Why Holiday In The Algarve? 6 Reasons To Visit Portugal's South Coast

Why Holiday In The Algarve? 6 Reasons To Visit Portugal's South Coast

by Daniel Eyre

Without doubt the best sellers on Search Travel Online are holidays to mainland Spain. This is no surprise, and there are plenty of reasonably priced escapes in the sun to be had around Spain, but I do think people are missing out by not choosing to take a cheap holiday in the Algarve with us. Portugal's south coast is easily the equal of mainland Spain in many respects, and even nicer in others.

So here, without further ado is 6 reasons you should consider a bargain holiday in the Algarve the next time you head abroad:

Wonderful Weather

As you might expect from Southern Europe, the weather is excellent all year round, but to my mind the Algarve even manages to eclipse mainland Spain. Never too hot, with a pleasant ocean breeze, the Algarve is at it's hottest in July and August where it averages 28 degrees centigrade, but even at its coldest in January it is still 15 degrees, with over 6 hours of sunshine per day! Whether you're planning on heading in the peak of summer, or escaping the miserable British winter for warmer climes, cheap package holidays in the Algarve are bound to provide ample serotonin.

Brilliant Beaches

With more than 30 beaches in the Algarve region, it's fair to say you should easily manage to find at least a handful that you love! The variety also means there are beaches for all occasions - family friendly, shallow beaches, some ideal for windsurfing and water sports, some romantic secluded beaches ideal for couples to walk hand-in-hand along - but all of them drenched in the sunshine, relaxation and good times: The spirit of Algarve package holidays!

Great Golf

What's the perfect relaxed game to compliment the cheap Algarve holiday staple of lounging lazily on the beach in splendid weather? Golf of course! There are 19 golf courses in the Algarve meaning that, like the beaches, you're sure to find a couple to your tastes. The most famous is undoubtedly the world renowned Royal Course known for its famous Par 3 hole that requires a shot of more than 200 metres over 3 breathtaking cliffs! The other courses are all entertaining though, and the sheer density of quality venues means you're never far from a swift round if the mood takes you on a cheap package holiday in the Algarve!

Fantastic Food

One of the simple pleasures of a bargain holiday in the Algarve is dining in the local restaurants - and this usually comes an a very reasonable price, explaining perhaps why eating out is far more common in the region than it is in the UK. It's quite normal to get a quality meal for £8-£10 per person, including wine. The food is mostly prepared using local ingredients, so expect quality seafood on the coast, and spiced chicken and pork dishes as you move more inland. For those who refuse to indulge in the local cuisine (you're missing out) there are a handful of places selling English food for the tourists, so you needn't feel homesick for long on your cheap holiday in the Algarve!

Captivating Culture

Okay, bullfighting may not be everyone's idea of culture, but there are plenty of other reasons to leave the beach on your Algarve holiday. There are seasonal music, art and drink festivals throughout the year, and you are never far away from a fascinating local art gallery or museum to get a greater feel for the region's history during your bargain Algarve holiday.

Noteworthy Nightlife

The nightlife of the Algarve is certainly varied, and for once it's fair to say there really is something for everyone, with a clear divide between the club scene and local cultural, relaxed evenings under the Portuguese stars. Starting with the club scene, the best bet is Albufeira, where you can party into the early hours at a wide selection of nightclubs and bars, particularly popular with English and German tourists. It may not be as well known as Ibiza or Majorca, but the Algarve is something of a nightlife gem.

The alternative to this is enjoying a night of Algarve culture. If your idea of a pleasant evening is a quiet dinner of seafood, followed by some live fado folk music or dancing in a bar, ending with a pleasant promenade under the stars, then maybe the Algarve alternative nightlife is ideal for you afterall!

This is all just scraping the surface of what makes cheap Algarve holidays such a fantastic choice for British tourists, but the best way to discover the magic of the region is to go there. If you've been on the fence about booking a cheap package holiday to the Algarve, delay no longer - you won't regret it!


About the Author

Daniel Eyre is the Product Manager of Search Travel Online. Search Travel Online is part of the Co-operative Group, specialising in cheap holidays: Algarve, Majorca, Costa Brava, Tenerife, Costa Dorada, Costa del Sol, Andorra, Egypt, Malta and the Canaries are all available.

Birmingham Bullring: The biggest shopping experience outsideLondon

Birmingham Bullring: The biggest shopping experience outside London by Isla Campell


The Bullring shopping centre has long been a focal point of Birmingham city centre and, following its extensive redevelopment in 2003, has been restored as one of the midland's foremost shopping and entertainment complexes.

Opened in May 1964 by the Duke of Edinburgh, the original Birmingham Bull Ring centre was a combination of outdoor market stalls and Britain's first indoor shopping mall. Covering 23 acres and incorporating 140 units offering over 350,000 square feet of retail space the Bull Ring had an enormous bull mural added to the part of the complex that overlooked the vehicle entry.

In order to accommodate all the expected shoppers it was directly connected to New Street railway station and incorporated a 500-space multi-storey car park. Using American shopping malls as their model, the designers of the original Bull Ring intended to include air conditioning and piped music throughout the complex, to create an intimate atmosphere. However, the reality failed to live up to the hype and before long the design of the Bull Ring was condemned as a brutal example of 1960's concrete box architecture. It didn't help that escalators and lifts regularly broke down and high retail rents scared away many would-be traders.

As early as 1980 plans for the Bull Ring's re-development was put forward to Birmingham council. After much discussion involving city residents the original 1960s Bull Ring development was demolished in 2000, to be replaced by a shiny new contemporary retail development in 2003.

On the day of its official opening the new Bullring shopping centre attracted an estimated 275,000 shoppers, all keen to see what was on offer in the bright new surroundings. One of the most prominent features of the redevelopment is the award-winning futuristic building that houses Selfridges, which is clad in 15,000 shiny aluminium discs.

Indeed, the Bullring shopping centre is now such an impressive retail centre that out-of-town visitors are choosing to make a weekend of it. There is no shortage of luxury hotels in the city centre and when it comes to budget hotels in Birmingham, the area is better served than most. Many are within reasonable walking distance of the shopping complex and the city's entertainment heart.

However, much more than Selfridges awaits eager shoppers at the new Bullring; major retailers such as Apple, Currys digital, Debenhams, Elle and Nike are just a sample of the 160 household names that occupy over 26 football pitches worth of shops, restaurants and boutiques in the complex.

At the end of the first year almost 36.5million people visited the Bullring, making it the most visited UK shopping area outside of London's West End and justifying the £530million cost of construction.


About the Author

Isla Campbell is an online, freelance journalist and avid traveler and pilates devotee. When not on the road she lives on the outskirts of Oban.

Kenya Travel

Kenya Travel - How To Spend You Time In Nairobi If You Miss Your International Connecting Flight

by Solomon Okila

Besides losing out on the all-important deal, the business travellers' worst nightmare is probably the possibility of missing the next flight - for whatever reason.

No matter how well-prepared you may think you are for this small inconvenience, it will still throw you off-balance. It may happen to you after being bumped from your seat by the airline or you could simply get caught up in the unpredictable traffic congestions of the city and end up being late for the check-in. Whichever way it comes to you, you will end up with a situation to deal with.

Your first reaction is of course what we all expect and accept, especially if you believe the fault is not yours - rage, annoyance, whining, shouting match with the duty manager etc.

After all the telephone calls have been made and you have explored all options, you realize you have 14 hours in your hands before you can get into the next flight for your destination. The next revelation that comes to you, is of course the fact that life must go on. At this point, you know you are fine.

From this moment, I advise that you put into use the lessons you learnt from one of the very many self-help books you have been carrying around to keep you busy in - between meetings. Hopefully, one of the lessons would be: "Look at the bright side of it, and it will be better".

In other words, make a decision to use this time to enjoy some of the attractions and interesting places in and around Nairobi. Resist the temptation to book a hotel in Nairobi where you would spend the rest of the time feeling annoyed. Find out what you can do with this time!

Here are some options for day trips and excursions that can be done from Nairobi:

Tour of Nairobi City

If you are a first time traveller to Nairobi and have not had time to see the city, a 3 hour tour of the city will give you some 'feel' of this beautiful city in the sun. You get to see the central business district, viewing the shops, the city market, and the railway museum among other places. Normally this tour would end with a visit to the Snake Park and national museum that are just about 5-minutes drive from the city centre. Go for this option if have at least 8 hours between you and your next flight.

Tour of Nairobi City together with a visit to the Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen.

If you have about 12 hours available to you before your next flight, you may wish to consider extending the city tour to cover the animal orphanage at the entrance of the Nairobi national park, the Giraffe centre and the Karen Blixen Museum. Or you could just skip the city tour and undertake the 4-hour tour covering Animal orphanage, Giraffe centre and Karen Blixen Museum.

The animal orphanage is run by Kenya Wildlife services. It lies just about 27 kilometres (approximately 16 miles) from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Unfortunately, the animals here are caged, and some people may not like this. But they are caged for a reason. Some were brought from the wilderness after losing parents to predators or poachers. Some were born at the orphanage while their parents are being taken care of. The Nairobi animal orphanage raises the orphaned animal with the aim of nurturing them and training them. Eventually, they are released back into the wild to lead a normal animal life!

The Giraffe Centre

The Giraffe Centre is an educational centre run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W). The story of the Giraffe Centre and its begin has been narrated many times. It was set up to protect the endangered Rothschild giraffe. If you lean towards conservation and fun, please consider visiting the centre. You will get the chance to feed the giraffe from a raised platform as you contribute towards conservation.

Karen Blixen Museum

You must have heard about the film 'Out of Africa'. Yes, if you love history and antiques, you may consider a visit to the home Karen Blixen and step back in time for a few hours. Karen's home is now preserved as a museum. The museum lies about 30 minutes drive from your starting point - the airport.

Nairobi National park

The Nairobi National park is enjoys the unique status of being the only protected wildlife area so close to a capital city - Nairobi. It located just 7 kilometres from the city centre that means about 27 kilometres from the Airport. The park is home to the rhino, buffalo, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, lion and plenty of antelopes and gazelles. You will need at least 8 hours to enjoy this tour. You will use 4 hours for the tour, keep 1 hour to use from on the road to and from the park, and 3 hours for your check-in!

Lake Nakuru National park

Lake Nakuru National is known world-wide for the flamingos. Besides the flamingos, there is an additional 450 of bird species. It is also a sanctuary for the white Rhino. Situated just about 3 hours from Nairobi, you can visit the park either as a day long excursion or overnight trip if you have the time. You must have at least 11 hours here. Six hours will be spent on the road between Nairobi and Lake Nakuru; 5 hours for your game drive in the park and lunch break.

It is important that you do not miss your connecting flight again. So let us summarize this:

Pick the Tour of Nairobi City if you have at least 8 hours. Combine the City tour with Karen, Giraffe Centre and Karen Blixen if you can afford at least 12 hours.

If you would rather do the individual excursions of Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen, keep at least 8 hours for each.

Lake Nakuru National will take up at least 12 hours.

How do you make these arrangements from the airport? Well, just look around while at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport. There are reliable tour operators with desks at the airport and they can arrange the tours as you wait. Of course if you have contacts of your preferred local travel agent, you could call them up to have this done.

This is not a word of caution, just advice: Whichever excursion you take up, whatever you do, please make sure at the end of everything, you still have 4 hours 'buffer zone' to get to the Jomo Kenyatta International airport from the City centre. Three hours for your check in and 1 hour just in case there is heavy traffic on the road.

Scuba Diving In Thailand - The Secrets Of One Of The Worlds Most Popular Diving Destinations

Scuba Diving In Thailand - The Secrets Of One Of The Worlds Most Popular Diving Destinations

by Mark Burns



Thailand has one of the world's most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations.

There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centres, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.

It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Phuket and the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving in Phuket is of the highest standard, and the waters surrounding the 'island' host a number of excellent dive sites. However, the real underwater treasures of Phuket lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Similan Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia's finest dive sites.

The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world's most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centres and excellent dive sites.

Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Chumpon Pinnacle are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Pattaya, Krabi, Ko Chang and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centres.

Today, Thailand is one of the world's most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.

Scuba Diving In Phuket - The Pearl of the Andaman by Mark Burns

Scuba Diving In Phuket - The Pearl of the Andaman
by Mark Burns


Located on the western coast of the Thailand Peninsula, with its shores on the warm waters of the Andaman Sea lies the beautiful island of Phuket. The largest island off the coast of Thailand, the island of Phuket covers an area of just over 300 square miles, and is connected to mainland Thailand via a bridge at the north of the island.

For the past 25 years, the island of Phuket has catered for a large number of tourists from all over the world, a large percentage of whom are scuba divers looking to dive on some Asia's finest dive sites. Today, scuba diving in Phuket is big business, and the island has a large number of excellent dive centres offering a number of diving services ranging from leisure dives through to the most advanced courses.

The Racha Islands, located off the Southern tip of Thailand are one of Phuket's best dive sites, and the two islands offer excellent diving in crystal clear waters as well as the opportunity for big animal encounters. In particular, the smaller island, Racha Noi, offers some breathtaking underwater scenery, and is renowned for both whale shark and manta ray encounters.

The dive sites off Ao Phang-Nga, including the famous Shark Point and King Cruiser Wrecks, are widely acknowledged as being the best dive sites in the Phuket region. The waters around in and around Ao Phang-Nga are notable for the profusion of marine life, offering divers access to a range of marine life and coral which is unrivalled elsewhere in Phuket.

Phuket is also home to one of the worlds most developed liveaboard industries, with a large number of liveaboards offering diving in destinations such as the Similan Islands, the Mergui Archipelago and the Burma Banks. For scuba divers wishing to dive these more remote destinations, a Phuket liveaboard is the only realistic option for access. As such, the liveaboard industry in Phuket is a thriving and competitive business, with an increasing number of liveaboards operating from Phuket.

Further east lie the islands of Ko Phi Phi Don, and Ko Phi Phi Lae, a region characterised by the stunning topography of the amazing limestone cliffs. These islands are fringed with a number of hard coral gardens, as well as some excellent examples of soft corals, orange sea fans, sea whips and black coral.

Phuket is well deserving of its title as the 'Pearl of the Andaman,' and undoubtedly the region boasts some of Thailand's best dive sites. As environmental issues such as marine conservation slowly work their way up Thailand's political agenda, the future for scuba diving in Phuket looks a healthy one.

About the Author

Mark Burns is Director of Scubaworld.tv, a large scuba diving site specialising in scuba diving in Thailand and a leading provider of information on Scuba diving in Phuket.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals
by ANDREW WARREN


A vacation rental home is a private home or condo that has been made available by its owners for the use of others on a short-term basis. Such homes can be rented either directly through the owner or through a management company. Homes like this are located in many different popular Santa Barbara vacation spots, including Orlando and the Panhandle. And you can find rental homes ranging from a one-bedroom condo in a community to an eight-bedroom house on its own lot. While it is important to note that some homes will require minimum rental periods, from one night to one month, there is always a Carpinteria vacation rental home that can accommodate either a short trip or an extended vacation for a couple or for the whole family.

Vacation rentals are the fastest growing trend in travel, but have long been popular in many summer vacation spots, for families to enjoy the convenience of an oceanfront cottage, have a perfect summer on the lake, or relax at a mountainside retreat close to outdoor adventures and activities. You may even find rental homes that welcome pets, so you can bring the family dog along! Here are some of the other perks you can enjoy when renting a vacation property.

When you plan a vacation, you may automatically think of taking your family (or just yourself) and checking into a big hotel. With so many airplane + hotel + car rental packages out there, it's easy to get sucked into that frame of thinking. And in the long run, you can often get the best vacation deals by going that way. Still, there are other lodging options you might wish to explore. Vacation rentals are available in most states of the US including major tourist area California The vacation rental market is larger in Europe than it is in the United States.

Some of the best vacation rentals are available at all these beach destinations. The best Vacation rentals in Santa Barbara are built with an easy access to the beach and they provide breathtaking views of the oceanfront.

You can find other vacation rentals for your California vacation . . . but you won't find them on the doorstep of the "World's Safest Beach" unless you choose Carpinteria Shores Oceanfront Vacation Rentals. It is one of the very few privately owned beachfront vacation rental properties in this charming seaside town.

Activities and Attractions:

Carpinteria Avocado Festival, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Santa Barbara Symphony, 1998 Santa Barbara Jazz Festival, Central Coast Festivals, Old Spanish Days Fiesta, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, Santa Barbara International Orchid Show, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Channel Islands National Park, The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation.




About the Author

Andrew Warren is a freelance leisure writer with specialized knowledge in real estate and Santa Barbara vacation rentals as well as Vacation rentals in Carpinteria.For more information please visit:www.carpinteriashores.com

A Caribbean Honeymoon On A Small Island Off St. Vincent

Caribbean Honeymoon On A Small Island Off St. Vincent

by: Gordon Steven

Why you should consider Young Island Resort off the coast of Saint Vincent as the destination for your Caribbean Honeymoon

A Caribbean Honeymoon spent on Young Island off the south coast of Saint Vincent could be just the little piece of heaven you are looking for.

Young Island resort comes heavily recommended by everyone who has stayed there because this is a resort where you will get top class service, fantastic food, a very good wine selection, and last but not least peace, quiet, and tranquility. Be warned this won’t be a Caribbean Honeymoon full of the nightly Jump Up, or even television in your room. Young Island resort is definitely not like that, but caters instead for honeymooners, and discerning guests.

For your Caribbean Honeymoon it is recommended that you have a cottage right on the beach, so that you can just walk out, go along a path and you hit the very nice fresh water swimming pool, which unusually for the Caribbean is open 24 hours a day every day.

The back door takes you across the patio and onto the beach, which is cleaned every morning, and so it is absolutely spotless. You can snorkel off the beach, having borrowed the gear from the man who looks after guests down there, probably best described as the beach attendant.

If you can book Cottage Number six which is a luxury cottage on the beach with a plunge pool, and behind the cottage hammocks and a gazebo.

One of the best things in an hotel on any holiday are waitress served meals, in other words non buffet. This always denotes a quality resort which Young Island certainly is, and this type of service should give the reader a big tip if they are thinking of making a booking on Young Island for their Caribbean Honeymoon. The food generally speaking is amazing, and you can expect a lot of beautiful seafood including freshly caught crab, lobster, scallops, as well as lamb, steak, poultry. Meals are taken in little thatched gazebos, and the view from the tables is incredible. The meals were described by someone recently as absolutely scrumptious, including and especially the home made yoghurts at breakfast

You may wish to be completely idle if this is where you are spending your Caribbean Honeymoon, but one bit of exercise you should take is to walk up to the top of the island. It may not be very energetic but the view is worth it, as is the walk along the beach at sunset and watch dusk at what is aptly called Sunset Point.

The staff at Young Island have ready smiles, and are friendly and very helpful.

The real beauty about Young Island resort is that it is small with not so many guests so you do tend to engage more people in conversation. This means you do meet some very interesting people, who are much like you because they too have chosen this superb Island resort.

Young Island is beautiful and the perfect spot for a Caribbean Honeymoon. There are masses of brightly coloured flowers which only adds to the romantic atmosphere.

For more information about St Vincent and the Grenadines go to http://www.caribbean-vacationspots.com/categories/St-Vincent-and-The-Grenadines/