Best Holiday Destinations in Turkey: Bodrum

With the seemingly never-ending bout of torrential downpours we have been experiencing across the UK over the last 2 weeks it seems we hard working Brits are currently faced with 2 options if we are to save ourselves from misery:

1. Build an Ark
2. Book a holiday abroad! 

As the former seems a little drastic - and perhaps beyond the meagre resources of the average office worker such as myself - we can only therefore look to take the option of seeking out sunnier climes for sources of inspiration, hope and relief from the perpetual gloom of the British Isles.

     When it comes to catching a bit of sunshine this spring, why not look to Turkey as an affordable and easily accessible option? With thousands of people heading to Turkey from the UK each year it is perhaps not surprising that there are many great holiday destinations to choose from in this intriguing and expansive land – but in Bodrum you may find a location that offers much more than just sunshine and beaches and the pleasant refuge offered by its warm spring Mediterranean climate.

     Rich in history stemming from its historical Greek, Persian and Ottoman occupation, Bodrum as a settlement can be traced back to around 600 years BC – meaning there is much to be learnt from the city and its past. Some of Bodrum’s most popular tourist attractions include the impressive medieval period Castle of St Peter which dominates the city skyline. Constructed in the 1500s, the castle is a must see for anyone taking flights to Bodrum this spring.

     There are also some much older areas of historical interest in the city - including the Bodrum amphitheatre - which has been recently restored and carries a capacity of over 15000 - and the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. This was once a wonder of the ancient world, but be warned some may find the remains a little underwhelming – although extremely historically significant in its own right nonetheless.

Staying in Bournemouth Hotels? Make the Most of the Ocean.

If you are staying in one of Bournemouth’s hotels, than here’s our guide on how to make the most of Bournemouth’s biggest playground – the seaside.

Award Winning Seaside

It’s impossible not to be inspired by mile after mile of clean, soft, golden sand – Bournemouth’s breathtaking beaches are its biggest attraction by far.

Bournemouth beaches won no less than six awards at the 2006 Seaside Awards proving that Bournemouth has some of the cleanest, safest and best beaches in the UK. What better reason to choose Bournemouth hotels for your summer holiday?

Bournemouth Pier beach, Boscombe Pier beach, Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, Durley Chine and Alum Chine all received awards, which were judged on water quality, toilet facilities, bathing safety, cleanliness, access, first aid, litter bins and environmental care.

Bournemouth Hotels

If you and your family like to be besides the seaside and you’ve checked in to one of Bournemouth’s hotels, than you’ll probably be spending a significant part of your holiday on the beach. The local beaches are patrolled by RNLI lifeguards but there are always some safety tips you should take into consideration. Last year they saved 27 lives and were called to 7,226 incidents. Here are some RNLI top tips:

• Don’t take inflatables out to sea – although great for the pool, the wind can blow them out to sea swiftly. Surf conditions can be dangerous too. If you do take an inflatable to the beach, make sure the line is connected to the shore, or held by an adult. Avoid altogether in strong weather.
• Rip currents lurk under the surface and can drag swimmers from the shallows to the depths. Always try and remain calm, fighting against a current will exhaust you. Make noise and raise your hand for help.
• If there are red and yellow flags on the beach, swim between them.
• Keep a look out for any safety signs.
• When in doubt, ask a lifeguard for advice.

Underwater Adventure

If you want to avoid the dangers of the real sea than you can certainly get enough thrills and spills visiting Bournemouth’s Oceanarium. One of the advantages of staying in Bournemouth hotels and spending a few days and nights in the town is the vast array of attractions for all the family.

It may seem surprising staying at Bournemouth hotels to find the world at your feet but Bournemouth’s Oceanarium takes you through the marine wonders of the world including the Amazon, Mediterranean, Africa, The Ganges, Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, Key West and even…..The Abyss!

The Oceanarium is an interactive experience with feeding demonstrations, a walk-through underwater tunnel and exhibits exploring the mysteries of marine life from African land snails to Zebra Cichlids.

The beach and ocean make Bournemouth the biggest and best playground for children of all ages – book your stay in one of Bournemouth’s hotels this summer.
     
Beachlets.com specialise in beach cottages, villas and apartments worldwide and throughout Europe and the UK.

Reminiscing About Venice - My Holiday in Pictures

Being sat back at home in freezing cold England makes me want to go travelling again, and although I am set for a short break in Riga in February - which I'm sure will be great fun, its not exactly going to be warm there either at that time of the year! All the cold weather has made me think about some of the great holiday destinations in Europe I have been privileged enough to have visited in the last few years, and in turn this inspired me to start looking back at some of my old photo collections from these trips. One set of photos that made me feel a lot warmer inside were my pictures of Venice, taken during my trip to the stunning Italian city during summer 2010. I have shared below some of what I consider to be my favourite pictures from Venice here, so you too can see what a wonderful city it is - making it surely one of the best holiday destinations in Europe.

Grande Canal


Venice's biggest and most famous of all its many waterways in all its glory!

Gondolas


Venice's world renowned mode of transport - but not a cheap one!

Bridge of Sighs


There are few more famous and architecturally stunning bridges across the world - but it is now sadly covered in advertising boards :(

Fish Market


Eating fresh fish and seafood in Venice's restaurants was one of the highlights of my visit - and the fish market from which it all is bought is a great thing to visit and experience in itself.

Driving Holiday Checklist: Five Checks You Need to Make

Heading abroad in your own car can be an incredibly effective way of seeing the sights. Not having to rely on public transport while you’re away can open up the opportunity to see and experience more of the country in question than you could have otherwise hoped for.

That said, taking your own transport comes with its own issues. If a train or bus breaks down while you’re away then it’s a minor inconvenience -- but if your own vehicle takes a turn for a worse then it could become a major headache working out how to get it back home again. To avoid such issues it’s an idea to double check a number of things before you set off.

Tyre Depth/Pressure

If you’re going to be putting in some major mileage during the weeks that you’re away then you owe it to yourself to check that your tyres are up to scratch. Grab a tread depth checking tool to ensure that the tread on your tyres is well within the legal limit -- and refer to your vehicle’s handbook to check that they’re inflated to optimum levels.

Oil and Water

Both of these might be something you generally take for granted but it’s vital that you check the levels of both before you set off -- and several times while you’re away. If you’re unsure of where your levels should be, don’t take any chances. Consult a professional at your local garage to give the all clear before you leave.

Local Laws

Remember that things like the speed limit or maximum legal blood alcohol limit may differ in your destination country than in the UK. Ignorance of local laws won’t be a good enough excuse if you get caught breaking the law, so read up well in advance.

Insurance details

Does your car insurance policy cover you in the country you’ll be driving in? If you’re not sure, get on the phone to your provider and find out. It may be that you have to pay extra to get covered while you’re away -- if so, don’t be tempted to skip it and save some cash. It really isn’t worth the risk.

Breakdown Blues

Similarly, your breakdown cover won’t necessarily stretch to the country you’ll be visiting -- although some providers will happily cover you in Europe, for instance. Check with the company you have cover with and extend your cover to the country in question if needs be.

Stunning Beaches in Europe

Winter’s come-a-knocking but if you’re a sun worshipper looking to escape the wintery blues of home, here are some of the most stunning destinations in Europe to help you plan your next beach holiday.

Source: Creative Commons

You may be stuck in Coldsville at the moment, but keep your hot water bottle close and keep on dreaming of summer 2012. Here are some gorgeous beach destinations to keep your spirits up until the bitter weather blows over...


The Best Beaches in Europe:

Croatia

Croatia has grown into one of the more recent top party destinations for group holidays. But the country still maintains its dignity as a cultured and beautiful holiday location. The Blue Flag Baska Voda beach sits neatly in the breathtaking view of the Biokovo Mountains and Krka National Park is also a coveted hotspot of incredible beauty.

Bulgaria

Known worldwide for its golden sands, Bulgaria is still a place of unspoiled beauty. Because the beaches are closely monitored and regularly maintained, the area will hopefully remain unspoiled for as long as possible.

Greece

Myrtos beach in Kefalonia is one of the most dramatically stunning beaches around, a true picture of beauty and a wonderful melting pot of soft sands and limestone pebbles.

Renting Log Cabins with Hot Tubs – The Best Relaxing Holiday Possible

If your idea of a great holiday is kicking back, relaxing and enjoying time spent together with your best friends in beautiful natural surroundings - then renting out log cabins with hot tubs in fabulous locations right here in the UK may be the perfect break for you. Typically accommodating up to 7 people, renting out a log cabin can be a fantastic way of escaping all the stress of your job and instead having a long weekend off to put your feet up. You may choose to either spend a romantic weekend with your partner or as a group of friends, colleagues or classmates but you are sure to have a memorable and fun holiday right here in the UK.

     As the nights draw in here in the UK and winter is moving in, it may seem very tempting to take a holiday overseas during the winter – but renting a fully centrally heated login cabin featuring a beautiful warm hot tub will ensure you can beat the cold weather and stay snug and warm regardless of the time of year in which you choose to take your holiday. The modern styling of the majority of the UK’s log cabins also adds to your luxury holiday experience to make you feel all the more at ease in your stay.

Best Holiday Destinations in Europe: Edinburgh

Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the best holiday destinations to visit in the UK and offers a fantastic mix of rich Scottish history, heritage and traditions fused with the latest ground breaking arts, comedy and experiences. Named as a UNESCO world heritage site in the year 1995, the city is famed for its varied architecture and cultural experiences. With attractions and buildings spanning its long and rich history, Edinburgh offers holidaymakers the chance to combine visits to medieval castles, palaces and buildings as well as impressive gothic styled churches which also find spaces standing alongside some truly stunning modern architectural creations.

     Edinburgh is also without a doubt one of the best holiday destinations in the UK to experience some superb and exciting live events that are sure to excite and intrigue the British tourist visiting the city for a weekend, as well as backpackers travelling across Europe and visitors to Scotland taking holidays from overseas. Such is the wide reaching nature of the appeal of events such as Hogmanay (Scottish New Year celebrations) the Edinburgh festival and Fringe, and the pomp and ceremony of its world famous military tattoo that those visiting the city should plan well ahead. Indeed, getting accommodation of any kind in Edinburgh during the festival season around August to September and during the new year is extremely difficult and may need to be booked as long as a year in advance in some circumstances.

     Accessing the city from the UK can be easily achieved by train, with the main station Waverly regularly accepting numerous daily services from across the country. If you are visiting Edinburgh from Europe or further afield it is possible to fly to Edinburgh international airports and then take a Edinburgh airport taxi into the city. The airport is the most popular and frequented in Scotland and takes in flights from around Europe and the rest of the world.

Best Holiday Destinations in France – Nice

The beautiful city of Nice or indeed Nice la Belle as the locals so frequently refer to it is undoubtedly one of the best holiday destinations that France has to offer. Situated on the South East French coast there is much more to this historical and fascinating place than just the consistently great weather that it experiences – with mild winters and fantastically sunny summers.

Take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and absorb all the customary charm of the French coastline that understandably attracts thousands of visitors each year – making it France’s second most popular holiday destination. Enjoy all the hustle and bustle of milling around the city squares such as Place Massena and Place Garibaldi. Wander around the city and take in its beautiful architectural features with the hot sun on your neck. Nice will offer visitors a fine unique taste of the South of France. If you are looking for a place to stay you could consider booking out holiday apartments in Nice France, or for those who are privileged to afford it you should check out the luxurious and famous Hotel Negresko.

Best Holiday Destinations Outside Europe – New Zealand

If you are considering taking a holiday a little further afield than the confines of the continent of Europe this summer, there are of course many great places around the world to choose from. However, when it comes to those people who have a great sense of adventure, want to travel to distant lands and that have an undying passion for the great outdoors, why not think big and take the plunge and travel to New Zealand.

When it comes to unspoilt natural beauty, New Zealand has to be one of the best holiday destinations outside of Europe – and what better way to enjoy the scenery at your own pace and leisure than taking advantage of the services offered from many of the great campervan hire companies. Campervanhire New Zealand allows holiday makers the freedom to explore this great nation without constraint - and lets travellers reach the more remote locations away from the city. Take your time to travel across both the North and South Islands and explore the country and see the beautiful night stars. With stunning national parks that are just begging for a visit, you can enjoy hiking and other outdoor pursuits and at the end of the day you will always be sure you have a bed that travels round with you!

Umbria or Tuscany for your Next Italy Holiday?

When planning a holiday to Italy, one of the places you should ensure that you spend some time in is Umbria. This region is known as the “Green Heart” of Italy because of the vast rolling hills and it is this beautiful vista which has contributed to Umbria becoming one of the top holiday destinations in Italy.

While in Umbria, make sure to pay a visit to Perugia, an ancient capital of the region. This town has a lot of history much of which is still apparent from the ancient buildings and these now sit comfortably alongside many modern buildings including a University.  The city is also home to an internationally known Jazz Festival and a Chocolate Festival both of which should definitely not be missed.

Assisi is another ‘must see’ destination on an Umbrian holiday. Once a Roman colony, Assisi is known for being the home of Saint Francis and the tomb of the Saint can be visited at the Saint Francis Basilica which is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy.

If you are looking for a quiet and romantic Italian holiday, consider Tuscany. This is a region full of breathtaking architecture, beautiful landscapes and amazing Italian cuisine all of which make Tuscany a popular destination for newlyweds.  The romance of the area can be felt throughout the region and with the option of renting luxury Tuscany villas and farmhouses, you will surely find the perfect romantic getaway in Tuscany.

Italian holidays are becoming more and more popular every year and Umbria and Tuscany are likely to remain at top of the list for popular destinations for some time. Both have great qualities that make them amongst the best holiday destinations in Europe.

Tenerife or Gran Canaria for Winter Holidays in Europe?

Tenerife and Gran Canaria are both popular destinations for a winter holiday. Their all year round comfortable climates and abundant sunshine make them ideal choices when tourists are looking to escape the harshness of the winter at home.

Tenerife holidays in winter make for an interesting option because it offers a large selection of island houses that can be hired as holiday homes. Many of these homes are located on some of the best beaches in the area, including Playa Grande, Playa las Vistas and Playa Las Gaviotas. The beaches themselves offer useful tourist facilities and an array of water sports, making this a great location for families.

For those who don’t want to spend their whole holiday soaking up the sun, Tenerife is also a great place to explore Mount Teide, an active volcano. This is an experience that no tourist should miss on their holiday with the summit reminiscent of a lunar landscape.

The climate in Gran Canaria is warmer than Tenerife and is correspondingly one of the most popular winter holiday destinations. There are some beautiful beaches which are well served by local restaurants, bars and shops.  There are also conveniently situated golf courses and the nearby streets are quiet and quaint and house many small coffee shops and eateries.

Gran Canaria is known for having an active nightlife and is a great choice for younger visitors. There are many bars and nightclubs that come alive after the sun sets so when travelling on a winter holiday with a family, Tenerife may be the better choice because there are more family oriented activities and sites to visit.

Renting Luxury Holiday Homes in Italy

Finding the best luxury holiday home in the best location is an important part of planning your Italian holiday. Tuscany is home to some of the most luxurious and extravagant villas in Italy and renting an Italian holiday home in this iconic location will provide you with the experience of a lifetime.  Choose the right option and you will find yourself living in the lap of luxury while on your holiday

Many of the holiday home rentals in the area include private pools, gardens, fireplaces and Jacuzzis. Most rentals are available for a week at a time or longer if you want to make that fantastic trip even better. All are very spacious and completely furnished, so you will never want for anything and very quickly you will feel right at home while staying in a luxury villa.

For a taste of the truly rustic Italy, there are also some farmhouses that are available to rent as a holiday home. Whilst by their very nature these will not provide many of the modern amenities of a villa, the farmhouses do provide a charm and luxury quite unlike anything else. The traditional exteriors are beautifully complemented by the furnishings which are often ornate and antique, making for a romantic atmosphere throughout your stay. The farmhouses are set on beautiful tracts of land, surrounded by breath taking gardens, trails and scenery that cannot be found elsewhere.

Renting a luxury home is one of the best ways to enjoy a holiday in Italy. It allows you the freedom to go out and enjoy the country and then return to the comforts of home.

Discover The Secrets of Hidden Provence

Provence in France is a rugged region that still has some of the old Provencal values of the simple life. Many people travel to this region to get a taste of true French history, to learn about the local culture and to experience some of the finest French cuisine available anywhere in the country. While almost everyone is familiar with Provence, there is another area that many tourists are unaware of, the Haute Provence, which is located just northeast of Marseille.

     This location is not a tourist trap. Instead, it is full of real people living a simple life. The countryside is spectacular and makes for some amazing photo opportunities however the land in the area is not fertile and local farmers will work narrow terraces that are built on the hillsides. These provide just enough room to grow some vegetables. Unlike other areas in France, the landscape is not as lush with flora and fauna, but the scenery is still breathtaking.  Even with the unfertile land, visitors will notice a large array of medicinal herbs growing virtually everywhere.

     The waterways of this hidden Provence, including the rivers of Verdon and Durance are beautiful. In fact, the road that travels along the Verdon River is known as one of the most exciting drives in all of Europe.
The cuisine in the area cannot be explained, it must be experienced. The cooking is simplicity at its best and many of the ingredients are grown in the wild and almost every dish will contain an assortment of locally grown herbs. Cuisine wise, the area is known throughout the world for what is regarded as a delicacy; that of the black truffle.

     One of the best ways to enjoy a holiday in this unforgettable region of France is to rent one of the many holiday villas in Provence, as these are often historic farms and houses located in beautiful villages.

Best Golf Holidays in Europe – Spain or Portugal?

Spain and Portugal are two hugely popular destinations for people looking to go on a golf holiday. Since the climate is comfortable all year round, these countries can offer golf throughout the year which is clearly an enormous draw for all golfers.  The sheer number of courses on offer also means that players will get to enjoy the sun and the variety of playing a number of different courses on their golf holiday.

     When planning golf holidays in Spain, one of the most popular locations to play at is Costa del Sol. Here, golfers will find a selection of beautiful courses including the Valderrama Golf Course.  In 1997, Valderrama hosted the Ryder Cup and has since been a top golf destination for players from around the world. Other areas of Spain that are also great choices for golf include Costa Blanca, Almeria and the Costa de la Luz which has become a very popular area for those looking for a memorable day on the golf course. Spain is one of the cheaper countries in which to play golf, especially on the Costa del Sol and this is due to the sheer number of courses and the corresponding competition between them which drives down the prices in order to attract players.

     Portugal continues to be one of the more popular destinations for a golf holiday. In the Algarve, players will have the opportunity to play on some championship courses, including the notable Pestana resort. There are a number of stunning golf courses in Lisbon, which also include fine hotels located next to many of the courses to make the golfing holiday even more enjoyable.

Non Euro Holiday Destinations - Botswana Safari Holidays

If you are considering a holiday destination beyond the realms of Europe, Botswana safari holidays are becoming increasingly popular - and for good reason. Botswana is an interesting country which features so much more than just deserts and arid land.  Botswana has some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world making this location a very popular destination in which to take a safari holiday.  A key part of the country in which to view some of this wildlife is the oasis of lagoons and waterways which make up the Okavango Delta. The lush watering holes which prove a draw for the wildlife will ensure that any safari holiday here will provide a wide range of exotic flora and fauna, including wild birds, giraffe and zebra.

Visitors looking to see the magnificent elephant herds should ensure that they also spend time in the Chobe region, where the elephant population is high. The beauty of Botswana is such that whatever time of year travellers visit there will be fantastic sights to see.  When visiting between November and March, tourists will be able to watch the migratory activities of various birds and between December and May is a great time to see vegetation and blooming flowers.

Botswana safaris make for the perfect holiday for any family. It is a learning experience for children and adults and a rare opportunity to see some of the most amazing creatures in the wild. Botswana ensures that tourists will be able to choose between a variety of safaris. They can, for example, spend time on small boats in the river viewing birds and marine life, or they can venture into the plains to see wild elephants, baboons and other unique animals.

A Botswana safari holiday will be like no other holiday and will create family memories which will last a lifetime.

The Best Beach Holiday Destinations in Menorca

The island of Menorca is home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.  Alongside this beauty is the key advantage that many of the beaches include the use of facilities and have been specifically developed to accommodate tourists.  The Arenal d’en Castell is one of the more popular beaches and this is directly attributable to the bay of crystal clear waters and fine sand.  This is one of the most visited beaches by tourists and it correspondingly offers refreshments and a variety of tourist services.

Binibequer is a smaller beach that offers a bit of privacy for visitors.  Despite its small size it also provides all of the useful tourist trappings and has many areas of shallow waters that make for a perfect outdoor beach holiday for families with small children.  The Cala Blanca and Cala en Porter beaches are also excellent tourist beaches conveniently located for easy access from some of the more popular resorts in the area.

When looking for natural beauty, one should look no further than Cala Santa Galdana. This beach is located near a large resort and has beach services, facilities, water sports and is consequently a great choice for any travelling family. For those that are seeking a bit of adventure on their trip to the beach, Cales Coves is the place to go as there are more than 100 caves that can be explored and a cliff that looks over a bay. This beach offers the best alternative to a day lazing in the sun and the variety and number of caves on offer is likely to keep the most energetic holidaymaker busy all day.

St Ives, Cornwall – One of the Best Holiday Destinations in the UK

When people travel to the UK there is a natural tendency for the majority of visitors from overseas to gravitate towards the city of London. While the country’s capital does of course have a great deal to offer backpackers, families and couples alike including many great visitor attractions, it is completely wrong to assume that this is all the UK has to offer. Above all else, the country has some highly underrated coastal regions that are great ways of seeing a different side to the countries history and heritage rather than just the usual London based tourist traps.

     Amongst my personal favourite places to visit in the UK is Cornwall. The region – based at the countries most south westerly tip – offer beautiful scenery and coastline, great beaches, towns, restaurants and pubs which are ideal for visitors from the UK and abroad. The weather is also generally considered to be amongst the best in the UK, with some very comfortable summer temperatures and high sun levels for the UK making it a great place to stop off at if you are looking for a short summer break.

     

     Younger party seeking visitors and fans of surfing will enjoy the popular destination of Newquay, but there are other great places to visit in Cornwall including Padstow (famous for Chef Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant) and St Ives - which has a thriving artistic community and heritage. If you are a traveler seeking to cut back on costs or enjoy cooking your own food, self catering St Ives can be booked online, but during the peak summer months in the UK can tend to become busy – so book early in order to avoid disappointment. The town also hosts a 15 day arts festival in September that proves very popular and draws a great deal of visitors to the town, so during this period you may also find apartments in St Ives become less readily available. Another option for accommodation could be to stay in a Caravan Park in Cornwall which can offer dog friendly options for people visiting the region.
 

Ensure You Have Medical Insurance Before You Travel

Whether you are planning a 12 month backpacking trip visiting numerous great destinations around the world or are simply planning a short weekend break in one of the many top cities that Europe has to offer, you should always consider one simple thing before you travel - are you covered in case of a medical emergency? While the potential possibility of being either injured or sick whilst on a holiday break or backpacking excursion is of course the last thing anyone will want to be thinking about in the build up to the big day when you get on that plane and set off on the trip of a lifetime - it is highly advisable that you take the time prior to departing to get suitable travel medical insurance that will cover you for your given destination and also that incorporates cover for the full length of  your stay.
     When booking travel insurance cover it is also critical to ensure that your policy will also provide adequate cover for all the activities you are likely to undertake during your trip - particularly if you are planning any potentially dangerous activities such as skiing, water sports or bungee jumping. Always study the small print and key points of the policy carefully and take into account any excess you may have to pay in case of having to make a claim. In order to take the hassle out of booking travel insurance, there are now a number of travel medical insurance comparison sites you can use to quickly compare the price of travel insurance policies that offer the cover you may need for your holiday. Policy prices will differ depending on your length of stay and holiday destination but always remember it is better to be safe than sorry.

Live the Holiday Highlife with Skippered Yacht Charter

For those that are lucky enough to be able to afford it, there are surely few better luxury vacation experiences that can be had in Europe than those that can be found on a skippered yacht charter holiday. Close your eyes and think of life on the ocean waves in the hot sunshine with the cool gentle breeze on your face and embrace the thought of what can only be described as a truly unique holiday trip. Such experiences can be a genuine once in a lifetime event for an individual to take alongside their family, good friends or work colleagues - thus allowing them to enjoy all the excitement, adventure and pleasure you would expect of any great sailing holiday in Europe with a group of your closest companions.

     Spending your time in the beautiful sunshine and open ocean is something many of us can only dream of but skippered yacht charter holidays allow this dream to become a reality - and with the added benefit of having an experienced skipper and crew to help you learn and hone your skills, you can be more assured and at ease whilst traveling across the seas. Skippered charter holidays offer all the great benefits of bareboat charters - but with an experienced skipper on board you can also allow yourself more time to sit back and enjoy the finer things in life. Skippered charter vacations are available in many European locations but primarily in the Mediterenean regions of Greece, Turkey, and Croatia - all regions of Europe that are fantastic to visit in their own right.

Terrific Tuscany - Birthplace of Modern Europe

Few existing regions of Europe can surely paint such a romantic and idealistic picture in ones mind than those that are drummed up by the sheer imagery of Tuscany and its stunning historical capital Florence. Famed the world over for its rich and immeasurably important historical contribution to the fields of European arts, music, the sciences and high culture - the region that has over the years remained synonymous with the birth of the Italian Renaissance offers holidaymakers and backpackers from across the globe a unique flavour of Europe that is quite unique and apart from any other area of Italy, Europe or any other place in the world.

     Famed for its museums and galleries including the Uffizi and Chianciano art museums that offer intriguing and stimulating insights into Europe's artistic traditions and history, Tuscany gives the visitor a sense of true awe - and if you can take the time to soak up the information and stunning visuals on offer here, hopefully an enhanced understanding of the region's lasting influence and legacy on modern Europe. Alongside the great Renaissance works that are housed in the museums of Florence (including such famous paintings such as The Birth of Venus by Botticelli), the entire region of Tuscany is dotted with beautiful churches and cathedrals each with their own beautiful and attractive interiors and ornate decorations.

     When looking at the various accommodation available in Tuscany you will tend to find that it is incredibly varied and is largely dependent on which area of the expansive 8,800 square mile region in which you find yourself in. With places to stay ranging from high priced but exceptional hotels to some equally fantastic villas in Tuscany with pool in some of the more rural areas. Hiring out a villa in Tuscany can be a great and relaxing way of spending a holiday with your partner in beautiful surroundings and rich history and culture.