accommodation with breakfast at the four-star Ramada Inn International Drive.

Stena Line extends ‘Super Sale’ to Ireland

Stena Line has extended its Super Sale giving customers the chance to save up to 40% off car fares to Ireland, starting from only £79* single for a car and driver for Superferry mid-week travel and ‘kids go free’ when booked by 21st July.

Beach-side or beach-view in Turkey?

Journey Anatolia, the specialist in holidays to Turkey, has announced 10 per cent discounts on two very different villas for holidays taken between 7 September and the end of October.

Half-price Cyprus for August

Olympic Holidays is highlighting a less-than-half-price Cyprus holiday offer at the newly built three-star Moniatis Hotel, in the pretty village of Yermasoyia, close to Limassol.

Volunteers go ‘among the apes’ with Frontier

Channel Five’s new series Among the Apes is the latest documentary about the world’s primates. For a chance to get up close and personal with Orangutans, Baboons and Gibbons consider volunteering with Frontier.

10 ferry good reasons to travel by sea this summer

Whilst 2009 has been titled the year of the ‘Staycation’, don’t let the credit crunch sacrifice your summer holiday! Travelling across the channel by ferry is an economical and comfortable way to get to the continent and with popular cross channel operator Norfolkline, a family of four can travel to France for as little as £29 each way.

French tax cut brings bargains to ferry fans

Following the French Government’s announcement this week to cut VAT in eateries across the country, popular cross channel ferry operator, Norfolkline is encouraging people to jump onboard and head across the channel.

Happy holiday motoring as fuel prices dive

Fast on the heels of sterling’s recent rally against the euro comes more good news for UK holidaymakers motoring to Europe this summer. Fuel prices have plummeted across Europe - falling by up to 12 per cent for unleaded petrol and as much as 31 per cent for diesel, according to Post Office Travel Services’ Motoring on the Continent report.

Hawaii offers value and options for golfers

Poipu Bay Golf Course (poipubaygolf.com) is world-renowned for its lush landscaping, ocean-side setting, and award-winning Robert Trent Jones Jr. design. Adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa, it was rated No. 16 in GolfWorld magazine’s “2009 America’s Top 50 Resort Courses.”

Peak season savings for period Portugal

A fantastic £600 saving is available this July and August on a superbly restored 17th century property – ideal for a large group of family or friends – in northern Portugal courtesy of Vintage Travel, which specialises, exclusively, in houses with private pools in areas of local tradition and culture.

Take to the water for a short holiday

For the best choice of river and boating holidays throughout the UK, it’s all-aboard with waterwaysholidays.com which offers live availability on more than 1500 UK narrowboats and cruisers and with more than 50 different start locations.

Book early for European rail holiday offers

An early booking discount of £100 per couple – or £50 for the single traveller – is available on selected tours featured in a new ‘European Preview Holidays by Rail 2010’ brochure with Great Rail Journeys, the UK’s market leader for escorted holidays by rail.

Treat yourself to first class rail travel this summer

For travellers heading to France this summer, taking the train is now an even more attractive option with a special offer on first class fares.

Parents want children to travel and learn about new cultures

More than 90 per cent of parents in the UK want their children to travel abroad and learn about new cultures, according to a recent survey by HSBC Wealth Management.

The jewels of the Mediterranean for £1

A great family and friends cruising deal is on offer from Louis Cruises, the Greek-owned Mediterranean specialist. The third and fourth passengers sharing a cabin with two full paying adults now pay just £1 each for a 10-day cruise on the Orient Queen’s ‘Mediterranean Jewels’ itinerary.

Last-minute Sardinia

For those who can ‘book and go’, Holiday Options, is offering a choice of holidays in Sardinia – departing from Birmingham this Saturday (4th July) – all at the special rate of £199 per person.

Ranch Rider goes off the beaten track

Dude ranches have always been popular with travellers, whether expert equestrians or greenhorns, but what about getting off the beaten track in North America? Ranch Rider has the ideal option for novices wanting to ride the less well-travelled trails and a horse drive that is perfect for the more experienced rider.

Icebreaking savings on Antarctic cruises

Discover the largest wilderness region on earth for less this year with discounts of up to 15 per cent on Antarctica cruises offered by World Expeditions.

Corsica – The perfumed island

From early spring until late autumn the sweet, spicy scent of the maquis emanates from the wild shrubs and plants which cover much of Corsica, giving it the delightful title: The Perfumed Island.

Restoration project sees completion in the Lake District

HF Holidays, the UK’s largest walking and leisure activity holidays provider, and the National Trust have completed extensive restoration projects at Coniston in the Lake District.

Experience Greece – Mamma Mia style

Adventure travel specialist Kumuka Worldwide has introduced a new family adventure visiting the Greek islands where Mamma Mia was filmed. The eight-night holiday starts and ends in Athens, and is fully-escorted by a local Kumuka guide.

Summer holiday savings in Ironbridge

A week’s stay in Valley Cottage near Jackfield, in the heart of the stunning Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire has been reduced by 10% during the July and August summer holidays down to £522 for four guests.

Holidays could cost less if you play your cards right

Sun seekers heading abroad this summer could waste over £120 for every £1,000 of their holiday budget if they don't buy their foreign currency from the cheapest provider.

Families rush beach holiday bookings

Many UK families who take a seaside holiday abroad will give less than a day's thought to making their destination choice, says AA Travel Insurance.

Take part in your own polar expedition

Canada-based polar expedition cruise company, One Ocean Expeditions, has announced a significant coup for the forthcoming Antarctic season.

European summer of love for Britain

Record numbers of continental families are booking onto British holiday parks this year, according to one of the country's largest park-owning groups, Park Holidays UK.

Unearth hidden treasure this summer

With record numbers of British holidaymakers expected to be hitting the UK coastline this summer, cottages4you, in association with the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), is calling on the public to help identify the nation’s top beaches for beachcombing.

The best walks in Europe

HF Holidays, the UK’s leading walking and leisure activity holiday specialist is expanding its European walking programme for 2010, with the new brochure due out in October. At the same time, the company has published its list of the 10 best walks in Europe – as nominated by HF Holidays’ panel of voluntary walks leaders.

Free cash available for parents to help with summer holidays

As the summer holidays approach, many parents whose finances have been hit by the recession will be concerned about how to afford childcare over the coming months. July and August can be an expensive time for parents trying to make sure that their kids have fun in the long school holidays, but help may be at hand through financial support available.

Kennedy Space Centre holds ‘Man on the Moon’ Celebrations

Head to the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida this July to join in the mega 40th anniversary ‘man on the moon’ celebrations, courtesy of US specialist, Bon Voyage.

Pet-friendly holiday ideas

For pet owners considering a holiday on a canal boat or river cruiser and who want to take along ‘man’s best friend’, there are lots of opportunities on waterwaysholidays.com, which offers a huge choice of boating holidays right across the UK.

Peak season holiday savings in Brittany

A peak season offer means a whopping great saving of 30% on selected mobile home and camping holidays from specialist operator, Venue Holidays, for arrivals anytime between 15 and 24 July.

Cut price Corsica

Head to Corsica and save up to £395 on seven-night hotel and self-catering breaks - departing Gatwick or Manchester on 12 and 19 July - courtesy of Holiday Options.

Santorini – A gem of an island

Peak season bargains on a gem of a Greek Island – Santorini – whether travelling from Manchester or London Stansted is the special offer from Olympic Holidays.

Holidaymakers cut back on spending

It's not just British food lovers who will be lugging suitcases of grub with them on holiday this year rather than tasting the local cuisine. Research from Tesco Travel Money reveals that even the average holidaymaker will do what they can to save a few pounds. Aside from cutting back on eating out, entertainment and shopping, taking holiday essentials like food and drink tops the list of money saving initiatives for 2009 holidaymakers.

Caravan-tastic sales as buyers boycott bricks

Britain's second-home owners are rapidly switching their loyalty from cottages to caravans, according to one of the country's largest holiday park groups, Park Holidays UK.

Ethical travel provider calls on gap year students

The premier of ‘The End of the Line’ at this year’s Sundance Film Festival has brought evidence of the devastating effects of over-fishing to a global audience.

Close to home holiday fun

For a fun day on the beach, head to Woolacombe Bay in North Devon on 12 July, venue of the UK National Sandcastle Championships. Now in its 16th year and attracting teams from all parts of the UK, participants have just three hours to complete their masterpiece from seven square metres of sand.

Autumn walking in the Auvergne

No need to head for overseas summer sun – if the weather office is correct and we’re really due a barbecue July and August – so why not plan a healthy autumn walking break instead?

Fun in Flanders that won’t cost the earth

With summer just around the corner, and our wallets feeling more anaemic than ever, look no further than Flanders to make the pennies stretch that little bit further. With Eurostar offering return fares from London to Brussels for as little as £59, there is no more affordable way to visit the region.

Catch the Tour de France in Catalonia

This year, the Catalonia leg of the Tour de France will pass through some of the lovely coastal resorts of the Costa Brava on its way to Barcelona. PCI Holidays, who offer a wide choice of villas and apartments in the region, are currently offering savings of 20% on some of these properties for just one week.

Exploring Pays de la Loire by boat

Regular British visitors like to keep it secret: the best way to explore the unspoiled countryside of the Pays de la Loire is in a boat. With about 250 miles of waterways, all clean, flowing rivers plus the historic Nantes to Brest Canal, the Pays de la Loire is just the place for messing about in a boat.

Run like an Egyptian

The annual “Sharmarathon” is an annual half marathon taking place on 6th November 2009 in Egypt’s only national park, Ras Mohamed and you could be a part of the action when you book a holiday to nearby Sharm el Sheikh with Libra Holidays.

Peak season holiday discounts in the Dales

Three-bedroom/two-bathroom Honeycott House – a new property to the ever-growing Yorkshire Cottages’ portfolio – has been reduced from £720 to just £495 for any week from 18 July to end of August and, being a newcomer to the rental market, all weeks, bar one, are currently available.

Montenegro for less

Head to Montenegro this July – courtesy of specialist operator Holiday Options – and save up to £165 per person on week-long breaks. The reduction applies to departures on 12 July and means a seven-night holiday at the four-star Hotel Queen of Montenegro now costs £629 per person (twin share) inclusive of return Gatwick flights, transfers and accommodation with breakfast.

Discover scenic Europe by train

Rail Europe has teamed up with top travel journalist and rail expert Anthony Lambert to produce its guide to the best scenic rail routes in Europe. Anthony has chosen his ten favourite journeys covering countries including Norway, France, Slovenia and Italy.

Narrowboat holidays offer family value

Warwickshire-based Kate Boats is highlighting the three-in-one nature of narrowboat hire for family holiday value. Cheryl Howes – partner in this family-run business celebrating 25 years – points out that hiring a narrow boat includes the three most important aspects of a holiday in one inclusive price.

Escape from the doom and gloom in a campervan

On the face of it, starting a business in the middle of a deep recession sounds crazy, especially in the leisure industry, but that’s exactly what Milton Keynes businessman David Williams has done.

Alpine sun in France’s prettiest village

Spend summer in the Alps in the picturesque village of Samoens, officially one of the prettiest villages in France (Awarded Monument Historique and Village Fleuri).

Low flight prices mean best-ever packages to Australia

With what appear to be some of the cheapest-ever flight prices to Australia and New Zealand – with Singapore Airlines – long-haul, tailor-made specialist, Premier Holidays, is offering some of its best-ever bargain packages for stopovers and travel down-under.

Europe's secret foodie haunts

Experience the flavours of off-the-beaten-track Europe with The Discovery Collection. From authentic Italian cookery courses to village bread and olive oil-sampling on a cultural tour of North Cyprus, the specialist operator delights in helping you to get under the skin of your chosen holiday destination.

Romantic breaks in the South East

The nine counties that make up South East England are the perfect place for a romantic break this summer. Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire are packed with a number of exciting events, activities and special offers for couples of all ages to enjoy.

Cool summer activities for teens

For youngsters more at home on wheels than on foot, mountain boarding, mountain biking, skateboarding, street surfing and BMX riding are just some of the ‘cool’ activities on offer to teenagers on PGL Travel’s ‘Wild Wheels’ residential holidays at the Court Farm adventure centre in Herefordshire.

Discover the joys of camping in Europe

Camping and mobile home specialist, Vacansoleil, is highlighting some fantastic savings on seven-night holidays starting 11 July at a selection of European campsites.

Get ranging with Keycamp this summer

If the latest series of Springwatch has got you in the mood for the great outdoors and a bit of wildlife then why not take a look at Keycamp’s new short or week long UK breaks, which are set to help you get closer to nature this summer.

Summer in Corsica

Whether you are looking for an apartment for two overlooking the sea or a villa with a swimming pool, there is still availability at a selection of properties from directCorsica.com.

There’s no shortage of short break deals

For those short of time - but keen to get away this July – head to Jersey and enjoy a three-night break at the special rate of £229 per person with Modern Hotels.

UK walking holidays – Family friendly and pocket friendly

A selection of peak season UK family-friendly walking breaks are still available with HF Holidays - the UK’s largest specialist walking and leisure activity holidays company.

A holiday cottage in a dream location

In a location ‘to die for’, Seaside Cottage – situated just yards from a superb sandy beach and with views of some of Scotland’s best-known mountains – is the latest addition to the portfolio of properties from cottage agency, Ecosse Unique.

Lisbon hosts annual Festival of the Oceans

Water jumps, a fluvial parade, street animation and concerts – with James Morrison performing in the opening show – are just some of the events at the annual ‘Festival of the Oceans’ which takes place between 1 and 15 August along Lisbon’s riverfront.

Head to Croatia for the Dubrovnik summer festival

Enjoy Dubrovnik’s annual summer festival – celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2009 – courtesy of leading Croatia specialist, Holiday Options. Taking place between 10 July and 25 August, this annual event starts with a dramatic opening ceremony of fireworks and music, followed by six weeks of theatre, concerts, opera and dance, with performances by a range of international artistes.

Beautiful Boulogne on a budget

Try out the new fast cross-channel superferry – Norman Arrow, the world’s largest diesel-powered catamaran – which docks at delightful Boulogne-sur-Mer, with its superb beaches and chic boutiques, just an hour after leaving Dover.

A family holiday with a difference

An action-packed family rambling holiday with a difference – taking in one of the world’s steepest funicular railways, the 102 metre-long Trift suspension bridge and a world of underground tunnels, shafts and turbines – is on offer this summer from the Switzerland Travel Centre.

Brush up on your tennis skills this summer

Those inspired by Murray’s recent win at Queen’s Club and the start of Wimbledon, should check out the selection of individual villas – each with their own private tennis court – available with Vintage Travel, which specialises, exclusively, in houses with private pools in areas of local tradition and culture.

Villas with views – and bags of style

High season deals on high end villas are still available says villa specialist Freelance Holidays. The company offers private holiday homes on a choice of Mediterranean islands and is highlighting school holiday deals across its range.

Stena Line launches summer sale

Save up to 35% on lead-in fares with Stena Line’s summer sale which gives customers the chance to travel to Ireland from an incredible £59* single for a car and driver for mid-week travel and kids go free. Simply book before 30th June for travel up to 3rd July.

Ramblers Worldwide Holidays wins top travel award

Britain’s leading guided walking tours operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays has been awarded the coveted Most Innovative Product to Norway for 2009 by Innovation Norway - The Norwegian Tourist Board, in London on Thursday 11 June.

Families choose UK short breaks for summer

Haven Holidays have reported a significant increase in the number of families booking short breaks this summer.

There’s more to Egypt

With its short flight time and convenient location just outside the Eurozone, Egypt is set to be busier than ever this summer – but this ancient country offers much more than camels and credit-crunch bargains.

Monkeying around In Sri Lanka

BBC One’s wildlife programme Living with Monkeys – Tales from the Treetops showed presenters Guy Grieve and Julie Anderson getting up close and personal with some of the world’s rarest monkeys in an effort to find out more about the species.

Liquid gold in Andalucia

Spend 4 days in Andalucía surrounded by breathtaking views of rolling hills carpeted with ancient olive trees learning how to make ‘liquid gold’.

Walk around the world in 40 days

Britain’s leading guided walking tours operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is offering a spectacular holiday spanning five of the World’s most dynamic destinations in 40 days - departing 29 January 2010.

Sailing back to the 70’s

With DFDS Seaways’ new 70’s themed mini cruise you can be feeling groovy about the two night awesome Abba experience to Amsterdam setting sail on October 1st. If you want to treat yourself to an unforgettable break; grab your afro wigs, aviators, tasselled flares and crushed velvet jackets before embarking on the Abba Tribute Cruise from Newcastle and arriving in Amsterdam in time for breakfast.

Pamper your pooch with a pet friendly holiday to Europe

Take your faithful friend abroad this summer on a pet friendly holiday to Amsterdam or Denmark, sailing from Newcastle or Harwich. Going on holiday with your pet has never been so simple - the hardest choice nowadays is where to go. DFDS Seaways now offers you the option to take your pets on holiday on both its Newcastle-Amsterdam and Harwich-Esbjerg routes, providing direct access into Europe and Scandinavia.

Hungry for South America

Who could say “no” to an asado (Argentine barbecue) in the high desert region of the Andes? Or dancing the samba in the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil? Sydney chef Victor Pisapia has just returned from his successful first “Taste of South America Tour”, and has announced details of his next in 2010.

MSC Splendida will bowl you over

The countdown is on to the official launch of MSC Cruises’s second flagship, MSC Splendida, on 12 July in Barcelona. In an exciting first for MSC Cruises – and the first time this has featured on a European cruise ship - MSC Splendida will feature two innovative mini-bowling alleys in its high-tech Sports Bar.

Be the star of your own Bollywood movie

Sometimes the hype around a film becomes so much that expectations are ridiculously high and when you get round to viewing it you are disappointed. Not so with Slumdog Millionaire, which more than deserved it’s Best Picture Oscar. The plot is set around the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and with the DVD on general release you get into the swing this year and travel to some of India's most enchanting cities in the colourful state of Rajasthan.

Experience the world by rail

Great Rail Journeys – a leading operator for escorted holidays by rail – has launched its Worldwide Holidays by Rail 2010 brochure featuring three new itineraries together with many updated and revised tours.

Hot summer deals to the Isles of Scilly

If you are one of the many millions of UK holidaymakers who are opting to take their main break in the UK this year but have yet to book anything, then you may want to consider Britain’s most westerly holiday destination – The Isles of Scilly.

Set sail for a trip of a lifetime

Imagine setting sail on a traditional dhow across the Kenyan archipelago of Lamu, swimming in the Indian Ocean with dolphins and turtles, exploring hidden away villages, catching your own array of succulent fish for BBQ’s on the beach and sleeping under the stars.

The hills are alive in the Lake District

For those inspired by the ‘BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2009’ competition – one of the world’s greatest contests for opera and concert singers – and the final on BBC2 on 14 June, walking and leisure activity breaks specialist, HF Holidays is highlighting a superb 20% saving on its Singers’ Workshop holiday in the Lake District.

Golf heaven in Corsica

In a breathtaking position in a site of unrivalled natural beauty, the Hameau de Piantarella is a cluster of prestigious apartments and villas within the grounds of the world renowned Sperone Golf Course, by Robert Trent Jones, with stunning views over the sea to the Lavezzi islands beyond.

Credit crunch holidays to the west coast of France

From the 19 – 26 June 2009 representatives from Vendée Tourism will be at London’s St. Pancras International station offering unbeatable discounts on many of the best chateaux, hotels, villas and campsites that this stunning western coastal area of France has to offer.

Long haul wildlife adventures

Reef & Rainforest Tours, the operator championing 'Preservation Through Visitation' whilst specialising in long haul wildlife holidays for both adults and families, is offering the following discounts on three tailor-made itineraries to India, a trip to Madagascar, as well as a luxury Galapagos cruise.

Bargain breaks - In or out of the Euro-zone

Escape to Turkey’s Altinkum on the sparkling Aegean Coast with these two special offers from holidaylets.net. Both spacious apartments are located within the four-star-rated Dolphin Residence with shared use of swimming pools, gardens, games room and toddler playgrounds.

Trekking in Vietnam

Sapa, nestling in a beautiful valley on the border with China, is northwest Vietnam’s most colourful destination. Vivid green rice terraces are sculpted into the mountain sides while in the fields H’mong and Dao women work dressed in colourful traditional clothes.

Experience the Côte d’Azur for less

Family holiday specialist Siblu, has launched a Summer Sale for holiday parks in France, with savings of more than £500 available on breaks in July and August. The Summer Sale runs for just two weeks (8-22 June) and features 11 Siblu holiday parks in popular tourist regions including Normandy, the Vendée and the Côte d’Azur.

Anyone for tennis?

With Wimbledon 2009 set to start on 21 June, Scottish cottage agency, Ecosse Unique, is highlighting a choice of properties – each with the use of a tennis court – for those inspired to try their hand at the game.

Winter-sun savings for singles

Book early for a bargain-priced wintersun break – Caribbean-style – says leading singles specialist, Friendship Travel. For bookings made by 25 August, the company is highlighting whopping – and exclusive - savings of up to £660 per person for travel between 1 November and 20 April at the superb four-star BodyHoliday at Le Sport in St Lucia.

Pembrokeshire holiday homes are in demand

To cope with unprecendented demand for this summer holidays, Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire has managed to contract extra properties for July and August, with an additional dozen cottages now featured on the website.

Happy families in Sardinia

Families keen to soak up the Sardinian sun this summer – just like Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster who are currently enjoying a break on the island with their son Alistair – should check out the peak season child discounts on offer from Holiday Options.

Treat your dad to real Yorkshire ale this Father’s Day

Show your Dad how much he means to you this Father’s Day (21st June) with a trip to Pennine Yorkshire. Forget socks and card, show him an experience he’ll remember forever! Steeped in culture, heritage and indulgence, the region boosts unique attractions and luxurious accommodation.

Development Holidays – A new challenge for teens

Activities that have been specially designed to challenge, motivate and develop leadership skills are incorporated into ‘Leadership Challenge’ special-interest breaks this summer at PGL’s Boreatton Park adventure centre in Shropshire.

Credit-crunch busting short holiday ideas

For families whose holiday wouldn’t be complete without their dog and who fancy a stay in Cornwall, Cornish Cottages has more than 50 properties where one or two pampered pets are made welcome and where there are lots of exciting coastal ‘walkies’ within easy reach.

Travel in style to the US with free flight upgrades

Specialist operator, Bon Voyage, is highlighting an exclusive free one-way Premium Class upgrade on scheduled flights to a choice of US destinations. The deal – for bookings made by 30 June – applies to Heathrow departures and gives travellers the comfort of an additional five inches of leg room.

Walk this way – Leon to Santiago

Few trails in the world have been walked by so many as the Pilgrim’s Way in the northwest of Spain; over the centuries millions have walked the trail to venerate the tomb of the Apostle St. James – Santiago.

Authentic experiences in Vietnam

If you are looking for a special experience of Indochina, whether it includes learning to cook authentic local cuisine in Vietnam, or staying in unusual accommodation such as a traditional junk-boat or a farmer’s house in the Mekong Delta, then look no further than Wendy Wu Tours’ first dedicated Indochina brochure, which features a range of new escorted tours to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Credit crunch busting self-catering holidays

Peak-season summer holidays in Ireland for two adults and up to three children for as little as £684 - which includes return ferry for car and passengers – are on offer from Irish Ferries Holidays.

Discover Oz with Pure Luxury Holidays

“Discover the Other Oz” with Pure Luxury Holidays and explore a country like no other. Nowhere in the world offers such a diverse range of experiences and landscapes from ancient Aboriginal culture and cosmopolitan cities to awe inspiring landmarks and captivating scenery.

Brides to-be say 'I Do' to FitFarms

Reserving the church, booking the cars, choosing the dress and picking the flowers - the wedding plans seem endless. And this year, busy brides-to-be are adding one more thing to the big day to-do list – a weight-loss camp.

Recession sees rise in camping converts

Our preference might be five star resorts, but with the current climate forcing many to downsize their holiday spend, travellers are changing their habits. Acacia Adventure Holidays has identified a new breed of “camping converts,” who are forgoing luxury for a more intrepid experience.

Peak savings for family camping in France

Venue Holidays has just announced 20% reductions at selected French resorts for peak season holidays starting before 8 August. The best saving of £274 is at Camping Village Les Mouettes, set in woodland – overlooking The Bay of Morlaix – near Carantec on Brittany’s north coast.

Follow the stars to Pembrokeshire

There’s never been a better time to visit the beautiful Welsh county of Pembrokeshire as this year it plays host to not one, but two Hollywood blockbusters.

Walking with warriors in Kenya

Enjoy a privileged insight into the most famous wildlife habitat in Africa complete with the Big Five, through the eyes of one of the most well known and culturally intact cultures left in Africa, the Samburu and the Maasai.

Olympic adds Malta to weddings offer

As many more couples choose to marry abroad – saving on the high cost of a UK wedding – Olympic Holidays has launched its biggest ever dedicated weddings and honeymoons programme, expanding its product range in Greece and Cyprus and introducing another short haul destination, Malta, with a selection of four- and five-star hotels.

Celebrate Independence Day in Cornish style

Celebrate American Independence Day at a fabulous self catering cottage in Cornwall – well any excuse for a holiday! And these breaks come with special offers that could save you up to £200.

Smile - Lily’s on safari

Pop sensation Lily Allen certainly isn’t feeling hard done by after swapping the urban jungle of London for the vast majestic plains of South Africa. The starlet praised her dream break through social networking site Twitter, saying it was the most amazing place she’s ever been.

That’ll be the day - To celebrate the life of a legend

Thousands of music fans will be making their way to a small town near Amarillo this year to celebrate the life of a Rock ’n’ Roll legend. Leading escorted tour operator Travelsphere is making sure the music and the memories of Buddy Holly don’t fade away with a special journey through his short but productive life with the ‘Buddy Holly Experience’.

The ultimate in adventure camping

With the popularity of camping on the rise, why not choose somewhere a little more exciting than a seaside campsite to spend your time under canvas?

Exploring Italy’s heel by foot

Leading guided walking tour specialist, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is offering a one week, half board holiday based at Alberobello – on the heel of Italy’s boot in Apulia.

Walking in wondrous Windermere

Britain’s leading guided walking tours specialist operator, Ramblers Countrywide Holidays is offering a 5 night holiday in Bowness on Windermere in the Lake District – one of the UK’s most stunning destinations.

In search of adventure in Sumatra

Exploring the Indonesian Atolls is not your average trip away in the sunshine, but Animal surf girl Easkey Britton, current Irish Champion, swaps her native Ireland for Indonesia each year to explore the islands around Sumatra aboard the 84ft Mangalui sloop yacht on the hunt for perfect waves.

June savings for campers and caravans

Superb savings on a selection of European camping and mobile home holidays – completed before 4 July – are being highlighted by specialist operator, Vacansoleil.

Louis Cruises tempts single travellers

Louis Cruises, the Mediterranean cruise-only specialist, has waived the single supplement on all Summer 2009 sailings for its ‘Splendours of Greece and Turkey’ itinerary on the Cristal.

PGL’s got talent

With the outright winners of Britain’s Got Talent – and two other finalists (if you count Stavros) – being dancers, it seems that to get on the road to fame and fortune these days, having all ‘the moves’ is essential.

Battlefield tour bookings up 20%

Leger Holidays, the UK’s leading escorted tour specialist, has reported a 20% increase in bookings for its leading WW1 and WW2 Battlefield tours as significant world war anniversaries boost interest in historical breaks.

More options for travel to Turkey

A completely new programme to Turkey – comprising a portfolio of villas with private pools, a select boutique hotel and a traditional Turkish gulet – has been introduced for this summer by specialist operator, Vintage Travel.

Fabulous holidays for fantastic fathers

On June 21st 2009 it’s Father’s Day, the one day of the year where dads deserve to get spoilt rotten. And what better way to treat your dad for being so great all-year-round than to whisk him away on holiday, either as a family or as a couple with mum, with First Choice and Thomson.

Capturing spectacular Slovakia

Slovakia holiday specialist, Mountain Paradise, is offering two landscape photography holidays in the stunning Tatra Mountains this summer with prices starting from just £945 per person.

A journey through Slovakia’s mountain paradise

Tour operator Mountain Paradise is offering exhilarating wildlife tours in Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains for the first time this summer with a special introductory discount of £200 off of a week’s stay and £100 off a short break if booked by 30 June. Packages start from £995 for a seven night holiday and £699 for a three night break.

Stylish Majorcan holidays for single parent families

Single parents can start this year’s summer holidays in style by having some fun in the sun with their children on the island of Majorca staying at the Marina Skorpios & Corfu complex above the bay of Cala Egos.

Captivating Cannigione

Cannigione, with accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, is an ideal holiday location for visiting the nearby Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena islands with their beautiful beaches and clear turquoise seas.

Up close and personal with Canadian polar bears

For thousands of years polar bears have flocked to the shores of the Hudson waiting for it to freeze over. Only then can they continue their migration north to their traditional feeding and breeding grounds.

Tuscan treats tick all the right boxes

Most people’s wish list for the perfect Tuscan holiday villa would include gorgeous views, a good-sized swimming pool, lovely gardens, spacious and characterful rooms and proximity to some of the region’s historic towns.

Affordable romance in far flung places

Bailey Robinson.com, the holiday operator specialising in affordable luxury, has selected seven destinations - Fiji, South Africa, Mauritius, Malaysia, Antigua, Canada and India - ideal for weddings, honeymoons or romantic getaways.

Brits holiday with parents as credit crunch bites

A generation of 20-somethings are holidaying with their parents to save money amid the recession, according to new research. The new breed of holidaymakers – dubbed HOMADs because they Holiday on Mum and Dad – are turning to their parents for a cheap break.

A holiday ‘Pa-excellence’

Make this Father’s Day one to remember and give him a chance to get away with the UK’s leading single traveller specialist Just You. The company has a fantastic range of holidays that will give him the opportunity to experience other parts of the UK, discover new horizons in Europe or travel across the globe.

A five-star holiday experience in St Ives

'One Atlantic Watch’ is a million miles away from the traditional Cornish cottage. The creation of owner Kimberly Race, this luxury property is newly re-furbished for 2009. It’s a holiday home with all the facilities of a five-star hotel and 180-degree views across Carbis Bay – a panorama stretching from St Ives to Godrevy Lighthouse.

Take inspiration from Che and discover South America

With the DVD launch of Che - The Complete Story on 29 June, ethical travel provider Frontier offers the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the revolutionary’s infamous 1952 journey across South America, which became the inspiration for 2004’s The Motorcycle Diaries starring Gael Garcia Bernal.

40% savings at Eurocamp Holiday Villages

Couples or families looking for a self-catering holiday in Europe need look no further than Eurocamp Holiday Villages - a fantastic selection of apartment resorts across France, Spain and Italy – for those who love the independence of self-catering with Eurocamp but are looking for an alternative accommodation option. And now with savings of up to 40% available, there is no better time to book.

Off the beaten track in Africa

Tour operator African & Indian Explorations specialise in ‘off the beaten track’ experiences, handcrafted safaris and once in a lifetime holidays and are delighted to offer the Selous Wilderness Camp, opening 15th July 2009 in the Selous Game Reserve, still a remote and untamed slice of ‘Old Africa’.

Stena Line launches summer sale to Ireland

Stena Line has launched a fantastic summer sale giving customers the chance to travel to Ireland from an incredible £59* single for a car and driver for mid-week travel with kids going free.

Bulgaria voted tops for cheap summer breaks

This year’s financial woes have prompted many Brits to put their summer holiday plans on hold, but this needn’t be the case if you choose your destination wisely.

Hotel discounts for museum visitors in Brussels

The brand new museum showcasing surrealist genius Magritte opens in Brussels today and to celebrate, hotel specialist HotelConnect is discounting stays in the city by £10.

Airline luggage losses - The case for ferry travel

With the world’s airlines having somehow managed to ‘mislay’ more than 40 million items of luggage in 2007 – up a mere eight million on the previous year – it’s no surprise that the worry of arriving on holiday minus suitcases is of increasing concern to many holidaymakers.

Glacier walking in Switzerland

Actioned-packed family holidays – with highlights including a guided walk over a glacier and a night in a mountain hut at an altitude of 2,700m – is the offer this summer from the Switzerland Travel Centre.

A floating hotel of elegance and art

Enter the gorgeous two-story lobby of Uniworld’s new River Beatrice, and your stage is set for the unfolding of your pleasure-filled river cruise along Europe’s enchanting Danube.

Sandals launches 10 day sale

Sandals has launched a 10 day sale offering savings of up to 50% at Sandals, Beaches and Grand Pineapple Beach resorts. Book before 10 June 09 for holidays throughout 2009 and 2010 on a variety of durations and resorts.

Continental festive tours

Holidays to Christmas markets in the UK have been introduced to the new winter brochure from Grand UK Holidays. The over-55s specialist has added 10 domestic Christmas markets for the first time to complement its traditional range of escorted Continental festive tours.

On your bike with Parkdean Holidays

In support of the Government campaign, Change4Life, Parkdean Holidays is encouraging families to get back on their bikes and explore the countryside for Bike Week (13th-21st June 2009).

Schedule in some family time this summer

What with the hectic pace of modern life it is no wonder that modern families are spending less and less time together. In fact, the average family manages to spend just 45 minutes a day together, according to a new poll published this week by YoungPoll and OnePoll, with most of that time spent in front of the TV.

A new sanctuary on the Mekong

The finishing touches are being made to the Jayavarman, a small luxury boat which will be the first of its kind to offer short river cruises on the Mekong that can easily be included within more extensive tours of the region.

Brits too worried to take annual holidays

Worried Brits are reluctant to use their full holiday allowance amid fears they will lose their jobs, according to new research. More than a third of workers admit they are nervous of taking their full holiday entitlement thanks to the credit crunch.

A remote Scottish cottage getaway

Make a great escape this summer to a cottage on Scotland’s Knoydart Peninsula – only accessible by boat and recognised as one the country’s last great wildernesses – courtesy of cottage agency, Ecosse Unique.

Camp Biche slims down for cash strapped clientele

Camp Biche, the French lifestyle boot camp which launched last year, has slimmed down some of its luxury touches to meet the needs of a more cash strapped clientele to offer three ‘Budget Biche’ weeks this Summer. The price is just 1200 Euros per person for the seven night programme, that’s a discount of 65% (usually 3500 Euros for the full Camp Biche experience).

Quick summer getaways

Looking for a quick summer getaway that won’t break the bank? Look no further than Keycamp, with holidays at 70 inspiring destinations across Europe from just £199 for the whole family, accommodation only.

Italy - Must see, must stay, must eat!

Southern Italy, Sicily and Sardinia offer travellers a wealth of contrast. Here we give you the low down on what to see, the best places to stay, and most importantly, what to eat when you’re there...

Credit crunched Brits seeking bargain breaks

Despite the doom and gloom, new research from Tesco Travel Money reveals that people are still prioritising holidays over other luxuries. More than 25 million of us are planning a holiday abroad in 2009 with as many as 14 million having two overseas breaks or more. However, with belts tightening across the UK, a third (34%) will be spending less than last year, with 12% spending significantly less.

Head north on a white sfari

To see Polar Bears in their natural habitat – recently captured on Attenborough’s spectacular series ‘Nature’s Great Events’ - is one of the most amazing of all wildlife experiences and, with climate change threatening the survival of the species, an increasingly precious one.

The mother of all festivals on Route 66

Hot cars, cool trucks, vintage motorcycles, street rods, customs – and everything in between – await visitors to Springfield in Illinois this September at the annual ‘International Route 66 Mother Road Festival’.

Top of the holiday bargains

A new survey by flight aggregator, Skyscanner, shows the top 10 most popular holiday destinations this summer – with a definite shy away from the Eurozone.

Enjoy a stay in ‘Springwatch’ country

Lake Vyrnwy in mid-Wales is the latest location for BBC’s Springwatch team, broadcasting on BBC2 until 10 June.

A summer of bargain breaks

A week’s family summer holiday in Ireland for two adults and two children for as little as £24 per person is the offer from Irish Ferries Holidays to a choice of six self-catering holiday villages for travel between 18 July – 21 August (if booked by 3 July).

Pack up your troubles for 42 days

Graduates finding it hard to enter the job market – or grown-up gappers facing an enforced career break – could do worse than take advantage of a Kumuka Worldwide deal on South American tours.

Solar eclipse draws Brits to China

Thousands of British tourists are expected to travel to China in time to see the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st Century on July 22nd . Totality will last five minutes and 40 seconds at the Qiantang River and specialist China tour operator, Wendy Wu Tours is taking nearly a thousand UK travellers to see this once in a lifetime experience.

Sweeping changes for Expedia.com

Expedia.com, the world's leading online travel site, has announced sweeping changes to its service policies, eliminating change fees and cancel fees on all hotel, car rental and cruise reservations and on virtually all flight reservations. In addition, Expedia.com no longer charges online air booking fees.

Summer nights in Scotland

This summer, head for Scotland and enjoy ‘free night’ deals – saving up to £95 – together with the Scottish experience of ‘Addressing the Haggis ’ on a selection of walking breaks courtesy of HF Holidays, the UK’s largest specialist walking and leisure activity holidays company.

A Croatian island getaway

Bag a bargain in June to the island of Kolocep – a tiny haven of sub-tropical vegetation in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic – courtesy of market leader to Croatia, Holiday Options.

Short breaks for small families in Newcastle

Enjoy a relaxing short break in Newcastle this summer with Small Families, the UK’s leading operator for single parent holidays. Staying at the Holiday Inn, Newcastle you will be able to enjoy all the delights of this vibrant city and be just minutes from the scenic beauty of Northumbria.

Peak season holiday savings in Devon

Yes, you can afford to take the family on a peak season holiday – despite the recession – says Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in North Devon. Families can bag a bargain-priced deal on a choice of dates this August including whopping savings of £190 on holidays starting on 15 August.

Take a summer visit to Paris Plage

This summer, head for Paris and combine the opportunity to visit Paris Plage – white sand, palm trees, sunbeds and parasols located along a two-mile stretch of the Right Bank of the Seine – with ‘free night deals’ at a choice of hotels courtesy of city break specialist, Cities Direct.

Pioneering a new kind of wellbeing holiday

There was a time when a holiday meant lying on a beach for two weeks relaxing, perhaps with some pampering spa treatments to complete the experience; in today’s climate this is no longer enough, and increasingly discerning, time poor travellers want more from their valuable time away.

Caravan crisis as families commit to Britain

Supplies of Britain's favourite seaside accommodation - the static caravan - are fast drying up, warns a major holiday parks group.

P&O Cruises launches website for kids

P&O Cruises has launched a website dedicated to children and teenagers. ‘The Cyber Reef’ pocruises.co.uk/reef is the first of its kind in the holiday industry, a fun and interactive base for those aged 17 years or under.

Havana good time in Cuba

Thomson has re-introduced holidays in Cuba from Summer 2009, and its new year round programme offers a range of exceptional holiday experiences.

Choose a cruise less ordinary

When you’ve got limited time and a credit-crunched budget, why would you want to fritter away your precious holiday in the casino of a floating hotel? Choose a cruise less ordinary and take the adventure of a lifetime where not a moment of your voyage will be wasted.

Magical Mauritius at magical prices

Few places are more romantic than dreamy Mauritius. Treat your loved one to a holiday they will never forget, with a luxurious stay at the beautiful Beau Rivage. Enjoy seven nights relaxing at the magnificent resort on a half-board basis with Somak Holidays and save more than £900 per couple.

Choose to cruise - Europe’s remarkable rivers

Meander through majestic mountains, sail through Europe’s valleys and visit vineyards with leading cruise company Page & Moy. The addition of 11 stunning new itineraries for 2010 take in the spectacular riverscapes of Europe.

The top 10 ultra-luxury cruise accommodation

Choosing a cruise cabin has become an increasingly complex process, as cruise lines compete to offer an ever-bewildering selection of accommodation with more bells and whistles.

Travel the sphere this Father’s Day

Stressed out dads can truly relax and unwind with a hassle free holiday from the leading escorted tours specialist, Travelsphere. From Wimbledon tennis packages and active adventures to city breaks and beach getaways, there’s a short break or tour to suit every dad’s taste.

To Sri or not to Sri

key2holidays, the specialist online operator, has seen a 420 per cent increase in bookings to Sri Lanka from March to mid May compared with the same period last year. Of the 30 plus countries worldwide to which key2holidays offers value-for-money tailor-made travel arrangements, Sri Lanka has, for the first time, just made it into the top three.

Operatic adventures with Keycamp

Opera-lovers can experience the spectacular open-air concerts of the Verona Opera Festival from Keycamp’s beautiful lakeside base, Cisano San Vito, starting at just £318 per family for a family of two adults and up to four children.

Discover Turkey with Prestige Holidays

Independent luxury tour operator, Prestige Holidays, has launched its first Turkey programme featuring eleven hotels in the resorts of Kas, Fethiye, Bodrum, Icmeler, Cesme, Gocek, Bordubet and Dalyan.

The year of the Staycation

This is the year of the Staycation according to Defaqto's latest report into the travel insurance industry.

Successful sea trail for MSC Splendida

MSC Splendida – the second in MSC Cruises’s luxurious Fantasia class of cruise ships – successfully completed its sea trials on the afternoon of Sunday 24 May. The company’s new flagship left the Forme Joubert dock at STX Europe shipyard in St Nazaire, France, at 1500 on Thursday 21 May and headed out to the Ile d’Yeu and Belle-Ile for 72 hours’ sailing in the open sea.

See the sights of Dublin with Stena Line

Stena Line is offering customers the chance to see the sights of Dublin with a fantastic fare from only £43* per adult travelling by foot. Set sail from Holyhead onboard the Stena HSS Fastcraft to Dun Laoghaire and jet across the Irish Sea from only 119 minutes.

A total eclipse in exotic French Polynesia

Become one of the remarkable few likely to experience the July 2010 solar eclipse in the South Pacific by sailing to the remote French Polynesian islands of Tuamotus onboard Aranui 3, the ‘freighter to paradise’.

Long haul holidays at short haul prices

Long haul holidays at short haul prices - that’s the offer this June from leading Cape Verde specialist, Holiday Options.

The final frontier

Underwater hotels, space tourism and London to Sydney in just two-and-a-half hours are set to become the must-have holidays of the future as uncharted areas of the globe become harder to find, according to new industry predictions.

Top beach holidays for clearer waters

As announced last week, the 2009 Good Beach Guide has proven to be anything but good as the Marine Conservation Society is recommending 25% fewer beaches than three years ago - a worrying statistic for anyone wishing to while away the summer on the British coast.

Discover more of the world for your money

Page & Moy, a leading UK escorted tour operator, is set to launch a collection of worldwide discounted tours allowing customers the opportunity to travel the globe for an amazing price, as they discover more for their money.

Back to nature in beautiful Germany

Germany is one of the most overlooked holiday destinations and yet is home to some of the best walking trails in Europe. Walks Worldwide – the UK’s leading independent specialist tour operator – has a choice of four itineraries, three of which are brand new for 2009.

Germany marks the fall of the wall

Titan HiTours, the escorted tours specialist, has just launched a brand new Berlin Wall itinerary to mark the 20th anniversary of the city's reunification. On 9 November 1989, the Berlin Wall came down, uniting East and West. To mark this momentous occasion, Titan Hitours has put together a fascinating tour, which retraces the country's history.

Book a bargain this Bank Holiday

Inghams will launch a double discount weekend this bank holiday with fantastic offers on a range of Lakes & Mountains summer holidays as well as popular winter ski destinations. Inghams bank holiday double discount is available online for bookings made from Friday 22 May until midnight on Monday 25 May.

Holiday company reports soaring bookings

Family holiday company Haven Holidays is urging holidaymakers to book early following record business over the May Day bank holiday weekend. All Haven’s 35 holiday parks were virtually sold out with bookings up by as much as 50% as holidaymakers flock back to traditional seaside resorts.

Half of Brits plan to holiday at home

More than 50% of Brits are planning to holiday in the UK this year in order to save money as a result of the credit crunch, according to leading travel insurance specialist, Preferential.

Ranch holidays for solo travellers

When thinking of exciting holidays for the solo traveller, a ranch holiday is strangely overlooked yet they cater perfectly for the active individual, especially one looking for adventure, unique experiences and a truly unforgettable holiday.

In search of the snow leopard

Spot the elusive predator, stealthily making its way through the rocky terrain; even a glimpse of its flickering tail is a highlight as the colorations of this beautiful Cat are almost impossible to spot in the rugged territory. World Big Cat Safaris will be adding a new snow leopard safari to its portfolio and introducing its guests to one of the most sought after wildlife sightings in the world.

Self-catering in the Brechfa Forest

A special offer for June rentals of three brand-new cottages on the edge of Pembrokeshire's Brechfa Forest - ideal for walkers and mountain bikers with extensive footpaths and bike trails - has been announced by Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire.

Holiday homes in heavenly surroundings

For a holiday in 'heavenly' surroundings, holidaylets.net has a selection of converted churches and chapels which now offer unique and interesting holiday accommodation.

Taxpayers get value for money at this Parliament House

Don't let the name put you off - it's about as different from Westminster as you could imagine - that's the message from Scottish cottage agency, Ecosse Unique, for those booking a holiday in 'Parliament House'.

Greek island villas offer June savings

Vintage Travel, specialising, exclusively, in houses with private pools in areas of local tradition and culture, is highlighting some fantastic June savings - with reductions of more than 50% - on selected villas on the Greek islands of Skopelos, Kefalonia and Corfu.

Summer breaks for single parents in York

Enjoy a relaxing short break in York this summer with Small Families, the UK’s leading operator for single parent holidays. Staying at the four star Marriott Hotel you will be close to the historic city centre and also have sweeping views across the famous racecourse.

Money-saving tips for family holidays to France

There are many ways to save on your summer holiday this year without having to camp under canvas, fly long haul to flee the Eurozone or sacrifice the facilities that make your holiday a holiday.

Cornish cottages on the beach

For families who can't bear the thought of having to carry all the essentials for a day on the beach for miles - or of constantly loading and unloading them from the car - Cornish Cottages has a selection of properties which are virtually on the beach.

Wine and wildlife themed African adventures

Bailey Robinson offers a delicious range of "wine and wildlife" themed adventures to Africa, combining some of the world's best wildlife viewing with the pick of the continent's wine, whiskey and gin.

Long haul or camping - holiday deals for everyone

Long haul holidays at short haul prices - that's the offer this June from leading Cape Verde specialist, Holiday Options. The company is highlighting savings of up to £260 per person at the four-star Hotel Morabeza on the island of Sal, where visitors can enjoy around nine hours of sunshine a day and temperatures averaging 26ºC.

Sailing for singles

Save £60 on a Turkish gulet cruise this June is the invitation to solo travellers from specialist operator, Friendship Travel. These 'laid back' cruises depart on 8 and 15 June and now cost £599 per person including return flights from Gatwick, transfers and seven nights' full-board accommodation in a twin ensuite cabin for sole occupancy.

Confused.com tips for Man U supporters going to Rome

Manchester United supporters will have high expectations as they head to Rome to watch their team play Barcelona, in order to retain their title as champions of Europe for the second year running.

Fun in Perpignan with Keycamp

With its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine and some golden beaches close at hand, Perpignan is a great year round destination. However, to see it at its most vibrant, visit during the Festa Major (22 – 24 June), when Keycamp has seven nights in nearby Canet Plage starting at just £375 for a family of two adults and up to four children, including travel.

Surf, ski and scuba

Parkdean Holidays offers a huge diversity of activities for all ages at its 24 holiday parks, set in some of the best locations the UK has to offer. Here, we focus on the three S’s: Surfing, Skiing (or snowboarding) and Scuba Diving!

Champagne savings uncorked

Specialist operator Grape Escapes is offering a sparkling 10 per cent off its Adventure Weekend to Champagne from 19 – 21 June. Adventurous wine lovers will abseil down 100ft into the cellars of one of the prestigious region’s Champagne houses before learning the Napoleonic art of Sabrage – uncorking a bottle of Champagne with a sword.

Romantic inspiration

Planning your honeymoon escape? Check out Bales Worldwide’s ultimate Honeymoon Collection for the latest in romantic inspiration.

Cosy cottages for couples in Crete

Crete in June means hot sunny days, balmy nights and virtually empty beaches. Island specialist Freelance Holidays - unlike many villa companies - takes couples into consideration with its selection of village houses and apartments. Prices start at just £325 for a week's rental in June - and that's per couple, not per person.

Seafront Sicily

If a summer holiday without the sound and sight of the sea is just unthinkable, take a look at soloSicily's new collection of seafront properties - all have sea views and many are just a few steps from the beach.

Champagne on a budget

Enjoy '14-nights-for-the-price-of-seven' - saving up to £525 - on all 2009 mobile home holidays at Camping la Presqu'île de Champaubert in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France courtesy of specialist operator, Vacansoleil.

Big savings on summer cruises

With over three quarters of their original 25 summer cruise offers now sold out Oceania Cruises has added 8 new departure dates to the company’s 2009 Summer Sizzler’s promotion, offering discounts of up to 50% off original fares.

The Statue of Liberty is back in business

The Statue of Liberty will be re-opening on 4 July 2009 having been closed - for safety and security reasons - since 11 September 2001.

Great escapes for all the family

Make a 'great escape' from the credit crunch and political scandals this June and take the family on a 21-night holiday from just £197, courtesy of camping and mobile home operator, Venue Holidays.

Greece is the word

Leading online travel agent On the Beach has witnessed a surge of late bookings to Greece and its Islands this summer, with bookings up 18% year on year.

MSC Cruises launches new itineraries

MSC Cruises has launched exciting new West Africa itineraries departing from Livorno in Italy and Durban in South Africa which combine the relaxation of a long ocean cruise with a tremendous variety of ports of call and special excursions.

New Soloists Festival in Paris with LateRooms.com

Musical aficionados have the chance to hear from the world's finest soloists at a series of events in Paris next month, as the New Soloists Festival takes place.

Autumn walking in the Swiss Alps

Discover autumn hues and magnificent views on an eight-day Walking in the Swiss Alps escorted holiday by rail - departing 12 and 19 September, plus 3 October - courtesy of the UK's market leader, Great Rail Journeys.

Short holiday ideas summer

Enjoy Jersey at its floral best next month when the island will be hosting its 'June in Bloom' floral festival, a week-long event - starting on 13 June - of open gardens, floral displays and themed walks.

Have A "Chic Picnic" In The Park This Summer With Sofitel Hotels

Are you passing through Cairo to visit the Pyramids? Spending a weekend with friends in London? Going on a romantic jaunt in Rome? Or stopping off in New York with the family this summer? Throughout the summer, Sofitel Luxury Hotels are offering guests a 'Chic Picnic' package, providing a chance to explore their chosen city and take in the sights, before settling down to enjoy a sumptuous picnic of local delicacies prepared by the hotel chef. Guests who book early will receive the added benefit of a free nights stay.

Thomson's flagship Sensatori Crete opens with dedicated adult and fanily areas

Thomson’s flagship Sensatori Resort, Crete has reopened for its second year of operation following changes over the winter months that now see dedicated areas for families and couples.

Hotels.com reports 98% of newlyweds still planning a dream honeymoon

According to new research carried out by Hotels.com, the world's leading hotels booking site, honeymooners are not cutting back on their dream trip, despite the recession. The survey of more than 500 brides-to-be found that 98% remain undaunted and are still planning to honeymoon after their wedding.

Parents penalised by school holiday premiums

Parents hoping to treat their kids to a family holiday over the school summer holidays will be hit by massively inflated holiday premiums, according to research by Abbey Credit Cards.

Countdown to the World Cup in South Africa

Thomson Sport, provider of sports travel, has announced that from Friday 22nd May official travel packages for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa will go on sale.

A celebration of cycling

A national celebration of cycling takes place in the UK in June and to get into the mood Headwater has launched two new cycling holidays here this summer. More and more people are getting on their bikes as all ages are discovering the beauty of pedal power.

Journey by sea for half term in Europe

With half term just around the corner there are plenty of options to treat the whole family to a break away from it all, without breaking the bank. With short breaks from as little as £278 for a family of four.

City break destinations in France

Four new city break destinations in France - Bordeaux, Carcassonne, La Rochelle and Tours - have just been introduced by city break specialist, Cities Direct.

A trip of gastronomic proportion

From Master Chef, celebrity chefs to the explosion of cookery TV shows, we are fast becoming a nation obsessed with our stomachs, with two thirds of Brits (63%) choosing a holiday purely based on food.

Late deals on early summer breaks

The UK self catering market has seen a resurgence in popularity in 2009 but its still not too late to bag some early summer special offers.

Saddle up for the ride of your life

Australia specialist Bridge & Wickers is offering the opportunity to join drovers on an authentic cattle drive through the heart of the Outback. Thousands of cattle used to be herded in the legendary cattle drives of old, and this Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive event hopes to recreate the glory years, with guests riding alongside some of Australia’s finest drovers.

Celebrate summer with Eurocamp

June marks the official start of summer and is a popular time for couples or families with pre-school children to bag a European bargain break - enjoying the fantastic weather, local delicacies and more peaceful resorts.

Scandal-free activity holidays

Activity and adventure holiday specialist Activities Abroad have been examining ways in which MPs might have spent their expenses had they done the work they claimed for themselves.

Blue Flags at Parkdean parks

Parkdean Holidays is celebrating as ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ has released the details of beaches that have been awarded the Blue Flag of Excellence for 2009. The awards are in recognition of high quality bathing water, safety and services provided at UK beaches.

Hop, skip and jump around the Aegean

Walking specialist operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is offering a 17 day half-board island hopping holiday across the Eastern Aegean. The journey begins on Kos with time to walk and sightsee; then, onto Kalymnos with its picturesque capital Pothia.

Family deals to fit in with school holidays

New survey results show that an increasing number of parents are willing to take their children out of school during term time to take advantage of the best holiday prices. But families who prefer to ‘play by the rules’ and travel after term has ended needn’t miss out on great deals, according to Turkey specialist Artemis Travel.

Discover Dominica

A new biography of Dominica’s most famous author, Jean Rhys, has just been published to coincide with the thirtieth anniversary of her death on 14th May 1979. Rhys is most famous for Wide Sargasso Sea, the Jane Eyre prequel that tells the tale of the first Mrs Rochester.

The return of cool (camping) Britannia

National Caravanning and Camping Week starts on 23 May 2009 and with the credit crunch causing a boom in UK camping holidays, 2009 is being heralded as the year of Cool Britannia.

Tuscan wine tours for discerning travellers

If you haven’t looked at Tuscany recently, look again. The most expensive wines at a recent auction were Tuscan ones and even Sting is looking to produce wine here. Tuscany is a destination dripping with luxury, some of the world’s finest wines and gastronomic delights.

Festival fever

Tales of the ones that got away - and tastes of the ones that didn't - will abound during the tenth Pembrokeshire Fish Week festival which takes place between 27 June and 3 July.

Discover the magic of Egypt

Combining the fascinating resort of Luxor and timeless region of Aswan, what better way to discover the magical land of Egypt than on a twin centre break? Situated on the shores of the majestic Nile, the world's greatest open air museum, Luxor, is home to over a third of the world's greatest antiquities.

MSC Lirica arrives in Dover for summer season

MSC Lirica arrived in Dover on Saturday 9 May to start her summer season of cruising to Northern Europe. And in recognition that UK passengers have specific tastes and requirements that may differ to those of its other international guests on board, MSC Cruises has made some special additions to the food and beverage offerings available on all Dover departures on MSC Lirica.

Euro voucher offers families a better deal

Family holidays specialist Siblu Holidays has launched a new Euro voucher that gives people travelling to France an unbeatable exchange rate of 1.25€. The holiday parc operator is offering vouchers at 10 Siblu resorts across France for use in on-parc markets, restaurants, bars, and with activity providers.

Cut yourself off from the modern world

Who isn't sick to the pigs trotters of Swine Flu hysteria and depressing recession obsession and longs to evade it all? There is one, possibly the only place on earth, where you can cut yourself off completely from the rest of the world – North Korea, a fascinating country still firmly stuck in the 1950’s and with technology to match.

Improve your riding at a work ranch

According to Ranch Rider, travellers still think working ranches cater specifically for the more experienced rider; but this is a common misconception.

Make your holiday budget go further

With a new survey from self catering specialist Keycamp revealing that 70% of British workers feel stressed and almost half feel compelled to work more than nine to five, the question perhaps should not be ‘can I afford a holiday this summer?’ but ‘can I afford not to take a holiday?’.

Follow in the tyre marks of an unsung hero

One of the unsung heroes of the motoring world clocks up a centenary next month – the 100th anniversary of the first woman driver to cross the United States from coast to coast. Travellers can follow in her tyre marks on the Americana Road Trip with TrekAmerica.

Savvy travellers break with tradition

Turkey, Croatia and Bulgaria have been named the top three value for money destinations in the annual Holiday Costs Barometer from Post Office Travel Services.

Exploring Russia’s imperial cities

Specialist walking operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is offering an 11 day tour combining the cities of Moscow and St Petersburg.

Family bank holiday breaks in Sardinia and Corsica

For those quick-off-the-mark, there’s still time to enjoy a family Spring Bank Holiday break – at a reduced rate – courtesy of Holiday Options.

Enjoy Europe for less this bank holiday

We’re all familiar with the curse of the Bank Holiday: the British weather always seems to suddenly change for the worse just in time for a day off.

New ecotours offer a taste of rural Kenya

GSE Ecotours is offering new destinations for its Kenyan village homestay tours to rural Kenya. Guests can now enjoy up to 14 nights experiencing the culture and lifestyle of the Taita and Kisii Communities.

Holistic holidays for troubled times

Atsitsa, on the unspoilt island of Skyros, Greece, offers guests the opportunity to attune to nature, try new things and make new friends in a supportive and inspirational environment.

Romantic mini breaks

Romantic mini-breaks in critically acclaimed country properties need no longer break the bank with the launch of two new exclusive packages from just £75.00pp.

Discover Colombia as a family destination

Adventurous families looking for a holiday with a difference need look no further than Journey Latin America’s range of family holidays which includes a brand new itinerary in the South American country of Colombia, savings of over £1,200 on family adventures in Patagonia and free children’s places on Galápagos cruises and trips to Costa Rica.

Korea reaches out to independent travellers

The Korea Tourism Organization's official website - VisitKorea.or.kr - goes beyond simply providing tourist information and aims to actively help tourists during their stay in Korea.

Turn back the Euro clock with summer savings

Turn back the clock with P&V, which is returning travellers to the dizzy days of 2008 Euro exchange rates, saving them up to 45 per cent on the cost of summer family holidays to France or Spain. The offer is available on all P&V properties* on all dates – including the school summer holidays.

Get active for summer holiday savings in France

Special deals on family summer activity holidays to four adventure centres in France where virtually everything is included - accommodation, meals, activities and entertainment - have been announced by PGL.

Take in Boston and Cape Cod this Bank Holiday

Combine the many attractions of a city break in historic Boston with the tranquillity and fabulous beaches of Cape Cod this Spring Bank Holiday, courtesy of US operator, Bon Voyage.

Set sail for 24 hour fun in Ireland

To celebrate National Ferry Fortnight (9th - 22nd May) Stena Line is offering customers the chance to travel to Ireland from just £30* per adult travelling by foot. Set sail from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire onboard the luxury Stena HSS fast ferry and travel onwards to Dublin to enjoy some sightseeing, shopping or the traditional bars.

Brits carry on Campervanning

Travel industry pundits are predicting a record year for domestic tourism, as families forgo overseas trips in favour of UK destinations. And what better way to see the best of British than in a classic Volkswagen camper van, courtesy of hire company CampinaVDub.co.uk.

Head to the Sahara this Whitsun

You can have an adventure of a lifetime this Whitsun by taking a trip across the Sahara desert with Small Families, the UK’s leading operator for single parent holidays, and visit the location of one of the most famous films ever made!

Devon - holiday home heaven

Holidaying within the UK, will be the answer for 25% of adults in Britain this year (according to travel insurer LV) who are feeling the pinch from the recession yet reluctant to forgo their summer vacations to which they have become accustomed.

Go all-in for bargain Caribbean holidays

For savvy travellers wishing to snap-up a bargain, specialist long-haul tour operator, Tropical Sky has announced some excellent offers to the Caribbean. Visit Antigua or Barbados and enjoy a week’s holiday on an all-inclusive basis from £599 per person. Bookings must be made by 31st May and are valid for travel until December 2009.

Exciting new destinations from Jet2holidays.com

Tour operator, Jet2holidays.com has announced the launch of two fantastic new destinations, which complement its already impressive range of great value holidays from Manchester and Newcastle.

Head to Crete for half-term savings

There are bargains to be had on Crete even at Half Term says villa specialist Freelance Holidays. From their portfolio of more than 70 properties on the island, they are highlighting Pericles Beach Villa for families arriving 26 May.

Get back to nature this summer

Devon-based sustainability organisation Embercome, has just released its programme of events for the year, which includes family based summer breaks which are relaxing, fun and suitable for adults and children of all ages.

Brits opt for swaps as summer sizzles

Britain’s army of home swappers is on the march and growing faster than ever before since the MET Office announced the summer will be long and hot.

Holiday heaven from Keycamp

Forget Paris and the Da Vinci Code, the launch of the new Tom Hanks’ movie Angels & Demons on 14 May means that it’s Rome that Dan Brown aficionados will be heading for this summer.

Corking Father’s Day ideas

Inherited a nose for fine wine from your father? Then enjoy a weekend bonding over a good Burgundy or glass of bubbly this Father’s Day with Grape Escapes’ selection of gourmet wine-tasting breaks.

Summer ‘voluntourism’ ideas

With summer holidays just around the corner, it’s time to begin thinking about how to spend those precious days off, be it after exams, as a family vacation or simply for those looking for something different this year. For many Brits, holiday time is increasingly taking the form of voluntourism, travel combined with volunteer efforts.

Book early for best deals to Croatia

A wealth of early season deals to Croatia – departing from a choice of regional airports and with savings of up to £148 per person – have been announced by market leader, Holiday Options.

Discover the treasures of Dubai and Egypt

Shop till you drop in Dubai with some of the World’s best duty free, or breath in some ancient culture whilst cruising along the Nile in Egypt with these super holiday packages from Kuoni.

Average cost of a holiday drops by £300

Brits are spending almost £300 less on their holidays this year, thanks to the recession. Researchers have found that 2009 will see people spend just £2,092 on their family holiday – £259 less than in 2007.

Explore Berlin this spring

If you have always wanted to explore Berlin, then this year is the year to do it, as it marks the 20th anniversary of the falling of the Berlin Wall.

May half-term holiday savings in Yorkshire

Head to Yorkshire this May half-term and enjoy savings on a choice of properties courtesy of Yorkshire Cottages.

Cornwall at Whitsun

Save over 20% on a family short-break in Cornwall at Whitsun half-term. The family-friendly Sands Resort is offering one free child place* per family, worth up to £140 when you book a 4-night short-break.

Sri Lankan orchids to be shown at Chelsea

For the first time visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show (May 13-19) will see many exotic orchids especially flown in from Sri Lanka to form the centre piece of The Orchid Society of Great Britain exhibit in the Grand Pavilion including the latest hybrid orchid named after the Queen which will be presented to Her Majesty at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Journey into the heart of the Zulu Kingdom

Cross Zulu battlefields, roam beside the ‘big five’ and sleep under the stars of the savannah with Somak Holidays’ brand new ‘Kwazulu-Natal Discovery’.

Sizzling camping deals for spring

Families keen to get away this Spring Bank Holiday, but want to keep spending to a minimum, should check out the wealth of deals on offer from camping and mobile home operator, Venue Holidays.

On the rails – Swiss-style

Hop on the train in Switzerland this summer and enjoy savings of up to £132 on a choice of rail tours, courtesy of the Switzerland Travel Centre. The above saving applies to departures until 24 June on the seven-night 'Swiss Classical Tour', a journey combining stays in four classical cities - Lucerne, St Moritz, Zermatt and Geneva.

Take a trip by sea to the Irish Open

With National Ferry Fortnight (9th – 22nd May) fast approaching, Stena Line has launched a fantastic two night hotel break from only £75 for people going to The 3 Irish Open which is taking place at County Lough Golf Club, Drogheda from 14th – 17th May.

The single best way to travel

Capitalising on an increasing demand for ‘solo’ holidays, leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, is now offering a selection of its most popular trips exclusively for single travellers.

Caribbean alternatives to marrying in Mexico

With travel to Mexico still off limits, those with imminent plans to get married there are being offered alternative destinations in the Caribbean by wedding abroad experts, Tropical Sky.

Striding forth with Ramblers Worldwide

Specialist walking tour operator, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, has just added a selection of new holidays to its extensive range of guided tours, which now span over 70 countries.

There’s still time to get away this half-term

Holidaymakers are staying closer to home this May Bank Holiday choosing traditional seaside fun for the half term break. Whilst demand is high, there’s still availability on a number of Haven parks at prices that won't break the bank.

Virgin Cruises says ‘Hola’ to Puerto Rico

Virgin Holidays Cruises today confirmed a programme of cruise holidays to sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico between 7 November 2009 and 24 April 2010. Customers will use Virgin Atlantic scheduled flights to and from Puerto Rico.

The lions are on the loose in South Africa

There has been a territorial invasion in the southern hemisphere, ‘British and Irish Lions’ are on the prowl and out for blood in South Africa. The UK’s best rugby players fight for survival against Golden Lions, Cheetahs, Springboks and the savage Sharks. Coming out on top is more than just a matter of pride.