Tenerife has lots of resorts, of all shapes and sizes to choose from.  However one of the finest is the Mare Nostrum Resort.  Situated right next to the beach, the Mare Nostrum Resort is one of the finest 5 star hotels in Tenerife.

The Mare Nostrum Resort is not an ordinary resort, it is a special one, offering the finest quality services.  Of those at their best include the Spa, Thalassotherapy, medical services, highest quality transfers and money exchange services.

The resort is home to a number of different hotels.  Each one offering a unique taste and charm.  Each hotel has a number of different room types available.  These include rooms perfect for couples, family rooms, rooms with views of the pool, rooms with sea views, others with views of the mountains, rooms with private pools, and presidential suites.

To allow you to enjoy your stay to the maximum the resort has a number of high quality swimming pools and restaurants.  Each offering something slightly different to meet your tastes.

To keep you occupied during your stay the resort offers many things, including:

• Private swimming pools for the suites
• Jacuzzis
• Sun terraces
• Tennis courts
• Hairdressers,
• Children’s clubs
• Various night activities

The resort is perfectly located at the southwest corner of the island.  This allows you to enjoy the fantastic outdoors sports on offer on Tenerife.  These include various golf courses, swimming at the beaches, horse riding, whale spotting, rock climbing, trekking, off-road driving, diving, snorkelling, jet skis, potholing and more.

If you are a member of the Expo club, then you’ll be able to enjoy the extended facilities of the resort.  These include tailor-made outings, access to the VIP room including free internet usage, newspapers, etc, special breakfast served in your room, bathrobe and slippers, VIP cocktail club, free Wi-Fi, late check out and more.

Enjoy an unforgettable stay at the Mare Nostrum Resort, Tenerife.

A bustling nightlife is one of a huge number reasons that attracts thousands of people to Barcelona each year. Gone are the days, though, where one could walk down Las Ramblas and pick up a pint for a few pesetas. Unfortunately, the city has moved on and these days it is full of tourist hotspots where drinks prices are bordering extortionate. Many visitors, though, are often held back by a restricted budget and with these prices, in this economic climate, may not last longer than a day or two before finding themselves out of pocket. But never say never! There are still lots of places to buy a cheap beer or cocktail in Barcelona, you just have to look in the right places!

If you’re out to get the real Barcelona experience, rather than spend your time squeezing into a busy, pricey tourist trap, then my first word of advice would be to venture out of the norm and join in on an old Spanish tradition called ‘Botellón’. For those of you not familiar with the term, it basically entails purchasing some form of alcohol from the local supermarket and heading out to one of the city’s public areas to enjoy a few drinks. Now I know what some of you may be thinking; this sounds a bit like binge drinking in the street. I assure you it is not. ‘Botellón’ has almost become custom in Spain and attracts a young, warm and friendly crowd who are merely looking for ways to have fun with friends whilst saving a euro or two. Head down to Barceloneta beach on a weekend and you’ll be sure to meet similar-minded, fun-loving groups of people. Handily, there often many beer sellers in this area from whom you can buy a can for a mere 1€. Slightly further out is the Plaza del Sol in Gràcia (well-connected by metro) which is full of friendly locals on any night of the week, as well as numerous cheap bars. This is a great way of meeting new people and experiencing the true vibe of Barcelona.

Alternatively, you can opt for the more conventional method and head to one of the pubs and bars in the city to quench your thirst. However, for those unaware of the many little gems scattered around the city centre, a typical “bar crawl” can be quite expensive when you’re not sure where to go. Here’s a selection of bars that should keep the wallet intact:

• La Ovella Negra: Located just of Las Ramblas, this bar is reminiscent of a medieval style tavern, where you can buy beers for €1 up to midnight.
• Polaroid: Located on Calle Codols, this 80’s themed bar is another great hit. Again beer costs just €1 and what’s more you get free unlimited popcorn!
• The George Payne: Located just by Urquinaona metro stop, this Irish Pub is well known for its different promotions and deals. Well worth checking as you’ll always get your hands on a cheap drink.
• Viejo Pop: Located on the Via Laietana, this is a popular spot for locals where a San Miguel beer costs €1 up to midnight. Also does great tapas.

So there you have it, this selection of bars should definitely set you on your way to having a good time in Barcelona if you’re strapped for cash. The only thing that’s left is finding an inexpensive place to stay in the city. A great way of saving money on a low budget holiday is either to stay in a hostel or book one of many rental apartments in Barcelona. And as well as saving you money, you’ll have the freedom to choose which area you’d like to live in, allowing you to stay close to all your favourite clubs and pubs!

A bustling nightlife is one of a huge number reasons that attracts thousands of people to Barcelona each year. Gone are the days, though, where one could walk down Las Ramblas and pick up a pint for a few pesetas. Unfortunately, the city has moved on and these days it is full of tourist hotspots where drinks prices are bordering extortionate. Many visitors, though, are often held back by a restricted budget and with these prices, in this economic climate, may not last longer than a day or two before finding themselves out of pocket. But never say never! There are still lots of places to buy a cheap beer or cocktail in Barcelona, you just have to look in the right places!

If you’re out to get the real Barcelona experience, rather than spend your time squeezing into a busy, pricey tourist trap, then my first word of advice would be to venture out of the norm and join in on an old Spanish tradition called ‘Botellón’. For those of you not familiar with the term, it basically entails purchasing some form of alcohol from the local supermarket and heading out to one of the city’s public areas to enjoy a few drinks. Now I know what some of you may be thinking; this sounds a bit like binge drinking in the street. I assure you it is not. ‘Botellón’ has almost become custom in Spain and attracts a young, warm and friendly crowd who are merely looking for ways to have fun with friends whilst saving a euro or two. Head down to Barceloneta beach on a weekend and you’ll be sure to meet similar-minded, fun-loving groups of people. Handily, there often many beer sellers in this area from whom you can buy a can for a mere 1€. Slightly further out is the Plaza del Sol in Gràcia (well-connected by metro) which is full of friendly locals on any night of the week, as well as numerous cheap bars. This is a great way of meeting new people and experiencing the true vibe of Barcelona.

Alternatively, you can opt for the more conventional method and head to one of the pubs and bars in the city to quench your thirst. However, for those unaware of the many little gems scattered around the city centre, a typical “bar crawl” can be quite expensive when you’re not sure where to go. Here’s a selection of bars that should keep the wallet intact:

• La Ovella Negra: Located just of Las Ramblas, this bar is reminiscent of a medieval style tavern, where you can buy beers for €1 up to midnight.
• Polaroid: Located on Calle Codols, this 80’s themed bar is another great hit. Again beer costs just €1 and what’s more you get free unlimited popcorn!
• The George Payne: Located just by Urquinaona metro stop, this Irish Pub is well known for its different promotions and deals. Well worth checking as you’ll always get your hands on a cheap drink.
• Viejo Pop: Located on the Via Laietana, this is a popular spot for locals where a San Miguel beer costs €1 up to midnight. Also does great tapas.

So there you have it, this selection of bars should definitely set you on your way to having a good time in Barcelona if you’re strapped for cash. The only thing that’s left is finding an inexpensive place to stay in the city. A great way of saving money on a low budget holiday is either to stay in a hostel or book one of many rental apartments in Barcelona. And as well as saving you money, you’ll have the freedom to choose which area you’d like to live in, allowing you to stay close to all your favourite clubs and pubs!

I’ve experienced my first earthquake here in Bali. Everything seems fine, there are no warnings.

At around 7am local time, I was awake and thinking about getting up when I felt a minor tremor. Then immediately after the proper earthquake could be felt. It lasted for about 5 seconds from start to finish.

There is no obvious sign of damage to anything. There was a little noise during the quake as things around me were shaken.

The guys who run the guest house here don’t seem bothered at all, so it must be a fairly regular occurrence.

I checked a few websites, and it seems the earthquake occurred 60 miles south of Bali. This is a worry as this is a dangerous area for earthquakes near Bali. The same fault that caused the 2004 Asia Tsunami also runs south of Bali. And it is this fault that is most likely to cause a Tsunami for Bali, especially for Kuta and other southern resort areas.

There seems to be no warning given.

Think Las Vegas has had it as a holiday destination, or is off the radar as a traveler?  Think again.  Vegas has lots to do, lots of fun, and it can all be done on a simple budget.  Miss Las Vegas as your peril!

The Las Vegas Lowdown

To the traveler or casual holidaymaker Vegas might seem like an odd choice.  Cliched, overdone and to be avoided?  Ask almost any season traveler and they tell you that they did visit Vegas, and they had a ball.  That’s because Las Vegas is one of the special places with a unique culture and a list of must dos.  They’re the places we visit when we travel right?

Here are the Las Vegas essentials you need to know:

• Things to do – Vegas has so much to do, you’ll struggle to fit it all in on a single visit.
• Weather – fantastic weather all year around.
• Free – lots of stuff in Vegas is free!  Not only things to see, but even food and drink can be free or nearly free when you visit casinos.
• Accommodation – with so many hotels jostling for your business hotels prices are low, and the hotel standards are great.
• Transport – You rarely need transport once you’re in Vegas.  If you’re traveling you can easily get in and out of Vegas with cheap buses and flights.  If your driving you can easily park up at your hotel.  There are even a choice of campsites.

Must dos in Las Vegas

Image by Nadavspi

• Gamble – the obvious thing to do in Vegas.  You don’t need to be a seasoned pro to join in, and you don’t need to gamble your kids college fun.  It’s a lot of fun just to play the fruit machines.  Find a game you like, set a limit and join in.  It’s great just mingling with those who are gambling.
• Hover Dam – not actually in Vegas, but so close you’ve got to see it whilst you’re there.
• Bellagio Fountain Show – the incredible fountain show at the famous Bellagio hotel.
• Southern Nevada Zoological Botanical Park – Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park has over 150 species of animals and plants.
• Flamingo Garden – A 15-acre garden with Flamingos and other exotic birds, as well as koi and turtles.
• Ride a Gondola at The Venetian Hotel – As close as you’ll get to Venice without being in Venice!
• Kayak Trips from Kayak Las Vegas –  Paddle the Colorado River from the base of Hoover Dam to Willow Beach Arizona, hike to hot springs from the river. Paddle to island beaches for a swim at Lake Mead.
• Helicopter Tours – Helicopter tours that will take you deep into the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon or soaring above the neon lights and mega resorts of the Las Vegas Strip, as well as helicopter tours that include rafting down the Colorado River.
• World-Class Circus Acts at Circus Circus – From 11am, every half-hour. Aerialists, jugglers, acrobats and trapeze artists take the stage at the world’s largest permanent circus daily.
• Cirque du Soleil shows – Las Vegas hosts 7 very popular Cirque du Soleil shows.
• David Copperfield at the MGM Grand – One of the world’s most famous magicians. Some of his best known illusions are making the Statue of Liberty disappear, walking through the Great Wall of China and flying over the audience.
• Get Married – Las Vegas is the wedding capital of the world!  This is surely one of the cheapest ways of getting married.  Might upset your parents if they’re not their though!

Holidays in Las Vegas

If your appetite is wetted and you are considering a visit then look around for Las Vegas Holidays.  There are lots of great packages that give you great flights with a fantastic hotel that will make your visit to Vegas even more memorable.  A holiday package is by far the easiest way to visit and enjoy Las Vegas.

Paris – one of the finest cities in the world, and certainly one of my favourite to visit. Problem is, there is a lot to do, and it’s hard to work out what to do given the limited time we normally have when we visit.

So here is my essential guide to visiting Paris.

Things to do

Eiffel Tower

Photo by Larry Johnson

One of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, and for good reason. It’s great. A massive smile came over my face the first time I saw the tower, and even now I love seeing it when it comes into view when walking around the city.
It has a unusual past, was nearly pulled down, and can be a pain to visit. But the secret is to go late in the day, and walk up. The queues are normally massive for the lifts, but frankly the lifts aren’t great. Take the stairs. It’s cheaper, the queues are much shorter, you get better views, and you get a work out. You don’ need to be super fit to climb the stairs.

The Louvre

Photo by zoetnet

If you have even the smallest interest in art, you have to visit the Louvre. The building itself is amazing, let alone it’s priceless contents. The essential three to see are the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Nike of Samothrace (winged Victory). These pieces along are breathtaking, and anything else you get to see is a bonus. The place is massive, and you need a good few hours at the least. The queues are also massive. Big tip though, don’t use the main entrance. Simple solution: ask the security where another entrance is, I used the entrance by the miniature Arc de Triomphe near the road.

Eat and Drink

Photo by Brenda Blue

France is the home of fine food and drink. To get some great food head to the side street cafes. Find those that are reasonably busy and full of Parisians. Go for the recommendations or specials. The wine and beer in Paris is fantastic, so try a few.

Explore Montmartre

Photo by zoetnet

Montmartre is home to Moulin Rouge, but also the arty set of Paris. There are loads of great cafes, street performances and interesting parks to explore. Visit at the weekend and you’ll see many Parisians doing their thing.

The Trocadero

Photo by Alexandre Van de Sande

The meeting place in the evening. This is the best place to watch the famous Eiffel Tower light show. Great a drink and a snack whilst you’re there.

Notre-Dame

Visit this beautiful church to get a real feel of medieval Paris. It’s free to visit. Try the rooftop terrace for impressive gargoyles.

More Museums

Need more of a museum fix? Musée d’Orsay houses some fantastic pieces, in an amazing old railway station. Musée Rodin is a beautiful house and park, where Rodin lived. His Thinker sculpture is in the garden. Like Picasso? Then check the Musée national Picasso Paris – an amazing collection of Picasso’s work.

Where to stay

Paris is big, and you need to find somewhere that meets you budget, as it’s an expensive city. One of the best ways of staying in Paris is to rent an apartment. It’s typically cheaper than hotels for longer stays, or with more than a few people. Click here to see available apartments in Paris.

Paris is a great place to visit and explore. I would suggest visiting in late March to mid June, and September to late October. Winter is fine for beating the crowds, but you won’t have the great summer weather.

Whilst we might like taking long trips to far off locations, we can’t always to do that.  Whether we are earning the money to pay for the trip or catching up with family and friends at home, most of us love the idea of a short holiday somewhere close.

Travel has boomed in the last 20 years, and holidays are getting cheaper and cheaper.  There are more and more agents tying together affordable accommodation and the new waves of cheap flights.  This has left us holiday makers in a great position with more and more cheap holidays available.

Top 5 Cheap Holiday Destinations for Brits

1. Greece – With over 6,000 islands Greece has somewhere for everyone.  Turquoise waters and hot summer temperatures make it a paradise for holidays.  There are still many quiet deserted beaches, as well as the clutch of pumping nightlife spots.
2. Egypt – Only a stones throw from Europe, and yet a different world.  The beach resorts offer the sand and sun, and of course the ancient monuments offer the culture.
3. Cyprus – Island life is great on this sunny and sandy paradise.  With more and more holiday locations popping up, Cyprus is getting more and more popular.
4. Spain – The original cheap holiday destination, and still going strong.  Mainland Spain offers many great locations, but it’s the islands that draw the most visitors.  Ibiza, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Menorca.  Sunshine, beaches, food and drink, the perfect holiday recipe.
5. Turkey – The new cheap holiday kid on the block. With more and more emerging resorts Turkey is set to get more and more popular.  Great seaside locations offering great value outside of the EU.

Tips for Finding Cheap Holidays