Australian Travel – Top 5 Beach Destinations

If it feels like the economy is all doom and gloom and your tightening the purse strings this year then holidays may seem out of reach. Luckily in Australia there is no need to go overseas to enjoy some of the world’s best beaches. Check out the top five beach destinations for 2009.

Gold Coast, Queensland:

The Gold Coast attracts tourists from around the world. Holiday apartments are harder to secure in the peak season but they are the best way to get close to the beach action and views. The Gold Coast continues to attract the crowds with ten million people visiting during 2008 and 2009 looking like a good year to enjoy it and take advantage of lower prices on Gold coast accommodation. Parasailing, water sports, and of course, a bit of sun worship are definitely the order of the day. Read more »

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The Oceanside Vacation Home Of Your Dreams…Finding The Perfect “Get Away From It All”

Vacation homes are easy to find, just do a simple search on the internet and you will have your choice of thousands to pick from.

It’s finding which vacation home is right for you that starts to become difficult. A surfside beach condo in Florida, a beach house on the North Carolina Outer banks, luxury beach villas in Mexico…these are all great choices but do they fit your need for the perfect “Get Away From It All” vacation home?

Luxury Beach Villas or Secluded Beach House…

In real estate you always hear location, location, location. But is location really the most important to you in your choice of vacation homes? Read more »

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Five Reasons to Holiday In Brighton

With the sun starting to make the odd guest appearance you may be optimistic enough to start thinking of the summer. Hot, long lazy days, or balmy summer evenings in the beer garden of your local pub, maybe even a summer holiday? Maybe somewhere hot and sunny, with beautiful beaches, entertaining things to do, breathtaking things to see and a rich and diverse culture? Unfortunately, many of us are feeling the pinch at the moment and jetting off half way around the world may be hard to justify. Luckily we live in a country that can offer everything you can want from a holiday, living on an island means there’s always plenty of coast and beautiful beaches. Brighton is located in East Sussex on the south east coast of England and is easily accessible from London and the rest of the UK. It offers something for everyone, with the tranquility of the Sussex Downs and Beachy Head just down the road combined with the rich history of the city itself you can find whatever it is you want from a holiday in this diverse holiday hotspot.

Accommodation is as varied as the city itself; from the world famous five star Grand Hotel to bed and breakfasts through to hostels (many of these on the actual sea front). No matter what your budget or expectations you are guaranteed to find holiday accommodation, which not only meets, but also exceeds your expectations.

So what is there to see in Brighton? Well let’s start with the piers. The Palace Pier is now Brighton’s main and only functioning pier. Opening in 1899, it has survived the wars, weather and time remarkably well and still embodies the atmosphere of innocence and jubilation of Victorian England. It boasts bars and restaurants, stalls, amusements and right on the very end is the fun fair. The pier helps make a great day out for a family with young children, a young couple looking for a romantic day out or an older couple looking for a quiet day sitting on outdoor furniture looking
out to sea. Just a few minutes walk down the promenade is the remains of the older West Pier, although it closed to the public for the last time in the 1970’s and has been almost destroyed in more recent years by fire and weather, its haunting remains are still an iconic part of Brighton’s rich history.

As well as all the normal shops, cafés and bars you’d expect in a vibrant city, Brighton also boasts some more quaint and unique establishments. The lanes are a network of smaller alleyways and narrow lanes which could quite easily swallow a day in themselves, from antique shops, to arts and crafts to collectables, they offer something for everyone. Whether you’re an avid fan of an old cult TV show, a keen artist or art collector, or are simply looking for a slightly more original gift than the stick of rock whatever you pick up in the Lanes, it is likely to be a one off and carry the memories of a great day.

If you’re after something slightly more intrepid, why not hire some roller blades and take a skate down the sea front? Of course, being situated on the coast there are also boat trips, deep-sea fishing or diving for you to try your hand at. If the marine life intrigues you, there’s also a sea life centre for you to explore too. If you’re still not exhausted after that, Brighton’s exuberant nightlife caters for all walks of life.

If you prefer your holidays slightly more sedate, East Sussex offers some of the most beautiful county side in the UK. Just a short way out from Brighton, the Sussex Downs culminate in Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters; providing acres of breathtaking scenery to be explored. Standing on the cliffs really makes you appreciate what an outstanding area of natural beauty this place is. Although you may not wish to get too close to the edge of the towering white cliffs, it is even possible to see over the English Channel to France on a clear day.

These are just a few brief snippets of what Brighton has to offer, it’s the perfect city for a summer holiday or a last minute break just to get away from everything.

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For the best deals on last minute accommodation in Brighton visit Hotelshop for the best selection of UK city breaks and last minute UK holidays. http://www.hotelshopuk.com/

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The Magic of Cyprus

How many people could point accurately  to the location of Cyprus on a map of the world? Well, the third largest island in the Mediterranean lies at its eastern end,  just a few miles off the coast of Southern Turkey.

Turquoise seas washing upon white crystalline beaches fringed with palm trees makes Cyprus a truly stunning holiday vacation destination. The island for all seasons, Cyprus enjoys year-round sun, great nightlife and a wonderful atmosphere. According to Greek mythology, Cyprus is said to have been the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, and once you have spent just a few days there, it’s easy to see why holidaymakers fall in love with it.

Although a small country, Cyprus has a distinguished cultural heritage. The island bears witness to its millenia of cultural history. Cyprus has been occupied and inhabited by countless peoples over many years all of whom have a lasting and indelible imprint on this charming and beautiful island. Because of the islands clost proximity to the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, Cyprus exudes an atmosphere of very varied and diverse cultural influences and with 9000 years of history this island is truly a most magical and special holiday island.

Although the island is divided between the Turkish North (The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or TRNC as it is locally known)and the Greek South, in practical terms it is now entirely possible to travel between the 2 sides of the island with the minimum of fuss and formalities.

Whether you are in the North or the South of the island, you would struggle to spot the differences in the two peoples of this island. Apart from the language, there are far more similarities than there are differences. Although this is a politically divided island the warmth of both the Turkish and Greek Cypriot people is the overriding memory and impression which you will take away with you back to your own home.

As much as enjoying a few days rest and relaxation in the wonderful climate, you will also find it impossinble not to become involved and mixing with the most wonderful and hospitable Cypriot people who make this place more than just a holiday island. Indeed you will feel that Cyprus has become a home from home such is the charm and attraction of this place.

Indeed I challenge you to go to any restaurant or taverna on this island and to come away at the end of the evening without having met and been introduced to the owner of the establishment and to have shared “a drink on the house!”

The most popular coastal and beach resorts are those of Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Protaras. Nicosia, the island’s divided capital is well worth a visit but the intense heat of the summer months is made worse by the fact that Nicosia lies almost at the centre of the island and not by the coast where the sea breezes provide welcome relief in the months of June to September when average daily temperatures will rise well into the high 30’s to 40’s and stay there even into the evening and night-time hours.

The Troodos mountains provide a welcome change for those seeking some relief from the summer sun- indeed it is actually possible to ski up in Troodos in Winter and yet still be on the beach in Limassol or Larnaca within a short 90 minute car ride – such is the amazing variety of this island which, once visited, is never forgotten.

As with many holiday resorts, Cyprus has become a very popular destination for people to buy investment and holiday properties. In addition to luxurious 5 star hotels, Cyprus has a huge choice and selection of holiday rental properties. Large holiday homes with several bedrooms, huge swimming pools and beautifully manicured gardnes to modern spacious townhouses and apartments with all modern facilities and creature comforts.

As far the quality of hotels, Cyprus has some of the very best to be found anywhere in the world. For many years the only thing which Cyprus lacked as a holiday destination was, in my opinion, high quality golf courses, but of late there has been a spate of fantastic golf resorts springing up on both sides of the island. The climate in Cyprus is so mild and temperate in winter that it has become in recent years, a superb winter holiday resort. Moreover, due to the construction of some world class golfing resorts at Aphrodite Hills and Tsada Hills in the South and the brand new resort at Esentepe in the Turkish North, this is a great place to visit for a fantastic winter golfing holiday.

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Paul Mitchell is a free lance travel writer and is a co-founder of letsbookaholiday.com – a leading holiday property rental website. For a great choice of Cyprus holiday property rentals or to advertise your holiday property, please visit the website.

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Upon travelling on a holiday in the Greek Islands, there are many islands to choose from, including Corfu, Crete, Kos, Cyclades, Dodecanese, Skiathos, Epirus, Euboea, Ionian Islands, Macedonia, North-East Aegean, Peloponnese, Saronic Islands, Zante, Sporades Islands, Sterea Greece, Thessaly, and Thrace.

Most of these destinations offer scuba diving, sailing and other water sports, as well wonderful beaches. Many British holidaymakers spend their holidays in Greece and in the Greek Islands and it has become one of the most popular holiday destinations. When you spend your holiday on the Greek Islands you can expect brilliant sunshine, family-run tavernas, friendly resorts, fine beaches, and interesting excursions, sparklingly clear water.

Everyone will find something that they are looking for during their Greek Holiday. You can stay in a small and tranquil fishing villa or one of the many busy resorts with more nightlife activities. Many that come to the Greek Islands are there for the charming tavernas, traditional food, and a relaxing atmosphere at the beach. Planning your trip to the Greek Islands is not only a great idea for the family but also the budget as well.

Deciding on which of the Greek Islands you want to vacation on depends on what you want to do while there. For a lesser known and more relaxing time you can spend your holiday at Lesbos, Samos, Kefalonia or Syros. The charming unspoilt Meganissi and Ithaca, traditional Lefkas or small, scenic islands like Alonissos, Paros, Kalymnos, Thassos or Paxos are great for a quiet holiday at the beach.

However if you want a more continuous Greek island holiday then Rhodes could be your destination. For those who are looking for a little more excitement in their holiday vacation then they will want to hit Kos and Mykonos, whose nightlife is un-compared. For those wanting an attractive holiday vacation then Corfu and Crete are the destinations for you. These destinations have a variety of holiday events and an encompassing choice of landscapes. For the shopper there are amazing white villages and landscapes such as those on Santorini and Naxos to make that shopping excursion unique and refreshing. Greek Island Holiday getaways are great for getting fresh air and much needed exercise while having a pleasant time. If you plan your vacation either late or early in the season then you will find the islands covered in wonderful wild flowers. The countryside will be green and lush, with the mountain terrains breath taking and awe inspiring. You could also go for one of the many water sports available including scuba diving and sailing.

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directline-holidays.co.uk provides you with the latest Greek Island holidays, cheap Greece flights, essential information & reviews on Greece.

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10 Best Beaches of France

When I think of France I don’t immediately think of beautiful beaches, I think of Paris. But I stand corrected because southern France has some of the most beautiful beaches on the world. There are actually a variety of beaches to please every kind of taste. France is surrounded by water, the English Channel, Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.

The French Riviera is located on the eastern Mediterranean coast from Cannes to Menton. This is the holiday you want to take if you are looking for upscale adult vacationing. The Côte d’Azur is the coast to the south and is the ideal spot for “alone time” although it can get a little crowded in some spots. It is also a great spot for surfing. Brittany on the north Atlantic coast and the surrounding area has beaches with family attractions.

Cannes – While the world famous film festival may keep tourists busy, there is no denying the beach here is fun. This is a lighthearted beach town, steeped in the arts and film. Check out the sand castles while you are on the beach. If you hunt for bargains, this can be a reasonable beach vacation.

Beach at Nice

This beach is enormously popular on the French Riviera. The actual beach is comprised of pebbles instead of sand. It is very crowded in the summer.

Menton Beach

Menton is a quaint little beach town and of all the beaches on the French Riviera, Menton’s beaches are the most family friendly. The atmosphere is much more relaxed and it isn’t the wild partying beach town that its neighbors are.

Monaco

The beaches in Monaco are upscale and are adjacent to opulent high-rise hotels and casinos. This is an adult environment and there is plenty of fun to be had sun bathing during the day and gambling at night.

Arcachon Beaches

The small town of Arcachon sits next to the Atlantic Ocean. This beach area is free of crowds except at peak time of summer vacation. If you visit this beach you must walk along the Dune du Pyla, which lies between the ocean and the largest forest in France, Les Landes. This is huge dune elevated and overlooks the Atlantic.

Biarritz Beaches

While the Biarritz beachfront was once wildly popular, in the last forty or fifty years tourists have migrated to the French Riviera to empty their wallets. While these may not the most ideal beaches, they are less crowded, have less traffic, and have less expensive accommodations. Beaches are free to visit.

Garoupe Beach – Cap d’Antibes

This is a very exclusive beach that is split off into sections some of which are free to the public. This beach faces the east so when you are on the beach the sun is not in your face. It is also sheltered from the wind and this makes it pleasant.

St. Jean de Luz St.

Jean de Luz beach is located just south of Biarritz in the town of St. Jean de Luz. This is a clean well-kept beach with a nice sea wall separating the beach from the town. The architecture of the town has been carefully preserved and the old 17th and 18th century structures are just gorgeous. This is a quiet and peaceful beach experience.

Cap d’Agde

Located next to Montpellier, Cap d’Agde is famous for their nude beaches. But apparently the tendency to divest one’s clothes may extend to the entire city. Maybe we should leave the kiddies at home.

La Rochelle

This is a quaint port town located on the Atlantic coast. The beach has shallow waters and is great for families with young children.

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For all the latest deals & offers on France holidays visit http://www.directline-holidays.co.uk

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Canary islands Holidays – slice of a great Spanish holiday

This Spanish Archipelago is a combination of seven main islands along with several tiny islets and a small island. With two cities, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, as its capital, Canary Islands are result of volcanic activities.

These are some of the major islands that form the Canary Islands group and can be your base while you are visiting the region: Read more »

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10 Best Beaches of Cyprus

Cyprus is located south of Turkey and southeast of Greece, which accounts for the population of Cyprus being Turkish and Greek, as well as both being Greek Orthodox Christian and Muslim. The national languages are both Greek and Turkish. The history of the island is fascinating and there are many historical sites to visit. Tourism is the largest industry in Cyprus and their most valuable resource is their beautiful beaches. Read more »

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10 Best Beaches of Majorca

Majorca is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is the largest of the Spanish Balearic archipelago Islands. It has been very popular as a European beach vacation locale, especially by the English, German, and French. Majorca has steadily grown in population since the 1950s. Many Spanish from mainland Spain move to Majorca to work in the tourist industry. This, coupled with the huge tourist population that seems to grow annually, makes Majorca a real tourist hotspot. Read more »

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Top 10 Beaches in Tenerife

Tenerife is a Spanish island located on the Atlantic side of Spain, and is the largest of island in the Canary Island chain. Tourism is the number one industry and millions visit Tenerife each year. It is a favorite with Europeans with the UK and Germany leading the pack, and Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, and all of Scandinavia following.

Tenerife is known for its fantastic beaches; the following are the 10 best beaches in Tenerife.

Torviscas and Fañabé

These two beaches actually join together to become one. They are connected by a long promenade that runs along a beautiful azure beach. Located along the coast of Costa Adeje these two beaches have relatively calm waters and are great for families on vacation.

El Bullullo (La Orotava)

This is a clean, very nice man-made beach that is located east of Puerto de la Cruz. There is a nice place to get drinks here and the waves are great.

Playa San Marcos

This beach is located west of Puerto de la Cruz and is a small fishing village. This is a black sand beach that is usually peaceful without many people during the weekdays. Weekends tend to be a little crowded. Apartment and Condo rentals are available and there is a full compliment of tourist services. Read more »

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