Top 7 Reasons To Visit The Caribbean

If pictures of the Caribbean islands alone are not enough to tempt you, we have the top 7 reasons why you should visit an island of true paradise.

Before we crack on we would just like to straighten one thing out. Many of us don’t even look at holidays to the Caribbean, because we think it’s going to cost too much. However this isn’t always the case, as you can find some great low prices.

So, whether you are travelling on a budget, or with no expenses spared, read on for our top reasons.

Beaches and picturesque views

One thing you must take with you is a camera, as the Caribbean is home to the most photogenic islands in the world. No matter what island you visit the immaculate white sand and electric blue beaches will not disappoint. The paradise-esque scenery does not stop at night, as you can also enjoy some stunning sunsets.

 (Picture courtesy of dreamofcuba.com)

Snorkelling
There is no better place to snorkel and explore the bottom of the tropical ocean than the Caribbean. It is full of stunning sea life including bottlenose dolphins, and the heated, sparkling water makes it easy enough to spot the multi-coloured tropical fish, turtles and reefs swimming at the bottom. You can experience snorkelling in many ways and the level of intensity is up to you; just book on to lessons available from your hotel. If you do wish to see dolphins, we would recommend taking a boat trip deeper into the ocean.

(Picture courtesy of fantasytravelexperts.com) 

Accommodation

The Caribbean offers a wide range of accommodation allowing you to choose what suits you and your family the best. From self-catering family resorts to all inclusive 5 star retreats, which are just a short walk away from the spectacular beaches. So whether you are splashing the cash, or on a budget, the caribbean has prices to suit everyone.

 (Picture courtesy of grenadineweddings.com)

 Food

Like most holiday retreats, the Caribbean has a wide range of restaurants and cuisine. Perfect for those with fussy eaters in the family. Traditional Caribbean cuisine includes a mixture of European, African, East Indian and Chinese cuisine. With dishes including, rice, plantains, beans, bell peppers, chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, coconut, and the most famous dish, jerk chicken. If you like fish, you will be in your element with freshly caught and cooked crab, shellfish and lobster.

 (Picture courtesy of womanandhome.com)

 People

No matter which island you visit, the people living and working there will definitely catch your eye with that admirable friendly manner, who will go out of their way to help you. Lounging on the beach and need a drink? They will make it their mission to get one for you. They are so chilled and relaxed it will help relax you on your holiday in paradise.
 
Sightseeing/activities

If you fancy a day off from relaxing and sipping cocktails, like every other holiday destinations, you can go for a wonder and view some of the islands most beautiful sights. Depending on what Caribbean island you go to, will depend on what sights you can see and what activities are available. Activities and sights you should consider include: Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica, Swimming with sea turtles in Barbados, Zip lining over rainforests, in Costa Rica, Trinidad Carnival and shopping in St Thomas.

(Picture courtesy of highlife.ba.com)

Weather

Not forgetting the faultless weather, with sunshine all day long and temperatures of up to 36 degrees between the months of July and October. Even if it gets a little too hot, you can always go and cool down in the sea.

So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to the Caribbean now! For cheap holidays come on over to www.comparediscountholidays.com Quick before the best deals are snapped up!

Top 4 Holiday Destinations For Families With Children

Top 4 Holiday Destinations For Families With Children

There is nothing more disappointing than spending a fortune on a holiday; to discover when you get there it is not suitable for children. So whether you are planning a last minute holiday, or booking next years, we have the top 4 holiday destinations for families; guaranteed to keep the children - and you - happy!

Florida
If you feel your children are at the age where they will appreciate and remember a holiday of a lifetime take them to Florida. You really won’t need to worry about keeping the children entertained, as you will have so much fun just walking around the many unforgettable kingdoms - The Magical Kingdom being many people's favourite! Don’t forget to check out the theme parks at universal studios, enjoy the sea life shows at SeaWorld, or swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove. Why not even stay in Orlando for a few days? Here you can head to clean and beautiful beaches in Florida to relax and wind down before heading home.

(Picture courtesy of dicasdaflorida.com)

Algarve

Algarve in Portugal has become a huge hit for families due to its spacious, clean beaches and multiple family-friendly resorts. This island is perfect for families who want diversity; children can take advantage of the activities available on the beaches, theme parks and activities in the area, while mum enjoys a relaxing spa treatment or a stress free day of sunbathing. If you want to leave your family-friendly resort for a few days, Algarve has plenty to offer you with its historic towns and villages, restaurants and array of sporting activities. From the UK it only takes two hours to get there, which is ideal if you are travelling with young children.

 

(Picture courtesy of telegraph.co.uk)

Greece
If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful trip, then Greece is the place to go! As the Greek economy is suffering, families can take real advantage of some brilliant holiday packages. You also have a lot of choice with Greece on where to go. If you like quiet retreats then Zante and Kefalonia are the places for your family, with some of the most spectacular beaches in the whole of Greece. You can explore the island’s fascinating underwater world and enjoy day-trips to tiny cliff-top hamlets to catch the sunset or countryside festivals. Perhaps you like islands which have more on offer, then Corfu, Crete, Rhodes and Kos are where you and your family should head. Here you can take advantage of Cretaquarium in Crete and the water park in Chania with Disneyland games and giant waterslides.

(Picture courtesy of onthebeach.co.uk) 

Paris

If you don’t want to spend much but still want your children to have an unforgettable summer, take them to Paris. Whilst here you have the option to take your children to Disneyland’s theme park, which is spread across 1500 acres, where your children can meet their favourite Disney characters. If that’s not enough you could experience a more thrilling experience at the Astérix amusement park, or Paris’ largest leisure park France Miniature. This is also perfect for those with young children or those who do not like flying as you can take the Eurostar and be there in just under 3 hours. Whether you go for a week for just a few days, make the most of your trip and pre-book all your activity tickets to save you and your family queuing.    

 

(Picture courtesy of disneylandparis.co.uk) 

There is still a month left of the summer holidays, plenty of time to take the family away on holiday, if you haven’t already! For cheap holidays come on over to www.comparediscountholidays.com; quick before the best deals are snapped up!

Our Favourite Costa Locations In Spain!

 With its beautiful Mediterranean coastline, white sandy beaches, lively culture and fascinating landscapes, Spain remains one of the most popular holiday destinations, with thousands of tourists flocking here each year! Holidays to the Spanish mainland mostly revolve around the Costa’s, and we’re about to tell you why…

Costa Brava

Situated north of the country, Costa Brava is known for its natural beauty.  It’s surrounded by dramatic cliffs and mountainous landscapes, whilst being home to the most beautiful secluded coves.  It is one of the most romantic, unspoilt stretches of coast in Europe, and the surrounding Mediterranean shimmers a stunning shade of crystal blue.

Costa Brava is a foodie’s paradise; Catalonia has a high concentration of brilliant chefs, without even mentioning the beautiful locally made wines.

There are a few sleepy fishing villages and picturesque sea-side towns which have some lovely inviting restaurants, boutiques and bars – all waiting to be tried and appreciated.

The nightlife is lively and very family friendly. The beautiful beach Calella de la Costa has sands which merge into a range of neon-lit bars, restaurants and clubs. These are perfect for visiting in the evening and becoming involved with some of the much loved entertainment.

                                                         Picture courtesy of The Telegraph

Costa del Sol

Lying on the southern coast of Spain, Costa del Sol is a favourite for UK holidaymakers. There are thousands of tourists who visit here every year and over 300,000 expats now refer to this beautiful location as home.

Costa del Sol is a white wash of gorgeous villages, known as pueblo blancos, which spill down the hill side and look over the dreamy blue sea-scape.

Lying between Torremolinos and the glamorous Marbella, the old fishing village Fuengirola is one of Costa del Sol’s most popular resorts.  It has many gorgeous hotels, bars and restaurants on the front which are the tourist hotspots, but also has some beautiful cobbled streets packed with top-end tapas places and boutiques.

If you’re after a little history, there is a Moorish castle which you can walk around and view with many other little tourist attractions. The main charm, however, is the long stretch of unspoilt beach which runs alongside the coast.

                                                         (Picture courtesy of Passport to)

Costa de la Luz

This location slightly differs from the other Costa resorts, as it faces the Atlantic Ocean and displays Spain at its most traditional. Situated south-west of the country, Costa de la Luz boasts authentic scenery and the Spanish culture elevates above the typical tourist assets.  

If you fly to Jerez airport, you will be in a short distance of the lovely Chiclana de la Frontera which boasts a beautiful 6 kilometre beach that has been left completely unspoilt.

  The busier part of the resort has many shops, restaurants and a beautifully presented promenade, which is perfectly traditional and picturesque.  If you visit Jerez itself, you will find yourself enfolded in the Spanish culture, as Moorish castles stand proud and Flamenco Bars set the place alive.

The old-style Spanish recipes will excite you foodies, and remind you how good food is supposed to taste.

                                                         (Picture courtesy of The Telegraph)

Costa de Almeria

Tucked away into Spain’s south-east corner is Costa de Almeria.  This isn't as touristy as its Costa neighbours because it once had poor road connections, therefore it never really developed into a tourist hotspot.  As a result, you’ll find traditional Spain on a delightful low key, so you won’t be amongst masses of other holiday makers.

The resorts are laid back and are perfect for a peaceful and relaxing escape.  This location is another region with many traditional white-washed villages – an asset which make Spain such a haven for discovering traditional beauty.

The big resort in Costa de Almeria is Roquetas de Mar. It’s a coastal town with a white stretch of sand which runs alongside it. Back in the day it was a quiet fishing village, however it has now evolved and you will find everything from swish shopping areas, sea front restaurants and tiny tapas bars.

A little further up the coast from Roquetas de Mar is the port city of Almeria, where you’ll find tree-lined boulevards and top-end boutiques, all watched over by a huge fortress.

                                                       (Picture courtesy of Thomas Cook)

So if you still haven’t booked your holiday this year, what are you waiting for?  Visit:  www.comparediscountholidays.com  and find a cheap deal to one of these gorgeous locations today! 

Here's Why You Should Visit Bulgaria!

Deciding where to go on holiday every year can be quite a tough decision since there are so many fantastic destinations to choose from! Bulgaria is becoming a hot spot for you sun seekers, and although it’s not as well-known as the Greek or Spanish destinations, that’s due to change over the next few years.

 The excellent black sea resorts offer beach-side hotels which lie amongst the golden sands of the beautiful Bulgarian coastline. Below we've highlighted some of Bulgaria’s best attractions, including the most popular resort, Sunny Beach!

Sofia

Sofia is Bulgaria’s famous Capital and lies at the bottom of the popular ski mountain, Vitosha. There is a lot of opportunity for some great sightseeing in Sofia, as it is enriched with history and culture. Go for a casual stroll along the delightful little streets of the city centre, take a relaxing break in one of the capital’s green parks, or stop off for some refreshments in one of the many charming restaurants or taverns.

Sunny Beach and Nessebar

Sunny Beach is a lively holiday resort situated on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline. This modern town is made up of brand new restaurants and bars, and not forgetting the totally unspoilt beach which runs alongside it. The beach is made up of golden sands, and there is the biggest range of water sports to choose from – perfect for a fun filled afternoon! This holiday destination is great for anyone seeking more liveliness and activity as there’s so much to do during the day, and plenty of bars and nightclubs to choose from at night!

If you’re one for a bit of total relaxation and history, the old town Nessebar is just a fifteen minute drive away from Sunny Beach.  This UNESCO-listed town was founded by the Thracians, before the Greeks and Romans put up temples for Apollo. The splendid old quarter is under a preservation order as a living museum town, housing the remains of 40 churches from different periods of history. The narrow cobbled streets and old houses make Nessebar holidays an ideal way for families to relax and experience a traditional Bulgarian setting.

The Cuisine

In the more popular resorts you will find a selection of foods on the menu to suit all tastes.  If you’re heading into the more traditional Bulgaria, make sure you try the Bulgarian recipes such as; hopska Salad, banitsa, kebabche, kyufte, and lyutenitsa  - these are all worth trying if you want a taste of the traditional Bulgarian cuisine. There are many restaurants and tavern’s to choose from, and they’ll be delighted to treat you to their own recipes!

Nightlife

Listening to live music is one of many popular things to do in Bulgaria, as many of the hotels, restaurants and bars thrive off hosting popular live performances.

If you’re on a friend’s holiday and want to hit the nightclubs, Sunny Beach has many popular bars and clubs which are open until late. If you’re staying in Bulgaria’s Sofia, try Sweik and Chevermoto, as these are the popular party places!

Scenery

Bulgaria is known for its spectacular scenery and it offers many great walking trails, beautiful high - peaks, and large lakes with breath-taking views. If you are one for adventure and enjoy hiking, look no further than Bulgaria! If you prefer to relax but still want to enjoy some scenery, take a drive through the mountains and stop off at one of the many pleasant restaurants.

Discover the beauty of Bulgaria’s small towns and villages. Places like Koprivshtitsa, Kovachevitsa, Etar and Bozhentsi will give you an insight into the traditional Bulgaria, and a few of them lie near rivers, and have stunning mountainous surroundings.  

So if you’re looking for somewhere a little different for your next holiday, why not try Bulgaria! Visit: www.comparediscountholidays.com and find yourself a cheap holiday deal! 

(Picture courtesy of all women's talk)

Our Favourite Places To Stay In Portugal!

Portugal has the perfect combination of sandy beaches, beautiful scenery, lively towns and world-class golf courses, making it a popular holiday destination every year. With great weather, delicious cuisine and stunning coast lines, you are guaranteed a holiday to remember!

Below we've explored our favourite Portuguese holiday destinations! 

Madeira

Madeira has been nicknamed the floating garden, and it’s easy to see why. Fuchsia bougainvillea, scarlet poinsettias and lilac jacaranda trees enlighten the landscape, turning entire villages into a beautiful collage of bright colours.  

 Make your way down to Madeira’s coast and you’ll come across small charming coves and pebbly bays, ideal for a lazy afternoon soaking up the sun.   

If you’re looking for a bit of shopping, Madeira has many traditional markets and lovely boutiques to visit. Then grab some refreshments form a local taverna, which serve up the perfect blend of exotic Mediterranean flavours.

The capital of Madeira, Funchal, is made up of majestic buildings, traditional churches and picturesque squares.  The narrow streets of the old town have many wine lounges and family-run tavernas, while the delightful marina is also lined with cafés and seafood restaurants, a perfect way to enjoy a hot summers evening.

(Picture courtesy of Madeira Islands)

The Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s most popular holiday destination, with its breath-taking coastline boasting white sandy beaches, striking cliffs and secluded coves; it’s the ultimate choice for a relaxing beach holiday.

 There are a range of resorts to choose from, whether you’re after lively towns or dreamy fishing villages, you will find a resort in the Algarve to suit your desired holiday location.

 This popular region in Portugal is also one of the best places in Europe for golfers –boasting the most picturesque courses. As Portugal is rich in history, why not explore the Roman ruins, Moorish castles and traditional villages, which are all scattered around this delightful pocket of Portugal.

An all-inclusive cheap Algarve holiday is the perfect choice for a care-free family break!

                                           (Picture courtesy of The Sunday Times)

Porto Santo

Porto Santo is situated north of Madeira, and is one of the latest popular travel destinations on the scene. Measuring up at just 6 by 11 kilometres, you may struggle to find it on the map as it's so tiny! Although, once you've found Madeira, all you have to do is trace your finger 40km north, and there sits little Porto Santo.

 The town Vila Baleira is beautifully laid with cobbled streets, pavement side cafe's and pretty white-washed houses.  If you like a taste of different cuisines, the restaurants serve specialities like seafood stew and spit roasted beef, using traditional recipes that have been passed down through the generations.

Without a doubt, the thing that draws so many tourists each year is the unspoilt main beach that runs alongside the whole of Porto Santo. It starts near the capital, Vila Baleira, and runs all the way to Ponta da Calheta. It really is a beautiful spot and is popular with beach lovers! 

The island is surrounded by many hidden bays and secret coves, with many offering some great watersports such as diving and sea-fishing.

                                                            (Picture courtesy of Trip Advisor )

So, if these beautiful locations sound like your kind of holiday, visit www.comparediscountholidays.com  to find yourself a cheap deal! Or choose from the hundreds of other options we have on our site!  Don’t miss out on your perfect holiday and book today! 

Top Resorts In Turkey!

Planning a holiday to Turkey? We don't blame you!  It's friendly, picturesque, culturally rich and you can find many cheap holiday deals here to many of the delightful resorts!  It's modern enough to be fun and comfortable, yet traditional enough to take you a step back in time with many of its historical sites!

Turkey is the 6th most popular travel destination in the world, welcoming more than 38 million visitors every year. Below we've highlighted our favourite resorts in Turkey which keep us going back!

Kemer, Antalya Area

The Antalya region lies in the southwest corner of the country and boasts a 400 mile wash of white sandy beaches and beautiful coves.

The growing town of Kemer offers everything from golden beaches, sassy restaurants, boutiques and lively bars. There is a pleasant marina moored with fabulous yachts, and further out you will stumble across many historical sites with many old Roman ruins to explore.

The two beaches of Kemer are both lovely locations situated either side of the marina. Moonlight Bay is fine white sand accompanied with some pebbles - a Blue Flag winner for its clean water. The second beach has slightly deeper water and is mainly pebbles; however both are ideal for a lazy afternoon on the beach!

Kemer comes alive at night with its many cocktail lounges and restaurants, there are also many late night clubs to visit! There are many bars which offer live music scattered around the marina, perfect for sitting back and enjoying the sunset.

                                             (Picture courtesy of Antalya Homes)

Marmais, Dalaman Area

Dalaman runs along Turkeys southwest coast and has been attracting visitors since ancient times.  The largest resort in this area is Marmais; it has so much to offer making it the most popular!

Situated on Turkey’s beautiful coast, it boasts a lovely marina and a pleasant town with a historic castle. Not only does it have old sites to explore, it also has all the modern restaurants and lively bars that you would expect to find when in a popular tourist resort!

 If you like a relaxing day at the beach, look no further than Marmais, as it has a long white stretch of sand which runs along the whole length of the resort, lovely!  The palm trees stand on the lively promenade and mark the entrances to many inviting cafes, shops and restaurants, so you’re never too far away from some refreshments!

Take a walk around the marina during the evening sunset and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the delightful restaurants with a glass of the local wine, or two!

(Picture courtesy of Transfers)

Altinkum, Bodrum Area

The Bodrum region stretches out along Turkey’s beautiful southern coast. The shoreline sweeps its way alongside the Aegean Sea, beginning with secluded coves, leading to bustling beach resorts. Bodrum is the main yachting centre in Turkey. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, it offers a panorama of history, mythology and breath - taking scenery.

Altinkum is an active beach resort situated on the south west resort of Turkey.  In recent years the resort has merged with its neighbour Didim, a town with a fascinating historical past.  The word Altinkum means ‘golden sands’ and it’s easy to see how this resort got its name.  There are three gorgeous beaches backed by lively promenades that attract many tourists each year, along with a vibrant market place and plenty of historical sites! 

The road 'Ataturk Boulevard' connects Altinkum and Didim together. Didim is home to the Temple of Apollo, one of the biggest temples of Ancient Greece. Although only 2 of its 122 columns still stand, it’s a very impressive sight and is definitely worth the visit!

(Picture courtesy of My Altinkum Home)

So, if these beautiful locations look like your kind of holiday, visit www.comparediscountholidays.com  to find yourself a cheap deal! Or choose from the hundreds of other options we have on our site!  Don’t miss out on your dream holiday and book today!