Chances are that you’re not familiar with the sparkling city of Klaipeda in Lithuania – even its own tourist website asks you to “visit the place you have never been before”. However, if there is one thing that UK tourists have discovered in abundance in recent years, it’s that Eastern Europe is packed full of hidden gems – and while Klaipeda may sit in the shadow of more illustrious neighbours like Vilnius, its beautiful port and popular seaside... [Read Full Post]

Brussels – which is just a boat trip, and now even a train ride, away – has always been an epicentre for trade, business and culture. However, now you can add “tourism” to its list of impressive attributes, such has been the wealth of people flocking to the Belgian capital in recent years to discover its brilliant nightlife, eye-catching sights and wild blend of museums, attractions and fabulous shopping. So how then can Bangor, in County Down i... [Read Full Post]

It is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and an autonomous region of Italy, yet Sardinia is surprisingly overlooked by Brits when it comes to taking a trip abroad despite boasting 135 days of sunshine during the year. The island is actually a beautiful blend of stunning beaches and rich history with plenty to see away from the sands that make it stand out when compared to the typical sun-seekers’ beach break. However, how does it... [Read Full Post]

Ah Zante – with its beautiful beaches and brilliant bars and clubs, it is a constant draw for sun-seekers and partygoers alike. With stunning resorts it is the perfect place to enjoy meals and drinks by the sea and seems to have something for everyone ranging from families to couples. So with cheap flights available to Zante, has it now surpassed a traditional UK seaside destination like Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk? Or, can a stay in Great Yarmou... [Read Full Post]

With its seven miles of seafront, Southend-on-Sea, in Essex, is one of the UK’s most enduring seaside destinations. It has the longest pleasure pier in the world (pictured) and hosts an array of festivals, as well as being a real haven for family fun with its water parks and theme parks. So how then does a stay in Southend-on-Sea compare to a trip to the Dutch Coast? The Netherlands is perhaps best known for its cosmopolitan towns and cities suc... [Read Full Post]

For many, the stunning Lake Como in Italy is the stuff of fantasy. Located close to the cosmopolitan and chic city of Milan it is unquestionably the most popular lake in the country – made even more popular after Hollywood heartthrob George Clooney chose to buy a house on the shore of the lake. Now it has become a real tourist trap, attracting thousands of visitors eager to catch a glimpse of the area’s famous residents. However, does the hustle... [Read Full Post]

The third largest of the Greek Islands and the second most popular after Rhodes, Kos Island is packed with charm and beauty combining picturesque villages with fine beaches. Above all however, it will be a haven for those who are serious about nightlife – with a real party atmosphere offering the perfect contrast to its rich history and fine architecture. So why then, are we comparing it to Leeds in Yorkshire? A stay in Leeds certainly won’t top... [Read Full Post]

Sacre bleu! The French would surely react in astonishment if you compared one of the most beautiful areas in the entire country – the Chamonix, Mont Blanc region – to the humble city of Aberdeen, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. However, this Scottish gem may just be a rival for its prestigious and widely heralded French counterpart. For a stay in Aberdeen can awaken your senses – it is here that you will find some of the best that Scotland has to of... [Read Full Post]

It’s like a little part of Britain mixed with a continental flavour – Brittany, in France, has always been a strong proponent of its British roots with many of the locals seemingly detesting the French and preferring those who make the short trip across the channel either by train or by ferry. As such it’s a huge favourite year on year for British tourists keen to discover its beautiful countryside, enticing beaches and fantastic history and heri... [Read Full Post]

Since Ryanair set up a base in the second largest city of Lithuania, Kaunas has been expanding as a tourist destination with many holidaymakers keen to explore its rich combination of churches, castles, museums and theatres. It’s certainly a fantastic and unusual getaway for culture vultures. However, how can this emerging destination compare with the capital of Wales – Cardiff? Many UK holidaymakers overlook a lengthy stay in Cardiff, generally... [Read Full Post]

If you like to have your mind expanded, your horizons broadened and your adventurous spirit cherished, you cannot go wrong with a break away to the mountains with their staggering picturesque beauty. However, when deciding which of the world’s mountainous ranges to choose from should you opt for the ultra-popular snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps; or would you be better off considering a stay in Snowdonia: a comparatively humble mountain range... [Read Full Post]

At first glance, Budapest, the capital of Hungary; and Leicester, an English city in Leicestershire, don’t appear to have a lot in common. After all, one is considered an exotic European city break destination – an emerging power in the world of tourism; while the other is looked at as an after-thought in comparison to its mainstream alternatives such as London and Liverpool. However, could a stay in Leicester actually rival a trip to Budapest? ... [Read Full Post]

Though they may be far apart geographically, Torquay, in Devon, and Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, have a lot in common. Both thrived as holiday destinations during the 1980s – but over the last two decades seem to have been usurped in favour of alternatives breaks. Lanzarote seems to have been surpassed by the likes of Tenerife and Ibiza as a party-filled, sun-soaked destination; while Torquay is perhaps indicative of the UK seaside trad... [Read Full Post]

Poland has quickly established itself as one of the most popular destinations for a cheap European break away. However, whereas those who travel to the Canary Islands or the Balearic Islands are usually going in pursuit of a little sunshine and glorious beaches alongside their urge to party; those who travel to Poland are usually more focused on some great nights out. This is why Krakow has arguably established itself as the number one tourist sp... [Read Full Post]

Considered by some to be the jewel of the Balearic Islands, Menorca will almost certainly be overwhelmed with sun-seekers again this summer. With its brilliant year-round climate, the island is blessed with some fantastic golden sand beaches and glistening blue waters. Similarly, Eastbourne, in East Sussex, is likely to be a popular destination once again this year among UK tourists looking for a cheaper seaside break closer to home. So while a... [Read Full Post]