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Many of Egypt’s important ancient attractions are located around the Nile. And there are many last minute holiday deals that can take you there in style. As so many of the things to see are located around the Nile, it makes sense to travel up it by boat. There are an abundance of options when choosing the vessel which will take you, from rickety feluccas to opulent cruise ships. But a luxury cruise will take care of your every need. You’ll be comfortable and have an itinerary laid out for you that will include the Valley of the Kings and Queens as well as Aswan and Luxor.

The Valley of the Kings is the valley where, for almost five centuries, the tombs of the Pharaohs were constructed. Tutankhamen (or King Tut as some Americans refer to him) was buried here. The Valley of the Kings is located on the West Bank of the Nile, opposite Luxor. The valley contains over 60 tombs and has been one of the most important archaeological sites in the world since Victorian times, when the British explored it at length. While the elaborate and mysterious pyramids at Giza are what many people associate with Egyptian tombs, most tombs were actually cut into rock in the valley. The majority of the tombs in the valley not only contained the embalmed kings and noblemen of the Egyptian empire but their wives and children also, as well, sometimes, as their pets.

Nearly all of the tombs have had their contents removed by tomb robbers and expeditions that plundered many items for museums around the world. Most tombs are not open to the public, however Tutankhamen’s tomb, as it is of such great importance, is one of the few that is.

Aswan is on the east bank of the Nile. In the time of the ancient Egyptians, much of the stone used for the numerous obelisks and for the pyramids was quarried from the large stone quarries here. The ground was rich in Syenite, a prized granite rock. Aswan is also renowned for being the hottest and driest city in Egypt. It almost never rains in the city.

Luxor is on the bank of the Nile directly opposite the Valley of the Kings. It was the site of the ancient city of Thebes. There are many ancient sites here, but perhaps the most important is the Temple of Luxor. If you’ve been to Paris, you might have seen the missing obelisk from the gate of the temple from the Place de la Concorde by the entrance to the Tuilleries, with a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower.

The luxury cruise ships that make their way up and down the Nile are kitted out with all manner of extravagances. Quilted double beds and beautifully decorated interiors, sun decks and five-star service. They also offer breakfast lunch and dinner on board, so you are left without any worries at all. Most luxury cruises offer a resident Egyptologist to guide you through the tombs and temples.

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Whether you go on cruises regularly or this is your adventure of a lifetime, a luxury cruise on the Nile is a truly awe inspiring experience. If you book flights to Cairo, you’ll have the chance to visit the Pyramids and Sphinx amongst other sites before your luxury cruise begins. If this is the only time you are planning on visiting Egypt, a short Cairo trip is recommended. Many cruise companies anticipate their customers wishing to visit Cairo first, so will be able to help with travel arrangements to take you from Cairo to either Aswan or Luxor for the start of your cruise experience when you are done.

Since its heyday in Victorian times, when most of the British exploration of Egypt and its archaeological treasures was carried out, Cairo has developed a lot. It is a loud, bustling sprawl. It’s advisable to check the news and Foreign Office advice on visiting before you go, as there have been recent protests in the area. But ignoring the naysayers for a moment, the pyramids of Giza are spectacular. It’s unknown how they were actually built, but one of the most popular theories is that stones were taken from a quarry and winched up brick by brick. The pyramids are so perfect there is less than a centimetre of error in the length of any one side. The pyramids were built as tombs for the Pharaoh Khufu and his wives. After the pyramids, visit the Great Sphinx of Giza. It’s the largest statue carved from a single piece of rock in the world. And it is breathtaking. The museum in Cairo has a vast collection of Egyptian artefacts and is definitely worth a wander around while you’re there.

After the bustle of Cairo, transfer to Aswan or Luxor where you will begin the Nile Cruise. The cruise will take you to the temple at Luxor. One of the obelisks from the entrance is missing; it was gifted to Paris by the Egyptians, you will find it at the Place de la Concorde.

The cruise also visits the Valley of the Kings. The Valley of the Kings was where many kings, queens and nobility were buried, in tombs cut out of the rock. Most of the contents of the tombs have been raided over the years and you’ll see some of it in museums around the world. The site has 63 tombs, most of which are closed to the public, but the star attraction, Tutankhamen’s tomb is open to visitors. The tomb was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter and George Herbert. DNA tests have shown that Tutankhamen was the child of parents who were brother and sister. Tutankhamen himself married a half-sister but their children were stillborn. So the story of his life really is quite fascinating.

All excursions to tombs and temples are usually in small groups with an Egyptologist.

When you’re not out seeing the sights, sit back, relax and enjoy the meals and entertainment provided on board during your visit.

A wonderful way for a small group of people to enjoy a quick holiday and some important rest and relaxation is a wonderful Caribbean cruise. Caribbean cruises go to many different islands in the stunningly beautiful chain. But the cruises that are the cheapest are those that are one or two day cruises, but you can opt for much longer trips. At one time the short trips were nothing but a booze cruise where all the passengers did was take the cruise ship out into international waters and enjoy a night of drinking and dancing and then return in the wee hours of the morning.

But things have changed and the best cheap Caribbean cruises are also now very sophisticated and are the one and two day, or perhaps a week long that visit the Bahamas. Just off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas are a beautiful group of islands that are surrounded by multi-toned turquoise waters. A one or two day cruise will take you to Nassau or Paradise Island or any of the other destinations in the Bahamas.

Once you arrive in the Bahamas you can either stay aboard the ship to enjoy all the amenities the cruise ship has to offer or you can go ashore for a day long excursion. If you decide to stay aboard you can take advantage of the huge amount of food that is prepared in the restaurants or the snack areas that are around the pools. You can enjoy tasty tropical drinks or the myriad of different beers or alcohols they serve.

Your day can be filled with enjoying the pools on the ship or working out in a world class weight room, take a dance class or just curl up in a comfortable lounge chair and read a good book while soaking in the warmth of the Caribbean breezes.

A day excursion on the island may take you to one of the many beaches that can be found nearby or you may take a tour of Nassau and the marketplace that is just next to wear everyone disembarks from the cruise ship. If you visit Paradise Island you can enjoy any of their man made salt water pools or any of the Olympic sized pools that have waterslides and other activities to enjoy, whatever you decide to do, just enjoy.

There are advantages and disadvantages to every holiday accommodation. The cheap and cheerful apartments give you your own little space in a large complex, but the minute you step out of the door the noise and chaos descends on you. In a luxury hotel you may have your own suite, but the communal areas will still be busy and you will have to retire to your suite to get any privacy or peace and quiet.

When it comes to finding the disadvantages of a villa holiday it’s simple, there are none, and the amount of benefits is substantial. There are many places where you can enjoy the delights of a villa holiday, but for somewhere really special why not have a look at villas Mallorca?  This beautiful island attracts millions of visitors every year, and the volume of luxury villas is growing all the time.

The big advantage of a renting a villa in Mallorca is the consummate freedom you will enjoy. There are no rules or regulations, you can come and go as you please and you don’t have to be up ridiculously early to get your breakfast. Villas are completely self contained, so as well as freedom there is the privacy you won’t get in any other kind of holiday accommodation.

If you want a holiday where you literally get away from it all for a week or two, then a remote villa would be ideal. If you intend hiring a car to explore the island of Mallorca then a villa with private pool nestling in the countryside could be the ideal one for you. If you are going to be travelling as a family group, there are villas within walking distance of glorious beaches and shops, bars and restaurants.

It is impossible to find any reasons why anyone should not go on a villa holiday. At one time they were reserved for the well to do who were too posh to stay in a crowded Mediterranean hotel, but those days are long gone. Villas are now an affordable option for everyone and the surge in popularity in villa holidays has proved that. Large groups actually find it cheaper to rent a villa than take rooms in hotels.

If you are still undecided about your next holiday, seriously consider renting a villa on Mallorca. Your dream holiday is just a short flight away.

Opting for an all-inclusive holiday can certainly be a great way for you to plan a break.

By doing so, not only do you pay a single price for your flights and hotel but you should also find that you do not have to shell out any extra money for meals and drinks at your accommodation. You may even find that your all-inclusive holiday includes a number of excursions.

However, if you’ve grown tired of going to typical holiday destinations such as Greece, Egypt and Spain you may be interested in heading to some alternative locations that will provide you with the chance to enjoy a fantastic break!

One place you wouldn’t normally consider for all inclusive holidays is Liechtenstein – one of the smallest countries in the world at less than 60 square miles, you can be sure that you will be heading off the beaten track when spending an all-inclusive break in the nation.

Nestled between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is the only country to be entirely located within the Alps. Given its mountainous terrain, you may find it is the perfect place to head to for a winter sports break.

There are three main resorts to choose from – Triesenberg, Steg and Walbun – the latter of which is 1,600 metres above sea level and where in the colder months you can take part in skiing, snowboarding and sledding. During the summer, these resorts are ideal for sports such as biking and mountain climbing.

Liechtenstein is also unusual in the fact that it does not have an airport. If you wish to visit the country you will have either have to go through Switzerland or Austria, with the nearest large airport located in Zurich.

Despite its small size, Liechtenstein offers a wealth of cultural attractions including Gutenburg castle – which dates back to the 13th century – and the Liechtenstein National Museum, which is home to a range of permanent collections offering an insight into the country’s past and temporary exhibitions.

Meanwhile, going on safari can be a great way to spend an all-inclusive holiday and while countries such as Kenya and Tanzania are certainly great places to do this, for somewhere a little different you could head to the Gambia in west Africa.

Although it is the smallest country on the continent’s mainland you can still see some fantastic wildlife, with a trip to the Abuko Nature Reserve giving you the opportunity to spot crocodiles, hyenas and monkeys.

The Gambia is also unique in that it is one of the few African countries where English is the official language spoken, so communicating with the locals should not prove to be a problem.

It also shares the same time zone as the UK, so you should not experience any jet lag when visiting, something that could help you to make the most of your holiday.

Belarus may be another place you may wish to consider when seeking an all-inclusive break. Once part of the Soviet Union, the central European country has only been fully independent for 20 years so you may be one of the few people you know to have visited it. This could mean that a trip here gives you the chance to get away from the tried and tested holiday destinations and experience something new.

Be sure to check out the historic Nesvizh Castle, which is on the Unesco World Heritage List, and the 15th century Mirsky Castle Complex.

You can also get a flavour of the country’s communist past by checking out architecture in the capital of Minsk, where large public squares and rooftops decorated with Soviet red stars can be seen.

While Arab destinations such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai are popular among many of those seeking all-inclusive breaks one place in the region that you may not have thought about visiting before is Oman.

This can certainly be the ideal destination to head for an active adventure holiday as here you can take part in a wide range of activities such as surfing, rock climbing and diving.

But for a truly authentic Middle East experience, you may want to take part in a spot of camel racing!

However, if you’re seeking a little more luxury then you’ll be glad to know several beach-side hotel resorts are located in the country where you will be able to spend your days relaxing by the pool and topping up your tan.

And in a similar fashion to the likes of Dubai, Oman is home to both vast shopping malls and souks which specialise in traditional, handmade items.

For city breaks with a difference you may wish to consider Canada. While destinations such as Toronto and Vancouver are certainly popular with many holidaymakers visiting North America, Winnipeg could be the perfect choice for somewhere that is a bit more unusual.

And you will certainly not be disappointed if you’re looking to take in some arts with the Western Canada Aviation Museum, the Manitoba Crafts Museum and Library and the Pavilion Gallery Museum among the numerous cultural institutions you can visit.

Meanwhile, the Fire Fighters Museum of Winnipeg – which is housed in one of the oldest fire stations in Canada – pays tribute to the city’s fire service and features a range of emergency services equipment.

However, if you’re seeking something a little more contemporary visit the Graffiti Gallery, which is dedicated to the urban art form.

If you need respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can stop by the Forks National Historic Site and the Assiniboine Park and Zoo, which is more than 100 years old.

Fans of the famous Winnie the Pooh series of books may also be interested in visiting Winnipeg. Author AA Milne chose Winnie for the titular character as that was what his son Christopher had called his own toy bear in honour of a black bear with the same name he had seen at London Zoo.

Wherever you end up going, seeking an all-inclusive holiday in an alternative destination to the well-trodden tourist locations can certainly be a captivating experience.

Winner of the Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2010 and National Geographic’s pick for Best Adventure Travel Company on Earth, Exodus has a long history of providing its tour groups with adventures that are about as thrilling and unique as you can get.

From long treks that involve skis, barges, and sometimes even a dog sleigh the group takes winter holiday goers to both Poles and allows you to see penguins and walruses up close in between racing over the frozen tundra at speeds you likely did not think possible.

Those that want to get away from the ice capped scenery may want to choose some of Exodus’ great tours across the desert, which contain their own thrills such as racing over sand dunes in 4 x 4 jeeps taking breaks to visit with the local tribes and learn how people live in the land of the sun and markets.  It’s not all sun and heat however, as the desert treks include break times for swimming, exploring, and some fine native dining that you likely will never get the chance to try anywhere else.

On the other hand, if you want to exercise your muscles a bit more you can book a cycling holiday adventure with Exodus that will lead you along any path on any continent that you desire to see as the wind rushes past your face.  With every day leading to a new destination and plenty of challenges it does not get much more intense then a mountain bike trek down the steepest (or slightly steep for those who are not Lance Armstrong) hills and mountain sides of the world.

All of these choices explain why when it comes to taking the world in your hand; Exodus is the only reasonable company to choose.

Here is a video to inspire you.

Amsterdam is a varied, vibrant and often misunderstood city. The first thing that springs to mind when thinking of Amsterdam might be its infamous red light district and ‘brown cafes’, but this does the city an injustice. There is so much more to Amsterdam than these controversial features, and a stay at one of the many great Amsterdam hotels will allow you to explore all it has to offer.

One way to reach Amsterdam is to fly from London.  Once you have made the trip to Amsterdam, be prepared for another unique city experience. Amsterdam is divided into distinct areas, each with their own special features, unique attractions and differing atmospheres.

One of the most popular and lively areas is the Centraal Dam, the area around Amsterdam’s main town square, Dam Square. Surrounded by famous landmarks, this is a great place to get your bearings ready for a day of exploration.

For those who love nightlife, the Leidseplein is an area that comes to life once the sun has gone down. The square is flanked by popular bars where tourists and residents sit out at patio tables to socialise over a drink. The American Hotel is a well-regarded accommodation in this area, situated next to the picturesque canal and convenient tram stop.

The Museum Quarter, as the name suggests, is the cultural hub of the city, and home to three of the world’s top museums including the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedejijk Museum of Modern Art. There is also a vast public park, the Museumsplein, in this area, where you can enjoy stretching your legs after your fix of culture.

Full of history and culture in a completely different way is the infamous red light district of Amsterdam. Many first time visitors to the city may approach the red light district with fear and trepidation but they can rest assured that it is a perfectly safe, non-threatening place to explore.

It will, of course, seem odd to see the scantily-clad women in the red-lit windows, and at first tourists might feel uncomfortable or not know ‘where to look’. However, as long as you observe rules of common decency and respect then you can safely enjoy as much or as little as you like of what this district has to offer.

Amsterdam’s Jordaan district is perhaps the antidote to its red light district. Leafy streets and traditional architecture line the canals, and the vibe here is laid back and peaceful. Dotted with individual boutique shops and independent restaurants, the Jordaan area is a great place to explore away from the crowds.

The Tulipa B and B is a beautiful, friendly, bed and breakfast in this area, looking out over the picturesque canal. With only two rooms, the owners of this bed and breakfast pride themselves on providing personal, attentive service.

If you fancy hitting the shops hard then the busiest shopping street in Amsterdam is Kalverstraat. Crammed with mostly high street shops and department stores (as well as people) this is the place to go for serious shopping. If you fancy a gentler shopping experience then seek out the ‘nine streets’, a collection of independent shops and galleries taking up nine streets in the heart of Amsterdam’s canal district.

Other ‘must dos’ during any trip to Amsterdam include enjoying a big slice of the best apple pie at Winkel on the corner of the Noordermarkt; stretching your legs in the vast, scenic Vondelpar and hiring a bike for the day to get around like a local.

Amsterdam is a city of many moods. No matter what mood you are in, be it relaxed, mischievous, adventurous or romantic, you will find memorable experiences in both Amsterdam and London. Combining them in a double city break can make for an even more unforgettable trip.

Magaluf on the southwest coast of Majorca is a major resort. It lies just 15 kilometres from Palma the islands capital at one end of the Palma Bay.

The main beach front area is home to lots of small shops and cafes, and the wide sweeping beaches are excellent places for relaxing and sunbathing. It’s not all sun sea and sand though, Magaluf is a place where there is loads to do if you want to, and water sports in particular are very popular here. Scuba diving, jet skiing, wind surfing, donutting, kite surfing and more take place in the waters here, while on the land, there is go karting, horse back riding and golf to name a few sports.

The Go Karting track here is open to anyone from the age of 3 upwards, and is a great family attraction offering fun for all. There are also two water parks locally, and a sling shot as well. The house of Katmandu is an upside down Tibetan style mansion that is a great family place for adventure. Very odd looking from the outside, inside there are all manner of entertaining things going on in the Genetics Lab, the Cave of Shivers and the Library of Illusions to name but a few.

Portals Vells is a beautiful sandy cove surrounded by cliffs near the southwestern tip of Palma Bay. It is easy to reach from Magaluf, but is quite a secluded spot with unspoilt white sand, and it’s own cave. There is even a restaurant here on the beach where you can enjoy a meal for two of superb seafood dishes served in this romantic setting.

Food in Magaluf is plentiful and varied. Most of the hotels here have their own restaurants, and there are also lots of local eateries as well. The choice of styles covers every type you can imagine from locally produced dishes to English, Chinese, Indian, Spanish, Thai, Mexican and more, and you’ll even find a few fast food outlets as well. A traditional Spanish meal locally will cost around 12 Euros per person.

Of course Magaluf is quite famous for its night life and there are plenty of bars and night clubs here for anyone wanting to dance the night away. You can even buy a nightly pass which will give you access to five of the largest and most popular nightclubs in the area. If you want something that’s perhaps a little more low key, many of the hotels here put on family friendly entertainment in the evening, from cabarets to dinner shows, and Magaluf has some really ultra modern resort hotels to choose from too.

Magaluf is a sparkling and vibrant place to stay with plenty to do if you want it, and plenty of relaxation for those who prefer that. There are many small towns close by where you can take a stroll and enjoy the views or wander through craft markets buying hand made items to take home with you.

With winter now upon us, now is the time to look at ski holidays due to the fact that there is plenty of snow cover and the weather conditions are perfect for sliding down white capped mountain pistes.  Many people choose to plan their ski holidays in France which is a growing trend given how convenient it is to reach from most regions of the country, and due to the fact that it is hard to find a better spot for a true ski holiday experience complete with a warm fireplace in a lodge and plenty of après ski activities for those of all ages.

Families enjoy French ski holidays because you can find some of the best outdoor activities there are apart from skiing in the many varied locations across France.  From ice climbing to skidooing and mountain biking there is a little bit of everything for most family members, even those who are not active skiers.  In addition, it is a well known fact that France boasts some of the best ski instruction schools in the world so if you have a budding skier what better place to head than a location where you know that they will receive a grade A education about how to gracefully and safely glide down the hills.

Of course, many people choose take skiing holidays French Alps due to the romantic atmosphere of the countryside and the many quaint retreats that are scattered throughout the region.  While lodges can be nice and cosy, there are also plenty of luxury VIP chalets and villas that can be hired out to provide that perfect intimate atmosphere that so many people try to attain on their holiday break from the drudgery and worries of everyday life.

As mentioned, France is also a hotspot for après ski with plenty of activity for those who want to make sure they get the most out of their holiday experience.  From world class spa therapy treatment centres that offer the top relaxation remedies that are welcome after a day on the slopes to restaurants and cafes that serve only the most exquisite foods to help reenergize you there is truly something for everyone within the ski resort limits.  Of course, this is also not taking into account the many clubs, pubs, bars, and sometimes even discotheques that are present at all major ski resorts to make sure you get a full day of fun in every day you are on holiday.

If you regularly go on holidays abroad then you might have found that you’ve exhausted many of your possibilities in terms of different resorts. The result of this is that similar holiday destinations tend to merge together and become much of a muchness, meaning that you’re not as excited about going on holiday as you should be. However, if you’ve been searching high and low for a new destination without much success, then you should take a look at Vietnam holidays, an opportunity for a memorable and unique break.

The great thing about having a holiday in Vietnam is that it is likely to be like nothing you’ve ever experienced before and as a destination that is not within the usual tourist circles, you can escape from a mundane and regimented holiday. You won’t be bumping into tourists each way you turn and by doing a little bit of research beforehand you can ensure that you discover all the little gems that this country in south-east Asia is home to. This will mean that during your holiday you get to go off the beaten track, not that there are many of those in Vietnam, and have a truly enlightening holiday experience.

It is fairly easy to get to Vietnam, too. While you’ll have to embark on a long flight, as you would if you were visiting Thailand, Japan or any other country in that area of the World, you can book your flights online from the comfort of your own home. The flight is a reasonably lengthy one and while you may plan to spend the journey there sleeping, this will be pretty difficult due to the sheer excitement of the prospect of your holiday that lies ahead. On the way back it might be a different matter, as you’ll be worn out due to all the exploring you’ve done in Vietnam, alongside a fair bit of relaxing too!

Vietnam is a great country to explore, for just outside of the urban areas you can find awe-inspiring natural landscapes. While there is often a huge difference between the hustle and bustle of cities and the tranquillity of suburbs, in Vietnam this is extremely marked. You’ll be swept up by the speed of life in the city centres, with motorbikes and scooters everywhere you look. However, just a short walk or bus journey away are areas of unspoilt beauty that you would never believe could be so close to the vibrant urban areas.

If you decide on car rental during your holiday in Vietnam, you can give yourself the best chance to see all the beautiful Asian landscapes for yourself. You may already have an idea of just how varied the landscape is in Vietnam thanks to a special Top Gear episode that aired on TV couple of years ago, but until you see it for yourself it is hard to believe. Miles and miles of rice fields will suddenly give way to awesome mountains that if you’ve got enough energy to climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views from the summit.

Even if you do go down the route of car hire it’s likely that you’ll still do a fair bit of walking as you delve deep into Vietnam’s countryside. To replenish your energy you can count on feasting on some incredibly tasty Vietnamese food, as cuisine in Vietnam takes as central a position in the country’s culture as it does in all Asian nations. You can also be safe in the knowledge that you’ll get a great night’s sleep in one of Vietnam’s luxurious accommodations. As a result, you’ll be fully revitalised for another day of exploring, or you can slow the pace down a little bit and relax and pamper yourself instead.?