Hiring a villa in Turkey will give you a holiday experience with a difference.  A Turkey villa will give you the opportunity to experience the country while enjoying a home away from home.

If you decide to hire a holiday villa in Turkey then you must consider carefully what type of holiday you would like.  If you want to be near the nightclubs and are going to be staying up all night partying, then renting a villa near the middle of town will be a good idea.  However if you would like something a bit more relaxed and peaceful, then perhaps you should consider renting a villa a bit further out in the countryside. 

Most Turkey villas come equipped with amenities to keep you going for your holiday, and to make your stay as comfortable as possible.  If you are willing to pay a little more, you will be able to hire a Turkey villa with its own private swimming pool.

The cost of hiring a villa in Turkey will vary depending upon many different factors, such as the location and the size.  If you are planning to travel with a group then you will be able to split the cost of hiring a large and well equipped villa, however if there are only a couple of you the cost is going to be more of a deciding factor. 

If you are considering looking at holiday villas then the advice is to do your research thoroughly before you book. If you do that then you can guarantee that your holiday will be an enjoyable experience for all involved. 

St. Barts (or, more officially, Saint Barthélemy) is one of the most charming islands of the French West Indies. A favourite amongst the rich and famous, the island is both glamorous and quite European in its outlook. With world class accommodation, pristine beaches and plenty of activities to suit all tastes and ages, St. Barts is a true Caribbean jewel.

Despite the islands small size, it nonetheless boasts some 22 spectacular beaches. Anse du Gouverneur, on the south side of the island, is one of the most popular beaches, partly due to its proximity to the island’s capital Gustavia. The nearby Grand Saline beach is less developed, perfect for swimming and very popular with the locals. Grand Cul-de-Sac beach, meanwhile, is one of the best for both swimming and water sports. The water here is incredibly calm thanks to an enclosing reef, making it the perfect place to learn how to sail or windsurf.

Gustavia is both the island’s capital and harbour town. Due to a period of Swedish colonial rule, the town is an intriguing mix of French and Swedish architecture. Slightly to the east of Gustavia, the town of St. Jean has become a tourist hotspot with its numerous chic restaurants and bistros, most of which are distinctly French. If relaxing on beaches and eating great food all day doesn’t suffice, then horseback riding, scuba diving, sailing, and deep-sea fishing are all readily available.

Large commercial jets cannot land on St. Barts’ small runway. However, regular ferries run passengers from St. Martin, a larger island served by a handful of major airlines.

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.

Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s must-see destinations. Adults and children alike will enjoy exploring the castle grounds and the various historical displays. Optional (but free) guided tours can help lead visitors around the castle’s numerous locations.

The magnificent Great Hall, completed in 1511, was once the focal point of Scottish power and ceremony. The royal apartments can also be visited, giving an impressive insight into the lives of the castle’s most important former residents. Visitors can also witness the nation’s crown jewels, still kept within the castle, along with the legendary Stone of Destiny.

The firing of the One O’clock Gun will keep children entertained. The gun is fired at 1.00pm daily (except Sundays) and the spectacle is always popular with the gathered crowds. The huge Mons Meg cannon, one of the world’s oldest siege guns, can also be found on the castle battlements. Re-enactors dressed in period costume and wielding traditional weapons also provide great entertainment for kids.

The Prisons of War Exhibition can be found in the castle vaults. Here, conditions faced by 18th and early 19th century prisoners of war are vividly brought to life. If this experience sounds a little too frightening, a visit to St Margaret’s Chapel may be more tempting. The small chapel is the oldest building in the castle, and in Edinburgh itself.

Edinburgh Castle is open from 9.30am to 6.00pm throughout April to September and from 9.30am to 5.00pm from October to March. The castle is open seven days a week except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. 

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.

The need to discover and experience new pastures and greener lands has been a part of human nature since the very first discovery was made. If this sounds like something you are hungry for, a world cruise is the way to feed your appetite for adventure and to see new and exotic lands.

World cruises are not suitable for anyone that doesn’t like being away from home for long periods of time, world cruise holiday typically last for anywhere between 80 and 110 days.

On a world cruise, you will see some incredible sights and your travel itinerary is likely to take the following route. Starting in the UK, from major ports of departure such as Southampton, you might sail west, into the Atlantic, to America or the Caribbean, then through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii, Australia and then to stunning New Zealand.

World cruise holidays then continue onto Asia, before moving on to India, visiting the Nicobar and Andaman Islands, possibly passing through the Suez Canal, into the gorgeous Mediterranean. Alternatively the itinerary may take you to Africa and on to the South and North Atlantic.

Of course, you should always check the full itinerary before you book; just to make sure it’s taking the route you prefer. You can check by visiting your travel agent or going directly to the cruise companies’ website. If you like the idea of taking a world cruise with such well-known companies as P&O Cruises or Cunard, check out the exact details of the world cruises you are interested in.

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.

Cruises are for people who want a holiday with a difference. You might come across a number of difficulties trying to find something as different and as spectacular as a cruise. This is especially true when the voyage takes you to some of the most amazing and awe-inspiring places in the world.

Red Sea cruises are particularly amazing as you will be swept through some of the most magical places in the entire world and be taken to world-famous sites and locations. The great thing about Red Sea cruises is that you can take in as much or as little as you like on your holiday. You might take an adventurous trip into the desert or stay and view the wonders from the comfort of your floating hotel.

Take in the wonder of the Valley of the Kings; get the perfect tan at amazing beaches at Safaga or even barter for bargains and souvenirs in the bazaars that will have you excited and wanting so much more.

No matter what you decide to take on board on a Red Sea cruise and its ports, you will encounter some of the greatest, oldest and most rousing places in the world.

On a Red Sea cruise you can also spend two fascinating days in Aqaba, in Jordan. From this port, you can spend time at the Aqaba Fort, possibly the world’s oldest and most inspirational church.

The magic of the Red Sea is undeniable, amazing sights to behold, culture and history everywhere you look, wonderful buildings and even ancient cities.

Don’t miss out on a Red Sea cruise, you certainly will not regret it as you enjoy the most magical holiday you could ever imagine.

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.