However, cities such as Paris, Rome and Barcelona are not the be-all and end-all of what Europe has to offer tourists, and neither are hotel stays. Even more can be gained by holidaymakers who opt for camping holidays instead, as camping holidays provide a completely new way in which to experience Europe’s hidden treasures.

France is a popular country to visit for Britons and it isn’t difficult to see why. France is close by, can be reached in around an hour, but is different enough from the UK to be worth visiting. One interesting site that is easy to reach for people on camping holidays is Somme. Some is famous for the Battle of Somme during the First World War, but is an interesting city in its own right. The Mers-les-Bains area in the south of France is a great walking area, while history buffs who loved the Battle of Somme site will also get a kick out of visiting Picquigny – where the peace treaty which ended The Hundred Years War was signed.

Italy is another European country filled with undiscovered gems. One such treasure is Cliento, which is actually so special it’s a protected region full of national park and world heritage sites. The village is beautiful, filled with mountains and majestic wildlife, and is a beautiful area to while away some of the time on your camping holiday.

Just down the road from Cliento is Naples – a big city with a real Italian feel. Spend a day here and experience the hustle and bustle of Italian city centre shopping, with plenty of fashion outlets and great places to eat truly unlike anywhere else in the world!

Hidden away for another reason is Croatia. People considering camping holidays in Europe may not usually look to Croatia. However, over the last few years this Eastern European country has become a hit for holidaymakers from all over the world. One reason for this may very well by the Paklinski Islands, found just off the Croatian coast.

Why are these obscure islands perfect for camping holidays? Well, they’re a huge attraction for those who like to stay active when they head away, and as such showcase sporting features such as watersports, swimming diving and even yacht racing for the more exotic in your party!

A holiday to Europe is always memorable whatever you decide to do. However, it’s important to ensure you don’t overlook lesser-known regions of popular countries and miss out on some potentially exciting excursions. So take your time, do your homework, and slowly but surely you can piece together a memorable and unique European holiday.

Las Vegas, the city of sin, is a bright spot in the Nevada desert. Standing in stark contrast to the sand that surrounds it, Las Vegas stands garish and beautiful with bright lights, elaborately designed buildings and a wealth of things to do. Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Las Vegas today. If these don’t make you want to book flights to Las Vegas, nothing will!

Gambling

Las Vegas is famous for its gambling, and for good reason, too. The city houses more than 122 casinos – more than any other city in the USA.

Ranging from low-end casinos with lower stakes to high-end casinos designed for high rollers with millions of dollars to spend, Las Vegas has a casino for everyone.

Whether your game of choice is Poker, Bingo, Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Slots or one of the many other hundred types of other casino games, Las Vegas has them all with a budget to suit each player.

Just make sure to book your return flights to Las Vegas before you get out there. While it’s possible to win big at the casinos, it’s also possible to strike out. You definitely wouldn’t want to get stranded there without a ticket home!

Nightclubs

Las Vegas is home to some of the best nightlife the USA has to offer. World-class clubs litter the main strip with music to suit every taste.

Clubs like Pure, XS and Tao are full to the brim with partygoers looking to have a good time with plenty of drinks available on tap. These clubs also make for an unforgettable bachelor/bachelorette party experience.

Loud and raunchy, the clubs of Las Vegas promise a good time.

Shopping

Las Vegas is home to a number of shopping malls with brand name clothing available from all corners of the globe.

Need a Louis Vuitton bag? Some Gucci shoes? Versace jacket?

Las Vegas has you covered.

There are also premium malls selling designer clothing at hugely marked down prices. With over 300 outlet stores all carrying affordable designer clothing, it’s easy to find dazzling pieces of clothing at affordable prices.

Shows

Many visitors eschew the gambling, nightlife and shopping of Las Vegas and opt instead to go to watch the Las Vegas shows.

Musical acts such as Elton John and Celine Dion routinely put on musical numbers while other acts such as the Cirque De Soleil put on mind-bending displays of athleticism designed to impress. Magic and comedy acts can also be seen at many venues along with plays and musicals.

Whatever your taste, there is a bound to be a show that impresses in Vegas.

Scenery

For lovers of scenery and hiking, Las Vegas has much to offer. The breathtaking Red Rock Canyon is a short drive away and, further afield, sights such as the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Lake Powell, Hoover Dam and national parks can be found. These national treasures are not to be missed – make sure to bring a camera along.

Las Vegas has something for everyone. Book your flights to Las Vegas and experience the city of sin today!

Lion King Rafiki Sings

A trip to London is unlike any other. With a world-famous Royal family, numerous historical buildings and a Theatreland dating back hundreds of years, there is plenty to see and do in the capital city of England. If you are planning a visit then you will not want to miss out on a trip to the West End to catch a live production on a London stage. From classic plays to fun musicals, the ‘Big Smoke’ has it all. The only tricky part is choosing just which show to go and see. Here are some suggestions.

If you want to see a classic British musical, then why not check out Billy Elliot? Based on the 2000 film of the same name, the musical follows the journey of a boy who wants to be accepted by his family for who he is – a ballet dancer. With an impressive score by Sir Elton John, Billy Elliot has been a success on both sides of the pond, winning a Tony Award for Best New Musical in the year of its opening on Broadway. The show has now sadly closed on Broadway but if you want to see the show at its original opening, then be sure to catch it at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London!

Another brilliant British musical to see at the West End is Blood Brothers. Having played to London audiences for nearly 25 years, the longevity of the show proves just how popular and loved it is. Written by playwright Willy Russell who has also written plays such as Educating Rita, Blood Brothers explores the lives of twin brothers from two different classes, as they are torn apart and brought up in different worlds. The boys grow up nearby each other and meet, unaware that they share each other’s blood. The show is funny, dramatic, heart-warming and tragic, and is not to be missed for all lovers of classic musical theatre.

Rounding up the best of British musicals is We Will Rock You. For lovers of rock band Queen, the show is a great tribute to the group, and is a fantastic spectacle. With collaborations from two Queen members themselves, Roger Taylor and Brian May, We Will Rock You whisks us off to the future where Earth is now Planet Mall and musical instruments have been banished. The evil Killer Queen rules the land, until a young man named Galileo sets out to restore the spirit of a lost world. Written by Ben Elton, We Will Rock You features all of the Queen classics such as Another One Bites the Dust, Don’t Stop Me Now and Bohemian Rhapsody, and is now in its 10^th year at the Dominion Theatre.

Be sure to check out one (or all three!) of these shows on a trip to London. You won’t be disappointed.

Alice Bzowska writes for Cheap Theatre Tickets.com, where you can find great deals on We Will Rock You tickets.

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT – ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Disney World is the daddy of them all with four super-sized lands. Magic Kingdom, with its fairytale castle, is the one that started it all. Ride-wise, it’s less about hair-raising excitement and more about Mickey and co. Next in line is EPCOT. One half is Future World, where innovative rides await, like Test Track where you’re turned into a crash test dummy. The other half is World Showcase, a collection of mini countries. Hollywood Studios, meanwhile, is home to white-knuckle thriller, Rock’n’Roller Coaster – a high-speed indoor loop-the-looper. Last but not least is Animal Kingdom – a suped-up safari-come-theme park. Check out Expedition Everest, a coaster that whisks you up inside a snow-capped peak.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT – ORLANDO, FLORIDA

This is two parks in one. The biggest bone-jarring rides are in Islands of Adventure. This park is broken up into five themed islands. Kids go crazy for Dr Seuss’ wonky world while Marvel Super Hero Island is home to the Incredible Hulk – a coaster with a jet-powered launch. The second park, Universal Studios, is a working film and TV lot. Split your time between rides, behind-the-scenes demos and being part of a live studio audience. Most rides revisit Universal’s classics – the most famous is the Jaws tour, where you can inspect the killer shark’s dental work. Backstage, you can take part in your own movie on the brand new Hollywood Rip, Ride, RockitSM – a 17-storey rollercoaster with a difference.

PORTAVENTURA – COSTA DORADA, SPAIN

This one is home to the world’s loopiest coaster. With eight twists, whizzing round the Dragon Khan is like taking a spin in a washing machine. It’s not one for the faint-hearted. And neither is the brand new Furious Baco. This 2-G roller catapults you off the starting block and hurtles you round the track, feet dangling in the air. True to its Universal roots, the park is spread over five themed areas. In the Far West, the Stampida roller clickety-clacks round a wooden frame. Mexico is all about the gut-wrenching 100-metre free-faller, the Hurakan Condor. And it’s the wetter the better on Polynesia’s Tutuki Splash.

TERRA MITICA – COSTA BLANCA, SPAIN

Talk about a super-sized claim to fame. Big dipper Magnus Colussus is the longest wooden coaster in Europe, and it cuts quite a figure, criss-crossed against the hillside. It comes complete with a double drop and plenty of butterfly-inducing dips. The park’s other hair-raisers are divided between five themed areas – Egypt, Rome, Greece, Iberia and the Islands. All the usual white-knuckle suspects are here – log flumes, drop towers and pendulum swings – the biggest of which is Inferno, a looping rollercoaster that cart-wheels as it goes. It all comes with a generous side-order of entertainment. Cue gladiator battles, circus shows and pirate skirmishes.

GARDALAND – LAKE GARDA, ITALY

Imagine Disney with an Italian accent and you’ve kind of got Gardaland. Italy’s biggest theme park is based around the country’s favourite cartoon character – a goofy green dragon called Prezzemolo. There’s one thing that puts this place head and shoulders above its rivals – its location. There’s no other place on earth where you can board a Thunderbird-style UFO and fly high enough to see the snow-tipped Alps. As far as rides go, there’s plenty to get in a twist over. Magic Mountain is a classic loop-the-loop coaster while Sequoia shuns speed in favour of slow-motion thrills. Double-decker water chutes, pirate boats and jungle excursions complete the adventurous line-up.

Safari

In order to minimise your chances of being robbed or attacked, you should monitor the current advice on security and make sure your personal safety is always a top priority. Street crime is common in many parts of Botswana and in order to reduce the risk of being a victim you should always be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you pay attention to where you are and how populated and well lit the area is, especially when out at night. The most common forms of crime in Botswana are car thefts and robberies, which are occasionally violent. The areas of Kgale Hill and Gaborone Dam in Gaborone, the Botswanan capital, are where tourists are more likely to fall prey to potentially dangerous criminals. You should ensure your personal safety by being extremely vigilant when you visit any of these places.

There are many ways for you to keep your valuables safe when travelling. If you are moving a lot from place to place, which people obviously will do when on Botswana safaris, then you should make photocopies of all valuable documents before you set out. If you lose your passport, bank cards or driving licence, a photocopy can make getting replacements a lot easier, especially from abroad. Copies of these essential documents should be kept separate from the originals. It is a good idea to have the original on your person, with the copy perhaps stored in a suitcase or bag. Leaving another copy with a trusted family member or friend at home can also help if you get into difficulties. It is also advisable to have several different means of paying for things when travelling abroad. Travellers’ cheques, credit cards and cash can all be used and if you keep them in separate places then you will always have a back-up if one is stolen or lost.

When you are out and about, do not make yourself into a target by displaying expensive watches or jewellery. You should also be cautious when carrying valuable camera equipment. Strong, robust suitcases or bags with locks are always a good idea when travelling, particularly in countries with high rates of crime.

Another important piece of advice for anyone travelling to Botswana is to make sure you buy adequate travel insurance for your holiday before you leave. There are very few public and private medical facilities in the country. If you were seriously ill or injured you would need insurance that would cover any emergency evacuation to neighbouring South Africa, where medical facilities are of much better quality. Also, make sure that you are up to date with all your vaccinations and take the appropriate anti-malaria drugs. Finally, it is advisable when travelling in Botswana not to drink anything other than bottled water and to take special care to avoid ice cubes and uncooked foods.

Perhaps you are one of those people who actually booked a trip to witness such amazing sights, but to your dismay, no dolphins or whales made an appearance and you could not get a full refund.

You need to find a spot where such sea life abounds, a place where sightings are almost guaranteed, a body of water that serves as one of the world’s richest habitats for sea mammals. Better yet, locate a hotspot like this and throw in a bustling city with a gorgeous skyline, rich cultural life and friendly people. Now we are getting somewhere!

Actually, we’re headed to Auckland, New Zealand, for its famed Whale and Dolphin Safari, a short cruise that reports a 90% dolphin sighting rate and a 75% whale sighting rate. The best news is that such sightings are not restricted to certain periods of the year as they are in other parts of the world, where sightings depend on the animals’ mating times and migration routes. You can see dolphins and whales year-round in Auckland.

Furthermore, the variety of species gives you the opportunity to see several types of dolphins and whales–22 species of these remarkable creatures can be seen from the ship’s deck as you glide through the waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Be sure to look in front of the boat or at the sides near the front. You are almost sure to see playful dolphins racing you across the Gulf.

As for the whales that jump into the air or just give you a peek at their menacing fins and upper body, you might be one of the lucky people who see the menacing Killer Whales up close. These spectacular animals, famed for their distinctive black-and-white markings, are abundant in the waters bordering Auckland.

The sea in the Gulf does not serve as a home for just dolphins and whales. Another awesome sight is to watch large groups of gulls and other birds dive bombing into the water in search of lunch. As several birds splash into the water at nearly the same time, the effect is of a nautical riot followed by a good meal.

Guides on board will help you to see animals that you might otherwise miss, and they will give you a good biology lesson on the Gulf as well. Auckland’s oceanic climate promises fine conditions in all seasons, so you only face a small chance of scooting out in harsh conditions. You do want to check the weather forecast before booking your tour, of course.

Daily departures for the Dolphin and Whale Safari leave from Viaduct Harbor. If you are staying away from the center of town, try rental a vehicle from one of the many Auckland car rental companies.

Forget the wild goose chases. Go on a cruise that will almost certainly result in the unforgettable sight of dolphins and whales leaping from the waters surrounding you.

Holiday Travel Movies

The holidays and travel go hand in hand, but this year why not stay home and enjoy a holiday travel movie instead? Save time and money, and avoid having another serving of auntie’s special fruitcake. Instead of enduring long lines at the airport while tracking down lost luggage, kick back and relax and enjoy watching someone else’s holiday travel foibles.

From slapstick comedy to heartwarming classics, the following movies are some of the very best classic holiday travel movies. The themes of family and friendship, and the things that really matter in life are played out against a snowy winter backdrop. Grab some popcorn and hot chocolate and enjoy the feature presentation.

The Holiday (2006)

Starring: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black
Brief Summary: Iris and Amanda find themselves heartbroken and lonely at Christmas. Iris lives in London, writes a wedding column for a local newspaper, and discovers the man she is in love with is getting married. Amanda produces movie trailers in Los Angeles and realizes she is no longer in love with her unfaithful boyfriend. Iris and Amanda swap homes and in the process find love and friendship. Iris befriends an elderly screenplay writer, Arthur, and falls in love with a movie composer named Miles, while Amanda falls in love with Iris’ brother, Graham.
Memorable Quotes:

• Arthur Abbott: Iris, in the movies, we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you’re behaving like the best friend.
• Miles: It’s Christmas Eve and we are going to go celebrate being young and being alive.

Home Alone (1990)

Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern
Brief Summary: Kevin McAllister is left behind while his family travels to Paris for Christmas. Kevin discovers two burglars are about to rob his home and thwarts them by rigging booby traps throughout his house. The burglars are caught and Kevin is reunited with his family on Christmas morning.
Memorable Quotes:

• Kate McCallister: [to the Scranton Ticket Agent] This is *Christmas*. The season of perpetual hope. And I don’t care if I have to get out on your runway and hitchhike. If it costs me everything I own, if I have to sell my soul to the devil himself, I am going to get home to my son.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)

Starring: Steve Martin, John Candy and Laila Robins
Brief Summary: Marketing executive Neal Page is in New York and all he wants is to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. A series of travel mishaps brings Neal together with Del Griffith, a shower ring salesman. The two make an unlikely pair and through weathering hardships together during their sojourn to Chicago, strike up a just as unlikely friendship.
Memorable Quotes:

• Del: You’re in a pretty lousy mood, huh?
  Neal: To say the least.
  Del: You ever travel by bus before?
  [Neal shakes his head]
  Del: Hmm. Your mood’s probably not going to improve much.

Four Christmases (2008)

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn and Mary Steenburgen
Brief Summary: There’s no escaping family – or the media. Just as Brad and Kate were off to Fiji to enjoy a family-free Christmas, all flights are canceled and a news crew reveals their whereabouts to their families. Forced to spend the holidays visiting their parents, Brad and Kate manage to fit four family Christmases into one hectic day. However, the family visits make Brad and Kate reevaluate their lives and their relationship.
Memorable Quotes:

• Brad: I’m sorry, I didn’t know there was a ten dollar spending cap.
  Howard: Well, maybe if you came home more than once a decade, you’d know [stuff] like that!

White Christmas (1954)

Starring: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney
Brief Summary: In this post World War II musical classic, former Army enlistees Bob and Phil become a successful singing and dancing duo. They become romantically involved with a sisters Betty and Judy, who are also performers. Misunderstandings unfold as Bob and Phil make plans to help their former commanding officer, Major General Tom Waverley, now the owner of Vermont inn on the verge of bankruptcy.
Memorable Quotes:

• Bob Wallace: Where’s all the snow?
  Emma Allen: We bring it indoors during the day!
• Gen. Thomas F. Waverly: ["inspecting the troops" at the inn] I am not satisfied with the conduct of this division. Some of you men are under the impression having been at Anzio entitles you not to wear neckties. Well you’re wrong. Neckties will be worn in this area! And look at the rest of your appearance. You’re a disgrace to the outfit. You’re soft! You’re sloppy! You’re unruly! You’re undisciplined!
  [pause]
  Gen. Thomas F. Waverly: And I never saw anything look so wonderful in my whole life. Thank you all!

The best thing about holiday movies is that, no matter how old you are, they’ll always be just as great as when you first watched them. This holiday season, throw on one of these classics for the kids and spread the knowledge of great holiday movies that we will never get tired of watching.

The personal touch is all-important

Sitting in your office all day can blind you to what is really going on in your hotel. Even if you have enough staff to cope without your direct involvement, you will have no idea what your guests are experiencing unless you are in a position to witness it at first hand. Be sure to spend lots of time in the areas of greatest guest activity, and look around you to see what is working well and where there is room for improvement.

Keep a keen eye on staff morale

If your staff are having a bad time, then they will be less likely to meet the standards that you, and more importantly, your guests would expect. Be sure to keep an open dialogue with all of your staff, from management right down to the lowliest employees, and make sure they feel that their opinions are valued. Also, be sure to congratulate and reward staff for a job well done when it is appropriate to do so – otherwise, they may be less inclined to go the extra mile in future.

Don’t underestimate the value of your web presence

Many hoteliers view their web presence as something of an afterthought, but a good website allied to a high visibility on search engines can make a huge difference to the amount of trade that you do. While it may cost a little extra to give your website a makeover every now and then, keep it up to date, and promote it online, this can reap huge dividends for the hotelier.

Get your pricing right

While customer service and comfort are crucial to the success of your hotel, the price of your hotel rooms can be the most significant factor when it comes to winning business. This is especially true outside of the peak tourist season, when many of your potential customers will be scouring the internet looking for cheap holiday deals, so it can pay to offer hefty discounts during times of year that you expect to be quiet.

Resort highlights include its beautiful scenery and its great facilities. Visitors can enjoy 10 kilometres of sandy beaches, peaceful islands and lagoons and trips to the surrounding desert. This well-planned town has 14 hotels and resorts and it is famous for good infrastructure, wide range of services and environmentally friendly policies. There are many excellent restaurants that offer both local and international flavours and the bars and clubs guarantee a vibrant nightlife.

The resort is also a family-friendly place and its services include child care, a school and a hospital. The resort area is safe and clean and there are many activities for the whole family. The Cheeky Monkeys activity park in the marina has a playground with swings and slides, a football pitch, mini-golf and a picnic area. The Aquarium and Museum are popular with kids in all ages. Most hotels have a babysitting service, activity clubs and childcare programs and there is even an international school with qualified teachers from Europe.

Things to See and Do

The long beach and the many islands that are connected by lagoons make the scenery here so unique. You can visit the islands on boat trips or stay on the beach and enjoy water sports from windsurfing to kite surfing. Diving is popular here and beginners can take a certified diving course.

If you get easily bored on the beach, try a horseback riding trip to the desert. Golfers with all levels of experience are welcome to the championship 18-hole golf course that is open around the year. The golf course also offers lessons for beginners.

There are frequent events around the resort town including an annual marathon, festivals and cultural shows. The hotels can arrange sightseeing trips including trips to the desert, and they can help you to organize tours to different parts of Egypt.

Accommodation Options

The 14 resorts and hotels range from luxurious five-star beach resorts to stylish boutique hotels in the heart of the town. There are accommodation options for all tastes and preferences: choose a hotel with views of the marina, a family-friendly beach resort, a golf resort or a spa hotel. Many hotels and resorts such as the Sofitel have luxury spas that come with a wide range of facilities and treatments. You can enjoy a Turkish bath, get a relaxing massage or try one of the many traditional and modern beauty and body treatments.

El Gouna is also an ideal destination for a romantic break or a honeymoon. Many hotels have special honeymoon packages and offer honeymoon suites, and you can even organize your whole wedding on the shores of the Red Sea.

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is a magnificent city with a great focus on culture and history. Its annual festival, which includes the world-renowned Fringe and Military Tattoo, takes place every August and draws so many visitors and performers that it doubles the city’s population. The castle, which sits on a hill overlooking the city and dates back as a royal residence to the 12th Century, is a grandiose reminder of Edinburgh’s fascinating past and is another key attraction for tourists. Along with a great range of hotels Edinburgh is also popular with visitors because of its pubs and restaurants and the city truly comes alive when night falls.

Glasgow

Situated further north and to the west of Edinburgh, Glasgow is a much larger city. The greater urban area surrounding it is called home by over 40% of Scotland’s total population. It has a very rich heritage and has seen many changes over the years, with the mass industrialisation and subsequent decline generating the well-known images of factories and tenement blocks. However, this is an outdated and narrow image of the true Glasgow. It too has its fair share of culture, especially with regard to live music and nights out in the city are guaranteed to be lively. In addition, more and more travellers are drawn to Glasgow because it is typically warmer (despite its more northern location) and less expensive than Edinburgh.

The Rivalry

The two cities have long competed for prominence within Scotland but this can often detract from the good points that they both have. In reality, their many differences serve better to complement one another rather than try and outdo their ‘opponent’. Some visitors have tastes that will be better catered for in Glasgow than in Edinburgh and vice versa. Edinburgh is ideal for those who wish to have a more relaxing break, indulging in museums, high culture and upmarket dining. Glasgow, on the other hand, is better suited for those who want a lively break complete with vibrant nights out, an exciting atmosphere and practically a guarantee that you’ll meet many new and interesting people.

On the whole, comparing the cities should serve only to emphasise their respective highlights. It doesn’t matter which is the official capital, as both have so much to offer and few people travel to a city as tourists purely because it is the political centre of its country. To summarise, choose Glasgow if you want a lively and exciting time and choose Edinburgh if you prefer culture, history and a more relaxing holiday.