When in Murcia, there are countless things to do, as it is a large tourist hotspot. With Murcia’s perfect golden beaches; it is hard to pass up an invitation to go swimming in the cool, soothing waters of the warm coast. Another great thing to do in Murcia is to take a walk along the old, small streets through the aged, quieter parts of the town. One of the most amazing times of the year in Murcia is one year after the holy week. This is because the people of Murcia dress up in very intricate and colourful costumes, in celebration of the ‘Orchard Parade’.

As for places to go, Murcia has countless attractions, and locations to visit for tourists. One of the most interesting places to go is ‘Cathedral de Santa Maria’. With a mixture of different architectural styles, the Santa Maria Cathedral is a ‘must-see’ attraction of Murcia, and is also one of the most popular attractions of the city. Another very interesting archaeological site, which is located in Murcia, is the ‘Santa Clara Monastery & Museum’. However, if tourists are family oriented, there are still a handful of things to do in the beautiful city of Murcia; such as Pawson Paintball, or renting a pedalo on the beach.

Although Murcia has many beautiful attractions, and tourism hotspots, Murcia is extremely famous for its nightlife. At night, the streets of Murcia thrive with people, looking to get into the hottest nightclubs and bars. At Murcian bars, small plates of appetizers, more commonly known as ‘Tappa’s’ are served in the open air. El Palomo is probably the most famous bar in Murcia, along with Los Toneles. One of the most interesting night-attractions, is the ‘Desafio Medieval’. Set in an old castle, near Alfaz, Desafio Medieval serves up some of the best medieval banquets the country has to offer, while customers enjoy watching fights & jousting. Another interesting feature of Murcia’s nightlife, are the casinos. There are only a few legitimate casinos in Murcia, containing blackjack
tables, roulette, and slot machines.

The shopping in Murcia is simply terrific, with many different selections of shops, and venues to shop at. There are malls, large market places, and small vendors on the streets, mainly attempting to sell their goods to tourists. Calle Jabonerias is perhaps one of the nicest places to go shopping in Murcia. A small and narrow street, packed with designer names and brands, allows tourists to feel at home when they shop confidently in this small and cosy street. Another very interesting place to go shopping is ‘El Corte Ingles’; Spain’s biggest department store. Just like all cities in Spain, Murcia has one right in the centre of the city.

Written by Mike who writes for www.spanishtravelguide.co.uk and also writes for www.thebritishtravelguide.co.uk

Do your homework on Travel insurance
Holiday insurance for a family is undoubtedly necessary, however it can be expensive. There are some good deals to be had if you know where to look. Don’t take the first insurance quote that you come across, instead shop around. Comparison sites have some of the best deals and some further research could unearth some real bargains.

India
Many people wouldn’t think of India as a family destination, but places such as Goa offer some great family hotels. There is also plenty to see and do here and it’s reasonably cheap once you get here too. Places like Palolem Beach are very child friendly, and you can also go dolphin watching. Most of the hotels have great pools for the kids to play in. Best of all, you can cheap air tickets from India and inbound which is extremely useful when travelling as a family!

Cycling in the Alps
If you have an active family, then there are some great holidays that are based around cycling. What better way to cycle than in the Alps. You can get from destination to destination at your own pace and there is as you would expect stunning scenery around every corner. And if you fancy it, you can squeeze in a family ski holiday while you’re there!

Rent a private villa
Renting a villa is a great idea if you have a large family, You have your own base from which to kick back and relax and it may not be as expensive as you think. There are some good deals online, particularly if you can go slightly out of peak season although it may be difficult with children. Most villas come with private pools so the kids can splash about till their heart’s content. Using your villa as a base, here you can decide where to go and what to do on the rest of your holiday.

Disneyland Paris
In 2012, Disneyland Paris celebrates its 20th anniversary and as a result they are offering some great
bargains. Ideally it is going to be predominantly for the kids and they’ll love you for it, but there are
also some other roller coasters and rides for the oldies, so there is something for everyone.

Orlando is also home to attractions like the Universal Orlando Resort, and water parks like Blizzard Beach. Orlando offers something for every member of the family Families from all around the world come here for the great attractions, superb level of service, and the multiple accommodations available.

When planning a vacation to Orlando, consider staying in Orlando’s neighboring city Kissimmee, another popular travel destination. Kissimmee is just a short drive by car or shuttle to Orlando, so you won’t miss out on the Magic Kingdom or Epcot Center. What you will gain is additional fun in the way of the great attractions Kissimmee offers, as well as saving a bit of money on the accommodations without sacrificing amenities. Typically, staying in a Kissimee hotel is a bit less expensive than Orlando accommodation.

Nearly all the hotels in Kissimmee offer great package deals that make it affordable so the whole family can go. Look for deals that include extras like shuttle service to the attractions and discounts on various venues within Kissimmee and Orlando. Often, hotels will offer special deals to larger families and groups traveling together. Better hotel room rates can be had in Kissimmee at certain times of the year as well. There are a wide style range of hotels in the city, from luxury suites to more affordable hotels. Kissimmee hotels offer amenities that include such things as air conditioned rooms, shuttle service to and from the various attractions, room service, concierge services, fitness rooms, free breakfasts and more.

Hotels such as the Orange Lake Resort in Kissimmee offer four star amenities, top of the line services, a lazy river with water slides for the kids and luxurious rooms. Other hotels offer suites for large groups, often available at a discount. Most of the hotels have gift shops, swimming pools and laundry service.

There is plenty to see and do in Kissimmee, so plan some time to explore the area. If in doubt as to what to do and where to go, ask the hotel front desk, they will have plenty of excellent recommendations for fun activities. There are restaurants to suit every taste and lots of places to shop. Lanier’s Historic Marketplace is an excellent place to spend the afternoon. Kissimmee has a vibrant nightlife, with dance clubs and live music venues.

Don’t miss out on the attractions the city has to offer. Check out places like the Reptile World Serpitarium,or take the kids to Water Mania Park. There are also great golf courses, art fairs and festivals that are held throughout the year in Kissimmee. Don’t forget that the beautiful Florida sun shines in Kissimmee as well as Orlando!

What to Expect from Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals. On a Mediterranean Royal Caribbean cruise, guests may select from four different types of luxurious rooms. Examples of what to expect from each room includes:

Staterooms. Staterooms are typically the most affordable. Most staterooms do not feature an external window but may feature a television, bed and bathroom. The most affordable trips start at £300 per person based on two person occupancy. These rooms feature two double beds on an older cruise liner sailing for seven nights. A newer and more luxurious liner features staterooms with a single queen bed.

Staterooms with a View. Staterooms with a view on a newer cruise liner may be obtained for as low as £800. These deals often feature sofas, televisions, a view, television, bathroom and a desk in many instances. The same rooms on an older cruise liner may be priced as low as £500.

Staterooms with a Private Balcony. Beautiful views may be obtained from a private balcony for as low as £1600. Balcony rooms on older cruise liners for seven-night cruises may be priced as low as £500.

Comfortable Suites. Suites on newer cruise liners start from £2000. Many suites feature multiple rooms and balconies. Some suites also have complimentary concierge service and baby grand pianos.

Older cruise liners are typically used for seven day cruises and may be available at a more affordable rate of £900.

On the contrary, its popularity simply makes it more affordable. Thanks to the competition, increased tourism and its related industries, all inclusive holidays to Turkey are a very real offer that can be taken advantage of.

Not only does the all inclusive lump sum reduce the overall cost but by being all inclusive you can also have the satisfaction of knowing that you won’t need to be spend as much once there.

A dedicated tourism industry

The budget holiday in Turkey may be down to the increased tourism business but that does not mean that corners have been cut to reduce the costs. Whether you’re looking for a simple hotel or 5-star luxury, Turkey has an overtly extensive range of accommodation options that enable you to pick the level of comfort you want on your holiday.

Likewise, thanks to its extended summer season, there are a wider range of possible dates to visit Turkey. The best times are in late spring or early autumn: the edges of Turkey’s summer where the cooler sun makes your holiday more bearable. The middle of summer can be rather hot and this always proves popular with the crowds, resulting in lots of business and a crowded experience.

Activities and entertainment

Depending on where you stay, you’ll be surprised at just how much the all inclusive holiday includes. Many resorts are on the coast, taking advantage of Turkey’s wonderful coastlines and this means activities such as scuba diving, boat tours and other water sports are widely available.

Such activities always prove popular with younger audiences and children, meaning that a family-friendly holiday will not be a problem. Likewise, the beach itself will always provide a free source of entertainment.

Whether you want to relax, swim in the ocean or watch the children build sandcastles, no one can over appreciate the simple joy of the beach. With Turkey’s extensive choice of beaches and coastlines, you are never too far away from a sandy white beach either.

Turkish culture

Of course, outside the resorts are just as interesting. This will be outside the boundaries of an all-inclusive deal but venturing out to enjoy the native Turkish life can still be an unforgettable experience – even on cheap holidays where budget is a concern.

From the friendly locals, to the Turkish cuisine, music and atmosphere, you will find the country to be a fair few steps away from anything you’ve experienced at home and even a simple walk around a foreign town can prove an insightful and stimulating experience.

Enjoying yourself in Turkey does not go hand in hand with spending money and the idiom ‘many of the best things in life are free’ could start to hit home once you’re sat on one of Turkeys stunning beaches.

With a typical Mediterranean climate and plenty of sunshine, from dinosaur relics to the natural breath-taking Adriatic views, the land where some of the finest lavender fields makes Hvar famous, despite its size.  Known sometimes as Lavender Island it now unfortunately boasts less than half of what it used to of the hardy perennial plants due to severe wild fires which destroyed over half the fields. It still however relies on the lavender plant as a source of export and it can be seen especially during the spring and summer months in all its purple glory. With 1000s of types of wild flowers on the island, the landscape changes colour all through the year and displays an island that shares the manmade tourist industry with nature at its best. Combine the heady scent of lavender along with bars and cafes selling locally produced fine quality wines, with a diversity of landscapes, of mountain, secluded bays and off the beaten track villages, Hvar provides a unique and unusual experience. <

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/piotrr/2978438033/sizes/l/in/photostream/
In the Field of Stari Grad there are remains from Greek and Roman times and bathed in sunshine with a minimum of water, the vine, olive and lavender grow profusely in their natural habitat. The best of the remaining lavender fields are best observed off the beaten track, although it grows wildly in many areas and is still cultivated by many small communities. Some of the old roads out of Stari Grad towards the villages of Brusje and Grablje will not leave you disappointed. If you don’t fancy a wander alone to collect your bunches of lavender along the way there are guided tours, usually using off road vehicle types to tackle the more isolated routes.

The Village of Brusje

Image Courtesy: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jula_julz/4004055343/sizes/l/in/photostream/
Getting to Hvar is mainly from Split on the mainland coast- and ferries run regularly throughout the day and accommodation on the island is as varied as the landscapes. If a more rustic environment is preferred, seek an inland village such as the pine woodland setting of Besina in the west, or for a taste of wine growing lands try the area in the central southern area near to beaches and pebble bays, all child friendly and safe for swimming. Hvar the main town displays Venetian architecture at its best with villas and apartments or older houses available and has views out to the busy harbour area and a more tourist orientated vibrancy.
Wherever you go on Hvar island, you will be reminded of the hardy perennial plants from traditionally prepared oils to dried lavender filled sachets and bags, for even if the lavender fields are not as abundant as they once were, the legend of lavender remains.

Colonial Williamsburg
Many family vacation spots mix learning with fun activities and Williamsburg, Virginia is one of them. Colonial Williamsburg is a town set in the 1770s, right before the start of the American Revolution. Actors dress in period costumes and show visitors what life was like in early America.

While visiting Williamsburg, take time out to visit nearby Busch Gardens, a large theme park with rides, shows, food and fun that takes you all over the world. The park is set up in different areas all relating to small European hamlets in Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, Scotland and England. Children’s areas are a visit to see Sesame Street characters and the Land of Dragons. Jack Hanna’s Wild Reserve is in the park and visitors can see eagles, parrots, wolves and other animals in the reserve.

Water Country USA is open during the summer months. This water park has a wave feature and many water rides that will thrill anyone over 48 inches high. There is a kid splash zone with slides and water cannons that will keep little kids happy.

Atlantis Resort Bahamas
Atlantis Resort is located on Paradise Island near Nassau and is a premier family fun spot for those that love swimming and beaches. It is a 140 acre water park with pools, waterfalls and aquariums. Slide down a slide from the top of a five story Mayan Temple or tame the Power Tower that challenges with several slides that go up and down. Float down the river, through rapids and through caves in the river float. The resort is a casino and has a spa, restaurants and opportunities for shopping for the whole family.

Family Cruise
Take a cruise on the Disney Cruise Line that will thrill the smallest member of the family, teens and adults. Enjoy the entertainment on the ship that includes live shows, theater, and movies. Participate in family activities like karaoke, deck parties or meet some of the Disney characters. Splash around in one of the pools or play games. Disney Cruise Lines go to several ports of call including Alaska and California, Bahamas, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal and a Transatlantic cruise.

Orlando
Orlando Florida provides some of the most extensive family vacations on the earth today. Visit Universal Orlando and see the Islands of Adventure, Harry Potter Theme Park, the E.T. Adventure, Shrek Adventure, Revenge of the Mummy attraction, and Suess Landing. Walt Disney World include the Magic Kingdom is suitable for small children while EPCOT, a science center is great for older children and adults.

Hollywood Studios appeal to the whole family as does the Animal Kingdom. There are also two waterparks and 22 resorts all with different themes and many activities. Orlando has many other attractions from which to choose including Gatorland, Orlando Science Center, Skyventure Orlando and a Titanic exhibition.

Corsica is a popular holiday destination. Located off the cost of South Of France it offers luxury holiday accommodation at an affordable price. If you intend to book your villa anytime soon, here is what you should check just prior to booking.

Included Vs. not included – The level of equipment between villas will change, though most will feature private swimming pools and modern convenience equipment as they are often referred to as holiday homes. To avoid disappointment you should make a note of the equipment that you would need against what is available in the property. In some cases you could probably bring an item or two with you, in other cases you might need to look at a different property all together.

Other villas nearby – If you are looking for privacy and seclusion you should check if there are any other villas nearby. Most holiday villa listings will feature a map of the area and if privacy is what you are after Corsica is big enough to accommodate your wishes.

Means of arrival – Corsica is located just off South of France and getting there is possible using a number of means. During your stay you can use public transportation to move about or hire a car for more flexibility. You do however have to give enough thought prior to booking to how you plan to arrive at your villa in Corsica. In most cases the holiday package will exclude transit to the villa so you should make suitable arrangements prior to your departure. A local taxi company is a good idea and you could always consult with your travel agent, travel company or villa owner if booked directly.

Make a note of nearest attractions – If you are looking to explore the area Corsica offers much to be seen in terms of local traditions, markets and small towns full of character. At different times of the year different festivals and local events are hosted. Your travel company might be able to suggest local attractions nearer the time.

Passports and visas – It is your responsibility to check the required documents for travel. In the vast majority of cases you will only require a valid passport, however if anyone in your party is not a UK resident, it is entirely their responsibility to check the precise documents they need to hold.

Visitors flock to Amsterdam for a variety of reasons – to absorb themselves in the fantastic art of Van Gogh and the Dutch Masters, to see the floating flower markets and gorgeous canals or to check out the infamous red-light district. This is a perennial favourite with stag parties, but also the scene of various guided tours for the intrigued and open-minded!

So where do you start if you’re planning a weekend break in Amsterdam and how do you decide on the best attractions to see? The good news is that the city is actually fairly small and easy to walk across or you can cycle or take a tram.

It’s very accessible and very relaxed for such a key destination and most of the main attractions are either located near to each other or are very easy to get to. Amsterdam also has a superb public-transport service which is reasonably priced and generally runs on time – another treat for British visitors!

First-time travellers should certainly check out the city’s canal ring in the old centre of town. You’ll be amazed at the contrast between this peaceful and spacious area and the busier tourist spots and shopping areas.

You can walk through the many attractive streets and look at the little boutique hotels, shops and attractive residences dotted around, or take a canal boat on a guided tour. Many of these offer lunch or drinks and are a superb way to see the city in style. You can also rent your own boat if you’re feeling energetic.

The museums are another huge attraction – look out for Het Scheepvaart Museum (the National Maritime Museum), which is particularly popular with families and children. It’s filled with multi-media exhibits and an ancient 17th-century sailing ship, along with plenty of exhibitions about the Netherlands’ famous maritime heritage.

The Rijksmuseum is Holland’s largest museum and features the works of the great Dutch Masters, which include Vermeer, Hals and Rembrandt. Their work sums up the Dutch national character and the museum also houses a fantastic collection of doll’s houses from the glorious trading period of the West and East India companies.

Don’t forget the Van Gogh Museum either, which is home to over two hundred paintings of the great artist, accompanied by hundreds of his sketches and letters.

For architecture and culture, the Begijnhof is a beautiful old nunnery, accessed by a very narrow and vaulted passage that emerges in a peaceful little garden surrounded by lovely old houses.

It’s hidden away in the middle of the city and No.34 is famous for being the oldest house in Amsterdam. See too the Oude Kerk in the middle of the red-light district – a lovely peaceful haven in the midst of the madness!

The red-light district is certainly a lively and colourful experience and many will head straight there for its entertainments. It’s also surrounded by some great Dutch cafes, bars, restaurants and tourist spots, so most adults will find something to amuse them, whether it’s a stroll through the streets or a drink in a traditional bar.

Those who love engineering and the outdoors will want to see the Magere Brug, which is a great example of one of the traditional Dutch drawbridges that connects the banks of the River Amstel. It opens every twenty minutes or so to let boats through. It’s a peaceful spot and lovely in the sunshine.

The house of Anne Frank is an important destination in Amsterdam. It was the hiding place of the famous young Jewish author who penned her diary during the Second World War. It’s incredible to think that two families lived together in such tiny quarters for over two years in a bid to hide from the Nazis.

Other attractions include the shopping districts, Leidseplein with its sights and performers and the Royal Park. There is a lot to experience whilst you’re in Amsterdam. Enjoy the food at the many local restaurants and also try out the Surinaam broodjes for a passing snack.

You’ll find the people welcoming and friendly and most of them speak English to an incredibly high standard, making it a perfect destination for English native speakers. Don’t forget to visit the flower markets either to see the gorgeous displays of fresh-cut blooms in all their glory.

Disney World is home to four amazing theme parks and two additional water parks. There is so much for you and your family that you could happily spend the entire duration of your holiday just visiting the parksand if you book your Disney tickets before you go you will same time and money once you arrive there.

In the Magic Kingdom park you will find many of the Disney Characters so be sure that your children pack their autograph books or buy some on arrival as they will be create an amazing momento and concentrate on filling it up for the rest of their trip. Your child will always remember the moment they met their favourite Disney character but be sure to pack a camera and lots of batteries just to create a photo opportunity that they may never get again in their lives. The Magic Kingdom is an amazing 107 acres of lush land just waiting to be explored and the lands here include Liberty Square, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Mainstreet USA.

The Animal Kingdom park is another of the amazing theme parks on offer here and you will find over 1,500 animals from 250 different species. There should be something here for everyone in the family to enjoy seeing and being the largest animal themed park in the whole World should mean that it takes quite a bit of time to explore thoroughly!

Epcot, home to the Future World & World Showcase has lots of amazing shops, restaurants and much more to be visited. You will find a real glimpse of Hollywood glamour here with Hollywood studios offering you a magical glimpse at the life of a Hollywood cast member with live shows, backstage tours and much more on offer. Older children will especially enjoy this as they get a chance to see what being on the stage would really be like.

Blizzard beach is home to one of the worlds fastest and largest waterslides which will prove to be great fun for those older children with a daring side. There is a snowy castle play area, toboggan racers and so much more fun to be had here. Despite the cold front it may appear to be suffering from you should find gorgeous weather here throughout most of the year – that will help soak up the wet patches from the waterslide!

Typhoon Lagoon features amazing attractions with waterslides, a shark reef and a surf pool on offer here. This is another fantastic water based park for the kids to explore and adults are more than welcome too!

Wherever you visit on your trip to Disneyland you can be sure of an amazing holiday for the whole family and with Disneyland tickets being very affordable you can have a fantastic holiday your whole family will remember forever. There is so much to see and do here that a two week trip is recommended just to explore the amazing parks and water parks that Disney has to offer.