The Greek Isles
Honeymooners looking for a dash of ancient history and a gorgeous, romantic setting opt for the Greek Isles. With over 1,000 islands to choose from, you will have plenty of options for romance. Santorini is a favorite for couples because of its pretty cliffside architecture and grand vistas. Adventurous couples might prefer hiking the jungles of Crete. For a more secluded honeymoon, try island of Amorgos, which tends to be less populated by tourists than many of the other islands in Greece.

Paris
For many couples, visiting Paris is a lifelong dream, and your honeymoon is the perfect time to visit. Visiting romantic sights, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, with the one you love will create memories that last a lifetime. The city also offers some of the world’s best romantic restaurants and hotels, so you and your new spouse can live out your romantic Parisian dreams. Don’t limit yourself to only in-city offerings, though. Take time to get out of town and explore the opulence of Versailles or go explore your playful side at Disneyland Paris.

The San Juan Islands
Located in the stunning Pacific Northwest of the U.S., the San Juan islands offer romance and adventure. Accommodations range from luxurious resorts on towering cliffs overlooking the sea to cozy bed and breakfast inns. Honeymooning couples can book sailing trips out among the islands, go kayaking among pods of orca whales, bike or motorbike around the islands, and count shooting stars in a clear night sky. Local restaurants focus on fresh seafood from the surrounding waters, and there are plenty of quaint shops to explore in the smaller island towns.

The South Pacific
The South Pacific islands are a luxurious and ultra-romantic destination for honeymooners. Fiji and Tahiti are two popular honeymoon destinations, and both offer plenty of private beaches, waterside villas, and romantic floating restaurants for couples to enjoy. For the ultimate romantic honeymoon experience, book a small private island and have the beach all to yourselves.

New Zealand
A honeymoon in New Zealand is a unique option for couples that want stunning scenery, quaint towns, and exotic adventure all rolled into one. Many couples use their honeymoon time in New Zealand to try new things together, such as skydiving, snorkeling, horseback riding, or scuba diving. Other romantic ideas for couples honeymooning in New Zealand include taking a private helicopter ride to a secluded mountaintop meadow for a romantic picnic, visiting wineries, swimming with dolphins, and hiking in a wildlife refuge or national park.

Paris is world-renowned for its fine wine so Le Musee du Vin is a great place to learn more about everyone’s favourite tipple. Showcasing the techniques involved in French winemaking, the museum opened in 1984 and is also home to a restaurant and tasting room. The museum – housed in the former cellars of the Passy Abbey – is both interesting and educational and timing your visit when the restaurant is open is a good tip. Every visitor receives a glass of wine with their entry ticket, as well as the chance to take part in a wine tasting class.

A little known fact about Paris is that the UNESCO World Headquarters are located in the city nearby the Eiffel Tower and several cheap hotels. Tourists looking for a guided tour of the headquarters will need to make arrangements in advance but UNESCO’S Garden of Peace is available to visit at any time. This Japanese-style garden can be viewed in its entirety by standing on a platform in the upper garden but the “Nagasaki Angel” is what makes the garden really special.

Plucked from the bombed ruins of Nagasaki in 1945 after decorating the face of the Urakami Church in the city, this stone angel was presented as a gift to UNESCO in 1976 and placed in the Garden of Peace. It was the only thing left of the church after the atomic bomb was dropped and is seen as a sign of hope.

image from flickr

There are numerous chapels and churches in Paris, but the Chapelle Expiatoire (in the 8th arrondissement) is often overlooked by many tourists. The chapel was a burial site for beheaded members of the French royal family, which were exhumed in 1815. The remains were identified and moved to the French mausoleum at Saint-Denis but the chapel is still a reminder of the former inhabitants of the plots and is an interesting place to visit. The remains of 3,000 people who died during the French Revolution are entombed there today.

image from flickr

With so many unique and wonderful places to visit in Paris it’s hard to get around to seeing them all. Instead of the usual tourist traps why not think outside the box a little and discover some of the amazing hidden gems that the French capital has to offer.

Important things to consider are the age of your group, the degree of formality you’re after and the length of time you want to spend at sea. There are many types of cruise holiday, from weekend “samplers” in local waters, to 7 and 10-day tours of the Mediterranean, to transatlantic voyages lasting several weeks; all are covered in the P&O cruises 2012 brochure.

The atmosphere on board is very important. Some cruise lines, such as Cunard, offer a very traditional holiday, while others, such as NCL, have a far more laid-back approach. Certain cruise lines, such as Fred Olsen, have limited family facilities and appeal predominantly to the older age group, while others, like Disney and Royal Caribbean International, are family-friendly through-and-through.

P&O cruises offer the perfect balance between family-focussed fun and tradition. While Adonia, Arcadia and Artemis are adult-only ships, the rest of the fleet offers excellent facilities for younger passengers, with kids clubs, babysitting and teen activities, as well as a full range of sports facilities and live entertainment which the whole family can enjoy. With childcare facilities well into the early hours, parents can enjoy much needed “me time”, secure in the knowledge their younger offspring are being well looked after.

Friendly, affordable and British to the core – just three reasons passengers prefer P&O cruises and this year will mark a really special date; the 175th anniversary of the P & O line. On July 3rd, all seven ships of the fleet will be sailing from Southampton together for the first time, bound for Greece, Iceland, Tunisia, the Netherlands and many other fabulous destinations.

Here are some of the best tropical destinations that can be visited in the comfort and luxuries of a cruise ship for that all important fun in the sun:

Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands offer plenty of great cruises with island hopping routes from Honolulu to a selection of other stunningly beautiful destinations. Famed for their warm hospitality and welcome the Hawaiian people will ensure your trip is a truly memorable one. Here you can unwind and soak up the sun whilst enjoying all those luxurious extras on the cruise ship.

The Caribbean
This is possibly one of the most popular cruise ship destinations. The combination of sun, stunning scenery, diverse cultures and locations and some of the most iconic ruins will make your tropical getaway the most thrilling, sun baked experience.

The South Pacific
Head to Tahiti and the breathtakingly beautiful French Polynesian islands for a spectacular winter get-away. On this cruise you can enjoys miles of sandy beaches, balmy sunshine filled days and tropical evenings; perfect for relaxing and enjoying the stunning views.
This cruise destination can often be quieter than the Caribbean or Hawaii making it a paradise to those who discover this sunny place. With no crowds you can simply relax and enjoy this beautiful location.

The Canary Islands
With cruises from Southampton in 2012, this sunny haven is a popular choice. The islands are located close to the coast of North Africa where you can be sure of sunshine 365 days of the year. Every island has something new to offer and great sightseeing opportunities.
If you want to escape the winter gloom opt for cruise deals and escape to the sun.

If you’re going to a country outside of Britain, you’ll need to change your money to its respective currency. To find the best deal, it’s a good idea to shop around. What’s more, change your money quickly so as not to leave it too late; exposing yourself to last-minute ‘bureau de changes’ could prove to be an expensive decision.

Sensible choice of clothing is, of course, essential for a family holiday! It’s a good move to check out the weather at your destination before you go, in order to work out which clothes to take. Do you need to wrap up warm, or is it more of a getaway in the sun? The former will require more clothes and, potentially, more luggage space.

It’s also a good idea to prepare yourself in case there are many medical emergencies during your trip. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) acts as insurance should you fall ill in Europe, while some basic medicine from home can also be brought along should anything go awry.

If you’re heading to a sunny destination, make sure you bring the right sun tan lotion for everyone in your party. Sometimes the sun can be deceptive, and you could be burned without realising. This is common on ski holidays, where the cold weather takes your mind off the fact that you are at such high altitudes, and therefore closer to the sun. Family holiday parks or campsites will often have swimming pools or play areas and it’s important to make sure the kids (and you!) have the right level of protection.

If you’re taking young children with you on holiday, consider bringing toys and games for them to play. Sometimes children can be hard work, especially when you take them to a new place, so it helps to keep them distracted while you sort out more pressing matters such as checking into a camp site. It’s also useful to bring comforting items for children, perhaps a blanket, to help settle any unease a child may have.
Going on holiday can be a stressful experience, but you need not feel resigned to this possibility. By planning ahead and meeting any problems before they come up, you can keep stress levels to a minimum and get on with the important task of simply enjoying your holiday!

The city-state has a world class high-rise business centre where conferences and expos meet from all over the world. Even though Singapore is a crowded city, it has more than 400 public parks, museums, historical buildings, casinos, fabulous shopping malls, beaches and a rainforest.

The historical museums give a broad overview of the long history of the country. The Tang Dynasty City is living history where visitors can walk through the past. It has temples, geisha houses, restaurants, shops and much more.

The Singapore Zoo with its Night Safari is a huge favourite with children. They can see African, South American and Asian habitats at night that are full of the native wild animals, and it seems like there are no barriers between the visitors and the animals.

The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve on Bukit Timah Hill is primary rainforest, not impacted by man. Another natural wonder is the flock of one thousand flamingos in Jurong BirdPark. Singapore has taken care to protect the few remaining places of undisturbed nature.

Shopping is a major reason tourists go to Singapore. Orchard Road has many multi-storey malls with branded signature clothing and accessories as well as hotels for every budget. There are also two casino resorts in Marina South and Sentosa where visitors can enjoy gaming, golf, sports and spas. There are parks and beaches and accommodation available for luxury travellers as well as budget bungalows and camping areas.

The Singapore Changi Airport is rated one of the top international airports in the world and is a tourist destination in itself and offers flights to Sinagapore from all arpund the globe. It is linked to Europe, Asia and the Americas as a major hub for many airlines. There are also two bridges that link Singapore with Malaysia.

The Singapore Cable Car is a very popular attraction and sails above the city skyline, Sentosa and the harbour. The cabins are especially designed for comfort and a 360 view. Visitors start the ride at mount Faber Park which is a popular tourist destination.

Singapore offers many different styles of cuisine and is a wonderful place to taste food from around the world. Thai, Chinese, Indian, French, an oyster bar and U.S. prime rib are a few of the delicacies available. Tandoori, Italian and many other ethnic food is prepared in world class style. There are cooking classes for visitors to learn how to cook some of the Chinese and Indian classics.

Singapore is a gem of a city that welcomes visitors from around the world for business, tourism, education and a happy transit experience while traveling on to another destination.

This Emerald isle hosts a plethora of activities, history, culture and entertainment way beyond the simple television images we usually see. In fact, many are surprised at how much there is to do here in this lush, green country.

If you like sports, then there is plenty on offer all around the country. Golf is well catered for with many courses, with Killen Castle amongst the famous names. You can get an Irish Golf Pass for many areas, allowing easy access to the courses.

Golf isn’t for everybody, so you could also choose from the many race courses for a fantastic full day out of fun and good company. With the New Year Tramore Festival and courses all over Ireland, you are spoilt for choice.

For some, more energetic activities are more appealing. Despite its outwardly quiet appearance, Ireland is home to a huge amount of outdoor pursuits and activities for visitors to indulge in.

One of the best ways to enjoy Ireland’s outdoors is by walking through its glorious and stunning scenery and landscapes. It is a cheap way to see the countryside and there are many ready routes, such as the Causeway Coast Way and the Antrim Hills Way, to enjoy.

Walks vary from hills and glens through coastal scapes and even through wonderful forest glades and trails. It is thrilling, exhilarating and awe inspiring, all at the same time.

Walking is just the tip of what you can do. Full blown adventure holidays are also on offer for the brave and adrenalin seeking holiday maker. Covering a range of activities, they offer something for everyone.

Go kayaking on Ireland’s great rivers and even try your hand in some of the famous events. The Liffy challenge in September is sure to get that adrenalin and competitive spirit flowing.

If it’s personal challenges you prefer, then take on the purpose built Lough Erne Canoe Trail. Over 45km of prime canoeing paradise, this route down the Shannon Waterway is a great way to spend a weekend.

The landscape of Oreland also lends itself naturally to cycling, both on and off road versions. If you are new to the country, then it is easy to take advantage of guided cycling tours on offer. Led by experienced tourers, they are a way to enjoy the landscape, learn a little and live the culture of the area fully.

Mountain biking is big here and you only have to look around the landscape to know why. Everywhere is a challenge you can rise to and there is a new experience at every turn. Travel light and stay in local guest houses with cheap rates and high hospitality for the best holidays.

But you shouldn’t forget that this is an island and it has all the trappings you could want to enjoy around its coastal waters. The sea fishing from land or boat here is absolutely world class, with ray fishing a particular pleasure.

On top of that, Ireland has a superb Atlantic facing coast. The combination of surf and wind from the sea produces some superb surfing and windsurfing opportunities that you might not immediately be aware of. So Donegal, Sligo and Mayo all hit the spot for enthusiasts.

For many, the underwater sport is almost as good. The waters have amazing visibility and there are many clubs along the coastline that can help you out, whatever your level, so it is easy to find the approved centers and have a go.

As you can see, Ireland is a country of infinite character. This small sample has only just scratched the surface of the fascinating and widespread activities you can take on. There is much more than meets the eye, so it is worth taking a closer look, beyond the usual tourist package and into the real country.

Jumeriah Beach Hotel is luxury at its finest. Located in the Jumeriah Beach area of Dubai, the structure of the building alone is astonishing. This 26 story building is uniquely shaped into a curved design using shimmering glass to replicate the shape of a breaking wave. Guests can easily lose themselves with all this resort has to offer. The picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf, private beaches, and world class service that only a five star hotel can give makes this beach resort a premier vacation destination. Jumeriah Beach Hotel is conveniently 15 miles (25 km) from Dubai International Airport.

Rooms Suites and Villas

Guestrooms include a combination of 598 rooms and suites, and 19 private beach side villas. All rooms at Jumeriah Beach Hotel offer beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf. Accommodations range from standard rooms to a Royal Ocean suite. The basic amenities of a standard rooms include satellite television, a minibar, turn down service, a bathrobe, complimentary toiletries and slippers. Amenities of the suites include the basic amenities of a standard room in addition to: A separate sitting area, complimentary transfers to and from Dubai International Airport and daily happy hour. Privacy of your very own sun terrace, complimentary wireless internet service and all day tea, coffee and soft drinks are served to guests staying in suites.

Visitors who want to splurge can rent a luxurious beach side villa. Guests have a choice between a one and two bedroom unit. Each villa comes with a private butler to take care of your every need, a secluded garden terrace and a private plunge pool. These spacious villas are in a world of its own offering intimacy and tranquility to all guest who stay.

Hotel Amenities

Jumeriah Beach Hotel has enough activities to keep the most active travelers entertained. If you’re traveling with little ones who are between the ages 2 to 11, you can send them to Sinbad’s Kids Club. Supervised activities include face painting, crafts, movies, sports and water activities. The Pavilion Sports Club is the hangout spot for teens between the ages of 12 and 17. It is here that teens get to play video games, get fit, participate in fun outdoor activities, or relax and listen to music. Admission to both clubs are complimentary to all guests. Other amenities include: Complimentary access to Wild Wadi Water park, plenty of water sports, three squash courts, six tennis courts, a gymnasium, spa and a health club.

Guests can indulge in various cuisines while visiting. Dining experiences range from casual settings to formal. Cuisine choices include authentic Lebanese food, Italian, Asian, Latin, Seafood and authentic German food. There are over 20 nightclubs and bars located throughout the resort.

Jumeriah Beach Hotel provides its guests with luxurious accommodations and world-class hospitality. Everything that you could possibly need for an enjoyably, memorable stay is right at your fingertips. Whether you’re on an intimate vacation for two, on a business trip, or spending quality time with the entire family, it offers facilities for the whole group.

It was completed around 2560 BC, and originally stood at 146.5 metres tall. The smooth outer casing of polished limestone is believed to have been dislodged by earthquakes around 600 years ago, and was used to build mosques in Cairo. This, along with a degree of natural erosion reduced the height of the structure slightly, leaving a rough sandstone exterior, and today it is the inner structure that forms the exterior of the pyramid. However, some of the original casing can still be found around the base.

The proportions of the great pyramids are in accordance with pi, a fact that has been dismissed as a mere coincidence by many historians, as this type of geometry was not discovered until much later. The advanced nature of the geometry and construction of the great pyramid have been the subject of much debate over the years, and have only added to the mystique that surrounds the structure.

In the 9^th century AD, a team of archaeologists (or thieves, depending on whose version of history you believe), led by Abdullah Al Mamun, son of the Caliph of Baghdad, broke in to the Great Pyramid by heating the stone walls, treating them with vinegar, and drilling though hundreds of feet of solid rock. However, when they entered the chambers, they were found to be empty.

Some Egyptologists believe that thieves must have broken in before this excavation and stolen everything. However, there is no visible sign of an earlier break in, or a possible route into the chambers, which suggests that the pyramid was never actually used as a tomb, and was in fact a massive diversion to prevent thieves from stealing the riches of the Pharoahs. If you want to experience the mysteries of the great pyramid for yourself, you can find cheap Egypt holidays at the Thomas Cook website.

Accommodation – The range of accommodation options in the Espace-Killy region leaves no stone unturned. From B&Bs, hotels, self catering apartments and chalets you’re really spoilt for choice. The region’s popularity will work in your favour too, as so many companies vie for your custom you’ll be able to find a good price if you look in the right place. Check out Skiline who offer skiing holidays to a variety of resorts, and who offer really good deals on Espace-Killy ski trips. If you’re travelling in a large group then a chalet is a great way to give you the kind of communal space which a hotel won’t, which is perfect for groups of friends. Smaller chalets are also available for families of four or more who wish to have the extra space and privacy, which is great if you’ve got kids around.

The Slopes – Espace-Killy comprises the two resorts of Val D’Isere and Tignes to offer 22 green runs, 61 blues, 46 blacks and a whopping 25 blacks, making it a perfect place to go if you’re got a travelling party with different skiing abilities. On top of those runs, spread over 300km of piste, there are 2 terrain parks, 2 glaciers and 90 ski lifts, cementing its position as a mega-resort. A lift pass will cost around £170 for a 5 day adult, putting it on the more expensive level to some smaller resorts, but for good reason given the wide choice of skiing and inclusion of two resorts in one pass. Skiing lessons are readily available and can be booked for either a single session, whole day or whole week of sessions depending on your ability and progress.

The Aprés-Ski – Espace Killy is as revered for its skiing as it is for its excellent après-ski, with award winning restaurants for the foodies, trendy bars and nightclubs for the younger generation and bowling alleys and cinemas to keep the kids entertained. There’s always something going on in both Val D’Isere and Tignes, and if you’re away at the right time then the New Year’s celebrations and fireworks are well worth visiting.