Gran Canaria is famous for its diverse microclimates, stunning coastline with spectacular beaches and sand dunes, inland forests, mountains, volcanic craters, exotic fauna and flora and picturesque towns and villages.

Continue reading... Top 7 resorts in Gran Canaria

1. Celebrate the Carnival. The dates vary from year to year, but it's usually in February or March. The most impressive fancy dress parades and processions of elaborately decorated floats can be found in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Continue reading... Top 25 Things to do in the Canaries

When the bells in the square clock tower of Teguise's parish church toll, they attract people from all over the Lanzarote - not to pray but to visit the island's largest street market. Teguise market takes place from 9am to 2pm in the square in front of the church and through the narrow, cobbled streets in the area. Though Teguise itself only has about 3000 inhabitants, the market attracts both locals and tourists from all over Lanzarote, because the stalls are the best place to buy Canarian lace and linen, trainers, leather handbags, clay pottery, jewellery and traditional leather masks. The market is also a popular day trip because of its delish food stalls and fascinating street entertainment.

Continue reading... Lanzarote's levitating man

1. Mask with integrated camera

Continue reading... Christmas pressies for travellers

This year the Islanders of Lanzarote are attempting to take their Christmas celebrations to record breaking lengths. The annual Father Christmas Parade, held on the 23rd of December, in Puerto Del Carmen is a tradition long observed and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The main attraction, Santa himself, is led down the promenade aboard his magically decorated, horse drawn sleigh, from 18.00-20.00, and throws gifts and sweets to all the children that come to join the parade. But children are not the only ones expected join in: this year, everyone has is asked to don a Santa suit and aid the Islanders in their attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most Father Christmas' holding hands. Shops all along the waterfront are set to sell costumes for reduced rates, so there is no excuse not to join in.

Continue reading... Festive Fun in Lanzarote - Christmas 2011

Christmas in the UK can become more of a stress than a celebration, with crowded shops, checkout queues and motorway traffic, celebrating abroad often works out as a peaceful option as well as being a Christmas to remember. Though it may not be a traditional white yuletide, spending Christmas in the sunny Algarve is less commercial and, culturally, more family orientated, not to mention, a comfortable 15-16 degrees Celsius.

Continue reading... Father Christmas in Faro

This November, the entire world is coming to London. Before you start to worry that it's going to get a bit crowded, we're talking about one of the best travel events in the yearly calendar - the World Travel Market. Today, 7th of November, is the first day of this annual gathering of the great and the good from the travel industry, and this is the perfect opportunity for anyone involved in the business to get the real inside tips from their counterparts from across the globe. Thomas Cook is be there, ensuring that we find out what the 'must-visit' destinations for 2012 are. If you're at the WTM2011 as well today, drop by at the Thomas Cook Sport stand on UK1350 and have your picture taken with the Barclays Premier League trophy.

Continue reading... World Travel Market in London

Thirty years ago, Sharm el-Sheikh was a sleepy, Bedouin fishing village. Now, as the most popular tourist destination in the Arab world, the city bustles with locals, tourists and traders all year round. Though much of the bay area, with its modern apartment blocks and sun loungers, no longer tells of the city's rich Egyptian heritage, Sharm Old Market retains an authentic cultural flavour.

Continue reading... Arabian Charm in Sharm el-Sheikh

The main attractions for 2011 also include the Atayde Brothers Circus. This record-breaking circus, established over a century ago, has performed globally and boasts some of Central and South America's greatest acrobats and gymnasts as well as 7 Bengal tigers. More theatrical entertainment comes from the foremost Latin American magician and illusionist Eriko Trevensoli. Trevensoli's Extreme Magic Show promises mind boggling illusions, involving motorbikes and deadly animals, as well as a death-defying finale. There will also be a, more peaceful, aquatic show at the 'Dolphinarium' where dolphins, seals and a variety other marine animals perform to an arena of guests.

Continue reading... Feria Yucatan Xmatkuil 2011 - A Traditional Celebration of Contemporary Mexican Culture

Every couple should plan at least one romantic holiday a year. Whether you have children or are busy at work, the best way to enjoy each other's company is to leave everything else behind and simply focus on each other. They say a change is as good as a rest and by choosing a supremely romantic backdrop against which to enjoy yourselves, you will find that the fires of romance are rekindled. It's too easy to take your partner for granted; show them just what they mean to you by planning a romantic break abroad.

Continue reading... The Top Five Romantic Destinations

If you've got a hen party to organise, then you'll probably be trying to create an event that's unique, memorable, affordable and has something for everyone. You also need to be sure that where you're going is going to offer sunny beaches where you can get to grips with the morning after the night before.

Continue reading... The Top Five Hen Party Destinations

There are many reasons for travelling light: it's easier, cheaper and better for the environment than bringing excess luggage on the plane. When you book a flight, you are allowed to bring one piece of hand baggage no bigger than 43cm x 28cm x 23 cm and 5kg in weight per person, mobility equipment and children's pushchairs. When you book short haul flights such as flights to Funchal, it is possible to add hold baggage allowance of 20kg online via "Your booking" page from 12 pounds per person per flight for or with the call centre from 17 pounds per person per flight. But before you do so, ask yourself: do you really need it? Here are some tips for travelling light with toddlers.

Continue reading... Travelling light with toddlers

If you spend your lunch-break googling last-minute flights to Lanzarote and day-dreaming about that depressingly distant summer break, then it's time for you to think about getting a little winter sun this year. It's often more affordable to travel during the winter months, you see a different side of your favourite summer spots, and you'll even avoid the perennial airport queues. So if you're looking for the perfect way to relax on holiday, read on for a five step stress-busting guide to Lanzarote.

Continue reading... 5 activities that will help you relax and forget about stress during your holiday

Worrying about money can really ruin a great holiday. Whether you're cash-strapped students or a family on a budget, the last thing you want is to overspend while you're abroad. And with so many great value flights to Gran Canaria available, there's no reason to run the risk. So be sure to follow these five travel industry top tips to keep your trip cheap and cheeful.

Continue reading... How to manage your travel budget without worrying

There are a large number of different festivals that make up the calendar within Ibiza. There are an increasing number of people that use the flights to Ibiza in order to take part in some of the festivities. These festivities are a great way for people to enjoy the real culture of the island of Ibiza.

Continue reading... Spring Artists Market and Festival in Ibiza

There is a wide range of different festivals that take place within the resort of Ibiza. All tastes and ages will be able to find something to do and see on the island. One of the most popular festivals within this resort is the Medieval Festival. This festival is a favorite with both tourists and locals. A lot of the tourists that enjoy this festival also enjoy making use of the regular flights to Ibiza. The medieval festival of Ibiza has been devised to celebrate the time that Dalt Vila was named a world site for heritage. This festival normally takes place during the second weekend of May.

Continue reading... Medieval Festival in Ibiza

Studies show sunshine has a positive effect on our happiness. Using data from recognised sources, Fly Thomas Cook has developed an infographic to explain the relationship between sunshine, life expectancy and life satisfaction across the world. So if you're looking for more reasons to book your flights to Turkey or other sun-blessed destinations, go see the infographic now!

Continue reading... Sunshine and Happiness Infographic from Fly Thomas Cook

Antalya is a very popular tourist destination and a lot of these tourists enjoy shopping within this area. A lot of the tourists that enjoy shopping within this area make the most of the cheap flights to Antalya. There is a number of very popular areas for shopping within Antalya and it is true to say that this area is a dreamland for shopaholics. It is fair to say that this area has some of the best shopping within the Middle East and it is also a very magnificent area.

Continue reading... Shopping in Antalya

The Coast of Silence is also known as Costa del Silencio and this is a very popular tourist resort. There are a lot of tourists that visit this and they make use of the regular flights to Tenerife. This resort is located within the southern part of Tenerife. The Costa de Silencio translates as the Coast of Silence. This coast was once silent however this is no longer the case as it is a very popular tourist area and there are regular flights to this area.

Continue reading... Coast of Silence in Tenerife

The Biosphere Market is a monthly market, which is held within Fuerteventura. This market is very popular with a vast array of people who come to the area in order to enjoy all that the island has to offer. A lot of the people that come to this area enjoy the frequent cheap flights to Fuerteventura.

Continue reading... Biosphere Market in Fuerteventura

Fethiye market is a very popular market that takes place in Dalaman. This market is held on Tuesday and it is popular with a large array of people both tourists and local alike. This market is popular with a large number of people and a lot of these people make the most of the cheap flights to Dalaman.

Continue reading... Fethiye Market in Dalaman

The water park known as Aquasur is located in Gran Canaria. Aquasur is the largest water park on this island. This water park is popular with tourists and there are a lot of people that enjoy the cheap regular flights to Gran Canaria in order to enjoy the water parks. This water park covers an area of one hundred and thirty thousand meters squared. There are ten different attractions within this park and thirty-three slides and also thirteen other fun attractions. The pools within this park cover an area of five thousand three hundred meters squared.

Continue reading... Aquasur Water Park - Gran Canaria

The Balearic Islands are typical of Spain as they offer excellent shopping facilities. The island of Mallorca is really no different as there is a vast amount of shopping to choose from and this includes markets, which sell a vast array of things. There are a lot of tourists who enjoy the cheap regular flights to Mallorca in order to make the most of the shopping facilities that are on offer. The larger shops within Mallorca tend to be open from nine in the morning until nine at night and this is especially the case within the main tourist resorts.

Continue reading... Shopping in Mallorca

The popular resort of Fuerteventura is popular with people from all around the world who want to make the most of the cheap regular flights to Fuerteventura and enjoy doing some shopping in the sun. This popular resort is home to a vast array of shops and these all cater for the needs of the people that live in this area and they also cater for people that are visiting.

Continue reading... Shopping In Fuerteventura

There are a lot of different markets that are held within the popular tourist resort of Ibiza. This resort is very popular with tourists that come from all across the world and they make the most of the cheap flights to Ibiza. One of the most popular markets within Ibiza is the Hippy Markets. This popular resort is home to a vast number of different tourist shops, which can be enjoyed alongside the hippy market. There is a number of different hippy markets within the area. In the resort of Santa Eularia the hippy market is held on a Wednesday and it runs from April until October and this market is home to more than four hundred different stalls which sell a wide range of items including leather goods, silver and some even sell African art. In the resort of Las Dalias the hippy market is held on a Saturday and it runs from May until October.

Continue reading... Hippy Markets in Ibiza

There are an increasing number of tourists that are enjoying all of the fun that is available in Lanzarote and this includes the various different markets that are held within Lanzarote and the surrounding area. These markets are a great place to pick up souvenir items, although there will be people that do not enjoy the experience. There are a lot of people that enjoy regular trips to these markets and they come from all across the world, as they are able to enjoy the frequent flights to Lanzarote.

Continue reading... Lanzarote Market

There are a number of big markets that are held in and around Lanzarote. The biggest of these markets is known as Teguise Market and it is a massive event, which is held on a weekly basis. This market is a large cultural and social event as well as a good place to shop. All of the markets that are held in Lanzarote are very popular with tourists and this part due to the frequent flights to Lanzarote.

Continue reading... Markets In Lanzarote

Banjul market is commonly referred to as Albert Market. This market is the biggest urban market that is held within Banjul. This market was named after Queen Victoria's husband who was Prince Albert Gotha and Saxe Coburg. This market tends to be very busy and it is also very lively. There is a vast amount of items on sale within this market and these include wooden masks that are carved, designed fabrics that are vivid and there is also a wide range of fresh produce that is available. This market is laid out within the alleys and there are hundreds of stalls and shops that have been purposely built. The market is open from eight in the morning to seven at night. A lot of tourists that visit the market enjoy the regular flights to Banjul.

Continue reading... Banjul Market

The capital of Kefalonia is Argostoli and it is located on a peninsular within a working port that is very busy. The port is busy with freight ships, private yachts and also ferries that operate three hundred and sixty five days. This area is home to some Venetian buildings, however there used to be a lot more but they were damaged by an earthquake during 1953. Nowadays the town has a modern feel. The main attractions within the area are located close to the central plaza in Argostoli. There is a vast number of flights to Kefalonia therefore it is possible to rely on air transport.

Continue reading... Argostoli in Kefalonia

New Fortress is a very popular tourist destination on the island of Corfu and it attracts a vast amount of tourists every year. The island of Corfu is visited from people from all over the world and they make the most of the frequent flights to Corfu. This island has a vast on offer to tourists in terms of brilliant architecture and beauty. The New Fortress is considered to be the new citadel and it is commonly referred to as Now Frourio. This tourist attraction is a very rich in cultural heritage and this is also true for the entire island of Corfu.

Continue reading... New Fortress in Corfu

Banjuls climate is subtropical characterized by two distinct seasons out of which one is dry and the other is rainy. The most appropriate time to go on a vacation to Banjul falls between November to April, when the sea shores are most lively and sunbathing is something you will definitely enjoy. Banjul has an airport of its own and flights to Banjul are quite regular. Many European airlines fly to Banjul since the time tourism has gained momentum.

Continue reading... Bakau in Banjul

Loro Parque, initially a Parrot Park has now transformed into Tenerifes second largest tourist attraction after a mount named Teide. If you are traveling with your loved ones then traveling by air is the right thing to do as flights to Tenerife are quite regular. The Loro parque has been successful in accommodating the worlds most significant Parrot collection consisting of more than 300 species of parrots. It also consists of fascinating Flamingos, Tigers, Alligators, Jaguars, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Tortoises and Penguins.

Continue reading... Loro Parque in Tenerife

Ibiza is one of the most picturesque islands among other Balearic Islands and is widely known for its white houses. For the same reason the island is called as a White island. It is an undisputed tourist destination for party goers from all over the world. Ibiza has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and the entertainment for visitors is incomparable to any of the islands in any other part of the world. Catalan is the official language of the island but you will find people speaking in Spanish. You can plan your holiday to Ibiza at any time of the year. Ibiza is reachable by air and flights to Ibiza are available almost every day from a number of locations.

Continue reading... Dalt Vila in Ibiza

Funchal got its name from a Lisbon Italian sailor who lived in the 16th Century. His name was Joao Zarco and he was exploring the island at that time. Funchal has three beautiful rivers named Ribeira de Joao Gomez, Ribeira de Santa Luzia and Ribeira de Sao Joao. It is truly refreshing to see them while sightseeing. Apart from the natural set up, Funchal consists of urban holiday resorts. Hotels and resorts here offer good amenities and great ambience and some have swimming pools too. Regarding travel, you can expect to travel by air as there are more than 20 flights to Funchal available every day from several international cities and about 50 flights from Funchal to other cities. Funchal is located at 15 minutes distance from the airport.

Continue reading... Funchal in Levada Walks

People come to the city of Banjul to enjoy its different aspects, some are lured by its scenic beaches, while others would like to track down its historic past. The city bustles with activity as you move among shops and houses. The National Museum, Court House and the Heritage Museum are some of the main attractions at Banjul. There are several flights to Banjul from every major international airport in the world, including charter flights by Thomas Cook Airlines from different parts of Europe.

Continue reading... Banjul Albert Craft Market

The capital city of the Portuguese region of the Algarve, Faro is an ideal base for exploring the areas fabulous range of local arts and culture, with a range of creative things to do such as cooking, painting, crafts, and literature. With great weather all year round and a beautiful environment, holidays in Faro provide a wealth of inspirations.

Continue reading... faro guide art holidays

For such a small country, the Mediterranean islands of Malta have a rich and vibrant history. With North African and Arabic influences, theres been an incredible mix of rulers and occupiers over the centuries, yet all of these markson this beautiful, sunny nation create something individual with a distinct andcharming character.

Continue reading... malta guide art holidays

Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands, although it is smaller and quieter than its neighbour Mallorca. With a beautiful coastline and idyllic rural villages, Flights to Menorca are ideal for creative breaks any time of the year, with virtually guaranteed fine weather in a wonderfully inspirational setting. High quality Menorca villas give visitors the chance to experience this wonderful island at their own pace.

Continue reading... Arts holiday in Menorca

September is the month of the Mare de Deu de la Salut festival in Palma de Mallorca. This major city in Spain has a reputation of entertaining a large number of visitors during this festival. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday as well as a party destination, you should consider a place like Mallorca. You can check online to see what flights to Mallorca are available during this time.

Continue reading... Mare de Deu de la Salut festival in Mallorca

If you've booked flights to Ibiza this summer, chances are you've heard some great stories about clubs such as Pacha and Space. We don't doubt you'll find your way to the legendary We Love parties, KM5 (a Bedouin-style garden club) and all the other parties in Ibiza. But do you have any idea what to expect when it comes to food? Dining in Ibiza is more than just lining your stomach! There are so many dining choices that you can take your summer love to a different eatery every day and try all the wonderful traditional dishes together - instead of bringing a different date to the same restaurant every night.

Continue reading... Dining in Ibiza

The biggest of all the Greek islands, you could be forgiven for thinking that Crete was in fact a whole country. Steeped in ancient history and home to the infamous Minotaur, Crete retains a mythical quality that many other countries have since lost. Book flights to Crete and experience the timeless traditions of this island while you catch one of the intimate celebrations that take place over the summer and autumn months.

Continue reading... St. Minas Parade in Heraklion

From the 2nd to the 4th of August, Tunisia will celebrate the spread of digital technology with the International Internet Festival. You can't celebrate this festival from behind your computer - if you want to see the ship full of brand new computers and other pinnacles of the latest technology arrive in El Kantaoui Port (Sousse), you're going to have to look for last minute flights to Monastir. Locals and visitors are welcomed onto the ship, where they can try out the flashy equipment.

Continue reading... International Internet Festival in Tunisia

If you want to make sure you start practicing on time for the Virgin London Marathon in april 2011, book your flights to Sharm now and take part in the half marathon that will be held the 5th of November 2010. The international event called SharMarathon will start at 9.00am in Sharm-El-Sheikh, and the route will lead runners and joggers through Ras Mohamed National Park. The 21.1 km long track passes by Hidden Bay, the salt lake and back to the coast by Yolanda Bay and features sand dunes, rough mountains and mangroves. Even if you're not in shape yet, you don't want to miss out on this stunning setting for a marathon route. If your family is not impressed with your time, just tell them you were distracted by the view.

Continue reading... The Charm of Sharm in November

When it comes to putting on a show, the Spanish can always be counted on. To say otherwise is to understate the fact that they like all forms of entertainment. You can expect an extraordinary performance with an oriental flavour when Mallorca celebrates the Chinese Lantern festival. With so many festivals happening in the month of August, this traditional Chinese festival, also known as La Fiesta de les Llanternes, is one spectacular and unique celebration that every family and the Chinese communities in Mallorca look forward to. This colourful festival has also been a source of attraction to thousands of tourists on holiday in Mallorca. You can still be a part of this festival which takes place on the 24th of August, if you start the booking of your flights to Mallorca now.

Continue reading... Chinese Lantern Festival in Mallorca

While most travellers book their flights to Preveza because of the beautiful sun drenched beaches, this destination hosts some unique and lively festivals during the summer months, including the Sardine and Choral festival. The most greatly anticipated of these events is the Nikopolia Festival, which takes place from late June to early September. Covering all art forms, the festival has been running for over 45 years, and is a cherished favourite of the locals.

Continue reading... The Nikopolia Festival in Preveza

If you want to experience an amazing time in Rhodes, you should visit the island during the summer. Aside from the fantastic sunshine, excellent beaches and historic attractions, there are numerous events and festivals lined up during this season. All of these festivals and many more attractions make Rhodes a popular destination for holidaymakers. In the summer, you are guaranteed to find many cheap deals on flights to Rhodes.

Continue reading... A much-loved summer festival in Rhodes

Palma has many cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, festivals and theatre productions both in summer and winter. In September, for example, Palma de Mallorca will host the Mare de Deu de la Salut fiesta. This means that processions and floral offerings will take over the city. There will be music and theatre entertainment, as well as a solemn mass in honour of the Virgin Mary at the church of Sant Miguel.

Continue reading... Palma for Party animals

The island of Menorca hosts several celebrations and festivals during the summer and, unusually, many include horses as part of the programme.

Continue reading... Horses and Events in Menorca

In Santa Cruz every Sunday morning there's a flea market at Mercado de Nuestra Senora de Africa, Calle San Sebastian. Some of Tenerife's other main markets are located in the Costa Adeje, the Los Cristianos area and in Santa Cruz, including a notable open-air flea market along the Avenida Jose Manuel Guimera, which takes place every Sunday morning. You can find inexpensive items to bring back home plus lots of local produce and handicrafts. Some of the items to look for are hand-crafted lace tablecloths, pottery and ceramics, and local wines.

Continue reading... A Taste of Tenerife

If you have booked flights to Sanford in June to experience the launch of the Harry Potter theme park, there are lots of other things in the area that you don't want to miss out on.

Continue reading... Sightseeing in Sanford

Tenerife is the largest island of the Canary Islands. It is reported to be a favourite wedding location and honeymoon destination. The island's climate is fantastic albeit somewhat predictable, as there is no large difference in the temperature between the summer and the winter (around 25-30 C/ 77-86 F). You're guaranteed to find a good number of flights to Tenerife any time of the year.

Continue reading... Discover the Secret Bliss of Tenerife

The Festival of San Juan on June 24th is a major event in the Spanish calendar as it is associated with the coming of summer. The Spanish never need an excuse for a party and the day is celebrated in both urban and rural areas with bonfires and festivities. These fires are particularly popular in the Catalonian and Valencian communities, and in some areas the date is also celebrated as Catalan nation day.

Continue reading... The Festival of San Juan

Situated at the point where the river Tagus flows into the Atlantic Ocean, it is hardly surprising that Lisbon has always had a special relationship with the sea. This sentiment is celebrated in the Oceans Festival, which takes place in the city from 31st July to 14th August.

Continue reading... Ocean Festival Lisbon

In the south, the tiny village of Fiskardo is a wonderful place to stay, with its Venetian lighthouse welcoming ships and boats in its pretty port. Fiskardo was founded by a French crusader back in the 11th century. The Venetian theme is carried through the houses on the waterfront here as they have lots of Venetian architectural touches. The town centre is pedestrianised and there is a maze of alleys to investigate, with local shops and stores to explore.

Continue reading... The Caves of Kefalonia

The town of Pollensa in the north of Mallorca has a dual personality. Inland lies the old town of Pollensa itself with its fine architecture, pretty market square and a choice of luxury hotels. More recent development has created the area of Puerto Pollensa, a yacht marina flanked by a sweeping sandy beach on one side and shady promenade walk on the other.

Continue reading... Two Festivals in Pollensa on Mallorca

As it is situated on the Atlantic, the Algarve region has a bounty of fresh fish on its doorstep. Portugal on a whole is among Europe's highest fish consuming nations. Cod is a hugely popular fish and it is reputed that the Portuguese have 365 different ways to prepare it - one dish for each day of the year! Also popular are grilled sardines, octopus, squid, crabs, shrimp, sea bass, lobster, and shellfish. Expect to see the fish and shellfish here prepared in a multitude of ways. Additional dishes to try are the rich bean stews and presunto, which is a wafer thin smoked ham and bread served with pate and olives. Speaking of bread, you may want to sample the acorda which is a thick bread-based casserole made with garlic, coriander and seafood. Potatoes and rice dishes are also mainstays of the menus here.

Continue reading... The Fantastic Food of Faro

Menorca has tons of great sandy beaches. Punta Prima is a beach resort area in the east of the island and it has many restaurants, bars and mini-supermarkets near the sand. Es Grau has beautiful flora all around it and is quiet and serene. Because it's a grand holiday destination, flythomascook offers flights to Menorca from twelve airports througout the UK.

Continue reading... Menorca

Hurghada is divided into three parts. The downtown (El Dahar or simply Dahar) is the old quarter of the city; Sekalla is the modern section; El Korra Road is the newest, most contemporary part.

Continue reading... Happy in Hurghada

For shopping, visit the Workers' Market (Mercado dos Lavradores), an open market that is alive with activity, noise, color and the hustle and bustle of the locals. Here you can buy any Madeira's specialties such as fresh fish, vegetables, spices, exotic flowers and local handicrafts. The building is in the late 1930s art deco style and designed by Portuguese architect Edmundo Tavares. Local handicrafts in the region include hand made embroidery and lace items, ceramics, tiles, and wicker objects. Locally made honey is a perfect souvenir.

Continue reading... Feel Free in Funchal

Gran Canaria is great for picking up bargains both in the resort areas many shops as well as more traditional markets.

Continue reading... Wildlife and Wild Nights in Gran Canaria

Bulgarian cuisine is not known for its international appeal. But if you understand what the strengths are in terms of food choices, you can eat well while visiting here. Bulgarian food shares characteristics with other Balkan cuisines. Due to the climate and diverse geography, Bulgaria has excellent growth conditions for many vegetables, herbs and fruits. So vegetable dishes are often a good bet when eating in restaurants here. The tomatoes, aubergines and other assorted vegetable dishes are staple here. Meat eaters will see lamb and rabbit on the menus. Bulgarian cuisine also offers variety of hot and cold soups. There are many different Bulgarian pastries to try such as banitsa. You will often see rich salads offered at most meals, which are almost a meal unto themselves.

Continue reading... Bulgarian Bites

Is there anywhere more enchanting, more atmospheric or, for that matter, better value for a holiday than a Greek island? In particular a holiday on one of the beautiful Ionian Islands, scattered the western edge of the Greek mainland makes for an magical getaway.

Continue reading... Ionian Islands

From June 4th to 14th the historic Portuguese city of Santarem will hold the National Agricultural Fair. If the name puts you off, it is important to remember that the festival is a million miles away from the farmers markets you may have seen back home. The Portuguese never do things by halves, and the festival is a celebration of every aspect of their traditional rural culture. The event takes place two kilometres west of the city centre and is one of the largest agricultural fairs in Europe. Attractions include horse riding competitions, cattle herding and a nocturnal bull run. Dancing is also an important part of any celebration in Portugal and you can expect to see an array of local dances, including the fandango.

Continue reading... National Agricultural Fair in Santarem

One of the unfortunate tourists that got stuck on Tenerife due to the volcanic ash cloud were Gary Lineker, his wife Danielle and their five children. After spending Christmas and New Year's even in Barbados, they were polishing up their tans in the Canary Islands right before the ash cloud halted all flights in Europe. Though the journey back to London must have been extremely stressful, the tan the Welsh lingerie model acquired during their prolonged stay seems well worth it. For those who want a holiday tan like Danielle's, flights to Tenerife have resumed.

Continue reading... Where Danielle Got Her Tan

The link between the island of Menorca and Britain was once very strong. In fact, the British ruled the island for almost 100 years during the sixteenth century. Strategic naval aspirations were the reason for the initial takeover during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1708. To cater for the strong British Naval fleet the capital of the island was moved from Ciutadella to its current location in Port Mahon. When the British handed control of the island back to the Spanish in 1802, it was on the understanding that the naval fleets of both countries would continue to jointly use the deep harbours of Mahon. It was under this agreement that the British Navy sent Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood out to Menorca to command the fleet. Collinwood has already made a name for himself, being second in command to Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalger and being instrumental in securing victory following Nelson's death during the battle.

Continue reading... Admiral Collingwood Celebrated on Menorca

The humble almond is a stranger to British shores but across the Mediterranean, it is grown widely especially in locations with warm, dry weather for most of the year. This includes many parts of Greece, Cyprus and the Balearic Islands. In the Canaries, Christmas is a time when the shelves of supermarkets become stocked with all kinds of almond-based delicacies including the traditional Turron, a type of nougat.

Continue reading... Almond Walks on Mallorca

If you love holidays in the French Riveria, you might want to try going a bit closer to the Italian border and visit the town of Ventimiglia to see the famous Friday market. The town's weekly market attracts thousands of people from both France and Italy and provides a spectacle of vendors selling everything including fruit, flowers and fish. But would you still go there if you knew it was also reputed to be the biggest black market in Europe?

Continue reading... The Friday Market in Ventimiglia

The tourist authorities of the island of Madeira have recently published a listing of some of their most significant cultural events for 2010.

Continue reading... Madeira Publicises 2010 Events

The rest of Europe may be settling back for a quiet few weeks to help get over the Christmas excesses but the Algarve region of Portugal is still busy at this time of year. The southern coast of Portugal is a long strip of beaches, holidays resorts and golf courses that attract visitors all year round and especially during January and February when its mild weather can provide a welcome break from the harsher winter days of the UK.

Continue reading... January Algarve Events

During the Summer months, many of our passengers on flights to Ibiza travel to the island to enjoy the thriving nightlife as much as the sun and beaches. The six months or more between the time when most of the clubs close in October through to their reopening in May and June may seem a lifetime, but many will already be planning their trips at this time of year to get the best deals.

Continue reading... Ibiza Summer 2010

Gran Canaria's 11th International Film Festival is held between the 12th and 20th March 2010. The event which has graced the island since the year 2000 claims not to be seeking to duplicate its more famous counterparts in places like Cannes. The organisers are aiming a whole different segment of the cinema market and are looking to support the creative sector of the independent film industry. Don't expect to find any of the mainstream films that grace the cinemas up and down the country every week, the productions on show at this festival will be more leftfield, more unusual, more boundary-breaking than normal. They even describe some of the entries as bizarre and marginal.

Continue reading... Gran Canaria Film festival

There may have been a big freeze across northern Europe at the beginning of January but the attractions for tourists soaking up the sun in Gran Canaria were added to on 8th January when the Canary Islands Music Festival started in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Continue reading... Canary Islands Music Festival Schedule

If you travel to the island of Menorca during January for a quiet winter sun break and you may stumble across an unexpected national celebration.

Continue reading... Celebrate National Day On Menorca

Rapidly turning into Turkey's hottest new kid on the block in terms of tourism, Belek is a region on the coast of southern Turkey which includes the town of Belek itself, the city of Antalya and the stunning Aspendos amphitheatre. Here the coastline is scattered with "blue flag" quality beaches, newly developed tourist centres and a variety of historic and cultural attractions.

Continue reading... Glorious Golf in Belek

Visitors to the island of Fuerteventura may be interested in going along to a new monthly market that aims to promote the produce of local farmers. Alongside tourism, Fuerteventura's next commercial strength is its agriculture, with farmers using the island's clement weather to grow everything from wheat crops, to tomatoes, onions, garlic and even bananas. Much of this activity takes place away from the main tourist areas and unless people make a specific effort, this side of the island can easily be missed.

Continue reading... Fuerteventura's Biosphere Market

Ibiza is one of those holiday islands that enjoys a bit of a break from September onwards. The busy summer crowds have subsided and the vast sandy beaches are more easily admired. The tourists who take their holidays in September, having waited until the school-age children have returned home, have been able to enjoy a more peaceful time on the island. Once October arrives everything eases back to a slower pace, the international nightclubs that Ibiza is famous for have had their end of season parties and the islands is given back to the locals for a few months.

Continue reading... Christmas on Ibiza

The Turkish travel industry has been enjoying some golden times recently, times, which in the light of lower tourist numbers in many other established regions, are even more impressive.

Continue reading... Brits Boost Turkish Tourism Figures

There are all kinds of festive events on the calendar for Malta in the run up to Christmas.

Continue reading... Christmas Events on Malta

As a holiday island that relies on tourism for much of its commercial activity, the authorities in Mallorca have a responsibility to their business community to provide a continuing stream of events and attractions that help bring visitors to the island all year round. Mallorca has slowly developed a tried and tested seasonal shift that sees the springtime favouring the activities of cyclists and athletes, who come to the island for warm weather training. Then the long summer panders to the millions of sun and beach lovers who enjoy the island's many perfect resorts. Autumn sees a switch to sailing and also culture that brings art and music festivals to the island. At the end of the year Christmas provides a perfect bridge to the golfing season that takes over in the New Year.

Continue reading... Mallorca's Seasonal Shift

The normally quiet town of Inca, lying 17 miles north east of Palma on the island of Mallorca, suddenly became the centre of attention during November. The Autumn fairs of Inca are traditional events that go back many years and attract huge crowds over the 4 weekends which started on 24th October.

Continue reading... Dijous Bo on Mallorca

When promoters were looking for the perfect place to host a Christmas Fair in Palma de Mallorca, the unique Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) was always going to be a frontrunner. This unique open air museum, village and shopping centre was an obvious choice for somewhere that could be transformed at Christmas into something very special.

Continue reading... Special Authentic Christmas in Palma Mallorca

December is now upon us and Christmas celebrations are starting to begin in earnest with many countries seeing traditional Christmas fairs and markets springing up in their towns and villages.

Continue reading... Christmas Fairs and Markets

November and December are the perfect months to explore the lesser known areas of Mallorca. Hire a car, hop onto a bus or use Mallorca's rejuvenated rail network to travel to some of the islands traditional towns and villages. Many visitors to Mallorca stay in the beach resorts either side of the capital Palma, the coastal areas in the north around Alcudia and Pollenca or the beach resorts on the east coast like Cala Millor or Porto Christo.

Continue reading... Exploring Mallorca

The town of Sa Pobla is one of the larger towns in Northern Mallorca, but being situated around 20 miles to the north of Palma and set inland it doesn't receive much attention from tourists visiting the island. This is a town populated largely by native Mallorcans, without the abundance of holiday homes that are a feature of some of the more picturesque parts of the island. The main industry around Sa Pobla is agriculture and the flat countryside around the town is a patchwork of well cultivated fields growing all kinds of produce.

Continue reading... Sa Pobla Autumn Fair

During the summer months the resort of Alcudia on the northern coast of Mallorca transforms into a buzzing beach location, fringed with a huge selection of luxury hotels, bars, restaurants, cafes and one of the best sandy beaches on the island. Once the peak months of the summer are gone, everything starts to move at a slightly slower pace, although the resort doesn't quite return to the peaceful, quiet rural zone it once was before tourism discovered it.

Continue reading... Alcudia Fair in October

Restaurants in Banjul offer international style menus. You can also try local dishes such as domodah (a peanut stew served with either meat or fish) and benachin (a spicy risotto). For a simple Gambian meal of rice and sauce, you can visit the market stalls. For a quick snack, street vendors sell fruit, nuts and homemade fritters.

Continue reading... Musical Magic in Banjul

Continue reading... Banjul- The Gambia Part 1

Sunny, picturesque Malta has been invaded by the Romans, Turks, Knights, and then the British. Now it's time for you to enjoy this sun drenched island country in the Mediterranean and the culture, food and hospitality of this very special slice of paradise.

Continue reading... Escape To Malta

Deciding on a new destination for your next holiday is both exciting and difficult. The prospect of discovering new and wonderful places is set against the worry of potentially being disappointed with your choice of location. Travel brochures have pages of tempting pictures of beautiful scenery and attractive descriptions and the resorts themselves use all kinds of marketing strategies to attract as many visitors as possible. As part of this promotion you may have heard some resorts describe their beaches as "blue flag", but what does that actually mean?

Continue reading... Blue Flag Beaches

Sharm el Sheikh's impressive coral reef and crystalline waters have deservedly garnered its reputation as one of the best scuba diving locations on earth.

Continue reading... Sharm el Sheikh Part 1

The unspoilt coastline of the Greek island of Zakynthos, Zante for short, is a haven for endangered sea life and for those in need of spectacular beaches amongst breathtaking surroundings. Famed for its postcard-perfect Smugglers Cove and the loggerhead turtles that annually nest here, Zante is a memorable getaway for families, couples, nature lovers and anyone who appreciates great beaches and beautiful vistas.

Continue reading... Zante Part 1

Sensational Santorini,located in the southern Aegean Cyclades, is a tranquil island set on dramatic cliffs and amongst amazing seascapes. With panoramic views of sweeping lagoons and breathtaking sunsets, this a romantic holiday destination. Santorini has a well deserved reputation for it's natural geological wonders and the beautiful skafta (cave houses built into the rock) that will not disappoint the discriminating traveller in search of a truly unforgettable, sun soaked getaway.

Continue reading... Santorini Part 1

Set aside your bias about Corfu strictly being a mass market package holiday destination because in reality, this beloved Greek island has many beautiful beaches and cultural attractions for all kinds of holidaymakers in search a of a memorable getaway.

Continue reading... Corfu Part 1

Talking about the nightclubs on the island first. One of the most famous is perhaps Pacha, which is a large venue and the only club that is open all year round, with others not opening until late May. The claim of being the largest club is now owned by Privilege which has an unusual history. The club started life as a local swimming pool which became popular after a bar was added and it started playing music under the name Club Rafael. Name changes, storms, closures and new investment has brought the club to where it is today, the biggest nightclub in the world.

Continue reading... Discover Ibiza

An intoxicating coastline of white sandy beaches plus top restaurants and clubs, Palma is a mecca for the traveller who appreciates the very best of everything. The capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma is upmarket, eternally chic, and perfectly suited for walking as it's compact and navigable for pedestrians.

Continue reading... Palma de Mallorca - Balearics - Part 1

There's a beach on the island of Zante that has been voted one of the most popular beaches in Europe and was given the title of best beach in Europe for tots and toddlers by The Times in 2005. But you won't find any water parks, amusement parks or stalls selling buckets and spades here.

Continue reading... Gerakas Beach in Zante

The town of Bodrum in Turkey is well known as a gateway to various coastal holidays resorts that lie within reach of the town. But Bodrum itself is a fascinating town and is well worth a visit, if only for a few days, to see the sights and sounds of real Turkey. Tourism is becoming ever more important for Bodrum but the economic roots of the town lie in fishing, boat building and farming and many historical elements of those trades can still be found.

Continue reading... Bodrum Nights

Recording the highlights of a great holiday is something most people look to do but with the rush to pack everything before heading to the airport, the camera is something that tends to be left until the last minute. However once in the airport terminal with the bright lights of the duty-free lounge shining and the holiday spirit kicking in, the temptation of the electronics store is too much for some. But buying a new camera at the airport is probably not the ideal thing to do. Perhaps you can pick up a best buy magazine from the airport newsagent before you buy but you won't have much time to read the reviews in depth. Also the choice of models offered may be restricted.

Continue reading... Selecting a new Camera for your Holiday