Top 5 Things To Do Whilst On Holiday To Cyprus

Every year holidaymakers manage to grab great cheap holidays to destinations across the globe and they do this by being smart, by using travel comparison websites. The great thing with these sites is they do all the hard work for you. They compare holidays, so that you can find and enjoy get value holidays, which won’t break the bank. So no more do you have to spend days trawling the high streets visiting travel agent after travel agent or feel bombarded by online holiday discount centres offering deals left, right and centre.

Cyprus holidays are very popular among holidaymakers, as there is so much to do and see, making it ideal for families, couples and groups of friends. Below we have picked out the must see places if you are visiting northern Cyprus.

Donkeys are dying out!

There are few things that Turkish and Greek Cypriots agree on; however, they both feel passionately about saving the population of wild donkeys in Karpas. A national park has been built here to house rare flora and fauna, hoping to prevent the decreasing population, by keeping an eye on them. We would highly recommend visiting this park as not only is it filled with rare donkeys but there are also miles of sandy beach inside. If you are impressed by expensive looking yachts, then make sure you have a wander down to the Karpas Gate Marina, as here you can see an array of super yachts. It is evident that the stupidly rich owners are trying to outdo one another by having the most striking boat.

Kyrenia mountain range

This isn’t recommended for those who of you scared of heights, as the Kyrenia mountain range is impressive to see, but the range is a shear and jagged outcrop. Did you know that this range has been used as a natural defence by Byzantines, Crusaders, Venetian and Ottomans? This probably doesn’t come as any surprise. Visiting this mountain range won’t cost you a penny, meaning holidaymakers can make sure there cheap holidays, stay, well, cheap!

Museums

Cyprus holidays are not complete without learning about the history and culture of the island or country you are visiting. With this in mind it is a good job that there are few Turkish towns that have managed to resist the urge to open an ethnographic museum. These museums are often filled to the brim with dummies made of wax in traditional Anatolian peasant clothing. 

Try local cuisine

Holidaymakers have to take full advantage of fresh tasty fish whilst on cheap holidays to Cyprus. Make sure that you check out the many resturants located on the Kyrenia harbour, as they are conveniently located where fishing boars unload their catch, meaning the fish served to you has not long been caught. So you get to enjoy fresh fish, which is full of taste!

Promenade 

Northern Cyprus at dusk is truly stunning and you won’t get a better view than from the quayside in Girne. Take a wander and experience the beautiful view, as you see the sun set in the far distance. If you are on a family holiday then you will be glad to know that there are many playgrounds dotted around, making sure that your little ones are entrained, as you get to spend quality time watching the sun set with a loved one.

So, make sure that you have memorised (or at least written down) this list before you hop on that plain and enjoy Cyprus holidays.

(Photo courtesy of Simply North Cyprus)

Great News! How Much Brits Spend On Holidays Is Set To Fall!

If you think that cheap holidays are a myth then we highly recommend reading on, as this blog will look into the results of the TripBarometer, which suggests that us Brits will start to pay less when planning to escape somewhere hot!

TripBarometer

The TripBarometer is the largest accommodation and traveller survey in the world, which is carried out by TripAdvisor on a biannual basis. The survey looks into country, regional and global travel trends, with the help of 61, 000 holidaymakers around the world, with over 5000 helpers from the UK alone. The results highlight any changes that have occurred in consumer spending plans and travel patterns worldwide. The TripBarometer also explores if there has been behavioural difference in travel planning and booking, taking into account respondents age and lifestyle. So, does this mean that 2014 is a good year to find and book great value cheap holidays?

Budgets to drop

Yes! 2014 is set to be a good year for great value cheap holidays! After the study was carried out, what was revealed was that household holiday budgets for Brits are set to decrease by a staggering 7% when compared with the stats from the 2013 survey. Bet your jumping for joy now and eager to start looking for your dream holiday?!

In 2013, when the average yearly budget for holidays (with British holidaymakers in mind) was calculated in 2014 it was around £5, 831. However, for 2014 the budget dropped to £5, 016, which is a decrease of over £500! So the argument that cheap holidays are a myth and impossible to find has been proven wrong! 

These stats are a breath of fresh air for us in the UK as we are the world’s biggest spenders when it comes to holidays! This comes as no surprise, seeing as many of us lead hectic and busy lifestyles, meaning that any chance we get to escape and relax we tend to grab. Now, more of us Brits will be able to afford a holiday!

Prepared!

What is also interesting to learn is that travellers from the UK have been found to be the most prepared when it comes to booking holidays. At least a fifth of those who took the survey, which is 22%, said that they book holidays at least 7 months in advance. This was more than any other nation. 

“Exploration is back on the agenda in 2014, with more travellers planning international trips this year,” said Marc Charron, President, TripAdvisor for Business. “The TripBarometer study provides valuable insights for hospitality businesses looking to attract new audiences. Travellers are upping their budgets but they are looking for bargains, expecting their accommodation of choice to deliver on value. Special offers, complimentary amenities and exceptional service are all going to be important factors in swaying potential guests.”

(http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/brits-holiday-spending-set-to-fall/)

So what are you waiting for? Hop on to an online centre for discount holidays and you will have thousands of cheap holidays at your fingertips!

(Picture courtesy of Jet Lag Manifesto)

Why You Should Pick Kos For Your Next Holiday!

We all deserve a break to somewhere hot, where we can escape the daily stresses of everyday life and just relax. We highly recommend looking into cheap holidays to Kos, as this wonderful island has so much to offer, whether you are travelling with young children or a group of friends you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do. If you are now intrigued read on, as we have highlighted the top 5 reasons as to why you should consider Kos for cheap holidays.

Choice

Did you know that there over 200 inhabited Greek islands? So you really are spoilt for choice. Don’t let the choice overwhelm you, as knowing which island is best for you, all boils down to what you want out of a holiday. Simply go online and read the many travel blogs out there regarding the different islands and this way you will soon find out which one will suit tick all of your boxes. The most popular islands among holidaymakers are Santorini, Mykonos and Crete, so these islands are the best ones to start with.

Great for Cyclists

Class yourself as an avid cyclist? Kos is the perfect island for you because it is flat. It only takes an hour drive by car to get from one side of the island to the other, so the island is the perfect size for a nice, casual long bike ride. Renting a bike for a day will only cost you around €4/5 so you will not go over budget. What is even more appealing is the fact there are many bike trails all over the island, which are well kept, meaning that you can have a nice, leisurely ride that’s not too challenging. The only thing you have to be mindful about are mopeds and motorcycles zooming by! Cycling around the island is a great way to take in the beautiful views whilst also being able to feel the wind going through your hair.

History

If you love learning about the history of the country or island you are visiting whilst on cheap holidays, then Kos can also cater for this. If sightseeing is your cup of tea then there is a lot to see in Kos! No visit to this island is complete without seeing the glorious castle in the town centre, the jaw dropping ruins that date back to 3^rd Century B.C. or the old twisted tree that is held up by scaffolding – rumour has it that Greek legend Hippocrates taught his students here.

Lively Port

Looking for cheap holidays for a group of friends, then look no further than Kos, as it is known for having a lively port with a wide range of bars, restaurants and shops. During the summer streets stay lively until the early hours of the morning, so if you can hack it, stay up and see the sun rise after a fun packed evening.

Beaches

Kos has a wide range of beaches from pebbly ones that have great beach bars to softer, sandier beaches, which are great to spend lazy days sunbathing on. Many holidaymakers that have already been on cheap holidays to Kos report that Paradise Beach is the best. Not only does it have stunning scenery and soft, golden sand, but there are shallow waters making it ideal for children. The beach can be reached by bus, which leaves the centre of Kos and will only cost you around €4.40. Within 45 minutes you will soon be enjoying a refreshing ice lolly or cool drink, whilst feeling the soft, golden sand in between your toes.

What are you waiting for? Hop on to an online centre for discount holidays and find great cheap holidays to Kos now!

(Photo courtesy of Greece and Mediterranean Travel Centre)

How To Keep Within Budget While On Holiday

Today many of us lead very busy and hectic lifestyles; for some of us this includes a demanding work schedule, whereas others have the stresses of being a full time stay at home parent. Whilst some may love to be kept this occupied as they hate to be bored, it is important for everyone to put time aside, where we can relax and do the things that we want to do to.

One way that we can escape the day to day pressures is by hopping onto a plane and stepping off in a hot, warm country or island abroad. Many of us rule out holidays, as we don’t think we can afford to go away on one, this is a real shame as by being savvy there are ways that great deals can be found for cheap holidays. This article will not only look into these tricks but also how to stick within budget whilst on holiday!

Travel Comparison Websites/Online Centre for Discount Holidays

Using both travel comparison websites and an online centre for discount holidays is a great way to bag great cheap holidays. Many of us start to feel that we are drowning in deals being shoved in our faces left, right and centre; with every travel agent claiming their package holiday deal is the best ever. Cut out these stresses by using comparison sites and an online centre for cheap holidays, as they will do the hard work and put all the best deals in one place. The search can even be tailored to meet specific requirements, meaning complete control of everything from which airport the flight departs to the board basis. 

All Inclusive

Many of us may find great cheap holidays but then blow it when we are actually on holiday, as eating and drinking ends up costing more than expected. This can be avoided by opting to go all inclusive, as with this option everything is paid for up front, including all meals and drinks. This way everyone can eat and drink to their hearts content without worrying about the expense. This is great for families with growing children, as we all know how much they can get through in a day.

Avoid Buying At The Airport

This may be easier said then done put before leaving for cheap holidays make sure everything has been thought of from travel adapters to sun tan lotion. If these items are left till at the airport, they can end up costing a small fortune, as the shops inside tend to charge a lot. This is because they can get away with it and know some holidaymakers will have no choice but to pay the ridiculously high prices. Compile a checklist of items by surfing the net and talking to friends and family, then simply cross them off when each item has been bought. This way what has been bought and what still needs to be bought can be kept on top of.

Travel Off Peak

All resorts tend to double their prices in peak times. Peak times normally start from June and end In August, basically when schools break up for the summer holidays. It is highly recommended that if not traveling with youngsters, stay away from these months when looking for great cheap holidays, as if not they will be hard to come by.

So by using travel comparison websites and an online centre for discount holidays, going all inclusive, avoid buying at the airport and travelling off peak everyone can soon be enjoying a refreshing ice lolly or ice cream whilst sunbathing on the beach during their great value holiday. 

(Photo courtesy of Hiring Hub)