Moscow was once at the centre of world Communism being the capital of the Soviet Union, a city that it was almost impossible to visit.  Now there are numerous cheap flights from the UK to this lovely city, now the capital of the Russian Federation.

A bargain this month is flying with SwissAir and LuxAir from London Heathrow to Domodedovo International Airport, Moscow with one stop in Zurich.  The flight time outbound is 5 hours 54 minutes and the inbound flight is 7 hours 25 minutes.  The cost for this return flight is £297.97, including fees and taxes.

You do have to look carefully for these types of bargains as the next cheapest option is Bmi at a cost of over £700, but this flight is a direct flight.

Also flying out of London City to Moscow is Lufthansa and their tickets start at £413 for a return flight, with a stop in Frankfurt on the outbound flight and Munich on the inbound flight.

London Heathrow and London City Airports have regular cheap flights to both Moscow’s Domodedovo and Sheremetievo Airports.

Two days may be enough time to get a taste of this fascinating city and take in a few of the sights including the Kremlin, but if you really want to explore Moscow then plan to stay for at least a week.

Ski holidays are great winter getaways, but you don’t need to be a skier to go on one. There are other enjoyable activities available for people who don’t like or who don’t want to ski. Before deciding that one of these holidays isn’t right for you, consider everything that ski resorts have to offer.

Just because someone is a non-skier, it doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy being out in the fresh air. Hiking, snowshoeing and ice-skating are all enjoyable winter activities readily available at most ski resorts. If you haven’t been tobogganing since you were a child, why don’t you consider having a go during a visit to a ski resort? Some of them offer snowmobiling as an activity, and this can be a wonderful way to spend some time out of doors.

Ski holidays can also mean spa time. While your partner or the rest of your party are enjoying some time on the slopes, why don’t you spend some time being pampered? Get a facial or a massage and take a break from your everyday concerns.

Ski resorts also offer other activities, like shopping or day trips to local attractions. Whether you go on your own or with your partner, this is an enjoyable way to spend some time on your holiday. Rather than feeling left out because you are not skiing, find other ways to spend your time and enjoy yourself. That’s what ski holidays are for, whether you spend your time on the slopes or not.

Aruba puts the ‘A’ into the ABC islands, the southernmost island chain of the Lesser Antilles, which also includes Bonaire and Curaçao. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba has a fascinating culture reflected in the architecture, food, festivities and language of the island.  And, of course, it has some spectacular beaches.

Aruba’s best beaches are generally located on the more sheltered western and southern coasts of the island. Palm Beach, where most of the resorts and hotels can be found, is the island’s most popular spot. All kinds of water sports can be found here if relaxing on the pristine white sand is not enough. Head just a little further north for more peaceful beaches.

The northern and eastern coasts, meanwhile, are subject to far rougher winds and seas. This perhaps explains the various shipwrecks lying on the sea bed near Aruba. With about a dozen shipwrecks lying just off the coast, Aruba has become one of the Caribbean’s diving hotspots. Whether looking for brightly coloured fish or pirate treasure, Aruba is the place for snorkelling and SCUBA diving.

Visitors should also take time to explore the Quadiriki Caves in the Arikok National Park. With their deep passages, Arawak cave paintings, stalactites and stalagmites, the caves make for an exciting and unique experience.

Daily flights to and from Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport connect the island with many major cities throughout the Americas and Europe. The other main point of entrance is through the Port of Playa, where cruise ships frequently stop en route to other Caribbean destinations.

France has over 300 ski resorts, many of which are located at high altitudes. The area with the greatest range of skiing opportunities is the French Alps, although it is worth checking other areas such as the Jura, the Massif Central and the Vosges. The French Alps has around 5,000 miles of pistes, most of which are in the efficient lift-connected ski areas such as Les Trois Vallees, Paradiski, Portes du Soleil and Espace Killy, giving skiers plenty of choice. For skiers who want to go off piste France has world class destinations such as Chamonix, Alpe D’Huez and La Grave. Skiing in France offers choices for everyone from the novice to the expert.

The key areas for ski resorts in France are the Northern Alps, the Southern Alps and the Pyrenees. Most of the resorts are well served by international airports and public transport. The major resorts can tend to be unappealing and purpose built towns, but more traditional villages can also be found such as St-Martin-de-Belleville and Chatel Mageve.

France is very popular with British skiers and the food on the mountains and villages is usually excellent with plenty of lively après-ski and a good choice of chalets. On the negative side skiing in France can be expensive and at the more popular resorts there can be long queues for lifts and restaurants, and the pistes can be crowded. Some ski instructors also speak minimal English. The smaller resorts will tend to be less crowded.

If you want to avoid the crowds then it is best to avoid the French school holiday periods. Avoiding peak times will not only mean shorter queues, but also cheaper prices. Skiing in France can be expensive, but many websites offer great deals on ski holidays and packages.

For great family entertainment in North America (with a healthy dose of education), SeaWorld Orlando is hard to beat. Along with all the animal exhibits, SeaWorld also has a number of rides to keep children thoroughly entertained.

With whales, dolphins, sharks, walruses, penguins, polar bears and more, there are plenty of fascinating creatures to marvel at. Many of these animals also perform in SeaWorld’s numerous live shows. Dolphins combine with human acrobats to dazzle the crowds, and even the park’s killer whales are trained to entertain. Two sea lions also perform a comical show in the Sea Lion and Otter Stadium. Frequent special shows are announced, ensuring that there is always something new to see.

Once all of the animal attractions have been seen, SeaWorld’s roller coasters provide further entertainment. Kraken is the park’s showcase ride, a high-speed floorless roller coaster. Journey to Atlantis is a boat ride which also features roller coaster elements. For younger children, Shamu Express (a junior roller coaster) and various teacup rides are ideal. The 400-foot tall Sky Tower, meanwhile, provides some spectacular views of the park and its surrounding area.

If left with time to spare after visiting SeaWorld, both the Aquatica water park and Discovery Cove are located nearby. Both have similar themes but provide a unique experience. SeaWorld Orlando is open year round from 9.00am to 6.00pm daily (opening times can vary so check in advance). The park is located in Orlando, Florida, with the main entrance on Central Florida Parkway. Florida’s airport is served by most domestic and international airlines.

There are four main airports in Saudi Arabia that deal with International traffic. There are two in Jeddah and the others are in the capital Riyadh and Damman. The one that you fly into will depend on exactly where you are going in Saudi Arabia.

In between the months of April and October temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees centigrade, so bear this in mind if you don’t like extremely hot weather. The Asir Mountains and Taif tend to be quite a bit cooler. Popular places include the Old City of Jeddah that is home to a host of different nationalities all living and working together; this influence can be seen and felt in the restaurants and souqs.

Jeddah is a totally cosmopolitan city and it is not unusual to see girls on the beach in bikinis, and lively parties happening at various venues. Travellers often expect to find Jeddah more sober in atmosphere because of the Islamic laws, but that is often not the case.

Old Jeddah, in the Al-Bahad part of the city has some amazing coral architecture but sadly many of these buildings, which are inhabited by only the poorest people, are literally crumbling away more and more each day. Efforts are being made to save the old town.

There is a selection of 4 and 5 star hotels situated in and around the old town and a range of first class restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines including Belgian, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Asian, Chinese plus the local food.

Ski holidays make a great getaway in the cold and dreary months, and you can take this opportunity to learn how to snowboard while you are away. Many resorts offer lessons in this growing sport, which is so popular with young people. Don’t let concerns about being too old hold you back, though. If you are interested in taking some lessons, go ahead!

If you want to learn how to snowboard while you are away on your ski holidays, finding a resort offering lessons for beginners isn’t difficult. The Internet is a wonderful source of information, and many businesses, including ski resorts, have an online presence. You can check out numerous options at any time of the day or night, at your convenience.

The resort you are considering is likely to have a list of all the services it offers, including snowboarding lessons. If it isn’t listed on the web site when you are looking for a place to spend your ski holidays, then contact the resort by e-mail or through the contact page to ask whether you can sign up for lessons.

Once you learn how to snowboard, your ski deals will be even more enjoyable, with multiple options for enjoying your time outside. If you are going to be planning a getaway anyway, why don’t you add some adventure to the mix by learning how to snowboard? It can become an activity that all members of the family can enjoy together, as well as a way to keep fit.

Once you arrive on your flight to Manchester there are literally hundreds of sights you can visit; this guide will give you a few of the most popular to get you started.

Manchester Town Hall is situated in Albert Square in the city centre.  It was designed by Alfred Waterhouse and is an impressive building created in a Gothic style.  Visitors are welcome during the week and during some weekends.  It is recommended that visitors take in the Great Hall which houses paintings featuring scenes from Manchester’s history.

Manchester has its own version of the London Eye located in Exchange Square, where tourists can take in the views of the city and listen to an interesting commentary.  Manchester’s Art Gallery near St Peter’s Square has an impressive collection of works.  Art lovers will also enjoy the Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Road which is owned and run by the University of Manchester.

The city also has a number of museums.  On Liverpool Road visitors can find the Museum of Science and Industry, situated on the site of the first railway station in the world.  On Oxford Road there is the Manchester Museum which features a wide range of exhibits.  Just outside the city centre the Imperial War Museum North features exhibits on twentieth century wars.

Manchester has strong sporting links and sports fans may want to visit Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, or the City of Manchester Stadium which is where the Manchester City football team plays. 

The city offers a variety of options for eating out.  Chinatown is located near the city centre and has a number of restaurants, while those who prefer Indian food can visit the ‘Curry Mile’ at Rusholme, just south of the city centre.  

One of North America’s most iconic images, the Mount Rushmore National Memorial is an incredible sculptural achievement. Carved into the granite mountainside, the heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln represent 150 years of United States history. Each face is about 60 feet tall and sculpted in great detail.

As part of the experience, visitors first walk through the Avenue of Flags, a walkway lined with the 56 flags of the states and territories of the USA. The avenue leads to the Grand View Terrace, from where a great view can be had of the Mount Rushmore carvings. Be sure to carry on along the Presidential Trail which offers some close-up viewpoints of the famous faces.

The experience does not end there, however. At the end of the trail is the Sculptor’s Studio. This is where Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor, carried out his work. His original model can be seen here, allowing for comparisons between his initial vision and the finished work. In the Lincoln Borglum Museum, meanwhile, a short film about Mount Rushmore can be seen, as well as a collection of artwork and artefacts. If visiting during the summer, a lighting ceremony is held each night at 9.00pm, illuminating the presidential faces.

The memorial is located in western South Dakota, 23 miles south-west of Rapid City. Head for the town of Keystone on Highway 16, then take Highway 244 which leads to the memorial entrance. There is no entrance fee, and guided tours can be joined upon arrival at the site.

Picture courtesy of dean.franklin’s

People of all ages can enjoy ski holidays, and that includes young children. There are a number of family-friendly resorts that cater to groups including youngsters. An Internet search can help you find the best ski deals and one that will offer the kinds of services that will work best for your family.

Depending on the age of the children and their experience on the slopes, you may want to find a resort with a ski school offering lessons geared for kids. They will want to take lessons from an instructor who can relate to them at their level and help them stay enthused about learning how to ski.

If this is the kind of activity you want your family to enjoy together, get children interested in going on ski holidays from a young age. Make the time you spend together fun, and keep in mind that resorts offer activities other than skiing. It is unlikely that young children will be able to spend an entire day on the ski slopes without getting very tired. Find a resort with special activities for children or childcare services so that the adults can have some time together.

By taking the time to consider the kinds of winter activities that all members of the family will enjoy, you can ensure that your ski holidays will run more smoothly. Families can set a goal to have fun together at a winter resort and make it become a reality. You may even decide to make it an annual event.