Short Breaks UK

We’ve all heard the theory that that later you book the better deals you get, but is this always the case? Do you get bargain holidays if you book early as well?

There is no denying you can get some great deals if you book a package holiday late on, by late we mean eight to ten weeks before departure. Of course if you have nerves of steel and book a few days before you can get some amazing holidays for next to nothing. The reason why holiday are so cheap this close to departure is because tour operators don’t want to loose money. When planning their holidays tour operators book seats on flights and rooms in hotels, if they don’t sell the amount they’ve bought in a specific timeframe they lose their money. The closer you book to the departure date the lower the prices as they are desperate not to lose the money on the holiday.

If you are looking just to go somewhere hot and cheap then leave booking as long as possible, booking the week before you want to go means you can get some amazing trips for dirt cheap prices! Of course there are certain disadvantages to booking late; you need to be flexible on dates, times of flights and even locations. If you need specific hotels or services like crèches then it is best not to chance it with a last minute deal.

If you do want to stay at specific hotels on your holiday or need a hotel with certain facilities don’t fear you are missing out on bargains, there is another way to save. If you know when you want to go on holiday you can book early, that is up to nine months in advance and get some great deals. Tour operators tend to offer early booking brochure discounts which tend to be £100 couple discounts and buy one get one free weeks. These early sales help them to plan how many holidays to book themselves so they are keen to get people booked in early.

It is drilled in to us since we are small, if you are out in the sun for prolonged periods of time get the suntan lotion on and many of us dutifully follow those rules. But while we follow this unbreakable rule how many of us know the differences between the many products on offer to us?

Walk in to any shop and you’ll find row upon row of suntan lotions all offering different things and trying to grab our attention. But which is the right one for us and what do the different levels of SPSF actually mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, this factor measures how much ultraviolet, or UV, radiation it takes to burn your skin when it’s unprotected compared to how long it would take to burn in the same level of radiation when you have the suntan lotion on. The higher the SPF level the more protection it offers against sunburn.

It is a common myth that SPF levels relate to how long you can spend in the sun, for example if you stay in the sun for 30 minutes before burning and are wearing SPF 10 you should be able to stay in the sun for 300 minutes or 5 hours before burning. This may sound daft when you read it but people do believe this. SPF doesn’t just relate to the duration of sun exposure, it also relates to the amount of sun exposure. The intensity of the UV radiation also impacts on the amount of time you can spend in the sun.

The are other factors involved in the amount of time you can spend in the sun including the skin type of the user, the amount of suntan lotion that has been applied and the frequency of  the reapplication. What you do while wearing the suntan lotion also impacts, swimming tends to lead to loss of suntan lotion unless it states it is waterproof. The amount of sunscreen the skin has absorbed is also a factor.

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of short breaks away from the UK people are taking. In fact for many a number of short breaks, or long weekends are replacing their annual holiday allow them to get away and discover more places than ever before. With the advent of cheap flights many are jumping on flights to exotic locations, but what about those why choose not to fly? Well there are a number of options to help them to plan their short break.

Ferries have always been a popular choice, but these can often be an over night affair and take up a lot of precious time. Because of this many people are opting for other modes of transport, the main one of these being the Eurostar getting you from London to Paris in only 2 hours, the amount of time you usually spend in the airport!

With the transport link between Paris and the rest of France it is easy to see why so many people are choosing to opt for the convenience of Eurostar. Lille is also connected to London by Eurostar and it is the idea place to relax and watch the world go by for a day or two, or if you are looking for something a bit more jam packed there is the (possibly) irresistible Disneyland – perfect for a surprise for the kids or even the big kid inside us!

The delight of Paris needs no introduction or explanation, it is one of the most romantic cities in the world and packed full of delights for every taste or want from a shirt break. Brussels is another city that is connected by Eurostar, this is a perfect location for a short break with so much to do and see you can spend days wandering around, amazing given the central area of the city is quite easy to walk around by foot!

While Bruges has never been regarded as one of the foremost tourist destinations in Europe, the publicity the city – one of the most picturesque in Belgium – gained through being used as the setting for the star-studded 2008 film In Bruges could be set to see that change.

Firstly, if you were a fan of In Bruges and have been drawn to investigate the city further after seeing it, you will find that a leaflet directing you to the locations used in the Hollywood film is available from the tourist board. Parts of the city played a major role in the film, including the centrally based Market Square with its imposing Belfry standing at 270ft. Other settings used as backdrops for the film include Burg Square, Astrid Park and Jan van Eyck Square – named after the Flemish artist immortalised in a statue there.

If you are seeking accommodation for your stay in Bruges probably the finest hotel in the city is the Hotel Tuilerieen, with a spectacular view of the skyline, which is where the stars of the film stayed during the filming. In terms of cultural attractions, the jewel in the crown of Bruges is the Michelangelo marble sculpture Madonna with Child, which can be found in the Church of Our Lady. Beyond this the city has many fine galleries such as the Groening and Memling Museums.

Finally, in recognition of two of Belgium’s most noted exports Sukerbuyc is a traditional family chocolate business, while De Halve Mann is the one surviving brewery in the city. Both of these can be visited to learn more about the manufacturing of these products.

If you are planning a trip to Bruges, make sure that you have secured the necessary holiday insurance from a reputable source. For example, a quotation for endsleigh travel insurance is available either from the website or by phone.

Short breaks from the UK are really popular, with cheap flights available from most UK airports, so you can take your pick and in a few hours pretty much anywhere in Europe is within easy reach.

Paris, Amsterdam and Rome are all popular choices, but if you fancy somewhere a bit different, then hop on a flight to Prague. Easily one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the city of spires has something for everyone to enjoy and the best part is that you only need 3 or 4 days to see it all.

Here are my top picks for sightseeing in Prague:

Prague Castle
A pretty obvious one, Prague Castle dominates the skyline. Take a wander around the grounds and be awe inspired by the fantastic structure of St Vitus Cathedral, feel like a giant in the tiny houses of Golden Lane and delve into the dungeons of the towers. If galleries and museums aren’t your thing, opt for the reduced tour that features the main sites.

The Astronomical Clock
There are few old world sights that are more impressive than the Astronomical clock. Measuring, not only time, but the movement of the stars and planets too, this mechanical centrepiece is something that draws in the crowds. Be there on the hour, from 10am to 10pm, to see the mystical figures make their journey and to hear the trumpet calls.

Charles Bridge
Easily the most romantic place in Prague. If you want to avoid the crowds then be there in the early, misty morning or in the evening. During the day the bridge is packed with artists, musicians and craftsmen selling all kinds of wares, so if you want to pick up a unique souvenir, this is the place.

Eat ice cream!
You’ll see them everywhere – stalls and shops selling giant mounds of ice cream in yummy flavours. The further from the tourist centres you are, the cheaper it’ll be but it all tastes delicious!

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a popular tourist destination for travelers all over the world. The city features a wide array of tourist attractions. Among these one of the most popular places to visit is Edinburgh Castle. With a long history, Edinburgh Castle has been the sight of many events in history.

For one, the castle is the first documented meeting place for the Scottish Parliament. It was also the place of birth for the only child of Mary Queen of Scots. When visiting Edinburgh Castle, such rooms as the Great Hall and the room when Mary Queen of Scots gave birth are open for tours.

Another popular tourist attraction in Edinburgh is the National Gallery Complex. Within the complex is the National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy Building. The National Gallery of Scotland is well known for its collection of European art. Some works of art included in the exhibition are by masters such as Raphael, Titians, Rembrandt and Poussin.

When planning a visit to the charming Scottish capital of Edinburgh, remember to include travel insurance in your preparations. Even if you aren’t travelling far from home, it is still a good idea to be covered in the event that the unthinkable occurs.
Travel insurance will protect you in the event your become ill or injured while on your holiday to Edinburgh. It can also be helpful if you should have any trouble with your luggage. For instance, if it is lost or stolen, your travel insurance policy will cover this loss and reimburse you for it.

Travel insurance can be inexpensive depending upon the coverage selected and your destintation. Endsleigh cheap travel insurance might be a budget friendly option for coverage. By having travel insurance, it makes it much easier to enjoy yourself without worrying what could go wrong.

Whitby in North Yorkshire has everything you might need from a UK holiday destination. Picture-postcard views, friendly locals and some fascinating history. Try the Robin Hood’s Bay Ghost Walk, combining fact with legend and happily treating the tourist to tales of the supernatural, smugglers, sailors and superstition while you take a walk through the winding streets of this beautiful village. It’s suitable for adults and children, so don’t worry about sleepless nights.

Whitby Abbey, overlooking the harbour is still magnificent and should be on the list of things to see for the first time visitor. Make sure you’ve been putting the time in at the gym though – the best way to reach it is by climbing the (in)famous 199 steps.

The Captain Cook museum is also worth a look as it gives a fascinating insight into the man behind the story. The man himself served his apprenticeship in this seventeenth century house, and along with artifacts from the voyages actually has letters penned in Cook’s own hand.
For something a bit more adventurous, try landboarding, rock climbing, sailing or even hunt fossils on Whitby beach.

There are many varieties of accomodation in Whitby, and you’ll be sure to find something to suit your needs and budget. Stay in a beautiful self-catering cottage and pretend you have gone back in time… Though with a modern touch, of course! The hotels and guest houses are exactly what you need for a relaxing time, or even the friendly Bed and Breakfast for something a bit more intimate.

Cornwall has won the ‘Favourite UK Holiday Destination’ two years running and looking at the stunning pictures of the sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and spectacular sunsets, it’s easy to see why.

There is something for everyone in this beautiful setting, whether your passion is food and drink, sports or magnificent scenery that all but begs to be painted. In fact, Cornwall has more working artists than anywhere else in the country excluding London – and the air is fresher too.
Explore in style with the Classic Car Break. Choose from Aston Martin, MG, Jaguar, Austin Healy and Triumph sports cars and see why the awards have come rolling in!

The internationally reknowned Eden Project is a wonderful place to spend a day and has been dubbed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ by some. It provides a captivating insight to how mankind has come to depend on plant life and allows you to experience the sights and scents of a tropical rainforest, thanks to the Humid Tropics Biome – The largest greenhouse in the world. Facilities include restaurants and cafes, gift shops and are fully accessible to wheelchairs and buggies.

Accomodation is as varied as the activities that Cornwall offers. Choose from hotels, B&B and caravan and camping to something different such as farm holidays and surf lodges (ideal for gap year travellers!)

Activity holidays are some of the most popular in Cornwall. From cycling through quiet country lanes to horse riding through the established woodland. Or even camel riding!

With direct travel insurance, your piece of mind won’t break the bank. Whether the kids want to pretend they’re baboons on the many adventure playgrounds, or you fancy having a go at some wet and wild watersports, or you simply want to make sure you’re fully covered when making that gap year count, there is an option for you. From single trip to backpacker and annual insurance, and even medical advice you can enjoy your holiday knowing that every event is catered for.

Blackpool is one of the UK’s most famous cities and it’s thriving seaside atmosphere draws thousands of holidaymakers every year. But what is it about the city that keeps people coming back time and again? Here are a few of the best things to do in Blackpool.

Pleasure Beach
If you like rollercoasters and rides that get your adrenalin pumping, then Blackpool is one of the few places in the UK where you can get your fill of thrills. Set your pulse racing on one of over 125 rides, plus plenty of shows and attractions too. A new Nickelodeon area is coming to the resort, so it’s a great day out for kids – soak your friends on Sponge Bob’s Splash Bash or explore the world on Dora the Explorer’s World Voyage. For the adults there’s one of Europe’s tallest rollercoasters – the Pepsi Max Big One or head into the dark on the Valhalla.

Arcades
Blackpool is a bit like the UK’s answer to Las Vegas – full of bright lights and plenty of opportunities to gamble and enjoy the arcades. The seafront and around is crammed with neon lights, arcade games, coin machines, fruit machines and toy grabbers galore.

Sandcastle Waterpark
If you like your time at the seaside to involve lots of splashing but don’t fancy dipping your toes into the freezing British seas, then head to Sandcastle Waterpark. There are 18 slides and rides to choose from and there’s no chance of being chilly, with its 84º tropical climate. There’s an adventure area for the kids, the wavepool and of course the tranquil shimmer shadows for when you need a break.

Madame Tussauds
You don’t have to visit London to get up close and personal with wax statues of all your favourite celebrities. Wander amongst Hollywood royalty, music legends and sports stars and take snaps with your favourite famous people.

Amsterdam is a popular travel destination amongst people of many ages. With something to do there for everyone it is well worth a trip. One thing to think about before booking your holiday is insurance and with many cheap travel insurance policies available it shouldn’t be hard to find one that suits your needs. Here are a few of the attractions that Amsterdam offers:

Anne Frank’s House
Anne Frank is arguably Amsterdam’s most famous resident. Her diaries have been translated all over the world, and the museum is dedicated to her and her family who lived, hidden away in an annex, during World War II – outcast for being Jewish. Anne’s bravery, her life and that of her family make for an emotional tour of this museum.

Red Light District
Amsterdam is famous for its red light district, and it’s one of the few European places where prostitution is legal. It’s the oldest part of the city and well worth a wander, no matter what your poison (if any) – check out the colourful windows of ladies on display, the cheesey sex shops and the huge array of sex toys and tourist tat.

Flower Market
The Netherlands are famous for their tulips, which come in an amazing array of types and colours. Visit the Bloemenmarkt, or Flower Market, where hundred of flowers are displayed on floating stalls, for a truly unique experience.

Canal Tour
Amsterdam is famous for it’s canals and it’s a great way to see the city, so it only makes sense that you should hop on one of the many canal tours that are on offer. The 165 canals were declared a UNESCO monument back in 2010, but as well as being picturesque, they also played a vital role in defending and supplying 17th Century Amsterdam.

Stedelijk Museum
If you’re an art fan then you can’t go far wrong with the Stedelijk Museum. Housing pre-war paintings from the likes of Picasso, Cezanne and Chagall this is one not to be missed. But as if that weren’t enough, you can also get your fill of modern masters including Litchenstein, Judd, Nauman and Warhol. Another great art museum is the Van Gogh Museum which holds over 700 drawings and paintings by the troubled artist.