Get to know the spiritual wealth of Gambia

boat trip along the Hallehein river

The Atlantic beaches of Gambia are soft, sandy and superb for sunbathing. But the country has so much more to offer than its captivating coast. On a typical day near the coast, you can both chill on a white beach, go for a boat trip along the Hallehein river and explore the rich forest with its stunning flora and fauna. All that without stress. But it's the cultural wealth and warm hearts of the natives that make Gambia a place you'll want to return to.

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Film Fanatics visit Florida

silhouette of roller coaster

For cinema lovers, Orlando is the place to be this April. As a result of its moderate climate and year-round sunshine, this area has a long film history. But now is the time to book flights to Florida, because the Florida Film Festival 2010 is promising to be an unforgettable experience.

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Mallorca February Fiesta

a view of valldermossa

If you were lucky enough to be enjoying a holiday on Mallorca during February, then you might have liked to investigate some of the many carnival events taking place across the island.

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Reasons to visit Hurghada

Beach on Red sea, Hurghada, Egypt

If you've ever wondered what the main reasons are that make thousands of winter holiday fans book flights to Hurghada in Egypt, then you've probably quickly come up with sun and sand. And you'd have been right. So what else, if anything, does this resort have to offer that makes it stand out from other winter sun destinations?

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More February Celebrations on Lanzarote

Playa de Papagayo (Parrot's beach) on Lanzarote, Canary islands, Spain

Just when you think the carnival celebrations are over on Lanzarote and the streets of Arrecife have returned to normality, then things kick off again in another resort.

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Motor Show and Music Sundays in Cyprus

Filipino Jeepney Details with Classic Vintage Accents

If you were lucky enough to be enjoying the warmer weather on Cyprus in January then various music and motoring events may have been of interest to you.

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Malta in February

Carnival Series Images depicting the mood, spirit, and festivities at the International Malta Carnival 2007 Editorial Images

If you happened to be spending a break on Malta during the second half of February then carnival tradition and sporting excellence awaited as two of the island's main annual events took place before the end of the month.

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Mallorca Has Hidden Charms

Lake Georg Blau panorama

For many people, primarily those who have never been there, Mallorca creates the impression of being a typical beach-based resort, often filled with rowdy twenty-somethings on a cheap week away, but for those who have visited the island and ventured away from the one of two resorts that seem to make the holiday headlines, Mallorca is a real jewel in the Mediterranean.

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Lanzarote Prepares To Celebrate

fireworks

Forgive us for mentioning carnival events yet again, but for our travellers to Lanzarote, here is a review of the island's carnival events which kicked off on Saturday the 13th of February. There were also some events in the period leading up to this date including a children's fiesta and a series of plays.

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Ibiza Celebrations

smoking grilled sardines

Colourful costumes, street parades, plenty of parties and of course great food and drink are the ingredients for most carnival events and things are not too different on Ibiza. For five days during February the main towns on the island seem to stop work and get down to the serious business of letting their hair down. If you can't quite imagine what goes on there, then think back to the best fancy dress party you ever went to and multiply it by a factor of ten. Everyone, whether part of an organised group in the parade or just watching from the pavements, is encouraged to dress as brightly, even as outrageously, as possible.

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Ibiza Summer 2010

Party People @ Club Amnesia , Ibiza 2006

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.

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Greek Carnival in Crete

A night shot of Retymno on Crete, Greece

We've already posted information about several of the big carnival events planned for the Canary Islands and the Balearics but Greece is another country that celebrates at this time of year.

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Funchal For February

Typical old houses on Madeira island

For an alternative winter sun getaway why not consider Funchal on the island of Madeira. The typical winter sun locations like Malta, Egypt or the Canary Islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote are all popular destinations for those seeking to spend a week or two escaping from the UK winter weather, but the island of Madeira is also a great option.

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A Far Cry From Fuerteventura

One of the most famous beaches in Fuerteventura: El Cotillo

If we are talking about the January weather in the UK too much, it's because it seems to be the only talking point around at the moment but also because it provides a stark contrast to the conditions in many of our winter sun destinations.

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Dance Music in Malta, Sharm and Cyprus

dj

Dance music fans have their favourite venues around Europe where the world's top DJs and dance music performers typically appear. These include of course Ibiza during the summer months but also, in the earlier part of the year, several other holiday resorts get their chance to promote dance music events featuring the stars.

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Canary Islands Music Festival Schedule

Young girl playing violin outdoor

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.

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Canaries Football Spotlight

Sex stereotype, girl watching while boy is ready to play

If you go to the Canary Islands for a winter break, don't be surprised to find the locals with a healthy appetite for watching football. The islands currently have several successful teams, one that competes in the top Spanish League and others that play more locally.

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Antalya Tourist Numbers Climb

Panoramic Olympos Beach. Antalya, Turkey

The Mediterranean resort of Antalya in Turkey claims to have grown its January tourist numbers by over 30 per cent in 2010 compared to the same month in 2009. This claim is based on the number of tourists arriving at Antalya airport during the month.

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Algarve's Surfing Crown

Surfer on Perfect Wave in the Barrel, Epic Tube

The southern coast of Portugal, better know as the Algarve region, is staking it's claim as one of Europe's top surfing locations. There are now numerous surf-friendly locations along the coast and a series of events for both amateurs and professionals.

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Gran Canaria Winter Solstice

zen stones

Tourists on Gran Canaria during December may have been lucky enough to witness one of the more unusual events on the island.

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International Volleyball in Tenerife

Beach volleyball field

Since beach volleyball became part of the Olympics in 1996, its popularity has boomed. In October last year, Tenerife hosted a top level mens tournament at Siam Park.

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Unusual Events in Sharm

two people dancing tango on the street

The Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh is best known as a winter sun destination and a favourite location for Scuba divers, but other, more unusual, events also find their place there.

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Tenerife Counts Tourism Figures

Playa de Las Teresitas and San Andres, Canary Island Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife is dependent on tourism for much of its commercial activity and is working hard to overcome the issues presented by the recession. Resort improvements and hotel renovations are taking place all over the island. Reduced consumer spending power has meant a drop in tourist numbers for many destinations across Europe, with some places seeing as much as a quarter of previous trade disappearing.

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St Lucia Day on Gran Canaria

Canary Islands street

As well as many tourists from Britain, the Canary Islands are also popular with Scandinavian visitors, who probably also value the region's mild winter weather as means of escape from their naturally cold climate at home. Take the Swedish for example who have a shorter working week than anywhere else in Europe and, according to a 2008 study, take an average 33 days annual leave each year, much higher than the European average of 25.2 days. The Danes and Germans are both calculated to have 30 days annual leave, while in the UK, workers have to make do with a meagre 24.7 days, ranking them only 13th in Europe. Estonia and Cyprus come bottom with only 20 days per year.

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Sports Celebrities in Lanzarote

Promenade with bicycle lanes in Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura Spain

Discovering that you're one of the top ten contenders in line for Britain's most prestigious sports award might be enough to persuade most people to venture up the motorway to Sheffield. For Jenson Button and Mark Cavendish the journey to the BBC awards night was a little longer, as earlier in the month they were both on the island of Lanzarote getting in some warm weather training.

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Sharm Flights In January

Sandy beach

Winter breaks to the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh are proving very popular this season and flythomascook.com had some very competitive prices for journeys during January 2010.

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Running on Malta and Ibiza

a young pretty girl with a scarf in a beach in a sunny beach

Add running to your next holiday. More and more people seem to be turning to the sport of running as a method of keeping fit and healthy. As far as equipment is concerned running comes a close second to swimming for not needing any expensive or specialist kit.

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October Culture in Larnaca

costa mesa april

Barely a day goes by in Larnaca without some kind of cultural, artistic or sporting event taking place, even during the quieter months of the holiday season. We have already reported on the classical music concerts being performed by the island's Symphony Orchestra and the visit by one of China's best-known international dance troupes, both were in early October.

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New Year Arts in Mallorca

View of Palma de Mallorca and mountains behind it

The sun is already shining on Mallorca and the island hasn't even got to its main event of the year yet. Just like all Spanish towns, Palma's biggest festive event took place, not on 25th December, but on 6th January.

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Celebrate National Day On Menorca

Menorca, port of Ciutadella with clear blue sky

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.

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Mallorca Beyond New Year

Crowd in silhouette enjoying a large bonfire

The island of Mallorca and its capital Palma , like many places in Spain, prepare for a traditional Christmas and New Year that centres around four main events. Christmas Eve is important with concerts and Midnight Masses held in many churches, including the famous Seu Cathedral in Palma itself. Christmas Day is a time for relaxation and spending time with family. New Years Eve sees another excuse for celebration, with parties and fireworks displays illuminating the island's skies and then finally the celebration of the Epiphany on January 6th sees children receiving gifts in much the same way as UK children do on Christmas Day.

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Boogie Boarding Lanzarote

body boarder riding a big wave

Body Boarding or Boogie Boarding is not a new sport, in fact this easier version of surfing is claimed to have been invented in California almost 40 years ago. But don't be fooled, those Californians have a habit of picking an ancient custom and skill, adding a twist and claiming it as their own. The Californian surfboard designer who carved his first body board from a chunk of polystyrene foam was in fact doing exactly what Polynesian natives had done thousands of years earlier to allow them to float and surf the waves around their islands.

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Glorious Golf in Belek

Golfcourse in ANtalya, Turkey

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.

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Funchal's Shortest Day

View over the mountains of Pico Do Arieiro, Madeira, Portugal

The 17th December, was the shortest day of the year in Funchal on the island of Madeira in 2009, dusk arrived at 4 minutes to five in the afternoon only 600 minutes after sunrise. Compare that to London whose shortest day came a day or two later and was only 470 minutes long. So a winter break on the island of Madeira will not only provide more sun and warmer temperatures, but the days will be over two hours longer too.

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Festive Weather Round Up

beach and sea

While much of Britain still experienced cold, snowy weather and temperatures in Scotland plummeted to as low as minus sixteen, we thought a round up of the weather in our key winter sun destinations would warm you up a little.

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Walk The Trail in Corfu

Paleokastritsa on Corfu island Greece

The Corfu Trail was established as a way of seeing some of the forgotten highlights of the island. The full length of the trail is over 80 miles, so would present a serious challenge even to an experienced walker, but taken in sections or with the help of a guided trip, it will take walkers to some of the prettiest villages on the island and through some of the most spectacular scenery.

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February Carnival in Crete

Harbor of Rethymnon at night

The Spanish islands of Mallorca, Menorca and the Canaries are not the only places to hold their carnivals in the early part of the year. The town of Rethymno in Crete also stages a spectacular carnival programme that runs throughout the whole of February.

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Sport 2010 on Lanzarote

Mountains of fire,Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote Island

Some of the big sporting events in Lanzarote during 2010 have been announced and are already attracting entries from competitors.

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Menorca During November

 Three Churches on the Bay

We have just read an article that questioned whether Menorca effectively "died" during November, meaning did everything shut down following the end of the summer season. The conclusion was a resounding "no", with there being plenty to interest visitors on this beautiful island during Autumn. Of course there are fewer people on Menorca once the main summer season slows down, in fact the people count may drop to as low as 30 per cent of the summer peak, but that just means more space and a more relaxing environment for everyone.

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Rowers depart Canaries on Marathon Journey

 Single rower at sunrise

The small island of La Gomera, one of the less well known of the Canaries that lies just off the west coast of Tenerife, is the start point for a rowing challenge that calls itself the 'World's Toughest Rowing Race'.

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Christmas Events on Malta

christmas market

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

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Fleet Departs Gran Canaria on Atlantic Voyage

Yacht sailing in the ocean with island and blue sky

Sunny weather and a fresh breeze treated competitors and spectators to a spectacular start of the 2009 ARC Sailing event in Gran Canaria.

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Malta Marathon Challenge

Trail runner climbing a steep rock in his path

The Challenge, or to give it its full name the Malta International Challenge Marathon, took place again in November for the 19th time. The format of this popular running event is very different to that of your typical London or New York marathons. In this race the distance to be covered was split into three more manageable pieces and tackled over consecutive days. It gave runners more chance to see different parts of this remarkable island whilst at the same time making the challenge of running a marathon slightly more accessible.

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Turkey Celebrates Successful Travel Year

Panorama of Bodrum city

We knew that Turkey was gaining in popularity as more people discovered the attractions of the Mugla area on the southern coast on the country. The coastline has a number of established holiday resorts with others developing rapidly under the close control of the local tourist authorities. The weather in this part of the Mediterranean is amongst the best in Europe as far as warm sunny days go.

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Plan your New Year Party in Sharm

the coast of sharm el sheikh in Egypt

If you are looking for a high energy New Year party followed by some peaceful relaxation in the sun away from the cold, wet weather that is currently shrouding the UK, then Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt may be just the ticket.

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Mallorca's Seasonal Shift

Cathedral La Seu in Palma de Mallorca, Spain behind the sea. On the left side the spanish kings palace Palau de l'Almundia and in the foreground a bar/restaurant with unrecognizable people drinking

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.

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Lanzarote Christmas

Nativity scene from figurine crib like an old Jerusalem village

For many the Christmas period presents the perfect opportunity to take a short break and get away for a little rest and relaxation. For some a cosy chalet in snow covered mountains is the ideal break while others yearn for some warm sunshine. Being only a short flight from the UK, Lanzarote offers the combination of convenience and value for British tourists seeking some warmer weather.

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WOMAD Festival in Gran Canaria

Panoramic view Maspalomas beach. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Spain

The Canaries version of the WOMAD Festival took place from 12th to 15th November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

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Banjul Fine Arts Festival

African mask on a white background

For the first time Banjul,in The Gambia, will host its Fine Arts Festival to run for two weeks from 4th January 2010. The organiser of the event, Yusupha Kula, claims to be taking a small, local art show and transforming into a fine art festival that will attract up to 150,000 visitors and showcase talented and emerging artists from all over the world.

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The Algarve During November and December

Souvenirs handmade

If many resorts, even winter sun destinations, seem very quite during November and December, then those looking for a little more activity may be interested in a visit to Portugal's Algarve region. Although the weather there may not quite be able to compete with the Canary Islands or the resorts of Egypt and Gambia for reliable warm sunny days, it certainly will not be as cold or as wet as the UK during those months.

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Thomas Cook Flights Assist Charity Jailbreak

Sand beach under a red volcano in Lanzarote

Flights to Lanzarote donated by Thomas Cook helped a team of three that triumphed in a charity jail break challenge during November.

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Christmas Getaway

 cap of Santa and caribbean sea

With the festive season just a few weeks away, plans for getting away for some seasonal sun may be uppermost in the minds of those who prefer to spend the period in a warmer climate.

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Christmas on The Algarve

 A well light metal christmas tree in the main town square of Oporto.

Imagine the traditional Christmas scene and snowy forests or icy lakes may spring to mind. Well the festive season on Portugal's Algarve coast is highly unlikely to feature either of those, benefitting as it does from mild, dry weather right through the months of November, December and January. Of course you may be unlucky enough to catch a stray band of rain or be subjected to one of the onshore Atlantic breezes but largely the weather will be mild and sunny.

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Disney World Marathon Week

Active family - mom with kids running on green meadow

Plan ahead now if you have Disney's World Marathon Weekend in mind for January. The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will be the stage for a 4 day running festival planned to take place between 7th and 10th January 2010. Taking alongside the running events is a health and fitness expo or exhibition. With an accent on family fun, the marathon weekend runs start on Friday with a short 5 kilometer race for all the family.

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Mallorca Festival of Music

Cathedral La Seu II

The Mallorca Festival of Music has now concluded, its two final concerts were held in October and November.

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St Peters Singers in Palma

Cathedral Le Seu, Mallorca

During October the St Peters Singers, a fifty strong chamber choir from Leeds, England performed a number of concerts during a short tour of the island of Mallorca.

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Lanzarote Sports November

surfing wave

There were two International sporting events that featured on the events calendar of the island of Lanzarote during November.

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Lanzarote Sports November

surfing wave

There were two International sporting events that featured on the events calendar of the island of Lanzarote during November.

Continue reading... Lanzarote Sports November

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Fuerteventura Kite Festival

flying the kite

Colourful skies were promised at the annual Fuerteventura Kite Festival in November this year.

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Disney World Marathon Week

Paris, September 2007, women marathon of 6,5 km around Tour Eiffel

Plan ahead now if you have Disney's World Marathon Weekend in mind for January. The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will be the stage for a 4 day running festival planned to take place between 7th and 10th January 2010. Taking alongside the running events is a health and fitness expo or exhibition. With an accent on family fun, the marathon weekend runs start on Friday with a short 5 kilometer race for all the family.

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Oktoberfest in Florida

mugs of dark strong beer on bavarian beer festival

You don't have to go to Germany to enjoy the traditional German Oktoberfest celebrations. The state of Florida is just one of many in the United States that is hosting its own versions of the traditional beer festival.

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Fun and Festivals in Florida during September

common dolphins jump and swim playfully in the pacific ocean

Anyone flying to Florida for a break during September is bound have warm weather on their mind, but there's more to a holiday there than just sun and sand.

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Florida Festivals in October

Miniature steam boat toys.

Visitors to Florida during the month of October have a choice of local festivals to try out as an alternative to lazy days on the beach.

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Algarve Historic Motoring Festival

MANTUA, ITALY - SEPT. 18: A 1959 Giulietta Spider parades at a veteran cars event Gran Premio Nuvolari in honor of famous Italian car champion Tazio Nuvolari on September 18, 2009 in Mantua, Italy.

Vintage car events seem to be ever more popular these days and the Historic Motoring Festival on the Algarve during October is one example.

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Antalya Choir Festival in November

Small part of grand choir singing at Song and dance festival opening concert in Riga, Latvia, July 2008

It claims to be the land of sun, hospitality and culture and the resort of Antalya in Turkey is aiming to increase its list of cultural attractions by establishing its own International Choir Festival this year.

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September Events in Cyprus

large festival fireworks on a black background

September is a wonderful month to spend some time in Cyprus and this year was no different. The very hot days of the high summer are gone and milder weather, together with a wide selection of cultural events, make the island a pleasant place to spend a week or two.

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Spoilt for Choice in Dalaman

mud treatment

There is so much to do and see in this area of Turkey that children, adults, couples and singles will be spoilt for choice. There are top water parks here,the ghost town of Kayakoyu, and a cruise to Cleopatra Isle. For a relaxing break visitors can indulge in the natural thermal pools at Pammukale Falls or stop in a hammam for a good hot soak. The coast itself is literally crammed with history as the Lycian Tombs are embedded in the rocks here, visible from Dalyan town and very scenic.

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Hamam in Bodrum

turkish bath

Visitors to Bodrum will be confronted with so many options to experience the history and culture of the town and the surrounding area that just lying on the beach in the sun may not seem possible given the time available. However, in order to ensure a relaxing break, visitors would be well advised to plan ahead. A visit to Bodrum Castle is recommended, for younger people a night at Bodrum's huge outdoor nightclub would be a shame to miss and for everyone, a Turkish bath, if only to be able to say that you've tried one.

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Autumn events on Madeira

trumpet player

For anyone visiting the island of Madeira during the middle of October, the town of Ribeira Brava provides the chance to experience some traditional local music and culture.

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Felanitx Festival in Mallorca

cheffs dish up spanish food

Mallorca has a fine reputation as a summer beach holiday destination however there is a lot more to this amazing island than just fine beaches and holiday resorts.

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Tenerifes Cultural and Natural Treasures

 El Teide

Another top cultural on Tenerife spot is The Museum of Nature and Man (Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre). This collection includes some of the best examples of objects from pre-Hispanic Canary Islands history.

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Crete During September

fresh box of sardines

Visitors to Crete during September will not only have the fabulous autumn weather to enjoy. A selection of cultural events continues throughout the month.

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Plymouth Banjul Rally

cars in desert

Cars of all shapes, sizes and age will depart Plymouth in England during December on a long journey to Banjul in The Gambia.

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World Oceans Day

coral reef scene - red sea

Sunday 8th June was World Oceans Day, A United Nations initiative to honour the world's oceans, celebrate the marine life and bring greater awareness of the role oceans have in daily life. Conservation and environmental issues are also part of the day and it brings a focus for groups to participate in beach cleanups, educational events, competitions and other activities based around the oceans. In Sharm el Sheikh , groups in the area were keen to participate in the initiative and work to protect the Red Sea environment that brings thousands of people to this Egyptian resort every day

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Gran Canaria Much MoreThan Paradise

Gran Canaria sunset Mountains

Reputed to have the world's best climate, Gran Canaria is a tourist destination with so much to offer, entertainment and marvellous beaches, antiquities and culture, outdoor sports and nature. More than just an island paradise, GranCanaria is an experience to savor.

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Paphos A Cultural Delight

Paphos Castle

With year round sunshine and warm temperatures, a treasure trove of ancient landmarks and cultural sites, and the backdrop of coastal Cyprus, Paphos is a dazzling and exciting place to visit.

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Tenerife Island of Eternal Spring

Teresitas beach of Tenerife Island

Tenerife is an exotic island that's known for a large ex-Pat British community delivers so much more ithan what you've come to expect. It is a scenic volcanic island, the largest of the seven Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of north west Africa. Tenerife is the most populated island of the Canary Islands and Spain and is famous as the "island of eternal spring" (Isla de la Eterna Primavera) as the average winter temperature is 22 degrees Celsius while in summer average temperatures remain about 28 C. Tenerife is sunny all year round.

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Rhodes - Part 1

More: rhodes greece
Lindos in Rhodes, Greece

Set aside your preconceptions about Rhodes and its hard partying image. Rhodes is supremely picturesque, a predominantly slow-paced sanctuary of sunshine,beaches, and ancient history with lots of natural beauty to behold. Rhodes holds a timeless appeal with visitors.

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Kefalonia - Part 1

Secluded beach - Kefalonia

Incredibly picturesque and utterly laidback, Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands in western Greece. With it's ruggedly beautiful topography, fine sand beaches, and gorgeous sunsets, Kefalonia is easily one of the most ravishing islands in the Med. Although it welcomes tourists warmly, it is conversely, one of the least touristy places in all of Greece.

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Crete - Part 2

A general view of the old harbour at Chania, Crete, famous for its Venetian architecture.

For a real Greek village experience try Vamos. The town is situated between Chania and Rethymnon, in the rolling foothills of the White Mountains. The sea is less than four miles away, with sandy beaches complete with water-sports facilities at both Kalives and Georgioupoli.

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Dalaman - Part 1

View to the Aegean Sea in Turkey

Located on the azure Aegean Sea, the Dalaman region of south west Turkey (also known as Turkey's Turquoise Coast) is a place of wonder and natural beauty that is truly unbeatable.

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Minorca - Part 1

A small cove on the island of Menorca with clear blue water

The small but perfectly formed island of Menorca is somewhat overshadowed by its flashier and more famous neighbours Ibiza and Mallorca. But this compact slice of paradise which lies off the coast of Spain in the Med is a Balearic jewel, too, and a great getaway for families, couples and singles.

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Hurghada Eygpt Part 1

Island Giftun Hurghada

Picturesque coral reefs and brilliant azure waters that are ideal for windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling have made the spectacular Hurghada, on Egypt's Red Sea Coast, a popular resort town. Within easy reach of the gorgeous Giftun Islands and the Eastern Arabian Desert, the captivating resort of Hurghada has experienced massive amounts of development in the past decade. The Hurghada area now runs 25 miles along the Red Sea. There is so much to enjoy in Hurghada that it is a perfect place for couples, singles, and families who want a wonderful break under the hot Egyptian sun.

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Sanford For Orlando

Lake Eola Orlando Florida

Sanford is the airport that escorts visitors into to Orlando, Florida, the place with the most theme parks in the United States. The sunshine in Orlando is eternal, and the amount of things to do are almost infinite. In fact, Orlando has more activities than almost anywhere else on earth. Besides the plethora of theme parks, the nearby beaches, space shuttle launches, there is the central Florida wilderness which surrounds Orlando that is a treasure trove of flora, fauna, and wildlife.

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Bourgas Part 1

Sunset over Sozopol bay, Bulgaria

For an exciting summer getaway with a difference why not try Bourgas, Bulgaria. It has the pretty sand beaches, hot climate, and varied activities that a Summer getaway requires, all at a more affordable price than the Med. With its preserved medieval villages and monasteries, it's also a cultural mecca. No wonder that Bulgaria has been named the world's best budget destination.

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Kos Part 1

Panoramic View of a Kos beach, Greece

The birthplace of ancient healer Hippocrates,Kos has everything for a healthy holiday: fresh air; sunny skies; clear seawater; and great food. Additionally, the idyllic beauty of this island paradise is perfect for relaxing holidays as well as sporty and cultural getaways. You can experience so much in Kos as the island has everything one would desire for a great beach and cultural holiday all in a splendid setting.

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Escape To Malta

St Joseph's Church, Vittoriosa, Malta

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.

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Sharm el Sheikh Part 1

Beach and Ocean in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

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.

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Zante Part 1

Smugglers Cove Zante

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.

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New Bus Route to Paphos Airport

Coral Bay Beach -Cyprus

At the beginning of July 2009 a new bus route running between Coral Bay and Paphos airport was started.

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Santorini Part 1

Santorini White Houses

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.

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Faro Part 1

Se Cathedral, faro

Most tourists simply pass through Faro airport en route to their resort destinations in other parts of the Algarve. But if you're hankering for a cultural city break with wonderful food and year-round sun, then Faro is a delightful retreat.

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Music Towers above Palma

Bellver Castle, Palma De Mallorca

The towering Bellver Castle, situated in the woods high above the city of Palma in Mallorca, is home to an annual music festival during July.

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Monastir Part 1

Panoramic View of Monastir

Exotic Monastir, Tunisia is a glistening tourist resort located on the north east coast of Tunisia. The city has a marina, stunning beach, an impressive fortress that serves as a landmark, and a traditional medina in the old town. Monastir is a blend of east meets west, beach holiday and cultural break, ancient ruins within a modern edge.

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Extra Flights to Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura beach

FlyThomasCook have announced an additional weekly flight to extend the existing offerings to three flights per week between Manchester and Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands.

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Crete Part 1

Vai Beach- Crete

Rediscover the true Crete: Beyond the noisy, crowded resorts lies the true heart of Crete which encompasses stunning regional flavours, exceptional land and sea scapes, and the hustle and bustle of traditional village life.

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Extra Flights to Lanzarote

Panoramic View of La Graciosa, North of Lanzarote

Extra flights have been added to the schedules at FlyThomasCook which bring greater flexibility for passengers travelling to the island of Lanzarote from Manchester, East Midlands and Gatwick.

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Corfu Part 1

Corfu Old Town

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.

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Lanzarote Festival in Arrecife

A View of Arrecife City

Visitors to the island of Lanzarote next weekend will have the opportunity to sample the Festival of Arrecife, a series of musical events taking place at different venues around the city on Friday and Saturday.

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Extra Flights to Lanzarote

Bird over sand beach in Lanzarote

FlyThomasCook will add a new Tuesday flight to its Manchester - Arrecife route that, together with the existing Thursday and Sunday flights, will bring more choice and additional flexibility for people flying to the island of Lanzarote. The additional flight will operate from 4th August until 27th October 2009 inclusively.

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Hot Water and Mud in Dalaman

Thermal Springs in Turkey

The traditions of communal bathing and the geological features around Dalaman go hand in hand to create two special phenomena that are proving a hit with visitors to this part of Turkey.

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Sharm an Egyptian Fashion Enigma

Submerged Pottery in Sharm

There are many things that are different about the Egyptian holiday resort of Sharm el Sheikh and traditional fashion culture is one of them. Egypt is a country steeped in history, culture and customs. The native population conforms to many religious and cultural traditions as far as dress is concerned, but those rules seem to be quietly forgotten in the cosmopolitan resorts of Sharm el Sheikh on the Red Sea. However a new campaign, being promoted by travel magazine Wanderlust, aims to make tourists more aware of local expectations in terms of what to wear and hopes it will encourage people to take more care to be respectful of local traditions when it comes to choosing appropriate clothing.

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Hot Work in Turkey for Drivers

Boats in Bodrum

Turkey provided the world of Formula 1 with a great track, warm weather and fantastic spectacle, but the teams did seem to struggle with the hot track that warmed up to over 50 degrees Celsius during the event and tested the car's tyres to the limit. The air temperature was a very nice 30 degrees and those forced to sit in uncovered stands decided to take to the shade, hence the empty spaces that appeared around the track.

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Fuerteventura - The Canary Islands - Part 2

Beach in Fuerteventura

Divers will be spoilt for choice here as Corralejo offers many diving sites for all diving levels to view vibrant fish, sea urchins and volcanic rocks.

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More than Sun in Paphos

Akamas National Park

Most people taking a holiday around the area of Paphos in Cyprus will do so because of the lovely weather. Virtually guaranteed sunshine and mild temperatures make it a great location for beach holidays almost all year round. But if relaxing and enjoying the sunshine is not quite enough for you, Paphos also has plenty of more energetic activities to keep you busy.

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Old Rock in Lindos Rhodes

Sea just off the coast of Lindos

The features that attract people to the Greek island of Rhodes include the weather, the beaches, high quality resorts and a typically warm welcome. These are all things that other locations can claim but very few have the history of Rhodes and a place like Lindos shows that side of Rhodes very well.

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New promotional video from Tenerife

Mount Teide in Tenerife

The Tenerife Tourist Board has just released a stunning new promotional video for the island that features time-lapse photography to great effect. The video, which is one of a series covering the Canaries, showcases many of the economic, traditional and natural features of the island. Initially focusing on the bustling urban areas the video moves to the countryside in the second half and illustrates the amazing natural beauty of the island.

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Gerakas Beach in Zante

turtle in the sand

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.

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Tenerife Gears up for Musical Summer

Rod Stewart in Concert

The Rod Stewart concert, on the 16th May, is expected to be the biggest of the 3 main rock and pop events to come to Tenerife over the summer and the organisers have chosen to put on the outdoor concert at the Golf Costa Adeje resort in order to cater for the demand expected. This is easily the biggest concert to come to the island since Sir Elton John played to 20,000 people there in January 2008.

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Bitez The Perfect Bay

Bitez Bay

Bitez Bay, a stone's throw from Bodrum on the Southern Turkish coast, may just be the perfect holiday bay. The weather during the long summer season is ideal, the almost perfectly circular shape of the Bay is enchanting and the lack of highrise blocks and apartments around the bay help it to retain its charm and beauty. It offers a quieter alternative to the livelier and busier Bodrum beaches of Gumbet and the main beaches closer to the town.

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The Perfect Golf Holiday

golf in the sun

Just imagine all the ingredients required for a perfect golf holiday coming together nicely.

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Canarias Live Sun Festival

guitar and stage lights

Having seen the excitement caused by the UK concert series announced by Michael Jackson recently, it's interesting to see other pop stars popular with previous generations still performing at concerts around the world. The Canary Islands have attracted various stars in the past including Elton John and Rod Stewart is the latest to announce a concert date on Tenerife as part of the Canarias Live Sun Festival in May this year. The concert will take place at the Campo de Golf, Costa Adeje in Tenerife.

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Celebrate the New Vintage in Andalucia

Wine in Andalucia

For wine regions around the world the harvesting of a new vintage is the most important period of the year and many, including the Spanish region of Andalucia, celebrate with a range of traditional festivals.

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