EuroAngel Graffiti

If you’re looking for an affordable summer holiday this year that’s a little bit different, have you ever considered a cruise? It’s a luxurious and fun-filled way to visit many different destinations within a short space of time, and contrary to popular opinion, it’s not the bank balance-busting extortion you might expect.

When it comes to locating a cruise holiday that’s on budget, you’re bound to find cruise deals and discounts that will fit comfortably within your financial limit. Most cruise holidays are packaged as an all-inclusive experience, which means that your flights, accommodation, onboard meals and snacks are all included in the price. This helps to keep costs under control whilst you’re away and what’s more, many cruise holiday operators will also offer special offers on drinks packages too.

If you’re new to cruising, a short mini cruise could be just the ticket to help you ease into life onboard. Often just a couple of nights’ long and with one or two ports of call, you’ll still get to visit some exciting destinations and savour all the fantastic onboard experiences – making this compact style of cruising the perfect option for those who want to experience cruising for the first time.

What’s more, short-term cruises often come with their fair share of money-saving experiences. Aside from numerous mini cruise offers, this short-term holiday is naturally less expensive than the traditional week or two but still comes complete with all-inclusive package benefits. Live it up and make the most of your short break by booking a shore excursion, take time out with a luxury spa treatment and follow it up by a sumptuous dining experience matched with exquisite wines.

However much you plan to do on your cruise holiday and whatever your budget, you’re bound to find something that’s right up your street.

Great Yarmouth, known locally as just Yarmouth, is a coastal town in Norfolk, UK. It has been a popular seaside resort since 1760 and it’s no surprise way. It’s beautiful sandy beach, two piers and quintessentially English seaside charm has been key in ensuring that Great Yarmouth has been a firm family favourite for generations. It was even a key location in Charles Dickens novel, David Copperfield! A cottage in Norfolk is a great base to explore Norfolk and a day out to Great Yarmouth is a must!

Enjoy a walk along the piers

Great Yarmouth has two piers stretching far out into the sea, the Britannia Pier and Wellington Pier. What could be better than a leisurely walk down the piers, taking in the beautiful scenery and views as you go. At the end of the Britannia Pier is the Britannia Theatre which is often the stage for well know comedy acts and is one of only a few end of pier theatres left in the country.

Stroll into town

A walk around the historic town centre of Great Yarmouth really is a joy. There are the historic rows to visit, a network of narrow streets and lanes. Then enjoy a tasty delight from a chip stall. No trip to the town would be complete without a bag of chips from one of Great Yarmouth’s famous chip stalls. Absolutely delicious, it’s easy to see why they have been such a staple for a trip to Yarmouth for so long! After enjoying your chips, visit the medieval wall, much of which is still intact, despite significant bomb damage during the Second World War.

Get thrills at the Pleasure Beach

The Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach has been attracting visitors since it opened in 1909. It is now a key feature of Great Yarmouth’s beach front and its skyline. The Pleasure Beach includes a brilliant mix of traditional fairground rides as well as newer and more advanced rides and there is definitely something for all ages. One of the most popular rides is the Scenic Railway Roller Coaster, which has been at Great Yarmouth since its construction in 1932. The park is free to enter so perfect to pop in for a quick thrill!

With so much to see and do, its clear to see why Great Yarmouth is such a popular destination, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Visit www.webcottages.co.uk for a full selection of holiday cottages in the area.

Photo attribution:
Britannia Pier flickr.com, Pleasure Beach flickr.com

Before you had children your holidays may have been all about lazing on a poolside sunlounger or sipping cocktails at a beachfront bar. If however you now have a brood of one, two, three or more children activity holidays may be more appropriate. With little chance of little ones or stroppy teens tolerating lazing in the sun all day long, so you need to think of holidays as opportunities for fun as well as relaxation.

Why not go with the flow and forgo your usual two weeks with a paperback for activity holidays for families instead? That way, you can all enjoy getting stuck into a wide range of activities that interest you, and no-one has reason to grumble about being bored.

On a Neilson family beachclub holiday you can enjoy a fantastic range of watersports, as well as fun activities on dry land. Why not hire bikes and explore your surroundings? Or head off on a guided walk or a trip out on a boat.

Of course, you’ll also have beautiful beaches to take advantage of, as all of Neilson’s beachclub resorts boast a premium beachfront location. The Neilson Aeolian Village in Greece, for example, is fabulously situated on a stunning beach, which is sure to delight all ages.

For those times when the grown-ups want to enjoy adult-only time, you can take advantage of the quality children’s clubs which are offered free of charge for children aged 2 to 17 years (clubs for under 2’s are available at a supplement).

The kids can enjoy age appropriate activities, sports and games, while you enjoy a windsurfing, scuba diving or waterskiing session.

Alternatively, if you simply can’t give up your holiday paperback, let the kids have fun in the children’s clubs while you recline on a poolside lounger and soak up the sunshine, for the best of both worlds.

Picking a summer 2012 holiday that offers the perfect mix of sun, sea, sand and your ideal ambience can be challenging. From Cyprus holidays to package holidays to Turkey, wherever and however you choose to spend your break this summer, make it the trip of a lifetime.

Cyprus holidays are varied in style and can be tailored to suit families, couples or groups of friends.

Children will love the array of waterparks on offer on the island, including the Greek themed WaterWorld. The beaches of Coral Bay will please the clan with soft sands and crystal clear waters for free fun-filled days.

Groups can spend the days lounging by the pools and seas in Ayia Napa, before hitting the islands infamous clubbing scene. As well as its myriad of nightclubs and bars, the area is home to an array of restaurants and a fantastic choice of watersports.

A quick search online for package holidays to Turkey can bring up some impressive deals. Whether you choose to stay all inclusive, half board or take the plunge on self-catering, package holidays to Turkey almost always bring up the best deals.

Lounging in the sun, sipping cocktails and flicking through your holiday read is one of the best ways to spend your days in Turkey. Should this sound ideal to you, then all inclusive breaks can really cut costs on snacks, drinks and regular meals.

The Canary Islands are very much a home from home holiday experience. Lanzarote and Tenerife are generally the livelier islands of the Canaries, with Gran Canaria providing a perfect balance between tranquillity and vivacity. Those who prefer a quieter time when away will be well suited on a holiday in the restful island of Fuerteventura.

Whichever destination you choose, search online for the best deals on Cyprus holidays, breaks in the Canaries and package holidays to Turkey.

Holidaying in Europe has grown more expensive in recent years, due to an unfavourable exchange rate from pound to euro. Families holidaying in Spain, Greece or other popular summer sun destinations have found themselves needing more spending money in order to enjoy meals out and activities.

As Turkey is outside of the euro zone however, it offers cheap family holidays with guaranteed sun, sand and a warm welcome.

Choosing cheap all inclusive holidays is another way to avoid having to change a small fortune into euros, as all of your meals and drinks will be included for the duration of your stay.

Airtours offers an amazing range of all inclusive holidays, going everywhere from Crete to Cuba, so there’s no need to deny your wanderlust due to a tight budget. If you have your heart set on Turkey however, there’s a wide variety of resorts and hotels to choose from.

The Kervansaray Kundu hotel on Lara Beach is particularly special, and shows that you don’t have to pay over the odds to enjoy a premium all inclusive holiday experience.

This contemporary hotel is exciting to look at, and benefits from a stunning location overlooking quiet Lara Beach. A complete resort in itself, you can enjoy some amazing water facilities including a wave pool and aquapool with a great selection of slides.

There’s no need to leave the complex in search of a good meal when you choose this vast hotel. The all inclusive package includes a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as two a la carte meals per week. You’ll also find snacks served between meals, and ice-creams galore to keep little holidaymakers happy.

A Beach in Sarimsakli, Turkey

Drinks wise, you’ll be treated to an unlimited amount of hot, soft or alcoholic drinks served 24 hours a day, as well as a ‘soft’ mini-bar which is restocked daily for your convenience.

Don’t let the exchange rate scupper your summer holiday plans. Choose a destination outside of the euro zone, or an all inclusive package, or both, and have an amazing family holiday without breaking the bank.