Summer Holiday Tips

largest isle of the Tuscan Archipelago, is the land of warm clement weather, broad-spectrum seas, panoramic beaches, lush green countryside and in all, the land of natural reservoir. Located in the middle of Tuscan Archipelago Marine Park, Elba can be reached by just an hour ferry ride from Piombino. The land of beautiful marine life and dramatic drop-offs on the sea bed magnetizes visitors from all around the globe. This shimmering island is a home to innumerable exotic flora and fauna, the zingy coastline is alienated into beaches and rocks, the Mediterranean vegetation of macchia and the stillness of ancient countryside creates a highly poetic and romantic atmosphere.

The third largest island in the Italy, Elba also boasts off the small fortress towns that are ideal for ambling around the city and a great alternative to a day off at a beach. The archeological treasures and the mining museum flash the archaic history of the places in and around this islet. And the widely spread chestnut woods makes the area plush and vibrant and ideal for lazing around.

With an area of 200 sq km and a coastline of 147 km, the island of Isola d’Elba embraces more than 70 beaches. Each of the beaches is unique in itself and splendid with the grandeur sea water. The long undulating beaches of golden sands and the shimmering sea shore with the tiny stones; the equally magnetizing coastlines of black sand and the coast of white pebbles; the shoreline of the Elba Island has a panoramic insight. The cliff bases of smooth granite rocks and the crystal clear water of the beach, make these beaches equal to none.

The perfect beach holiday resort, Elba also facilitates escapades like water sports - kayaking, diving, sailing for the water lovers. One can also indulge into leisure activities like swimming or sun basking. Many of the island beaches are classified as ‘free’. But there are also many privately owned establishments providing facilities like changing rooms, sun lounges, beach umbrellas and a range of equipments for water sport activities.

If you are the kind of person who likes to laze around in the water, then there are some shallow water beaches, where the depth remains for up to 30-40 meters. To name a few La Biodola, Marina di Campo, Lacona and Procchio falls on this category. And the depth of the rest of the beaches is increased rather rapidly. Just follow the advice and regulation for safety.

Other added thrills in the Isola d’Elba beach holidays are exploring another set of exciting activities. There are plenty of camping sites around this islet, where you can experience the camp night outs with all fun and frolic. Or just indulge yourself into trekking, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and riding. Or unwind yourself in this serene environment while playing Golf with your loved ones.

The place of Isola d’Elba has something for every traveler. Either you can spoil yourself with the wildest of activities or you can pamper yourself amidst the luxuriant surroundings.

By: Robert

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Renting a holiday villa with a swimming pool or a holiday apartment by the beach can be one of the most relaxing holidays that you will ever have. Renting a holiday cottage next to the beech makes a great family holiday in the sun. Beach holidays are loved all over the world. Beach holidays are great places for a family holiday, romantic holidays, a water sports holiday or simply going on holiday to relax and build up a sun tan.

There are so many good clean beaches all over the world that you really are spoilt for choice when trying to decide where to go on a beach holiday. Holiday cottages are popular with tourists exploring the Scottish coastline and there are some fabulous beaches in Scotland. Northumberland is also a popular place for beach holidays in England. Many tourists stay in holiday cottages next to the sea when they explore the beautiful Northumberland country side.

Devon and Cornwall also have some great beaches and a good choice of holiday homes to rent.

If it is sun that you are after there are some great beaches in France with many tourists choosing to stay in self catering apartments. Portugal and Spain are also popular beach holiday destinations. These two countries have many holiday apartments for tourists to rent from their owners. Some holiday makers prefer to stay in holiday villas on the beech. There are some stunning holiday villas to choose from in Portugal and some sit right next to the beach. There is nothing better than waking up in the morning and see the sea out of your bedroom window. You can then take an early morning stroll along the beach before heading back into your holiday villa for breakfast.

There are also excellent beaches in Turkey, Bulgaria, Israel and Egypt. The advent of the cheap budget airlines have opened up many more new beach holiday destinations. Linked to this is the growth of holiday home rentals and combining the two things has resulted in a whole new market of affordable beech holidays around the world.

The West Indies has some fabulous beeches with holiday villas sat right next to the sea. Florida has soon popular beeches and Clearwater is very popular with tourists. In Florida there are some great value holiday villas with swimming pools available for rental next to or near the beach. Some of the most stunning beaches in Florida are down on the Florida Keys.

Sun lovers flock to Australia and party on some of the world famous Australian beeches. Many rent holiday homes and have a barbeque on the beech.

Beech holidays are great family holidays and by renting a holiday villa or cottage you are able to have far more independence. This enables you to experience the local culture and sample the local food. Many beach lovers ideal holiday is to stay in a beach villa with a swimming pool.



By: Andrew Gibson

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Koh Samui is a breathtakingly beautiful island off the east coast of Kra Ithmus in Thailand. White beaches and clear warm sea is the main attraction of this place. It is a great place for beach holidaying. Get away from the hectic troubling everyday life and lose yourself in the midst of nature. Koh Samui is a charming place away from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life. Everything about this island is exotic - the lovely beaches, the beautiful sea, the dense green jungles, the tiny Chinese shops and even the rural inhabitants of this place.

There are several beautiful beaches on this lovely island. The chaweng beach is a big one on the northeast side of the island. The beach bustles with life. The water is shallow, the beach clean and the scenery beautiful. A little way into the island from the beach is the one way beach road along which are situated several hotels, villas, spas, night clubs, shops and much more.

Lamai beach is cleaner and less crowded than the chaweng beach. This low budget town has charms of its own. Maenam has golden sands and offers spectacular views. Bophat refers to itself as fisherman’s village. It lies east of Maenam and has a more traditional lifestyle. Lipa Noi is the best swimming beach. This beach is also very quite and undisturbed. There are several other such beaches on the island each with a charm of its own.

The island of Samui offers many water sports for its tourists like scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, canoeing and much more. there are trainers and staff available on duty all the time.The island offers several other adventure sports like mountain climbing and trekking. You can also play golf and other leisurely sports. But beaches and water are the most enchanting things about Kho Samui. You can come here with family or friends or even on your own. The food is Thai and Chinese. You can get the kind of accommodation you want. From luxury villas to small hotels - all sorts of accommodations is available for all kinds of tourists.

Koh Samui one of the best known beach holiday spots in the world with a huge number of tourists flocking in every year. Due to the ever increasing number of tourist influx in the island, a number of hotels, restaurants and bars have sprung up there. Samui also has its own international airport that connects it to all the major cities of South East Asia. You can also get there by train, bus or boat. The island is so small that it can be explored on foot.

Whether you are looking for a gala time or a quite retreat, Samui is the place for you. It is an excellent place for beach lovers. You can lie down on the beach for several hours forgetting everything. You find nature in its finest guise here as you see the limestone mountains and lush green vegetation complementing the white beaches.



By: Thanakit K.

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The Yucatan peninsula represents the Caribbean Mexico, which has some of modern resorts that offer an unforgettable Mexico beach holidays. The vacationers wish to lie down in the sun, feel the sun kissed beaches, diving into fresh water, roaming through the ruins of lost civilizations. These holidays can bring the people back to life after a hectic schedule. The resort areas have that unique magic and myths of Mexico, the experience is truly luxury and modern, all blessed with calming waters and the winds of Caribbean.

Cancun, the L-shaped Island is linked to the mainland by a causeway, which is fourteen miles long. The beaches are lined with hotels that appear as extreme luxury. The Cancun offers restaurants serving exotic dishes, dose of entertainment from reggae, jazz clubs, discos and folklore cabarets, world-class shopping experience and sports like golf, water sports, tennis and Mexican bullfights. These ideal Mexico beach holidays make an all-round vacation. With amazing nightlife and sunny beach days, they are the perfect hideout for travel enthusiasts.

Now, nine miles from the mainland is Conzumel and it is reached by ferry. This 181 square mile limestone island is blessed with splendid beaches, palm grove forests, relics of Mayan empire that dates back to 1,000 AD. The nature parks and reserves are also among the main visitor attractions there. The coast opposite to it is the Riviera Maya, which is a long stretch of minute fishing villages. There are small and hidden resorts that are well sought by nature loving tourists. It is also housed to modern resort areas that are perfect spot to explore this wonderful ancient land.

With Mexico beach holidays the holiday goers can think of making an escapade to the beach and soak up in the sun. Other major places to pay a visit are the Island of Women, Isla Contoy, Chichen Itza, Tulum and Xcaret. The quiet atmosphere, spotless Caribbean beaches, coral reefs, superb diving pleasure, coastal waters with semi-tropical fish, turtle farm, marine biological station, sanctuary for bird species, eco-archaeological park and Mayan caves. Even this much is not enough to define the beauty of the place.



By: Alfie James

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Family holidays to Georgiopolis are what Greek island holidays are all about. Many things in life are no day at the beach. The good news is that package holidays to Georgiopolis give you your day at the beach and a little sand and sun to spare. Even better though, you can find cheap holiday deals to Georgiopolis at the moment that allow you and your family to experience these grand holiday adventures for less.

Even if you aren’t looking to spend your entire family holidays on the beach there is plenty to explore on the interior of Crete and Georgiopolis puts you in close proximity to the resorts of Chania Town and Rethymnon. Visiting some of the surrounding areas or even going further inland gives you an opportunity to experience the real beauty of Crete once you get away from the water.

The beaches of Georgiopolis steal the show though. These beaches are made of sand and shingle and can be seen for miles. The water is beautiful and there is no shortage of bars, cafes, and facilities nearby. You will find very few places on earth that have the quality seaside atmosphere that you will find in Georgiopolis.

Family holidays to Georgiopolis are not the only match in town. Couples find this charming resort to be an ideal and romantic getaway and mature couples and travelers find the quiet atmosphere as appealing as those looking for 18 – 30’s holidays find the livelier resorts with an endless nightlife. If you are truly interested in getting the most of your Greek island holidays then be sure to check for package holidays that include tours to Argiroupolis or one of the many olive groves or vineyards to enjoy on the island. There are plenty of small villages you can visit to satisfy your need for culture and exploration and to keep the little ones excited about their holiday adventures too.

Cheap holiday deals for many seem to be more and more difficult to come by. That isn’t necessarily the case though. Right now you can find some truly spectacular bargains for your holiday fun. Check out what’s available and begin making your plans for a future filled with Greek island holidays today. You just might find that these are the perfect family holidays for your family but you’ll never know until you see for yourself.

 



By: wayne bromiley

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The first time I had decided to go mountain biking was, believe it or not, at the tender age of 23 years old! It is unfortunately true that during my childhood I had missed the fun and joys of riding a bike down the streets and even more thrilling doing the paper round! Furthermore, I had never experienced the joys of going on mountain biking holidays with my family, more so because no member in my family (with the exception of one or two) could ride a bike!

Now, this is not to say that I had a deprived upbringing. Far from it, I was simply always afraid of doing something that will risk breaking or injuring my limbs - thus my family opted for safer sports such as golf, badminton and (contrary to fears) swimming! However, this never did stop me from learning to ride a bike, and then fifteen years later actually begin to ride a bike - all in an attempt to prepare myself for the dreaded first timers’ mountain biking holidays experience.

Until a few years ago, I did not know that such a holiday existed. In fact, other than skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping and skydiving, I was not aware of any mountain biking holidays in France - nor was I aware of the mountain biking championships held every year. Clearly, mountain bikers’ right now are probably thinking I had not yet lived until I have at least been involved in one biking holiday!

However, I did learn that places like Les Gets (France), riding the Andes (Chile and Argentina), Cuba and even as far as Ethiopia accommodated space for mountain biking. An adventure like this seems too good to be true for avid biking fans; many would place this on the same par as bungee jumping or skydiving. This is the thrill junkies dream, but also a sightseer’s experience of a lifetime. This is certainly something I am looking forward to experiencing.

Holidays in places like Ethiopia for some people, may conjure up an image of an impoverished country with dusty plains and bumpy rough roads. Far from this misconception lies a colourful history, friendly people full of pride in their country and living in a country, which has some of the highest plateau peaks in the continent. As well as the 6500m of descent, there is still an awful lot of climbing and the odd rocky road tracks and mountain trails to keep you busy.

The French Alps is famous for all it sporting versatility, more specifically skiing. However, when the snow melts down and the sun beams through it is a relaxing yet stimulating mountain biking haven. The high mountain peaks caters for bikers of all levels, from avid professional mountain bike enthusiasts to first time free riders. There are chalets nearby that accommodate for people of all ages and these offer French and English speaking guides to provide people with a tour of the land.

For those looking to relax on the beach Spain, try taking a trip to the Marina Alta Mountains in Valencia whereby people can spend a week following the winding trails whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery beside them. These mountain tracks were originally carved out for donkeys and over the years, these side trails became over grown. However, this mountain trail is almost hidden from tourists; thus making this an uninterrupted riding experience.

People planning a holiday should consider the prospects of mountain bike holidays, this is not something that should be approached hesitantly but more for the joy of experiencing something new. Not to mention a cheaper and ideal way to keep fit whilst enjoying a relaxing holiday abroad. Holidays does not need to involve copious amounts of alcohol and beaches; the option for taking part in something is thought to be uplifting, stimulating and even refreshing.



By: Anna Stenning

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Everyone loves beach holidays! The little ones can dig in the sand and splash in the lapping waves. The older ones can swim, get a tan, or just relax. The inquisitive types can explore for sea life, tide pools, and drift wood. The warm breezes and natural beauty are invigorating and restorative. Any trip, however, can cause discomfort if you do not plan well. Here are things you can do to make your beach holidays easier, safer, and more meaningful.

In many parts of the world, people head for their beach holidays in the family car. When planning a trip, it’s always a good idea to give the car a good cleaning out first. This will give you more room for your luggage. Stock you glovebox, too, with a few first aid and comfort items, such as sunblock, acetominiphen for headaches, a roll of antacids, a few cough drops, and a few bandaids. Don’t forget a couple of scrunchies or pony-tailers for long hair. Get the tires checked and replace any that are likely to go flat. Get an oil change if it’s getting close. Road trips are not much fun when they include breakdowns. And whatever you do, make sure you have a map and a place to keep it handy.

Travelling with kids is always a challenge. They may be particularly excited and impatient when they know they are going on beach holidays. Make sure they have cool water bottles and healthy snacks to munch. Try a simple car game to make the time pass. Many kids like looking for letters of the alphabet on signs. If several people get involved it can be quite fun.

With beach holidays particularly, there is always a need to provide for skin safety. Be particularly careful about being in the sun for long stretches of time between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Use a sunblock with a high SPF rating and replace it after getting wet or drying off with your towel. The towel you choose can make a difference too. Thick towels get heavy and tend to trap a lot of sand. You may find you like thin towels at the beach. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and some sort of foot protection to keep your feet from being burned on the hot sand.

With a little preparation your beach holidays can be enjoyable and problem-free. When you arrive home you will be relaxed, refreshed, and ready for work. Take a minute to unpack and get your laundry going. It won’t belong until the kids will be shouting, “When can we go on beach holidays again?”



By: Nicholas Tan

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India enjoys a long coastline of 6000 km dotted with some of the most exquisite beaches of South Asia. These inviting beaches beckon thousands of tourists from all over the world. Thanks to these beaches and their paradisaical ambience, India is emerging as one of the top destination for theme holidays. In fact, Beach Holidays in India in combination with its culture, traditions and heritage present heady cocktail which is seen nowhere in the world. Choosing your beach destination could be a perplexing task as India is replete with hundreds of good beaches which are unique in their own right.

Goa - the beach capital of India - is dotted with numerous beaches with a host of tourist facilities and hotels around them. No wonder then, Goa is thronged by tourists all the year round. Thanks to the beautiful beaches in Goa, the state is popularly called the pearl of the east.

Based on geography, Goan beaches can be divided in two parts – Northern Goa beaches and Southern Goa beaches. While north Goa beaches like Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Miramar and Mobor are highly commercial and thronged by large number of vacationers, the south Goa beaches like Colva, Utorda, Varca, Betalbatim and Palolem offer more calm and quiet corners to hang around on the Beach Vacations in India.

Goan beaches are perfect for hiking, swimming, sun-bathing and water sports. Anjuna beach is famous for its rave parties and shopping facilities while Calangute and Baga are known for their water sports facilities like wind surfing, snorkeling, speed boating, water skiing, parasailing and deep sea fishing. The silvery beaches of Colva and Palolem are top draw amongst the tourists for their pristine beauty. They are more or less untouched by commercial activity.

If you are looking for more quieter beaches for your beach vacations, then some beaches in Gujarat such as Diu and Karnataka such as Gokarna (situated near Goa) will offer exactly what you are in search of. Tamil Nadu’s Mamallapuram beach and Orissa’s Gopalpur are also some of the finest beaches with tiny hamlets and colonial ruins in quiet ambience.

Kerala is famous for its lush greenery and natural beauty. There are numerous beach destinations in this God’s own country: Kovalam, Varakala, Fort Kochi, Kappad, Cherai, Alleppey, Bekal, Beypore, Marai and many more. All these beaches have their own individuality and charm. No matter where you go in Kerala, you will surely experience a memorable beach holidays in India.

Kerala Beaches also offer a range of water sports and adventure sports. If adrenaline rush is your thing then catamaran sailing, speed boating and scuba diving are for you. Those who don’t want to indulge in these sports can relax and unwind on the beach having sun bath, angling or just hiking around.

Beach holidays in India will surely offer an experience of a lifetime during your visit to the country. Just make sure you make the most of your time and have fun on offer at your destination of your choice.



By: Jessica Shankar

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If you are dreaming of a holiday with a combination of sun, sand, sea and surf, then go for the beach holidays in India. The beaches in India are hard to resist. Especially, the beach lovers and those who love water sport adventures must visit the exotic beaches in India.

The beach holidays in India offer you an unending choice. There are numerous beaches in almost every part of India including Andhra Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Maharashtra, Orissa and Tamil Nadu. What you, as a tourist, need to do is just take your pick and select a tour to one of the beautiful beaches like Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Calangute Beach, Kovalam Beach, Marina Beach and Juhu Beach.

Speaking of beach destinations in India, there are two names that click instantly- Goa and Kerala. But have you ever explored the unexplored? To know more about the country’s beaches embark on a tour to the shell beaches in India. The coastline of Andhra Pradesh is a shell collector’s paradise. Vizag is another unspoilt beach destination. Rishikonda and the virgin beaches of Pondicherry is also a noteworthy pleasure and relaxation spot. Manglore’s Taneerbhavi and Panambhoor, Beyt Dwarka in Gujarat, Malpe in Karnataka, Marwanthe beach and the beaches of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar has attracted beach lovers’ since time immemorial.

If you are planning to take your family along, then some of the best beach options include Marine Drive, Juhu and Chowpatty Beaches in Mumbai. Other options are Kovalam Beach in Kerala, Marine and Elliot’s Beaches, Puri and Konark Beaches in Orissa, the Vishakhapatnam beaches, Gopalpur and Chandipur in Orissa.

The romantic beaches of India are often preferred by he honeymooners. If you want to spend some romantic moments with someone special, then choose from some of the most dreamy beach destinations in India. Some isolated beaches in India are located far away from the madding crowd. They are not over crowded by the tourists every year, yet they offer the best facilities possible. These least explored and unspoiled beaches include the beaches of Lakshadweep Islands, beaches of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Serenity Beach in Pondicherry, Kovalam Beach in Kerala and Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Dona Paula, Bogmolo Beach and Polalem Beach in Goa. The beach resorts located near these beaches are perfect for the newly married couples.

Those exploring the great beaches in India must spend some time trying the water sports available there. Indian Beaches like Diu Beach, Beaches of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, beaches of Lakshadweep Islands and Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Dona Paula in Goa are best at that. The Kovalam beach, Colva Beach and Covelong Beach are the sports lovers’ paradise. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, these serene beaches are ideal for the adventure freaks. Water sports activities offered here include sailing, Para sailing windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, fishing and water skiing.

Besides the pristine beauty and exotic locations, the beaches offer a wide range of entertainment. When you visit the Goa beaches, you will get to listen and tap your feet to the music of the guitarists and musicians playing at the Goan beachside. The beachside restaurants, nightclubs and casinos present in the major beachside entertainment areas of Goa will add to your excitement.

 



By: Sumit Singh

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Zante is the beach holiday island that dreams are made of. With a coastline roughly 123 kilometers in length, the island of Zante is trimmed with beautifully tranquil coves, broad white - sandy bays and resort beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Zante is known to locals as “Zakynthos” and only in English as “Zante”. Nicknamed centuries ago as “flower of the East” by the Venetians who once colonized it, Zante gets its Greek name from an ancient mythical character: Zacynthus, son of the legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus

Third largest of the Ionian Islands and most Southerly, Zante has a thriving tourism industry which caters for everyone. Party seekers dance the night away in the bars and clubs on Zante’s vibrant club scene; then recover by day on one of Zante’s many quiet coves and beaches. ‘Laganas’, situated on the South coast is the biggest and liveliest resort on Zante, well renowned for its nightlife. Laganas has possibly the best beach on the island, and this is where Zante’s endangered loggerhead turtles nest. From here, it is easy to venture to the most photographed spot on Zante - the famous Smuggler’s Cove.

Parents with young families come to Zante to take advantage of the rather more quiet and family focused resorts on Zante, which provide entertainment for the kids and a well earned rest in the Zante sunshine for mum and dad. Argassi and Tsilivi are the contenders here.

For those with the curiosity to explore Zante’s interior, Zante is an island of contrasts offering stunning scenery, white cliffs, sleepy olive groves and dusky mountains. The roads on Zante are driveable and there are car hire companies aplenty. Zante also has some amazing cave dives, with marine life rich in moray eels, monk seals, octopus, and loggerhead turtles (caretta caretta).

International air travelers to Zante arrive via Zakynthos International Airport. Olympic Airways flies 2-3 times daily to Zante from Athens - even in winter. Zante is also well served by ferries running from the Greek mainland; plus ferries sail regularly from Brindisi in Italy, direct to Zante’s shores.

Zante is a picturesque island with a village atmosphere. Holiday makers are as welcome in Zante’s friendly tavernas and local shops, as they are in Zante’s resort bars and shopping complexes. The natural beauty of the island and the variety of holidays available on Zante, combine to make it one of the top tourist destinations in Greece.



By: Derek Both

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