Tag Archives: Portugal

3 Surprisingly Affordable Luxury Vacations

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries, Featured | Tags: affordable, China, Crete, luxury, Portugal, trips, vacations

When you speak of a luxury holiday, most people would instantly wince at the thought of it because of the expenses that are involved. Surprisingly however, not all luxury breaks need to punch holes on your wallet. You can enjoy lavish holidays without spending too much, specifically in the three destinations that will be mentioned below.

Crete

With many luxury hotels and extravagant villas, Crete is one of the best destinations that you can consider for your next holiday. The good news is that you do not have to spend a fortune just to enjoy the luxuries that it can offer. With a length of about 350 kilometers, the island is one of the most scenic you can ever hope to find and is gifted with an abundance of beaches.

The rich history of Crete adds up to the reasons why it is popular amongst luxury travelers who are on a budget and want to experience a holiday in the Greek islands. Aside from its rich past, it also offers a wide array of exhilarating water activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, fishing, and wind surfing. If you want to play golf, you can also find several golf courses in the island, regardless of your skills. It is also home to great restaurants, many of which can be enjoyed at affordable prices. One thing’s for sure, a holiday in Crete won’t disappoint.

Portugal

Excellent value for money is perhaps one of the best things that you can get when you visit Portugal. With fascinating towns, charming villages and pristine beaches, Portugal is a popular destination in Europe because it is cheaper than most of its neighboring countries, yet it can offer an equally stunning holiday and is ideal for families. If there is only one place you can visit in the country, it would most probably be The Algarve.

If you are looking for cheap resorts that can offer the exceptional services, some of the options that you can consider include the Oporto Surf Camp, the Vilanova Resort, Clube Alvorferias, the Balaia Mar Hotel and the Atlantico Golfe Hotel. There are also many villas that can be rented, which can offer cheaper alternative to hotels if you are traveling as a large group.

China

It is impossible to run out of activities that you can do in China. More than just the multiplicity of attractions, its popularity can be attributed to the fact that China offers a luxury holiday experience in a manner that is budget-friendly. Whether you choose to explore one of its cosmopolitan cities or its native provinces, you can have an unforgettable experience without feeling guilty about your spending.

When in China, you should not miss seeing the Great Wall and The Forbidden City if you happen to be in Beijing. For those who are looking for a more urban feel and vibrant nightlife, Shanghai should be included in the itinerary. More so, the surrounding provinces will also be ideal for those who want to experience more serene holidays. Whether it is affordable hotels or self-catering accommodations, you will have lots of choices in China.

02 Dec 2015

Top 5 budget destinations for families

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: Budapest, Hungary, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Turkey

The UK economy is on the up, so the papers say, and this could be good news for holidays. Why? Well, recent research has shown that sterling has strengthened against a lot of currencies, which is good news when it comes to spending overseas since we’ll get more bang for our buck, while prices have actually dropped in some of Europe’s most attractive destinations. All in all, 2014 looks set to be a great year to go away.

Below are our top five budget destinations for families – hopefully they’ll give you a few ideas for your own holiday, while you can get yet more ideas on this website.

1) Budapest

The capital of Hungary, Budapest is a really interesting place for an affordable family break. Perhaps best for those with older children, Budapest is famous for its rich history and architecture, not to mention its many thermal and mineral springs, which are said to have therapeutic properties – perfect for tired mums and dads!

And if that tickles your fancy, you’ll be hard pressed to beat the Gellert Baths, which offer indulgent bathing for both men and women (in separate sections, mind). This Art Nouveau building is so stunning that you’ll feel like you’re bathing in some kind of cathedral – a truly amazing experience.

2) Marmaris

For several years now, Turkey has been a favourite destination among cost-cutting holidaymakers who don’t want to compromise on sun and fun. Located on the Turkish Riviera, Marmaris is a particular gem, home to a beautiful harbour, grand castle and, of course, stunning beaches.

Among the highlights of a trip here is going on a cruise from Marmaris Bay around the local coastline – something that lots of companies offer. Not only will you be able to see the destination from another perspective, but you’ll also have the chance to stop at various sunspots and relax. Just make sure you sort your visa before. You can apply for a Turkish visa online before hand.

3) The Costa del Sol

Our next suggestion is Spain’s sun-drenched Costa del Sol, which has just about everything a family could wish for – well-priced accommodation, abundant beaches, gorgeous scenery, great weather and food so delicious that even fussy eaters won’t be able to resist.

Plus, there are plenty of destinations within the Costa del Sol that cater for different kinds of holiday. If you fancy soaking up a little culture, for instance, you can head to Malaga, while if you would prefer a more traditional fun-filled family getaway, Torremolinos or Benalmadena might be more your scene.

4) The Algarve

Is there anyone who would object to a holiday in the Algarve? This is Portugal’s best-loved destination – and with good reason. Famous for its soaring summer temperatures, massive array of brilliant beaches and huge selection of activities, it has something for everyone.

The icing on the cake is that the research we mentioned earlier (the Post Office travel report) found that prices have dropped substantially in the Algarve, which means if you go there this year, you’ll pay less for things like food and drink than you might expect.

5) Cape Town

Rounding off our list is Cape Town – the perfect choice for families who are keen to do something a little bit different. Adults and children alike are bound to be thrilled by a trip to the top of the city’s famous Table Mountain (which takes just five minutes on the Cableway), but there’s plenty else to see and do as well.

Boulders Beach should definitely be high on your to-do list if you’re travelling with the family, though. Not only is this a great place to relax, but you can see African penguins here too.

05 Apr 2014