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Tenerife is a fantastic family destination because of its safe beaches, warm climate, family friendly hotels and excellent range of attractions. There is so much to do and see that you will be spoilt for choice. If you haven’t been to Tenerife before then it’s useful to know what attractions there are before you go, so that you can pick your favourites and stick to your budget. Here are some of the top attractions in Tenerife for families:

Lago Martianez, Puerto de La Cruz
In Puerto de La Cruz you will find a collection of well-known swimming pools all in one complex. There is a central lake and four sea water swimming pools to explore and you can sit back and relax at one of the poolside bars whilst keeping an eye on the little ones. The kids will love exploring the pools, playing under the waterfalls and swimming through the caves.

For those with younger kids there is a toddler pool with shallow water, a sculpture to climb on and a little slide to go down. You won’t be stuck for food either, so if you don’t have a picnic for the kids you can buy snacks and meals. The complex is open from 10am until about 6pm.

Cost: €3.50 for adults and €1.10 for children.

Siam Park, Costa Adeje
Siam Water Park is located on the TF1 highway in Costa Adeje. If you want to experience something a bit more upbeat, where the kids will be entertained for hours and you can try some of the high adrenaline rides then visit Siam Park.

The water park has a traditional Thai theme and the rides are surrounded by lush vegetation and greenery. Experience the wave pool, rapids and water slides and if you need a break to rest then simply relax on the purpose built sandy beach.

In July 2012 a new section called ‘Sawasdee’ which means welcome in Thai was opened. Sawasdee is a water jungle with slides that the kids can race on.

Cost: €33 for adults and €22 for children aged between 3 and 11.

Loro Parque, Puerto de la Cruz

If your children love animals and wildlife then take them to the Loro Parque in Puerto de la Cruz. This impressive wildlife park is home to a wide range of aquatic animals and small exotic animals. You can even see killer wales in action and watch dolphin shows.

Children can also learn about some of the endangered species they have at the zoo and see them up close. The park is famous for its collection of parrots dotted around the grounds.

Cost: €33 for adults and €22 for children aged between 6 and 11. Babies and children under the age of 6 are permitted free entry.

Teide National Park, Orotava

This is a must see attraction in Tenerife and something for parents and older kids to enjoy. It’s one of Tenerife’s top attractions and is definitely worth a day trip. Younger kids will also enjoy the cable car ride up the mountain. Teide was declared a national park in 1954 and Mount Teide has the highest peak in Spain. If you don’t want to explore the Park by foot or feel it’s too much for the kids then hire a car and witness the spectacular views.

Tenerife is an ideal family destination because it is very easy to get to from the UK. The average flight time is around 4 hours 10 minutes flying from London Gatwick to Tenerife. Book Tenerife flights with Thomson now and enjoy a family holiday to remember.

Major Resorts
Tenerife South airport is 17.8km from Playa de Las Americas which takes around 15 to 20 minutes by car.
Tenerife South airport is 19.3km from Costa Adeje which takes around 15 to 20 minutes by car.
Tenerife South airport is 17km from Los Christianos which takes around 15 minutes by car.

After the long, dark month of January and the seemingly never-ending wait for payday, February with its pancakes, slightly lighter evenings and Valentine’s Day is a welcome sight. Shrove Tuesday is celebrated all over the world and some countries take it a bit further than just pancakes. Carnival is celebrated from Rio de Janeiro to Tenerife and it is worth travelling just for the spectacle. Here are some of our top tips for February’s best carnivals and festivals around the world.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Mardi Gras literally translates to ‘Fat Tuesday’, what we know as Shrove Tuesday. This year it falls on Tuesday 12^th February, but in New Orleans they like to start the party early and you will see parades from around the 19^th January which will pause for the Super Bowl game being held here on the 3^rd Feb. Take plenty of face paint, sequins and feathers to join in with the fancy dress spectacles that are the parades and don’t miss out on one of the traditional masked balls. Book early as flights and hotels fill up fast for one of the biggest parties of the year.

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

Starting on the 9^th Feb in 2013 and finishing on the 12^th, prepare yourself for 96 hours of pure extravagance and indulgence before the 40 days of Lent at the largest carnival in the world. All the restaurants, clubs and bars spill out onto the streets and huge floats decorated to the nines make their way through the town. The whole party culminates in a massive Samba parade, where the dance schools from the area all compete in one of the most visually stunning displays of dance you will ever see!

Carnival in Tenerife

Second in size only to the carnival in Rio, this celebration is slightly close to home and just as much fun – they have a different theme every year and this year’s is Bollywood.  As well as the traditional parades and street parties, there are some slightly more unusual customs in Tenerife. You will find the biggest parties in the capital of Santa Cruz and on Shrove Tuesday, the parties head to the harbour where a giant model of a sardine is set alight and pushed out to sea – this symbolises the using up of all excesses before Lent. Some of the other slightly bizarre sights you will see on the island during carnival include groups of pregnant men and drag queen marathons, complete with sprinting races in stilettos. For more information about Tenerife holidays click here.

Trinidad Carnival

Steel drum bands and Calypso music make up the soundtrack to this colourful festival, where you will find it hard to not be dragged into the fancy dress, street dancing and limbo competitions. The main events are on the Monday and Tuesday, this year on the 11^th and 12^th, but preparations for the next party start pretty much straight after the previous one ends. There are intense competitions to be the King and Queen of the Calypso bands and the winner practically becomes a national hero.

Chinese New Year in Paris

Paris might not be your first thought of where to see in the Chinese New Year, but it is so easy to get to from the UK and the city has one of the most established Chinese quarters in Europe where they’ll celebrating in style. This year is the Year of the Water Snake, celebrations officially start on the 10^th Feb with parades from Paris City Hall complete with drummers, paper dragons and lions. On the 17^th there is the larger of the parades that starts around lunchtime and fills the air with confetti and the smell of firecrackers. Try and keep hold of one of the traditional red lanterns as a souvenir. For more inspiration for Paris holidays see here.

So, for the ultimate antidote to the winter blues, dig out your most sparkly outfit and prepare to dance until you can’t feel your feet at one of the world’s best parties.

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to jump on an aeroplane and fly off to somewhere exotic. Unfortunately, airports can get rather congested at this time of the year and flight delays are rather common. This is no more the case than at Gatwick, the UK’s second biggest airport. I used to live abroad and over the years have spent countless hours twiddling my thumbs in Gatwick’s airport lounges waiting for delayed flights home. I’ve decided to put together a list of the top five ways to pass the time at Gatwick – here they are!

1. Hunt out Free Internet

What else to do when at a loose end but surf the internet? Many of us travel with a laptop nowadays, which in some ways feels like being a turtle carrying a shell. We carry ‘home’ with us, sending emails to friends and connecting with them via social media wherever we go. Getting online at Gatwick is easy by using the Boingo hotspot. Just open your browser and follow the instructions on-screen. The first fifteen minutes are free, but after that you have to pay. A cheaper alternative is to use McDonald’s free wi-fi (sorry McDonald’s). The only downer is that you have to go through a long and annoying sign-up process. The best option is probably to bring your own mobile broadband dongle and connect via 3G. Laptop-less travellers can use fixed computer stations in both North and South Terminals which offer reliable internet access at a cost.

2. Swag it up in a VIP Lounge

The name can be a bit misleading as you don’t have to be Beyonce or a rich business man to hang out in Gatwick Airport’s VIP lounges. Just choose from several including No.1 and Aspire and book them online for around £20 per person. Here you can find some respite away from the crowds, complimentary snacks and drinks (including alcoholic ones), and free newspapers and magazines aplenty. With all the perks, a ticket to a VIP lounge should easily pay for itself. Just be aware that some lounges don’t allow children and you can only stay for a maximum of three hours. South Terminal’s No. 1 Lounge has some of the best views of the runway.

3. Escape to the Country!

Did you know that Gatwick Airport is on a National Cycle Route? Exit the airport on foot from the South Terminal and follow the cycle path for a few minutes to find some peace and quiet. It may not be the Lake District but it’s a fairly pleasant wooded suburban area where you can stretch your legs. Another option is to head to the commuter town of Horley, which is only three minutes from Gatwick by train. Here you can grab a pint in one of several excellent traditional English pubs including Ye Olde Six Bells. If your flight is absurdly delayed (I’m talking more than six hours) you might want to make the 40-minute train ride down to Brighton on the south coast. Brighton is a vibrant seaside city with plenty of quirky shops to explore and historical attractions including the Royal Pavilion.

4. Plug in and Tune out!

When you’re travelling, it can be hard to find places to charge up your smartphone, tablet or other devices so take the opportunity to give them some juice at the airport. There are spare power sockets throughout both terminals that you should be able to use surreptitiously without anyone minding. Gatwick’s cafes and bars also usually have free power points. Don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness. If you must spend money, Chargebox operates several units airside in both terminals that let you charge mobiles from £1.50 for 30 minutes.

5. Get Some Beauty Sleep

You may find that you’re delayed overnight, in which case you’ll either have to sleep in the airport itself or book a Gatwick Airport Hotel. Spending the night in an airport is not as bad as it might initially seem and there’s even a website Sleeping in Airports dedicated to helping travellers get the most out of the experience. Gatwick is much better than its Luton- and Stansted-based neighbours for airport sleeping. There are padded, armless chairs in both terminals, and the security guards won’t bat an eyelid. You’ll also probably become part of a community of fellow sleepover holidaymakers making the most of it with an all-night Costa Coffee serving sandwiches and snacks. If sleeping in airports isn’t your thing, there are several good hotels nearby including the Hilton and Sofitel for something more luxurious.

Author Bio

When Matt isn’t blagging free gin and tonics in Gatwick’s VIP lounges, you’ll find him blogging for HotelClub.com, an accommodation provider offering discounted hotels in 141 countries throughout the world.

Image source: Danny Leach

As autumn approaches and we say goodbye to another non-existent summer, it’s easy to forget that we live in one of the most picturesque countries in the world. With trees of red, gold and brown, pathways scattered with leaves and a brisk wind tugging at our brollies, there’s no need to be down in the dumps thanks to some gorgeous UK cities that are just perfect for exploring. We’ve rummaged for our gloves in the wardrobe and pulled on our winter coats, ready to head out and discover what autumn in Britain is all about. Here are the top five destinations that we think you should be visiting this autumn.

The New Forest

I’m not sure there’s anything more exhilarating than walking through thick forestry and taking in the beautiful sounds, sights and smells of autumn. The New Forest is a magical place to visit at this time of year, perfect for a stroll along the charming pathways and spotting the stunning red deer that call the landscape home. The kaleidoscopic colours make for some outstanding photographic memories of your trip, and with some of the most welcoming local pubs and inns you’re guaranteed a hearty meal after a long day of exploring. Check out our hotels near the New Forest so you can plan your visit!

Cornwall

Well known for stunning coastlines and some of the tastiest ice cream around, Cornwall is a beautiful destination to visit whatever time of year it is. In the autumn months ice cream may not be on the menu, but a host of food and drink festivals certainly are! Celebrating the best local produce and the iconic tastes of southern England, it’s a great way to take in the atmosphere and discover true Cornish delicacies. Falmouth is a beautiful coastal town where you can take a walk on the pebbled beaches or wander around the market town to find some hidden gems. For me, the Cornish coast is one of the most inspiring locations on our fair isle.

Blackpool

When I think of autumn, rustic leaves, woodland walks and woolly hats are what come to mind, so I was surprised to find that Blackpool is one of the most popular places to visit at this time of year. However, with the illuminations being displayed from as early as mid-September, the festive feel begins incredibly early around this bustling seaside town. Take the kids (and the big kids) to the amusements then grab some fish and chips to take along the promenade, gazing out across the misty coast as you hurry to get your hands back in your gloves. Maybe you’d prefer to head up the Blackpool Tower; the sunny beach scene may have gone but the glittering lights below are sure to make for a romantic feel to the trip, and with so many things to do in Blackpool it’s bound to be a fun-filled break.

Lake District

The Lake District tops my list of the best places to take a short break in the whole of the UK. Although the summer months are a more popular time to visit, the sheer beauty of the landscape and with the vast area you have to explore, I’d happily head to the Lakes every week! It’s great to hire a motor boat and head out onto the stunning Coniston Water with gorgeous forests either side of you and barely a ripple in the water it’s easy to get lost in the moment and forget where you are. My favourite thing to do in the Lakes is nestle myself in one of the lakeside cafes after a long day of walking and boating, with a strong cup of tea in hand just watching the world go by. In the autumn months the beauty and tranquillity of this place will take your breath away, and makes for the perfect autumn break for two.

Northumberland

Having lived in Northumberland for three years, I now appreciate how truly wonderful it is as a home and as a short break destination. With the busy city of Newcastle being the hotspot for most travellers, many don’t realise that only a ten minute drive away awaits some of the most incredible scenery and amazing beaches in the UK! Filled with ancient ruins and historical locations, discovering the best of Northumberland is as easy as it gets. Hadrian’s Wall is a great place to visit, where you can walk along the wall and follow its trail or head to the nearby Chester’s Roman Fort for a real piece of history. To escape for some peace and quiet, Tynemouth Long Sands will take some serious space on your camera’s memory! Discover absolutely gorgeous stretches of wide sandy beaches, untouched by tourists and plenty of local shops and cafes to relax and unwind in. One small tip, the Beaches & Cream Café serves the most delicious ice cream I’ve ever tried! Regardless of the weather, don’t miss out!

This post was written by Victoria who usually writes for the Superbreak Blog. To find great deals on hotels in these top UK destinations this autumn, visit Superbreak.com

Canary Islands

The British love of the sun, sea, sand and sangria on offer in the Canaries is well known, however, this simplification belies the sheer variety on offer on the archipelago’s seven islands. The main islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria all have excellent holiday resorts.

The Canaries are a popular short-haul fix for the winter blues – with an average six hours of sunshine daily. Tenerife, the largest island, also has great nightlife and dramatic scenery.

Gran Canaria is another party island with a beachside nightlife year-round. On Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, white beaches and fewer high-rise hotels make for a more tranquil atmosphere. Palma, La Gomera and Hierro are mountainous, green and peaceful.

Cyprus

Cyprus has something to offer every holidaymaker. Its stunning coastline has lots of fantastic beaches and resorts for those who want little more than a week of sun, sea and sand. For history buffs, the island is also full of ancient relics and interesting ruins.

Hawaii

The home of surfing, top cop shows (think Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum PI) and grass skirts has become something of a favourite holiday haunt for A-list Stateside celebrities looking for gorgeous beaches and soothing sea breezes.
It’s an archipelago of contrasts, where you’ll discover big cities and remote villages, sun-soaked beaches and dramatic mountains, and barren, volcanic landscapes bordered by lush, tropical rainforest.

The larger islands have seen huge commercial development in recent decades, but examples of Hawaiian culture and tradition are still present everywhere. The smaller islands are perfect for those who like to explore, with unspoilt stretches of idyllic countryside and miles of white-sand beaches, volcanoes and coral reefs. All in all, Hawaii’s perfect for a long-haul summer break.

Tunisia

Tunisia may not be everyone’s first thought when it comes to choosing a holiday destination, but there are plenty of reasons to give the North African country a try, not least its proximity to Britain and its Mediterranean climate. The country’s popularity with tourists is growing, no doubt also due in no small part to its rich history, enticing cuisine and relaxed way of life.

Dubai

Big, brash and bold, Dubai has cemented its reputation as a holiday spot where anything and everything is possible. The Middle East emirate has excelled in the development of superlative luxury hotels, world-class attractions, top quality restaurants, and shops.
Whether you’re on a short break or longer holiday, want golf courses, swimming pools, desert safaris, theme parks or even ski slopes, Dubai will indulge your every whim. After all, it’s at the forefront of a tourism revolution.

Sharm el Sheikh

This Red Sea beach resort at the tip of the Sinai Peninsula attracts legions of British holiday makers. It offers guaranteed sunshine, a wide range of hotels and is one of the world’s premier scuba diving spots, with breath-taking coral reefs and abundant marine life.

This guest post was written by Teletext Holidays helping you get the best cheap holiday deals since 1993.

Cornwall is as diverse as it is stunning and is so much more than golden sandy beaches and quaint ramshackle fishing ports. It is true that visitors to Cornwall do love the indigo sea and the sheltered ambience of the small fishing harbour towns but over the years Cornwall has become a chic and popular place to be. Here are 3 reasons to visit the peninsula that makes you feel as though you have jumped on a plane for a foreign destination, but with no jet lag…

The Art Scene

It is no myth that the light in Cornwall is sought after for painters and the proof of this is that the county has an abundance of art galleries and museums. Most notable are the Barbara Hepworth Museum, The Tate St Ives and the Exchange in Penzance which offer a taste of the traditional and the contemporary. Some might say the Minack theatre is a statement of art; it is most certainly a labour of love as it has been hand carved on the cliff top overlooking the Atlantic.

The Food Culture

The Cornish are fiercely proud of their food culture, made known most recently by the furore over the proposed pasty tax. The pasty is a protected product which has to follow strict guidelines or it cannot be called a true Cornish pasty. Other Cornish favourites that are worth a try are the sweet fairings and the hevva cake and perhaps a ‘Thunder and Lightning’ cream tea made with treacle instead of jam. Of course the county has also become well known for its celebrity food culture as Rick Stein’s eateries in Padstow and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen have become destination restaurants highlighting wonderful Cornish produce.

The Life and Soul

Cornwall has many proud traditions such as the Padstow ‘Obby Oss, the Truro Carnival and Bude Jazz festival but it also has many water based events. The Portscatho Regatta is popular as is The Fowey Regatta and Carnival Week which is a huge highlight and worth a visit to the cobbled harbour town and see the incredible boats racing around the Fowey Estuary.

If you are looking to take a trip to Cornwall and need a place to stay you might consider taking a lovely holiday cottage with Holiday Cottages a family owned and run UK holiday cottage rental specialist with over 30 years’ experience and over 1400 properties covering Devon, Cornwall, Somerset; Dorset and most recently the Cotswolds. Open fires, sea views, internet access, children play areas and access to the miles of heavenly beaches are all to be found on the user friendly website.

Kelly Quance is a writer for all things South West; she has lived in the South West for years give or take a few stints abroad and has made it a point to discover where to find the best cream tea and to discover where the Cornish giants are hiding these days.

Image source: Flickr, Xerones

Some travellers seek adventure by bungee-jumping off bridges or scaling mountains, but then there are the foodie thrill seekers who are willing to taste anything, no matter what the risk.

There’s danger lurking in the cuisines of many popular travel destinations, but these ‘deadly foods’ are often considered a delicacy by locals. Eating these delicacies can cause anything from vomiting and seizures to death, but travellers are queuing up to try these foods for fun and in the spirit of adventure.

Fugu

Also known as the pufferfish or blowfish, fugu can prove fatal and extreme care must be taken if you do decide to try this Japanese delicacy. Fugu contains tetrodotoxin, a compound which is 100 times more poisonous than cyanide. This toxin can cause paralysis, which can lead to heart failure or death by asphyxiation.

There is currently no antidote available, so it’s vitally important to ensure you only ever eat fugu that has been prepared by a trained fugu chef. Chefs will often leave a tiny bit of poison intact to deliver a slight numbing or tingling on the diner’s lips. Fugu can be eaten raw, fried, boiled, in miso soup or as fugu sake. The city of Shimonoseki in Japan may be the safest place to try fugu as there have never been any reported deaths from eating it there.

Blood Clams

This delicious delicacy can be found on the Shanghai black market as it’s now banned for general consumption. The clams are only quick-boiled and this method of cooking leaves harmful bacteria intact. Eating one of these can lead to dysentery, typhoid or even hepatitis A and E.

Research carried out by a Chinese government agency indicated that between 5 to 10 per cent of these clams carry hepatitis.

Giant Bullfrog

Although a delicacy in its native Namibia, eating a Giant Bullfrog could leave you with kidney failure. With this animal, timing is everything. Their skin and internal organs are poisonous to humans but locals say they are safe to eat when they start breeding, which is normally characterised by croaking.

Live Octopus

Known as San Nak Ji in Korea, live octopus is chopped into pieces and seasoned with sesame. The danger with this dish comes from the fact that each octopus tentacle has its own brain and when you eat it the suction cups are still active. This can lead to choking as the octopus piece squirms and the suction cups try to stick to your mouth or throat.

Koreans accustomed to eating live octopus enjoy this part of the process, but risk can be reduced by chewing thoroughly before swallowing.

Cassava

This tropical vegetable is native to South America, where it has been a main food source for Amazonian tribes people for centuries. It has also become popular in Africa as a staple food and main ingredient in a fermented drink called Piwarry. Cassava leaves and roots are high in cyanide and the vegetable must be boiled correctly to remove all of the poison. Another method of extraction involves pounding the tubers into a very fine flour. Consuming flour that has not been finely ground can cause seizures.

Casu Marzu

This bizarre dish is outlawed by the Italian government but of course it can be found on the black market by anyone harbouring a deep desire to visit an Italian doctor. Casu Marzu is a cheese made from Sardinian sheep’s milk, which is left to rot. A certain type of fly is then introduced to lay larvae in the decomposing cheese. When the eggs hatch and the cheese is full of maggots, the feast that is Casu Marzu is ready.

This dish can cause allergic reactions and toxicity from the decaying cheese. The maggots may cause intestinal damage and lacerations as they are resistant to stomach acid, meaning they may decide they want to live in your intestines. If this happens, you can expect vomiting, pain and diarrhoea.

Silver Stripe Blaasop

Found in the Indian Ocean, this fish can cause breathing problems and fatal muscle paralysis if not prepared correctly. The organs and skin are toxic and must be removed before cooking. The Silver Stripe Blaasop has been moving into the Mediterranean and in 2007 there were 10 related deaths in Israel and the popular holiday destination of Egypt.

Ackee Fruit

This Jamaican fruit is high in vitamins and protein but if eaten before it’s fully ripe the results can be fatal. This attractive fruit can cause vomiting and seizures. It has also been known to cause hypoglycaemia, which can lead to hospitalisation and death. The fruit must be cleaned and boiled thoroughly before eating.

Apricot Seeds

Popular in Turkey, where a large number of apricot trees are cultivated, these seeds contain cyanogenetic glycosides. Consuming apricot seeds releases hydrogen cyanide during digestion. Roasting the seeds before consumption can reduce the risks, but consuming large quantities can be fatal.

Elderberries

You may think this fruit is more at home in a jam recipe than on this list, but the stems and leaves of the elderberry plant contain cyanide and are highly poisonous. It’s been rumoured that the Sambuca drink contains extracts of the elderberry plant, but the recipe is a secret and therefore this can’t be verified.

This article was researched and written by the team at TravelSupermarket.com

I don’t like waiting. It feels like a waste of time and it makes me frustrated. Having to wait in an airport is really not my favourite thing – I just want to get on board and take off as soon as possible. Don’t make me take my boots off, don’t make me stand in line, don’t try to sell me €10 sandwiches; just let me sit down and you can get the plane into gear.

Thankfully, many airports have recognised what torture this ordeal is, and they’ve done something about it. Recently I had to wait for my flight at Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris and I was amazed by all the activities on offer. White water rafting? Big Game hunting? Helicopter jolly? Not quite, but my waiting time flew by (see what I did there?) while I enjoyed a lovely massage. Let me help you to make your wait a little easier too!

Shopping

CDG is full of shops of all kinds – and it’s tax free! Whether you’re on a hunt for booze, perfumes, books or clothes, this airport has it all. Ideal for some last minute souvenir scoring – especially if you’re looking for something typically French, such as my favourite thing: macarons from Ladurée.

Eating

All this shopping probably makes you hungry; good thing this airport has plenty of restaurants. From traditional French bistros to fish restaurants, sandwich bars or a quick burger, there is plenty of choice. For a last sip of real French wine on French soil, check out one of the many bars here.

Relaxing

Souvenirs are in the pocket and you’re tummy is full…now it’s time to relax. Enjoy a massage in a spa or in one of the kiosks, experience some light therapy, get a mani-pedi or even a wax and it’ll be boarding time before you know it! Wow…feels so good I almost forgot we’re still at the airport.

Cinema

If you prefer to take it easy, you can sit back in a comfy chair whilst watching the latest movies and series on 3D HD televisions in the airport’s cinema suites. Grab a coke and some popcorn and enjoy. Passenger 57, Die Hard 2, Snakes on a Plane…all the classics are here.

Activities for kids

Travelling with children can be a challenge, and having to wait in an airport is far from a walk in the park. If you prefer your spawn numbed and suggestive, there are television areas to do your parenting for you. Alternatively, there is also a choice of playgrounds for younger children; perhaps they’ll tire themselves out and sleep through the flight. For the older children, there are several arcade games and even PlayStations for free use. Don’t forget that you still have a plane to catch…

Lounge

Of course, you could also hang out in one of the many lounge areas. Lay back with a latte and check on your emails, catch up on the news or update your Facebook status. Wi-Fi is accessible in several areas throughout the airport.

Waiting is still waiting, but at least Charles De Gaulle airport is full of fun things to do to help you through it. By the time you can board the plane, you’ll be packed with souvenirs, full of delicious food and all chilled out after a massage – no better way to start a flight. Safe travels!

This article was written by Eva on behalf of Easytobook, who have a great selection of Paris hotels available at the best rates guaranteed. Top image courtesy of Louis Dallara

Emma from Low Cost Holidays kindly wrote this fascinating post for us based on her company’s recent research into British travel trends!

There are many factors that decide where we go on holiday and trying to find somewhere to please everyone that you’re travelling with is never easy, but we’ve found some interesting factors that can influence your decision.

Obviously anybody that’s a fan of David Attenborough will have wanted to go to the Amazon or the Arctic, depending on what series might be on at the time, but who would’ve thought that the cast of The Only Way is Essex would have the same influence on where we want to go on holiday.

Research from www.lowcostholidays.com has shown that traffic to the site for Marbella related terms was up 133% after The Only Way is Marbs aired compared to the same period the week before. During the one hour show they saw a 1942% increase in searches!

Marbella is the ultimate destination if you want to sun yourself on exotic beaches whilst watching the rich and famous sail past on their luxury yachts and enjoy a cocktail or two at one of the sophisticated beach bars. Head out for dinner in the Old Town and sample some of the excellent tapas on offer.

With Geordie Shore following suit and airing a feature episode about the cast’s antics in Cancun – Chaos in Cancun, should we expect to see a rise in interest in the exotic destination? Mexican culture, the Caribbean Sea and the nightlife are just some of the pulls of this beautiful area. There are natural blue lagoons to explore, where snorkelling gives you the chance to take a peek at some of the amazing marine life.

Whilst ‘Wish you Were Here’ is no longer leading the way for TV holiday inspiration, it is interesting to know that we are still inspired to take our holidays – research from ABTA¹ shows that 16% of people say that they get their holiday inspiration from TV programmes and films. Shows like Top Gear are encouraging people to take long haul trips to locations like India, whilst Downton Abbey has increased search volumes for holidays in stately homes.

Who knows what will be next, maybe Made in Lanzarote??!

Cruises used to be a travel pleasure that was almost exclusively enjoyed by the elite or the wealthy, and everyone else either had to save for a few years or sell their worldly possessions in order to afford one. Nowadays, cruise holidays have become much more affordable so that anyone can enjoy a week or two sailing across sun kissed lands at their leisure. Still, there is still some money to be saved, so here are some tips to keep your cruise costs as low as possible.

Throw a dart at a map

One of the best ways to save money on a cruise is to not mind too much about where you want to go. This gives you the option of booking a cruise last minute, which in some cases could half the cost of the holiday. Cruise operators are going to be keen to fill empty cabins prior to setting sail and so will likely slash their prices in the weeks prior. It’s best to keep a cool head and not get your hopes up for any specific destination for this to work out properly. On the plus side, doing things this way adds a touch of spontaneity and mystery to your holiday.

Do it yourself

It is sometimes advised to book everything in the cruise as one big package in order to save money. However, savings can be found by booking certain parts of the cruise yourself, like opting for local tour operators once your reach the ports. Going with the locals as opposed to booking on the ship itself could save you quite a bit, as tour operators will want to offer a better deal than the cruise line to bring in more business. Take advantage of this and do your research before you book so you can scope out local tours that you could arrange yourself.

Don’t over-tip

Tipping is notoriously difficult to get your head around at the best of times, with different services and companies having different expectations as to how much you should tip. Some companies will add a tipping charge onto their final bill without telling you, leaving some holiday makers to add an extra tip on top of that. Look at how big a tip is expected of you and when it is already included in the price. If you want to tip extra, it should be at your own discretion.

Know what you’re getting

Check and double check so you know exactly what is covered in your cruise, and what costs extra. This could save you a lot of bother (and a lot of money) further down the line. Usually your cruise package will cover at least your cabin, most of your meals and any on-ship activities.

Less is more

How much time do you expect to be spending holed up in your cabin? With so much to see and do on a cruise, for many their cabin is simply a place to recharge for a few hours in between adventure and excitement. If this is you, it might be a good idea to opt for a more humble cabin that offers a lower price tag. That way you get more spare cash to spend enjoying what the rest of the ship (and the ports) have to offer). Insisting on the posh view from a porthole might be costing you more than you think.

This guest post was written free of charge by Jamie Gibbs, the resident blogger for cruise insurance comparison site, Confused.com.