Best Beaches in Europe and the World

One very important factor to consider when looking into cheap holidays is beaches. On rainy, gloomy days, when we are stuck indoors, our minds often wander and we start to picture beaches with soft, golden sand and blue, crystal waters. Let’s have a look into the best beaches in Europe and worldwide.

Europe

Let’s start with cheap holidays in Europe and their beaches. Some have argued that there are beaches in Europe that rival those found in exotic locations such as the Caribbean. Using an online centre for discount holidays, you will soon find that you can bag budget holidays to Greece. This is great news, as first on the list is Navagio Beach in Greece. Located on the Greek island of Zakynthos, this beach boasts crystal clear waters which laps white, soft sand and is a secluded little cove. There is a rusted wreck on the shore, which is why it is also known as Shipwreck Bay. If you are tired of sharing a beach with ‘every man and his dog’ this beach is for you, as it is only accessible by boat which leaves Port Vromi. It can get busy in peak season, but remains fairly quite the rest of the year.

Many people associate Italy with rich business men and women or millionaires, but you can find cheap holidays to this location, for those on a budget. There are many things that you can do and see for free, such as spending lazy days on a beach in total relaxation. 2^nd on our list for Europe beaches is Cala Luna in Italy. This is a secluded beach, located on the north western coast of the island. Crescent shaped, the beach boasts warm waters, making it ideal for those who love snorkelling and scuba diving. Again, this beach is accessible via boat or you can hike and take in breath taking scenery from Cala Gonone.

You can bag cheap holidays to Croatia and what is even better news is that there is a stunning beach here! The name, Zlatni Rat, really does not do it justice. Located on the island of Brac, this beach is unique, as it not only changes shape but also position. This all depends on the direction of the wind and currents. Bear in mind that the western end of this beach is an especially reserved area for nudists.

Worldwide

It is no surprise that Bora Bora is labelled as the most romantic place in the world. It can be hard to find cheap holidays to this location, but by using an online centre for discount holidays you can find deals, which won’t cost a small fortune. Once there, you will hardly need any spending money, as you can spend lazy days on stunning beaches. Matira Beach is on the top of the list, with crystal waters and white sands to enjoy. If you need some sort of entertainment, you are spoilt for choice with plenty of water sports on offer.

Playa Paraiso, Cayao Largo in Cuba is second on the worldwide list. There are secluded and remote parts of the beach but in some areas you will have to share exquisite views with others. This beach can be accessed via train from the ‘hotel zone’.

Grand Anse Beach in Seychelles is arguably one of the most stunning locations in the world! This beach is found on La Digue Island, located off the East Coast of Africa. What draws most people in is the granite rock formations which create a tremendous contrast against the beach, ocean and surrounding greenery. If you are an avid surfer, this is the place for you as this beach experiences great waves!

So there you have it, our list of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and the world. If you are on a budget, look into cheap holidays to Greece, Italy or Croatia and visit one of these stunning beaches.

(Photo courtesy of fabulousfabs)

Searched Through Cheap Holidays On The Slopes, Found A Great Deal, Now, What To Pack?

So you are pretty happy with yourself. You have always wanted to go, but the sky high prices of ski holidays have always put you off. However, 2014 has started off well for you, as you have used a travel comparison website and managed to bag yourself a pretty amazingly low deal! Yes, cheap holidays on the slopes do exist! 

Seeing as this is your first ever snow holiday, you are undoubtedly worried about what to pack? If your answer is yes then read on. This article is also handy if you have just got back and planning your next break or you know someone who is a keen skier or snowboarder and their birthday is just around the corner…

Essentials

Cheap holidays for skiing and snowboarding are hard to come by. You may want to keep costs as low as possible and see where you save more money on leaving out some items from your suitcase. However, there are skiing and snowboarding essentials that you can’t go without. 

Everyone going on holiday will need a snow jacket and trousers (also known as salopettes), a microfleece mid-layer, a minimum of 2 sets of base layers, 2 pairs of cosy ski socks, a hat (which must cover the ears) and goggles. Yes, if the sun is shining you may end up with a strange tan line, but these are crucial especially if it’s snowing. Even though you will be surrounded by snow, sun cream is essential, how strong depends on your skin type. Skiing and snowboarding can end in dry lips, this is where lip balm will come in handy and soon become your best friend! Before you step out of the door make sure you have your passport, travel insurance (this should include winter sports cover), tickets, cash or credit card and your European Health Insurance Card. Without these important items, your dream skiing holiday can soon turn into a disaster. There are a few essential healthcare items that you need to make sure you have packed including Ibuprofen (to tackle the pain you get with bruises), Deep Heat/Tiger Balm (to soothe aching muscles) and a first aid kit (it’s always better to be safe than sorry). Last but by no means least; ensure you have at least one continental travel adaptor plug. 

Non-Essentials

So you have whittled down the vast amount of skiing cheap holidays you have found to a couple and after much deliberation have finally chosen the one for you. The last thing you want to end up doing is paying out for items that you believe are important, but you can actually do without. For example, a small rucksack can be handy when spending long days on the slopes, as you can ensure you always have snacks and water to keep you going. However, there are numerous cafes on ski resorts, where you can buy refreshments, so that you don’t have to carry them around with you. Secondly, many people think they will need sunglasses, but as long as you have goggles whilst on the slopes you should be fine. 

If you get cold easily, neck warmers, scarfs, snoods can keep you snug. However, you will soon be working up a sweat on the slopes, so you can do without these. If you only have an expensive watch and you don’t want to break it but always like to know what time it is, you could buy yourself a cheap one. However, when on holiday do we really need to know what time it is? To keep your holiday cheap, just don’t wear a watch! Go out and enjoy yourself, come off the slopes when you have had enough, don’t restrict yourself with time!

It’s hard to know what category to put chocolate bars, energy drinks, vitamin tablets and rehydration salts in as this all depends on the person. If you are not used to being active then these items are essential for either giving you a boost between lunch and dinner, if you start to feel lethargic and to get you going in the morning. However, is you are naturally energetic then these items are not a must!

Everyone gets a buzz from finding cheap holidays but we must remember that depending on the type of holiday, we need certain items. Hopefully, you now are armed with knowledge of what to take with you on ski holidays.

(Photo courtesy of Swedish Girls)

Summer Is Just Around The Corner; How To Find Yourself Cheap Holidays

Last weekend the UK reached temperatures of 19°C! As days start to get warmer and stay light for longer, we are reminded that summer is just around the corner! Are you craving to get away but on a bit of a tight budget? Whether you are looking for a family break, romantic getaway or a summer blow out with friends, this blog will give you handy tips on how to find yourself cheap holidays!

Peak Times

This will be easier for those of you who want to go away with a loved one or a group of friends, but always avoid peak times! Holiday companies will almost double their prices when it hits July, August and September, as this is when school holidays are. School holidays can differ from county to county, but if you look into when the majority of school children are off, this is when you should avoid going on holiday.

All Inclusive

A good tip in bagging yourself cheap holidays, is to go all inclusive or full board. Self-catering holidays will look cheaper than all inclusive and full board at first, but don’t be fooled! By going all inclusive/full board you are paying for everything up front including all your meals and drinks (depending on the package you go for), which will end up being cheaper in the long run. If you go self-catering, you will soon see your money go on meals out, snacks and drinks! Also, depending on the country, food and drink can end up costing you a small fortune. Also, going all inclusive or full board is great if you have fussy eaters with you, as most places will offer foods that are similar to the UK!

Travel Comparison Websites

A great way to bag cheap holidays is to use travel comparison websites! We can soon feel bombarded with deals coming at us left, right and centre from hundreds of different travel agents. Using a travel comparison website cuts out these stresses and makes it much easier for you to find a great deal. Depending on the site you use, you will be able to tailor your search, to make sure that it meets all your requirements. You then simply click ‘search’ and all holidays are in one handy place. All you have to do is pick the best deal for you and then call the travel agent.

If you compare holidays, rather than going for the first deal you come across, can ensure that you are getting the most out of you money and that you won’t miss out on an amazingly low priced deal! 

Book in Advance

Booking way in advance is a great way to find cheap holidays. You just have to make sure you are organised and know where you want to go and when. Not only will this save you substantial amounts of money but also help with your stress levels, especially if you are organising a family break.  Booking your summer holiday as soon as you can, means there is one less thing that you have to worry about. Get the summer holiday checked off the list and then focus on the other areas of family life which are important!

So there you have it! Compare holidays, book in advance, go all inclusive and avoid peak times and at you will soon have thousands of cheap holidays fingertips!