With more airlines imposing charges for carrying ski equipment, winter sports holiday makers are wondering, how is the best way to take their ski equipment to the slopes. The latest airline to deliver a blow to the “do it yourself” skier is British Airways with a charge which is by no means low!  You will be charged £58 if you pay for these when you book your flight online, if you do not, but wait until you get to the airport, this charge becomes a staggering £70!

One way round the ski holiday carriage problem is to use “snow train” which is Eurostar and travels from St Pancras to the French Alps each week on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. You still have to get to your resort, which is usually a short transfer, but you can take as much luggage as you want, including skis, free of charge. If you are going skiing in North America, and more of us are taking this choice with the great snow that they offer, you will have no choice but to pay up, but of course you can hire your skis or snowboard when you get to your holiday destination.

When travelling to a foreign nation it is important to understand just how their society and culture works.  As a tourist your needs will be significantly different from the needs of the average citizen, and as such it may be difficult to locate services specific to your needs.  Amongst other things, it’s important to keep a quick reference guide of information relevant to each and every nation you visit on a holiday.  Even if this is your third, fourth or even tenth trip to the country, it can still have changed, and any traveller should be prepared.

First and foremost, when travelling outside of the UK crime is somewhat of a concern.  While many European nations have a relatively low risk of crime, tourists are often targeted by bag snatchers and pick pockets in crowded areas.  Being aware of your surroundings and any potential threat is important when visiting a foreign place and should be among the key concerns for a traveller.

With so many languages present in Europe, it is a good idea to carry a phrase book with the most important translations.  While this may seem obvious, a seasoned traveller who may need information quickly can still overlook it.

Regardless of location, there is a wealth of information available through the Foreign And Commonwealth office for travellers.  With comprehensive travel information about countries all across the world, it is an excellent source for advice when making travel plans.   

A change is as good as a rest and travel broadens the mind, so why not take advantage of the many cheap flights on offer these days to explore foreign places and lift your spirits in a time of gloomy belt-tightening? In the travel industry, things have been shaking up and booking flights and accommodation is only a few clicks away. A recent trend is to rent holiday villas abroad rather than settle for the traditional hotel package, as it maximises flexibility and can actually work out cheaper.

Kids love their own rooms and can be as excitable as they like without you having to worry about fellow guests; self catering is a great way in to another culture as you shop for your own food and mix with the locals; and not being pinned down to meal times is a fantastic plus when it comes to arranging the day out.

The trend towards renting villas and holiday apartments can be seen in all holiday destinations now, from the old mainstays like Ibiza, Gran Canaria and Cyprus to the new players in Eastern Europe. In Germany, you can rent anything from  a log cabin in the Black Forest to a castle on the Rhine, and it’s the sheer variety of properties on offer that gives you lots of leeway in choosing the best one to suit your holiday needs.

Just hop on the internet to check out some of the vast range of holiday villas to rent in the destination of your choice.

Whether you are travelling by land, sea or air, you need to know details, rules and general information regarding your trip. Going on a cruise holiday is no exception, as passengers have to be aware of the laws implemented on the vessel, on the sea and in the country where they will disembark to avoid committing violations of local laws.

Before you depart, make the necessary arrangements for interviews, passports and visas. Do not leave if you are unsure that you have the necessary documents. This is very important because sometimes border security measures require you to show particular identification cards before you are allowed entry into a country.

In addition, you have to confirm what items are considered as restricted merchandise. Some products that came from endangered animals, as well as counterfeits, are prohibited. Don’t even attempt to keep them in your luggage because customs officials will confiscate them.

While on a cruise, be wary of the things you buy. If they’re fake or unsafe, customs can also confiscate them. Plus, be willing to declare all your possessions when you embark and disembark in a particular country. Most countries implement a law that requires this kind of disclosure from all tourists.

If you purchased some foreign-made medicines that are not approved, you may not be able to take them home. Verify what medications are allowed to be transported to your home country before making any purchases.

Don’t panic when the security thoroughly inspects your luggage. It is a standard procedure aimed to protect you and all the other passengers.

The ultimate key is to check and verify all the rules and restrictions to avoid complications with customs or other authorities.

Venice is the capital of the Veneto region of Italy and is composed of 118 small islands connected by bridges. As a result of this, Venice has long been known as the “City of Bridges” and is often proclaimed as being  “the most beautiful city built by man.” In a 2004 census, the city was recorded as having a population of 271,367.

Venice is perhaps most famous for its canal bridges, about 177 in all, which connect the small islands that make up the city. The only mode of transport in the city, apart from on foot, is by water, using water-taxis, ferries or the romantic gondola. As a consequence of its almost complete lack of roads, Venice is the largest urban car-free city in Europe.

Apart from its unique construction, Venice is also home to the arts, particularly music and has been producing world-class artists since time immemorial. Antonio Vivaldi, a violin virtuoso, famous for his Four Seasons, was born in the city.

Venice’s main tourist sites include churches, museums, piazzas, bridges and villas. Travellers can only move around city by walking or by water, as motor vehicles are only able to reach the city terminal via the Ponte della Liberta and are charged €25 euros per day for parking. However, other Italian cities are accessible by the highly efficient regional and national rail network.

Air transport for UK and US tourists is not a problem, since a variety of airlines offer direct flights and other packages for visitors. UK tourists can fly to Venice using a number of carriers, including British Airways and BMI, while US visitors can take Delta and US Airways.

Europe is a melting pot of diversity, in all areas. Culturally, historically, politically, and geographically, this continent of mixed cultures and countries can take you from the windswept highlands of Scotland to the coastal paradises of places like Turkey, Greece, and Montenegro.

Travelling through Europe will bring you up against a vast array of technical differences. This is slowly becoming less drastic as more and more countries join the European Union, but there are still parts of Europe where entry is a painful process and travel is perilous at best. This is mostly only true of the Eastern European nations, who are on the trailing edge of the European Union and change, no matter who it affects, takes time.

Ironically, some of the most historically significant relics can be found in Eastern Europe, specifically pertaining to the Byzantine and Roman empires. If you are a lover of history, then the added hassles will be minimal, because the end prize is worth the effort.

Visa regulations will vary depending on your destination. While most of the European countries operate under the EU flag, there are some who do not. In most cases you can travel without a visa simply on your passport, but for those countries where you might have to do some paperwork, it should not be too lengthy of a process and being part of the UK means you are generally one of those visitors who are given “preference” in terms of how fast your paperwork is processed.

With such a huge backyard to play in, why not get out there and dig around in the sandbox that is Europe? You might find something you never knew was there in the first place.

Many people who love travelling, especially on the high seas, can now experience the luxury of a cruise holiday without worrying too much about the cost. In the past five years, many cruise companies have started to offer a choice of economical cruise itineraries for first timers and budget-conscious tourists. As a result, many more families and young people are now seriously thinking about taking a cruise holiday, even if they are on a tight budget.

There is a remarkable growth in the number of people opting to spend their holiday on a cruise ship compared to those who prefer to go to a resort or other land based destination. It’s partly due to the fact that many cruise lines have lowered their prices to attract more customers. This has enabled many more tourists to experience the comfort and lavishness of a cruise holiday.

Some cruise lines, for example MSC, offer a range of stylistic and grandiose cruising experiences to their passengers, at very affordable prices. Most companies now operate modern fleets that provide extensive entertainment facilities, such as cinemas, gyms, children’s areas and shopping malls that enable families to bond with each other and couples to have a more intimate time, yet in a fun setting. They are able to offer this experience by providing all-inclusive cruises that often compare favourably with the more traditional resort style holiday.

It is generally accepted that most, if not all, cruise companies are now vying with one another to provide affordable deals for today’s more demanding and frugal clients. Since the world wide economic downturn, travellers around the globe are searching for the best cruise deals that will enable them to enjoy their holiday, while make the most of their hard earned money.

Palma, located in the south of Majorca, is the centre of commercial and cultural activities on the island, which has a land area of 21,355km². The population of Palma city was listed as 380,000, as of the 2007 census and it is the twelfth largest urban area in Spain.

Situated on the coast, tourists usually arrive at Palma Airport at the start of holidays on the island. Apart from offering beautiful sea views, Palma has a remarkable city centre, with buildings and structures that offer a glimpse of Spain’s rich history and culture. The city has the best hotels and the trendiest clubs on the island, offering a nightlife that is never dull.

Palma lies in the western Mediterranean and has been connected to the major ports of most of the countries bordering the sea for centuries. Palma, unsurprisingly, enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which is characterised by seasonal rains throughout the year. The city’s annual average temperature ranges from 16°C to 18°C.

Air transport for UK and US tourists is not a problem, since a variety of airlines offer direct flights and other packages for passengers. In addition, Spain does not require tourists from either of these countries to have a visa. UK tourists can fly to Palma using airlines such as Thomson, British Airways and FLY BMI. Visitors from the US are able to fly to Palma by taking connecting flights from a number of European countries, including Spain.

As the largest European country and one with a history that stretches back to 50,000 BC, spanning multiple invasions from the likes of the Franks, the Celts, and the Roman Empire, as well as the rise and fall of Napoleon, France is a European destination that literally has so much to see and do that you will have to come back dozens of times to see and experience all that she has to offer.

The food and wine combined with the idyllic landscape of quaint countryside villages and bustling modern cities has left France with the reputation of being one of the most talked about and visited destinations in the world. From honeymoons to family getaways, to the homes of Hollywood movie stars, there is something about France that draws people in, captivates them with her charm, and drowns them in her romance.

You do not need a visa to travel to France, just your passport. And as one of Europe’s premier destinations, transportation and accommodation are as Western as it gets. Accommodation ranges across the board, from small, quiet lodgings in a countryside cottage, to a sun-soaked resort on the beach, to a full on luxury lodge high in the French mountains.

Hiking, biking, driving, or railing – there are many ways to see all that you want while visiting France. The Pyrenees Mountains and the Pyrenees National Park provide a glimpse of raw nature at its best, particularly for those interested in hiking and biking, and the road system provides travellers an easy route to get from either mountain to seaside or vice versa without ever breaking a sweat.

French Guiana is a tiny, isolated little area of South America that sees little to no tourism. As a French territory it is included in the EU, and as such you do not need a visa to travel here as a UK citizen, simply your passport.

At first glance there is not a lot to see or do within this tiny South American country. Most of its income is directly funnelled in from France proper to fund the satellite launching station, the Center Spatial Guyanais. If space exploration is your thing, this is a great spot for a bird’s eye view. This is the world’s most active satellite launching centre, and there are guided tours of the facility, as well as a Space Museum.

But there is also the Emerald Jungle Village, which is an amazing eco-tourist destination. This rugged outdoor lodge is run by a biologist and his wife, and is an amazing way to experience the lush, tropical environment.

There are also many old, colonial ruins and run-down prison camps which were used for the penal system within French Guiana back in the day. There are also various animal reserves such as the Reserve Animaliere Macourienne, which includes a 2km nature trail where you can walk among the wild monkeys, or the Tresor and Kaw nature reserves, where you can wander more trails through the rain forest.

You can fly in to Cayenne Rochambeau International Airport and go from here. Accommodation will vary depending your location. As this is not a huge tourist destination, some compromise will likely be necessary.