Why a holiday to Dubai should be on your bucket list

Looking for some inspiration whilst planning your next trip to Dubai? Or if you haven’t been there before then I’m sure this will make you realise why this must be your next destination.

Dubai is a city which never sleeps or stops growing. Over the years it has undergone a complete transformation: from a quiet desert village to the quickest growing economy in the world. Dubai is definitely not just skyscrapers and shopping, but a city which has everything including guaranteed good weather which us Brits constantly moan for.

Dubai continuously aspires to be better. If London has the London Eye, then Dubai has the Ain Dubai – the largest Ferris wheel set to open within the next year. The Ain Dubai is supposed to carry nearly twice as many passengers and be 75 metres taller than the London Eye. It is a place which shocks us every year with new attractions and places bigger and better than anywhere else.

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Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, we know there is so much to do. We’ve gathered together Dubai’s greatest highlights and along with our hotel deals and packages you can visit at a price too good to miss.

Dubai Mall

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Experience shopping like no where else in the world. Dubai is the home to a shopper’s dream but even if shopping isn’t your favourite hobby, the famous mall is more than just a retail experience. Situated in downtown Dubai, the 13 million square foot mall is the largest in the world and contains 1,200 shops and various entertainment facilities. Visit the 33,000 underwater creatures at the aquarium or skate on the Olympic-sized ice rink. There really is something for everyone including free attractions such as the dinosaur exhibit or admiring the 830m tall Burj Khalifa from below.

And once you get hungry after a busy day then you have over 150 restaurants and cafes to choose from. Or opt to dine by the dancing foundation just outside the mall where you can watch a show with water, sound and light every evening.

Dubai Mall really is another world all under one roof.

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm

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Named the best waterpark in the world with shark filled lagoons, thrilling slides and up-close animal experiences its impossible not to be impressed. Part of the Atlantis The Palm resort, the 141 acre waterpark includes numerous pools, slides, rivers and a children’s area to accommodate all ages. Fight the rapids or whiz down the water slides whilst soaking up some sun. Or if you prefer a more relaxing experience then you can snooze on the lazy river. Aside from passing the sharks and rays in the clear tubed slides, you can get close and personal with ocean life. Interact with the dolphins and sea lions where you can enjoy a swim and even a kiss and cuddle!

Our team of experts found amazing hotel deals to Dubai including tickets to Aquaventure Waterpark. Don’t miss out on these exclusive packages. (See here)

Dubai desert experience

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What is a holiday to Dubai without experiencing the original tourist attraction? The Arabian Desert offers not only a variety of amazing desert activities but also a chance to discover traditional Arab culture.  From camel rides to quad biking, sand boarding to 4×4 safari tours, the desert is packed with activities to do.

If the heat becomes too intense then it is a good idea to book a desert activity in the evening. Arrive at camp and watch the sun set whilst indulging in a variety of traditional cuisines. Entertained by belly dancers and sitting under the stars, you can even have the option to camp overnight.

The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence

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A 1.7km stretch of shops, restaurants and attractions right by the beach, what more could you want? The Walk at JBR is one of the city’s most visited spots and its no wonder why. Shopping in boutique shops and international retailers is accompanied by a beautiful beachfront setting making your shopping experience like no other. Satisfy your taste buds with range of casual and formal restaurants which caters for all budgets. From small food stalls to luxury restaurants and everything in between, eat al fresco whilst watching the street entertainers and appreciating the views.

In a city full of air-conditioning, this outdoor shopping destination may get quite heated but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Its late opening hours mean you can still shop and enjoy a cool evening stroll.

So, if you’re craving heat, beaches, entertainment and luxury living then Dubai should definitely be on your bucket list. And if money is holding you back then worry no more. We find prices so low you’ll think it’s a mistake.

Treat yourself to visit one of the most amazing places in the world at an unbelievable price you can afford. We’ve got some fantastic holiday deals from £444pp.

Find out more

Stay in Dubai, Stay Exclusive.

 

When to go to Italy and why

Home to fascinating historical art, outstanding beaches, infinite beauty and the best pizza and wine, where do you possibly start when planning your perfect holiday to Italy? With so many great aspects to consider it’s no wonder why Italy attracts so many people from all over the world when the choice of places to see and things to do are endless. Whether you plan to explore the architecture in Rome, catch a tan on a beach in Sardinia or ski in the mountains, Italy will accommodate you and your budget.

Fall in love with Italy any time of the year. Every season offers something to see and do depending on where you want to visit. The short flight duration (from the UK) means you can even enjoy Italy over a long weekend if you don’t have time for a longer holiday. It really is a place which ticks all the boxes.

And if you’re stuck for some inspiration on which season matches your ideal holiday then continue reading or look at our latest holiday deals and travels offers to Italy.

March to May (Spring)

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If you don’t fancy a trip to Italy fighting the tourist crowds in summer or feeling a chill in Winter, then what better time to go than in a shoulder season. Visit Italy in Spring and see your favourite destinations blossom just outside of peak time. It is a season which offers a pleasant, mild climate with more daylight hours making it the perfect time for you to thoroughly explore cities such as Florence and Milan. Experience museums and attractions like the Colosseum in Rome and dodge the queues which will be lengthy once summer begins. Spring is a season which sees Italy bloom with colour. The first rays of sun appear as early as March in places such as Sardinia where beaches will be quieter and the weather will be comfortable making it possible for a dip in the sea.

So if you’re looking for reasonable weather and low prices, then Spring is the ideal time for you. Beat the crowds and see the best of Italy at a price that excites you.

June to August (Summer)

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Summer is the peak of tourist season as people flood in from lots of different directions to enjoy the sun, heat and culture. Popular cities such as Venice, Rome and Florence will be particularly busy and its clear why. With the beautiful weather and buzzing vibe, Italy really does come to life during this season. Whether you are planning a city break or a relaxing beach holiday you will be guaranteed warm weather and the chance to understand and taste Italian living.

Experience the best gelato in Sicily or watch the Palio di Siena – Italy’s most famous and annual horse race which takes place in Siena in July and August. Alternatively, if you’d rather steer away from city life then there are many places to choose from for a seaside stay. Rent a boat and discover Italy’s best secret: the Golfo di Orosei in Sardinia. If you’re looking for breathtaking white sandy beaches then there’s a sun-lounger waiting for you here.

Whatever type of trip you wish to make to Italy, we will help you save on your next trip with the unbelievable holiday deals we’ve handpicked for you.

September to November (Autumn)

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When the crowds start to disappear and the trees transform to shades of red, yellow and orange, you know that summer has come to an end. But that doesn’t mean a holiday to Italy is over. If you prefer cooler weather, lower prices and breathing space from the crowds, then autumn is your ideal time to go. Because its harvest time, its also the season for food festivals or sagras where you can learn and indulge in the best of Italian food. Head to San Miniato for the white truffle fair or experience the best wine at Festa Dell’uva. Or if you just want to enjoy the energy, you can’t miss out.

Autumn explodes with colour and since the daytimes become shorter you can enjoy the cities after dark. Take a stroll after dinner where you can take your time admiring the history and art without waiting behind the crowds.

If you’re passionate for food or want to enjoy Italy at a warm but quieter time then your season is Autumn.

December to February (Winter)

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The highlight of any winter break is of course Christmas and Italy has a lot to offer during this holiday. Many cities light their monuments at night with decorations, making an evening wander enjoyable and romantic. Festive markets open which can be found across the entire country, popular with both tourists and locals. For winter sport fans, Italy has many places for skiing such as Val Gardena and Livigno which tend to be cheaper than France or Switzerland, helping you save on your winter break.

January may be the most common month to moan about, but not in Italy. Once Christmas is over there’s lots of shopping which can be done. Don’t pay full price and save your money in the January sales in Florence. You won’t be disappointed.

There really isn’t ever a bad time for a holiday to Italy but there is a time which will suit you. Our team of experts find exclusive rates and offers to Italy ensuring you save on your next break.

Find out more

Stay in Italy, Stay Exclusive.

 

Why London is the perfect city for your Easter break

Planning an adventure full of activities with the children or want to treat your loved one to an exclusive city break? The capital is the perfect Easter break away for families or friends of all ages and interests. In a city so big you will never find yourself short of the things to do as Samual Johnson once said “Once you are tired of London, you are tired of life.” Offering fine food, exciting attractions and endless sights, London is a city of full of culture with something for everyone. People come from all over the world to visit London and why? Well, what’s not to love about the city?

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London blossoms in Spring making it the best time to visit the most iconic buildings and landmarks, some thousands of years old. From Big Ben, The Shard and Kensington Palace, London has it all and many of which you can actually experience. Enjoy the views from the London Eye to see the city’s forever evolving skyline or enjoy the city from below by taking a river tour on the Thames. London will never fail to amaze you. And if you ever get a tired of the city vibe, you can always escape and explore the royal parks such as Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.

If sight-seeing and history isn’t your cup of tea, then don’t worry – London caters for everyone. It is the fashion capital with infinite shopping to satisfy all tastes and budgets. From Camden Market to Selfridges and everything in between, you won’t find diversity like this anywhere else. Or if it isn’t time for pay day just yet, then your day doesn’t have to be expensive. London is not short of attractions for you or the kids, hundreds of which are free. Spend a day with the dinosaurs at the National History Museum or immerse yourself in a world of technology and science at the Science Museum – you truly are spoilt for choice. Our team of experts are always finding travel deals offering hotel and attraction packages which are too good to let go.

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And if its date night then London has you covered. The city is so multicultural that it has something for every taste, whether that’s in street food markets or a fancy restaurant. After dinner discover why London is the capital for performing arts. The Lion King, Les Misérables and Wicked are just some of the many famously known West End musicals. Luckily for you, we’ve scoured the internet and found unbelievable hotel deals including theatre tickets, meaning you won’t miss out on some of the best theatre shows in the world. All our hotel offers are ideally located to access attractions easily and with the convenience of London’s transport system, there are many ways you can get around.

London has the one of the greatest transport networks in the world connecting the city together in the easiest way for you. So, whether it’s your first time to London or you’re a regular, you will find travel simple to follow, affordable and quick. We’ve found top London breaks including rail fares where you can save yourself up to 50% on rail and hotel packages.

Whether you’re planning a holiday or a short weekend break, we want you to see London at its best and its lowest price.

Find out more

Stay for less in London, Stay Exclusive.

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CRUISE SEASON IS COMING

Believe it or not but now is the perfect time to book your cruise. Whether you’re after a short cruise around Europe or after something more adventurous and fancy something more along the lines of a three-week Mediterranean cruise we have got you covered.

Hotel Exclusives have just started working with a few new partners that have got all your cruise dreams and necessities covered. P&O Cruises are currently offering their two-night Short Breaks Cruise. For only £249.00 per person either you can’t really say no.

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It might be short on time, but a 2-night Short Break to Bruges is long on life’s pleasures. Not only do you get to lap up the on-board experience; you also get to spend a day exploring the medieval nooks and crannies of Bruges. At every turn, you’ll be lured into sitting sipping a Trappist beer (with a side order of people watching), taking a canal ride or doing some serious chocolate shopping. A 2-night Short Break is the perfect chance to kick up your heels with friends, or to mark a special occasion with a loved one. Book today with P&O Cruises:

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Alternatively, if you fancy something a bit more adventurous Cruise Nation have got a 24 Night Cruise to America on Offer. With a three-night free Stay in San Francisco, three-night free Stay in New York, and a two-night free Stay in Boston what else could you want from a cruise?

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Cruise Nation are also offering a 16 Night Mediterranean cruise and it’s got so many hidden extra’s along with it!! With a five-night free Stay in Barcelona, an overnight stay in Cannes so you’ll be there for the Film Festival, and you also get a Grandstand ticket for Barcelona Grand Prix! It really is no surprise that so many people are looking more at cruises!

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On the other hand if you want to have a look yourself head over to our Cruise Category and browse all our cruises from all our providers:

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And if none of these tickle your fancy, then take a look at this week’s top tripspirations!

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Make your Dubai Dreams Come True

Planning a trip to Dubai? Not sure whether to stay just for the weekend or a week? Think there’s so much to see? We totally agree!

Dubai is such an amazing holiday destination you need to make sure that you leave yourself plenty of time to see everything. After all, you are on holiday so why would you want to rush around to make sure that you pack everything in when you can take your time and see it all.

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First you need to work out where to stay!

There is an innumerable choice on where to stay in Dubai, ranging from luxury suites to budget hotels, such as the iconic Atlantis The Palm, a luxurious property set on Palm Jumeirah island, offering sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf. Better still, take your pick from out attractive list of cheap holidays in Dubai.

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Next on the list is where you should eat!

Dubai is a foodie paradise! You can dine on gourmet cuisine at elite restaurants or savour local delicacies at cheap diners and shawarma joints in the old section of Bur Dubai. Sample Michelin-starred fare at Hilton Dubai Creek and Grosvenor House Hotel, or if you’re looking for a more traditional meal, hit the pavement eateries on Al Dhiyafah Road to feast on Iranian, Indian and Lebanese fare.

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Last but not least: Day Trips! Make sure you don’t miss some of these amazing places to visit!

Take a visit to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at Dubai Mall. You can get up-close with thousands of marine animals, including 300 sharks. Look forward to glass-bottomed boat rides, snorkelling in cages and getting up close to penguins, piranhas, otters, sea jellies and more.

Stand on top of the world at Burj Khalifa. It’s a destination in itself thanks to its 200-plus storeys hosting an observation deck at level 124, a cloud-scraping swimming pool on the 76th floor, all navigable by an elevator that travels at 10 metres per second. Make sure you click a picture of the 360-degree panorama once you reach the top, too!

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Also, don’t forget to make time for shopping! Whether you’re looking for something for yourself or for a gift to take home, you just can’t not go shopping in Dubai. Bursting with mega malls, designer boutiques and traditional souks, Dubai is one of the best places in the world to indulge in retail therapy. Browse the spectacular Dubai Mall and The Mall of the Emirates, where you can fill up your shopping bags with goods from local boutiques and famous brands like Harvey Nichols.

Need help finding the perfect deal to Dubai? Don’t worry call our Hotline Specialist Value Added Travel on 0808 2786211!

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Septembers Top Five Destinations

With schools going back and summer crowds a little less hectic, September is the perfect time to get away. We’ve found the best locations for a September holiday in the sun, where you can relax on palm-dotted beaches. Whether you fancy a Mediterranean holiday by the sea or escaping somewhere a little more exotic, these spectacular holiday spots are your best bet for catching September sun!

Canary Islands

These seven sister islands boast of their hot temperatures averaging 25° C in September; although their temperatures often feel a lot warmer, thanks to their Sub-Saharan climate. Prepare yourself for the sun-kissed beaches of Playa de las Americas and Los Christianos. If relaxing isn’t your think then lace up your hiking boots and take on Mount Teide in Tenerife or explore the amazing sand dunes of Maspolomas in Gran Canaria. If you’re looking to let your hair down then head over to Lanzarote and revel in the sizzling nightlife at Papagayo Beach. There’s something for everyone at one of the islands.Canary Islands.jpgbutton

Cyprus

Cyprus’ good weather starts in April, but don’t worry they still see highs of 29° C in September, making it a fantastic spot for a late summer holiday. Paphos has rocketed to the top of the list for family holidays, thanks to its spotless beaches, waterparks and fantastic attractions. Pretty Limassol has a large marina and great sandy beach with lots of fun activities, rides and cafes along the promenade.

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Greece

Idyllic Greece loves to boast about its gorgeous sunshine during September making it an ideal spot for late couple’s holidays. The whitewashed villages perched on cliffs, pretty blue domed churches and delicious cuisine are sure to woo you, especially if you enjoy them at sunset. Romantic Santorini and Myrtos are known for being picturesque retreats for stylish sun-seekers, while the magnificent white sand beaches of Mastichari and Agios Fokas in Kos, will win over beach lovers.

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Turkey

Turkey mixes together traditions form the East and West effortlessly, with sun-kissed stretches of golden sand and unmissable historic sites that are fun to explore with the whole family. The Turkish Riviera region of Antalya is famous for their fine beaches where you can snap up a bed and sunbathe beside the sea, make a splash in the waterparks or relax in a variety of stylish beach clubs and bars. For an elegant evening hop on a charming Bosphorus cruise and soak up views of the romantic city skyline – bliss.Turkey.jpg

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Las Vegas

If you want to experience the entertainment capital of the world, September is the perfect time to head to Las Vegas – especially because of their sizzling temperatures of 27 – 30° C. This fast-paced city is full with world class casinos, extravagant malls, high-end restaurants and glitzy cabaret shows – not to mention the all-inclusive hotels sweeping the famous Strip! There are enough thrills to last all week in the captivating resort, whether you want to brave the rocking rollercoaster atop the Stratosphere, or hop on a helicopter tour over the iconic Grand Canyon. Catch a Cirque du Soleil show or indulge in some of the world’s best buffets or escape the hustle and bustle and visit the nearby national park!

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And if none of these tickle your fancy, then take a look at this week’s top tripspirations!

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UK Hotels with the Best Restaurants

Looking for the perfect gusto break? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some perfect inspiration on where to go!

The Greenway Hotel & Spa, Cheltenham

Located on the outskirts of the Regency town of Cheltenham, The Greenway is a luxurious Elizabethan Manor House Hotel and Spa. The Master & Feature bedrooms are particularly stunning and some of the finest accommodation in the Cotswolds. The Greenway’s stunning oak panelled restaurant, with its grand stone feature fireplace, elegant decor and beautiful views over the sunken garden and ornate lily pond, is the perfect place to enjoy fine dining, good company and superb wines. The restaurant holds national and international awards for its cuisine and has been awarded two AA Rosettes for the quality of food and service.

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Cringletie House, Peebles

Cringletie House is a luxury boutique country house hotel, located just outside Peebles in the Scottish Borders. Previous winner of the coveted AA Hotel of the Year for Scotland, this is one of Scotland’s very finest privately-owned country hotels. Situated in Cringletie House near Peebles, the Cringletie restaurant offers a spectacular setting for lunch or dinner.  The tall windows look out over the gardens and the hills beyond.  The original fireplace is a work of art as is the hand-painted ceiling of this room. The restaurant offers lovely meals that change with the seasons; therefore, four different dinner menus each year and all dishes are prepared with local produce. As the restaurant is only 30 minutes away from Edinburgh and Edinburgh Airport, it is the perfect gourmet getaway for city dwellers as well as visitors to the Scottish Borders.

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Hintlesham Hall Hotel, Suffolk

A 21st century haven of comfort and friendly professionalism within a grade I listed Elizabethan manor house, Hintlesham Hall is to be found nestling in 175 acres of rolling Suffolk countryside. The 16th century building is distinguished by its Georgian additions, most notably the famous facade, and by earlier Stuart interior embellishments. Widely recognised as one of the loveliest in the UK and Ireland’s highest rated hotels, the Hall has 33 bedrooms and suites of varying shapes, sizes and styles, enhanced by fine fabrics, works of art and antiques.  Hintlesham Hall’s restaurant ranks independently in the top 10% in the country, offering wonderful menus and an award-winning wine list, all in a splendid setting. Smart casual attire is requested when dining in our restaurant and we discourage jeans and trainers. Many of the dishes include fresh herbs from the Hall’s famous garden and utilise local produce where possible.

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Brockencote Hall Hotel, Worcestershire

Brockencote Hall is a traditional English country house hotel nestling in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside. From the long drive that winds its way up from the road past the lake, you can see an impressive former Victorian mansion lovingly restored as an attractive country house hotel. Brockencote Hall has the choice of two dining areas: the three rosette Chaddesley Restaurant, and the le Colonial Lounge & Bar. The Chaddesley Restaurants elegant dining room, has glorious views out across the grounds, and is well known for its fine table offering traditional French cuisine, with occasional regional and seasonal specialities, complemented by an excellent wine cellar and discreet yet friendly service.

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Orestone Manor, English Riveria

Luxurious 14-bedroom family run country hotel with spectacular sea view. Awarded the certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor, this hotel constantly delivers a memorable stay, with exquisite fine dining, boutique rooms and an unbeatable location. The kitchen team serves modern European dishes and classic dishes with a twist. The finest meats and the most delicately cooked fish dishes, with many of the ingredients sourced from the wealth of fine produce found in our locality, and from our own gardens. Our restaurant team are always discreetly on hand to advise, recommend, and assist, typical of all aspects of Orestone Manor.

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Manor House Castle Combe, Bath

The Manor House Hotel and 3 AA rosette restaurant is a 5-star haven of peace and calm, spectacularly situated in the picture postcard southern Cotswold village of Castle Combe. Just a few minutes’ drive from the M4 and yet a million miles from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Drive through the gates, relax and experience true luxury. The main Bybrook Restaurant is the perfect place for fine dining, utilising organic produce sourced locally and herbs grown in the hotel’s own gardens. Stained glass windows enhance the views over the gardens and River Bybrook beyond. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star and 3 AA rosettes for its outstanding cuisine. Please note that children under the age of 12 years are not permitted into the Bybrook Restaurant.

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If you need more holiday inspiration take a lot at our top tripspiration:

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Relaxing Holiday? All you need is Fly and Flop!

If day-to-day life is a whirlwind of chaos, long hours at work and too little sleep, you’d be forgiven for wanting to do absolutely nothing when on holiday. So, if you’re on the hunt for warm, sunny climates, luxury hotels catering to your every whim, and beautiful surroundings, then let us help.

When us Britons go on holiday, it seems many leave their sense of adventure at home, with one in three holidaymakers admitting they rarely venture outside their hotel complex during their break. The desire to simply fly and flop rather than explore our surroundings is put down to Britons being too tired or too nervous to wander further than a stone’s throw from the comfort of the hotel. More than one quarter of those questioned for a poll on holiday trends said they would rather relax by the pool every day of their holiday, while nearly one in five admit to never leaving the complex. Rest emerged as the most important factor in a holiday ahead of sight-seeing, water sports and even sunshine, and a stressed out 40 per cent of workers said they use their annual holiday purely to re-charge their batteries.

We’ve relaxed as hard as anyone, and our favourite exclusive escapes are…

Portugal

Weather: Highs of 30 Degrees Celsius and 12 Hours of Sunshine

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Everyone loves Portugal. Every summer it is one of the most popular places to visit. Is it because of the beaches? The food? The Waterparks? Maybe it’s a combination of all three! So, make sure that when you go you pick a resort that contains the best of all three so you never need to leave!

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Paphos

Weather: Highs of 29 Degrees Celsius and 11 Hours of Sunshine

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Paphos is the ideal destination to fly and then flop this year. Their sandy beaches cannot be missed and so it gives you the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries. You’ll forget all about the stress of work when having a nice cool drink by the pool.

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Rhodes

Weather: Highs of 28 Degrees Celsius and 11 Hours of Sunshine

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Greece is such an upcoming destination this year and that why you should make this the perfect destination to flop. Rhodes is an amazing place to visit due to the hidden culture it bears but so many resorts also include beautiful beaches for you to relax on all day long!

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Fuerteventura

Weather: Highs of 30 Degrees Celsius and 11 Hours of Sunshine

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Spain is one of the top destinations this summer, but instead of planning on which destination you should visit in order to get the most out of your holiday why not just fly and flop instead? Fuerteventura’s holiday resorts are excellent for the all-inclusive category as meals are hardly repeated which is a common issue at hotels.

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Cancun

Weather: Highs of 30 Degrees Celsius and 11 Hours of Sunshine

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Cancun is famous for their fly and flop holidays. With most resorts being all-inclusive it’s your opportunity once a year to have a lazy few weeks and be waited on hand and foot. With food and drinks available all day long you’ll never go a moment empty handed. What’s more is that you don’t need to leave your resort if you want to head to the beach or even a water park! Get booking now!

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If you’re still looking for more bank holiday inspiration then take a look at our top tripspiration:

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Getaways Perfect for Bank Holiday Weekend

Need a bank holiday getaway? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Whenever we seem to have a bank holiday weekend in the UK the weather always turns bad. It can never be sunny when were off work and have chance to get away. But come rain or shine, we’ve got you covered so you can have an amazing weekend off!

An increasing drive for healthier lifestyles is spilling over into the way we holiday according to Euromonitor’s Global Trends Report 2016, and the microadventure is a key component of this trend. Defined by British adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys as ‘small and achievable, for normal people with real lives’, busy holidaymakers are opting to spend some of their holiday or a short break experiencing destinations in a more active way by taking part in a microadventure. From white water adventures in London’s Lea Valley to kayaking in the Loire valley, horse-riding in Andalucía to climbing Mount Vesuvius or enjoying one of Budapest’s spas, microadventures can be affordable and easily achievable. Almost one in ten (9%) people took an activity holiday in 2016 according to ABTA research, and the microadventure looks set to boost this further in 2017.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the single biggest celebration of arts and culture on the planet. Every August for three weeks the city of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe, and what’s more it’s their 70th Anniversary this year! With 50,266 performances of 3,269 shows in 294 venues in 2016 there are quite literally thousands of reasons to visit the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Every year thousands of performers take to hundreds of stages all over Edinburgh to present shows for every taste. From big names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events. So, book your escape to Edinburgh today and go and have some fun!

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Have a perfect getaway with the entire family this bank holiday weekend with our Whipsnade Zoo Family Break. Including zoo tickets for a family of four and an overnight stay at Pendley Manor with breakfast in the morning, it really is a full package. Whipsnade Zoo is the perfect day out, there’s so many animals too see and so many different activities, you’ll need to plan your day right to make sure you can fit everything in! What also makes it so appealing is that its only £125.00 for the four of you to stay over, have breakfast and visit the zoo. To do this separately it would cost at least £200, if not more! So, think of all that saving a book today!

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If a UK break isn’t really what you were after then why not book a short city break this bank holiday weekend? Jet off to Barcelona and get some last-minute sunshine. It’s the capital of Spain so you’re guaranteed sunshine and there’s just so much to do. Barcelona is known for its art and architecture. For example, the fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí are a must see when visiting the city. You also need to make sure you fit in time to go and see the Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró .

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If you’re still looking for more bank holiday inspiration then take a look at our top tripspiration:

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Say Hello to Villa Breaks

Have you seen our new Italian Villas? Located in Tuscany, they are the perfect stop for a holiday this summer. Especially with our exclusive Couples, Family and Group offers! What more do you want than a totally unique offer that can’t be found anywhere else?

Trequanda is a village in the Province of Siena in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 43 miles southeast of Florence and about 19 miles southeast of Siena. It stands on the top of a hill surrounded by woods, vineyards and olive trees. In Trequanda’s territory you can also find the typical villages of Petroio and Castelmuzio.

I bet you didn’t know that the medieval village of Trequanda is developed around a castle dating back to 1200, only the tower, two of the three original entrance doors and some pieces of the boundary walls remain.

Tuscany is famous for so many wonderful sights, from the Renaissance towns of Florence and Pienza to the Medieval masterpiece that is Siena. The wine regions of Montepulciano, Montalcino and Chianti produce some of the most exquisite wines famed all over the world, and the area is also home to some of Italy’s most esteemed olive oils and cheese.

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However, there are many more activities and attractions, close to Cignella in Tuscany, which can be enjoyed by car from the resort, or as part of a tour. Excellent amenities including restaurants, shops, spa’s and supermarkets are also nearby to ensure your stay at Cignella is enjoyable and restful.

To make sure you end up in the right place, we’ve done all the hard work for you. The best airports to fly into are Pisa or Florence, and depending on when you want to go we’ve found flights for just £150 return. You can then get the a taxi from the airport to Cignella or contact Cignella directly and they can arrange a private transfer you!Cignella Couple

Cignella Family

Cignella Group

Alternatively take a look at our other villa breaks

 

 

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If a villa break isn’t for you then take a look at our top tripspirations for more ideas:

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