Holidays in 2012 – where to visit throughout the year

From Winter to Summer, Autumn or Spring, from the snow in the mountains to clear waters and sunny beaches, David has it all planned in advance for this year. As usual another amazing destination list :)

Deciding where to go on holiday can be tricky. You’ll often have a month in mind for when you’d like to go away but choosing your holiday destination isn’t always easy. To help you out with your decision, TravelSupermarket has identified 12 great holiday destinations to visit – one for every month of the year!

If you’re currently thinking about booking a last minute holiday, January is the ideal time of the year to visit the Caribbean. At this time of year there is a chance of rainfall but with temperatures throughout the month being at least 22 degrees, it is certainly a lot hotter than the UK. The Caribbean also starts its carnivals in January, giving you the chance to experience island life.


With choices from Antigua, Bahamas and Barbados and many others, you will be able to find miles of long sandy beaches and beautiful landscapes, as well as experiencing the laid-back charm of local towns and villages.

If you fancy a skiing break, then Geneva has over 200 resorts in traveling distance of the city and is an ideal destination for February. The city itself is also culture-rich and offers visitors the chance to wander down the streets of this green city and experience some of the finer things of Swiss life.


March is an ideal time to visit Marrakech, as the weather is warm without being too hot! The people of Marrakech are very friendly and the city itself is bustling with colour, sights and smells. It is easy to move from the narrow streets of the old city to the modern district, allowing you to experience what the city has to offer.


Crete is a popular European destination for some early sun in April, as well as for some excellent deals. The largest island in Greece, it offers beautiful coastline that is great for water sports as well as relaxing. The island has also lots to see, from natural features such as its gorges, to ruins from ancient civilizations.


Japan in May is very lush and the temperatures have yet to reach their hottest. The country offers the traditional Japanese lifestyle coupled with modern cities, having something for all types of visitors.


June is an ideal month for going on safari, with South Africa coming into its own at this time of year. The weather can be hot during the day, but it has cooler nights. Zambia has a number of National Parks, as well as spectacular landscapes that include Victoria Falls. The country offers a huge choice of safari activities, including horseback or elephant-back safaris as well as canoe or open vehicle safaris.


The fine weather in July is great for exploring Iceland. The country has such a varied landscape, including glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and geysers. The days are long as the sun rarely sets and the land is green. There are plenty of activities, such as glacier skiing or even the opportunity to whale watch.


The jewel of the Balearics, Menorca, offers hot weather in August and the chance to relax on one of the many beaches that it has on offer. There are plenty of activities on offer for the whole family, including water sports, water parks, cycling and riding.


Menorca also offers a variety of other activities, including a number of golf courses. There is a variety of historical sites worth visiting on the island, as well as its National Park, the S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park.

There are still plenty of warm destinations in the USA in September. Although the weather can sometimes be unstable at this time of year, Miami offers some fantastic beaches with daily temperatures of above 22 degrees.


There is also the chance to visit the Everglades National Park, which as the subtropical wilderness of the USA, is home to a variety of species. There is also the Biscayne National park that offers the chance to dive around its coral reefs.

Visiting Dubai in October gives the chance for you to experience this truly unique city. Not only does it have many record-breaking landmarks and achievements, it also has many miles of beaches that are ideal for water sports. The city also offers traditional activities, such as camel racing and falconry.


November is an ideal time to take a trip halfway around the world to New Zealand. Both North Island and South Island have beautiful landscapes that include plenty of beaches, lots of wildlife, outdoor activities and the opportunity to experience the unique Maori culture. There is still plenty of sun at this time of year and it is an ideal time to explore.


Cancun in Mexico offers dry weather in December, with average temperatures of around 24 degrees. There are plenty of water sports on offer, including diving. As well as its many beaches, there is plenty to see and do. It has bustling towns and gives visitors the opportunity to explore the ancient world of the Mayans.


Whatever time of year you plan to go on holiday this year, this top picks are just a few destinations that will help you to follow the sun throughout the year.

Florida - Perfect For a Holiday Vacation All Year Round

Back to the United States, this time to check out the beautiful Florida beaches. Thanks to Mike here we go!

Florida is perfect for a holiday vacation at any time of the year, no matter what age you are. It is known as the sunshine state, because that is exactly what you get even in the middle of winter. Temperatures are usually around the 60 to 70s even in November and December, so it has to be warmer than staying at home.

It is comfortable enough to lie on the beach or at the pool and sunbathe during the day. However, the sea water is likely to be much colder, so be warned if you decide to go swimming. Temperatures may drop to around the 40s in the evenings, but do not let that put you off because it is a good opportunity to snuggle up in front of a nice log fire for a romantic evening, or go for a stroll and view the fantastic sunsets.


It does not matter where you go in Florida you will find plenty of shops and many first class restaurants serving every type of cuisine you can think off. Whichever part of the state you choose to visit you will never be far away from some fantastic markets. At the all year round local events and festivals, you'll find the friendly inhabitants, are only too willing to welcome visitors to come along and join in with the activities.

You can have a wide selection of accommodation options to choose from. There will be something to fit any budget. Throughout the winter and autumn months, you can find some fantastic properties at really low prices, when demand falls. During spring and the summer months prices are much higher, and it is advisable to book well in advance if you want to have your choice of the best properties.


Florida vacation rentals can be found to accommodate from groups of two upwards. They are usually booked on a weekly rate, but can be rented for longer vacation periods, by arrangement with the rental company. If, for example, you are planning on a 4-6-week rental and using this as a base for exploring the state, you can try to negotiate a cheaper weekly rate.

A rental property can be much more cost effective per head than a hotel, depending on the size of the group. You will have privacy and all the facilities you may need to accommodate your group. You have the option to cook and eat in, whereas in hotels, which are usually room only you have to go out to eat.


Orlando is the perfect family holiday for the kids and the young at heart. If you like excitement and have plenty of energy, you will love visiting the theme parks and trying out all the rides from the tame to the really scary. There is no shortage of popular shows to go and see after, or before you enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants.

If you prefer to spend a relaxing day at the beach watching the world pass by, Florida is the place to go. You will appreciate some of the best beaches, with opportunities for sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Florida is perfect for a holiday vacation and has something for everyone, including the fishermen and those who enjoy sailing and other water sports.

Mike, thanks again so much for your participating. Can only hope you lend me that chair some day ;)

10 of the most beautiful golf courses around the world

Just in time for Christmas another one of David's lists, this time a list of ten spectacular Golf Courses here and there around the globe. Hope you like it and Merry Christmas to you all!! :)

When it comes to sportsmen and women, golfers must be up there with the most fortunate sports people. Not only are they lucky enough to play the sport they love day in and day out, competing for vast fortunes watched by huge numbers of people; they also get to travel around the world and see some amazing countries and places. You may think that the spectacular sights are to be found away from the course but there are certain courses around the world that are beautiful sights in their own right. Below, TravelSupermarket looks at 10 of the most beautiful golf courses around the world:


St Andrew’s, Scotland - Scotland is the home of golf and the courses at St Andrew's on the Fife coast are a place where almost anyone who has ever swung a club wants to play at some stage in their life. Golf has been played here since the 15th Century and the real challenge is coping with the demands the coastal location places on a player, amidst the sand dunes and wind of Scotland's beautifully rugged east coast.


Muirfield, Scotland - Another great venue in Scotland is Muirfield, located in Gullane, East Lothian, just a decent approach shot away from Edinburgh. The storied greens here are viewed as particularly testing and are where Jack Nicklaus won his first British Open. There are usually two visitor days a week and tee availability should be checked with the course itself; a round usually costs around £200, depending on local factors.


Celtic Manor, Wales - Wales is home to some of the UK's most stunning vistas of mountain and ocean and the Celtic Manor resort in Gwent has emerged as a highly-rated golfing venue in recent years. Its courses include The Montgomerie, designed by legendary Scottish Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie, who captained Europe to victory in the Cup in 2010. The modern facilities here are superb, with a golf academy and a floodlit driving range amongst its attractions.


Royal County Down, Ireland - Moving away from Scotland and Wales and across the Irish Sea, Ireland's green hills and attractive coastlines are home to some special golfing locations. In Northern Ireland, the Royal County Down Golf Club is a very fine venue. Over a century old, this course enjoys a setting between the Irish Sea and the Mountains of Mourne and is some 30 miles south of Belfast and within 100 miles of Dublin. With wind from the sea as well as the heather and gorse bushes to deal with, this venue can challenge as well as stimulate the senses.


Ballybunion, Ireland - Also in Ireland, although right down in the south west, is the Ballybunion Golf Club. Again, the course makes the most of its setting on the Kerry coast, with its fairways and greens placed amongst the sand dunes which overlook the Atlantic Ocean. The course has a wild feel to it thanks to the native plants and the sea views give a real feeling of freedom.


Royal Melbourne, Australia - Away from Britain and Ireland, visitors to Australia can experience the superb facilities at the Royal Melbourne Golf club, in the south east of the country. There are two 18-hole courses at the site, an East and a West, with competition events being held on a composite course with 12 holes from the West and six from the East.


Mid Ocean, Bermuda - For golfers who are rich enough, the island of Bermuda has an exclusive venue known as The Mid Ocean Golf Club. With spectacular sea views and a course designed by Charles Blair Macdonald. It can often feel like golfers are actually playing in the middle of the ocean itself on this course's cleverly laid-out fairways. As well as hosting some major golf tournaments in recent years, the course was also the site of meetings between American President Eisenhower and British Prime Ministers in the 1950s.


Pebble Beach, USA - The United States itself is blessed with some the finest golf courses in the world, not the least of which is Pebble Beach in California, a five-time host venue of the US Open. The resort contains five different courses which present different challenges, with a Scottish-style links course sitting alongside the Pebble Beach Golf Links, in use since 1919 and the Spyglass Hill Course. An exclusive venue where it is unlikely to come across casual golfers, there is also the oldest course in continuous use west of the Mississippi, the Del Monte, which has seen over a century's service. Exclusivity means that playing here can be an expensive experience.


Pinehurst Country Club, USA - Over on the eastern seaboard of the US, the Pinehurst Country Club in North Carolina enjoys eight picturesque courses, with more holes on offer to the golfing visitor than any other course in the USA. The fairways are lined with trees and there are plenty of bunkers to break things up a little and it is also noteworthy as being the place where Payne Stewart won his last tournament before his tragic death in a plane crash in 1998.


Augusta, USA - Also in the southern states of the USA is the Augusta National Golf Club, the venue at which the Masters is held each year. One feature of the course which frequently attracts attention from gardeners as well as golfers is the amount of pink azaleas that decorate the championship 18-hole and nine-hole courses. The 11th, 12th and 13th holes are collectively known as 'Amen Corner', viewed as one of the sport's most challenging trios of holes.

Very few earn the right to wear the Green Blazer of a Masters champion, one of the most iconic titles in sport and the kind of gravitas associated with the jacket informs the ethos of the venue, known as a place of conservative decorum and respect for tradition. Golf is a sport that crosses geographical and cultural boundaries, allowing players who travel to soak up some of the world's most picturesque locations as well as taking part in one of the world's most widespread and enjoyable activities.

Five famous and vibrant carnivals around the world

And time for another of David's top lists. This time the top five of carnivals around the world. I know I would love to go to Rio but let me see what more do you have in mind ;)

Visit any of the hundreds of carnivals that take place throughout the world and you can be confident there will be wonderful parades, fantastic music and tasty food. However, while amazing festivals and street parties can be found in every corner of the globe, you may discover the following five are among the very best.

Notting Hill Carnival - The largest event of its kind in Europe, the annual Notting Hill Carnival is a fun-filled celebration of Caribbean culture that takes place through the streets of west London.


Held over the course of the August bank holiday, the three-day party starts with a steel band competition on Saturday and is followed by Kids' Day on the Sunday, where you'll see children decorated in colourful outfits with prizes awarded to those deemed to have the best costume.

However, it's on Monday that the action really takes place, as the epic procession winds its way through the city, culminating at Ladbroke Grove. Performers wear a wide range of vibrant costumes, while soca, calypso and R&B music can be heard for miles around from the dozens of static sound systems that play throughout the day.

The carnival also hosts performances by some of the biggest names in music, Wyclef Jean, Katy B and Jamiroquai among those to have appeared in previous years, so you can be confident there'll plenty of opportunities for you to sing, dance and have fun.

If you've worked up an appetite, head to one of the many food stalls selling Caribbean cuisine, such as jerk chicken, fried plantain and rum punch. Some one million people attend the carnival each year, so you can be sure you'll be in good company when taking in the fun.

Many of the streets will be closed to vehicles during the bank holiday weekend, so using public transport is a good idea. Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate, Queens Park and Latimer Road are just some of the tube stations close to where the action takes place, although it is a good idea to check in advance for any temporary closures or diversions.

There are plenty of cheap hotels in London to choose from so you should have no problem finding suitable accommodation for the event.

Barbados Crop Over - To gain an insight into the roots of the Notting Hill Carnival, you might want to visit Barbados during its annual Crop Over festivities.


Much like the name suggests, this carnival was designed to mark the end of that year's successful sugar cane harvest and dates back to the late 17th century - a time when the Caribbean island was the world's largest producer of sugar and was under colonial rule.

In celebrating the harvest, workers used to hold feasts and drinking competitions and over the years Crop Over has developed into one of the region's most vibrant and biggest festivals.

Starting in June, the two-month event sees a wide range of musical performances, children's parties and shows take place. However, the highlight for many is the Grand Kadooment closing parade, held at the start of August and a designated national holiday.

This spectacle sees dozens of costumed bands perform in the streets, with the carnival closing with a fabulous firework display.

Quebec Winter Carnival - The Quebec Winter Carnival in Quebec City is likely to be a much chillier affair than Barbados' Crop Over, but you can still have plenty of fun when taking in this Canadian event.


Attended by around 750,000 people each year, the spectacle is held over a 17-day period in late January and early February so it's a good idea to wrap up warm!

Although the first official Quebec Winter Carnival took place in 1955, winter-themed celebrations have been happening in the city since 1894, with the locals gathering just before the start of Lent to eat, drink and have fun.

While these still form large parts of the modern-day carnival, it has since grown to encompass a range of other elements, including snow sculpture contests and dog-sled races.

More than 300 shows and activities take place and you can buy a Bonhomme Effigy pass to gain entrance to these for just CAD $12 (about £7.50). These include two Night Parades, held during the second and the third carnival weekends, where colourful floats make their way through the city and each year a beautiful ice palace is sculpted.

Events take place all over Quebec City, so getting to the action shouldn't be too hard. If you want to take in the Night Parades, however, you'll need to take either the 800 or 801 Metrobus to Charlesbourg.

Rio Carnival - Fantastic carnival action can also be found in Rio de Janeiro and like the Quebec Winter event this is held just before Lent, although it tends to start slightly later in the year, either in mid to late February or early March.


This four-day celebration kicks off 40 days before the beginning of Easter, commencing on Saturday and finishing on Shrove Tuesday.

With two million people taking to the Brazilian city's streets every day of the event, this is the world's biggest carnival so you'll definitely be in good company if you choose to be part of it.

Hundreds of groups of performers, called bandas and blocos, dress up in extravagant themed costumes and dance to the sound of samba music. But while the festival is mainly about fun, there is a competitive element to it with each team out to win the prestigious accolade of having the best float.

New Orleans Mardi Gras - Taking place around the same period of time as the Rio Carnival are the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.


Although Mardi Gras events have been held throughout the state of Louisiana since the 1830s, it is the New Orleans spectacle that is the biggest and most celebrated version.

Designed as a final celebration before the start of Lent, here parades are held on a daily basis for about two weeks up until the event's close on Shrove Tuesday. Many of these start in the Uptown and Mid-City districts of the city before heading along St Charles Avenue and Canal Street, with float riders often tossing colourful beads into the crowds

You'll also find lots of parties and celebrations taking place in Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, with marching jazz bands putting on great performances.

Another traditional element of the celebrations are king cakes, which are made from cinnamon-filled dough that is shaped into a hollow circle and finished with a glazed topping and coloured sugar, so make sure that you try one of these tasty treats while watching the fun.

With so many wonderful carnivals happening all over the world, you're sure to find a fabulous street party wherever you are.

Once again thanks to David and to the team of travelsupermarket.com for sharing!

Tips for Camping and RV Road Trips in the United States

Not too far away from our last two posts featuring adventure travel backpacking, are this tips sent by Chloe on three cool sites anyone should check out while planing a Camping Trip or an RV Road Trip in the U.S.

When deciding to plan a family camping trip in the United States, Woodall’s is a great site to use to find campground locations that are suitable for families. You can review their reputable 1-5 ratings assigned by Woodall’s to the campground and even browse specific features of the campgrounds. Planning family camping trips is very easing, when using their tools.


If you have an RV and would like to road trip coast to coast in the United States, Trailer Life Directory is useful to plan your trip. You can easily browse their large RV campground directory and even use tools to plan your stops along the way when going from point A to point B. The RV parks are reviewed by Trailer Life Directory to assure it meets your expectations.

If you are traveling the United States by RV, it is important to make sure you have a safe experience along the way. If any issue arises on the trip, it’s good to be covered by Good Sam’s Emergency Roadside Assistance Program. You can have peace of mind knowing you have 24 hour roadside assistance and unlimited towing from anywhere with fees paid by Good Sam ERS.

Once again thanks Chloe for the links. I'm not sure if RV is for me but if I ever go backpack in the U.S. I'm sure gonna use that first link of yours - definitively it seems a cool site to find nice places to camp ;)

Five of the world's best ocean drives

And back with another of David's best off. This time for the top 5 of world's best ocean drives. Must confess David, I'm already tempted to go to England to try that Atlantic Highway - what a view!

Driving alongside the ocean with stunning views of both sea and land can be a pretty amazing experience. Taking in the beautiful natural surroundings from behind the wheel is a great way of seeing the gorgeous scenery and you can make stop-offs along the way to fully appreciate the sights.


Pacific Highway, Australia - Head to Australia and you'll have the chance to travel the 596-mile Pacific Highway between Brisbane and Sydney. Whichever city you decide to start from, you'll be able to take in fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean while you drive.

The Pacific Highway forms part of Australia's Highway One, a motorway that links most of the country's state capitals, and you will have the opportunity to stop by several busting towns and cities along this route. These include Newcastle, which is home to a heritage area featuring a number of fine Victorian terraced properties, and Port Macquarie, a popular spot for surfers.

If your route ends at Brisbane, make sure you take in sights such as the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and Roma Street Parkland, while if your trip concludes in Sydney you may want to see the city's iconic opera house.


Pacific Coast Highway, USA - Alternatively, why not visit southern California where you can travel the Pacific Coast Highway? This 123-mile stretch of road also encompasses great views of the Pacific Ocean and while it can be completed in a few hours, you should take your time to ensure you make the most of all the region has to offer.

From your starting point in Monterey, you'll travel through the Big Sur region before ending up in Morro Bay. Among the attractions you ought to stop by are Garrapata State Park, where you can head to the beach and spot sea otters splashing around, Bixby Bridge, the Little Sur River and Andrew Molera State Park. The designated All-American Road ends at Morro Rock, an extinct volcanic cone that is some 23 million years old.


Seward Highway, USA - Further north in Alaska, you'll be able to take in the Pacific Ocean from a very different perspective. By travelling the 127-mile Seward Highway, you'll see fjords and ice fields from your vehicle as opposed to the golden beaches of California.

Starting in Anchorage, the state's largest city, you'll get the chance to pass through Chugach State Park, Canyon Creek and Bird Creek, an ideal place for a spot of fishing, before coming to the harbour town of Seward.

Once you've arrived, you can go on a charter boat ride along the waterfront, before dining at a number of local restaurants that specialise in fresh seafood, all against the backdrop of the nearby Marathon Mountain, which is an impressive 921 metres tall.


Pirate Route, Jamaica - If you fancy going on an ocean road-trip in a slightly more exotic climate, Jamaica could be the place for you.

By driving along its so-called Pirate Route, you'll be afforded great views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as historic architecture. Starting from Port Royal, you'll travel clockwise along the A1 and A2 roads where you can see beached freighter ships and the remains of historic forts that protected the country from pirates hundreds of years ago.

At the end of the 380-mile trip, you'll arrive at Kingston, the Jamaican capital, where you can see the remains of a 19th-century jail and courthouse.


Atlantic Highway, England - A little closer to home, Devon and Cornwall can make for a great ocean drive. The section of the A39 road running from Barnstaple to Newquay is known as the Atlantic Highway, so you'll be able to see the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the shores as you drive from place to place.

One destination you should definitely stop by is Exmoor Zoo. Take the A399 and you'll be able to see a wide range of creatures including cheetahs, kangaroos and penguins. Head back in the car to Tintagel, which according to legend is the birthplace of the mythical King Arthur. Visit the popular Tintagel Castle and you may be able to learn more about the iconic figure.

With your 135-mile trip ending at Newquay, you'll be able to hit several beaches where you can go swimming, surfing or just top up your tan. Of course, you may be tempted to get back in your car and relive the delights of the Atlantic Highway all over again!

Once again thanks to David and also to the cheap holidays team at travelsupermarket.com for sharing this top 5 ocean drives article and photos with us.

The best value holiday destinations in 2011

Again with David, this time for one of the most internationals guest post of all. Tagged with no more and no less than eight different countries from four different continents :)

Turkey - The popularity of Turkey as a holiday destination has rocketed over the years and one of the reasons for this is the value for money if offers. Whilst the prices in shops, bars and restaurants have risen as the numbers of tourists have increased, you can still get a fantastic deal on all inclusive holidays in Turkey which will no doubt prove to be a popular option for many planning their summer holiday in 2011.


Spain - Whilst it hadn’t exactly fallen of the radar, the poor exchange rates had meant that some people were abandoning Spain in preference for other destinations with more favorable exchange rates. Times have certainly changed now though and the weak Euro will likely see tourists flooding back to visit Spain, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. Now offering great value for money, with hotels, shops, bars and restaurants fighting for business, there’s no doubt that normal service will be resumed and Spain will once again be one of the best value holiday destinations in 2011.


Egypt - Undoubtedly one of the most popular holiday destinations in 2010, the trend of Brits heading abroad to Egypt on holiday looks set to continue into 2011, despite the negative press coverage the country received due to the shark attacks at the end of last year. The year round sunny weather is an obvious reason why Egypt appeals to so many people but there’s much more to the country than that. The beautiful beaches, numerous things to see and do and the amazing all-inclusive hotels mean that Egypt only looks like getting more and more popular with tourists going forward.


Thailand - Whilst the inclusion of Thailand in this list may surprise some, anyone hoping to travel slightly further afield on a budget this year should place Thailand high on their list of potential destinations. In past years, a common consensus has been that it is expensive to get to Thailand but cheap once you get there. This is still true to a certain extent but with the number of flights leaving airports from all around the UK and not just London increasing all the time, getting to Thailand is becoming easier and cheaper all the time. With so much to see and do once you get there, you should be sure to consider Thailand as a holiday destination this year.


America - Another country which perhaps isn’t the most obvious value holiday destination is the USA. Always a favorite with tourists around the world, Florida and Las Vegas are particularly popular with tourists. America’s greatest appeal is that there is so much to see and do there. No matter whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a group of friends or a family, the US has something for everyone. Renowned for its theme parks, the US is also a favorite with shopaholics as it’s possible to save significant amounts of money when the exchange rate is favorable. Whilst the exchange rate isn’t as good as it was a couple of years ago, it is still fairly stable and you can still pick up some good deals. With more and more flights leaving to America every day from the UK and many hotels and theme parks offering discounted rates because of the slow US holiday market, 2011 may see plenty of tourists heading across the pond to the US on holiday.


The Algarve, Portugal - A destination that relies heavily on British visitors, the competition to attract guests in 2011 has seen prices at hotels, restaurants, shops and bars slashed in an effort to tempt UK visitors back. This price cutting is likely to serve its purpose as Brits will flood back to The Algarve this year thanks to the low cost holidays on offer. The great beaches and Mediterranean climate along with the fairly short flight times and costs will be sure to appeal to many in 2011.


Iceland - Despite not being one of the most renowned tourist destinations around, Iceland is a great budget holiday destination and a favorite with adventure seekers. As a result of its weak economy, accommodation and food costs have been slashed in an attempt to reignite the tourism industry, something that plenty of Brits will be happy to take advantage of. With more flights leaving the UK, it is fairly inexpensive to get to Iceland and the stunning scenery on offer combined with the low cost of traveling and staying in Iceland will make it a winner with tourists in 2011.


Bulgaria - Another destination that has seen a boom in visitor numbers, Bulgaria is still one of the best value tourist destinations around despite its spurt in popularity over the past few years. Whilst it may be slightly more expensive that it was, it is still very cheap compared to other holiday destinations around the world. For those in search of beach holidays, there’s Sunny Beach which is a popular resort with, as you would expect, a nice sunny beach. There are also a number of beach front bars, restaurants and clubs that make it a popular destination for people looking to unwind. On the opposite end of the scale, there is Bansko which is a popular ski destination between December and May each year. Whether its sand or snow you’re after, Bulgaria may be the perfect destination for you.


Written by the team at travelsupermarket.com, a travel price comparison site which specializes in finding cheap holidays, hotels, flights, airport parking and everything else relating to travel.

World's 10 best driving roads in the world

After the top 10 beaches of the world here's another guest post and photos from David - It's driving time today :)



There are some roads in the world that stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s the views, the terrain, the danger or the potential speeds that can be reached that make these roads stand out, anyone choosing to visit them will not be disappointed. This list brought to you by Moneysupermarket discusses 10 of these amazing routes and explains what makes each of them so special.



Great Ocean Road – Australia



Running along the south-eastern coast of Australia between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Warrnambool, the Great Ocean Road is a 160 mile stretch of road that was built by more than 3000 returning soldiers between the years of 1919 and 1932 as a memorial for the 60,000 Australians killed in World War 1. A scenic drive with spectacular coastline vistas, stunning rock formations and many other splendid sights including the Otways rainforest, the impressive views make this road undoubtedly one of the most inspiring in the world.





Millau Viaduct – France



Opened in December 2004, the Millau Viaduct is the world’s tallest vehicular bridge. Designed by the French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Norman Foster, the Millau Viaduct spans the river tarn which is near Millau in Southern France. The bridge’s tallest mast is 343m tall which is taller than the Eiffel Tower and nearly as tall as the Empire State Building and the views from the bridge are quite spectacular. In fact, the views are so good that when the bridge initially opened drivers would regularly stop on the hard shoulder to admire the landscape and the bridge itself.





Transfagarasan Road – Romania



The most popular road in Romania with driving enthusiasts has to be the Transfagarasan Road and it’s easy to see why. Connecting the historic towns of Transylvania and Wallachia, this dramatic route reaches as high as 2,034 metres above sea level in some places and provides drivers with a real challenge. This winding road is dotted with steep hairpin turns, long S-curves, and sharp descents which is a big reason why drivers rate this road so highly. Constructed between the years of 1970 and 1974, the 90km stretch of road also has more tunnels and viaducts than any other road in Romania with the longest tunnel being 884 metres long. Due to its layout and altitude, weather dictates that the road is usually only open between June and early October.





Stelvio Pass – Italy



Regularly voted as the best driving road in the world due to its 60 hairpin bends and the fact that it is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern-Alps, the Stelvio Pass in Italy is a driving enthusiast’s paradise. Reaching 2757 metres altitude, it is the second highest mountain pass in the Alps, only 13 metres lower than the highest mountain pass in the Alps. The road was built between 1820 and 1825 and has changed very little since then. The northern side of the pass is far more challenging with 48 of the hairpin bends located on this side. The steep ascents add to the excitement/terror as drivers often have little or no visibility of incoming vehicles.





Overseas Highway – America



The 127.5 mile Overseas Highway in America was built back in 1938 following the Labor Day hurricane of 1935 that heavily damaged and partially destroyed the Overseas Railroad that had previously been in place. The route which is mainly over water runs from island to island across 42 bridges and it arcs through the Florida Keys. If you drove the full route in one go it would take less than 4 hours but with so many great sights to take in like the ocean, mangrove vistas and fantastic sunrises and sunsets, the journey often takes visitors slightly longer!





Guoliang Tunnel Road – Japan



Located in the Taihang Mountains which are situated in the Henan Province of China, the Guoliang Tunnel Road was amazingly built by a group of villagers who raised money to buy the hammers and steel tools needed to build the tunnel. 13 villagers initially started the project which took around 5 years to complete and cost a number of villagers their lives. The tunnel itself was completed in 1977 and is 1.2km long, 5 metres tall and 4 metres wide. As you might imagine, the road is regarded as one of the most dangerous in the world but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the Guoliang Tunnel road is a stunningly beautiful scenic route.





Hana Highway – Maui



Connecting the small town of Hana to the rest of Maui, the Hana Highway is a 60 mile stretch of road that is extremely popular with motorists. Firstly there are the waterfalls, beaches, ocean views, rainforest and other stunning natural sights that make this route so attractive to visitors. Then there is the road itself which has over 600 turns, 54 one-lane bridges, blind bends and narrow pavement edged by cliffs which make this route one of the most thrilling in the world. Together, these two things make this road stand out as one of the must visit routes for car enthusiasts.





Autobahn – Germany



If you were to look at the Autobahn you might struggle to see what all of the fuss is about. Just like highways around the world, Autobahns have multiple lanes of traffic heading in each direction which are divided by a central barrier. However, in many ways the Autobahns are the ultimate road for driving fans. The reason for this is that parts of the German Autobahns have no speed limit (except at junctions and various danger points) which means that motorists are free to drive as fast as they want. Obviously this is a hugely attractive proposition to motoring fans, meaning that the German Autobahn had to be included on this list.





North Yungas Road – Bolivia



High in the Andes Mountains in Bolivia is the North Yungas Road. The road is also known as Death Road and it’s easy to see why when you see the figures relating deaths and injuries sustained whilst travelling on the road each year. On average, there is a fatal accident on the road every few weeks and there are also remains of numerous cars, lorries and buses at the bottom of the abyss which serve as a reminder of just how dangerous the road is. Built in the 1930’s, the road stretches 43 miles between La Paz and Coroico and has huge ascents and descents, extremely tight hairpins and very narrow passages. What really makes the road dangerous though are the vertical drops off the side of the road which in some places are more than 1,500 metres and there are no guardrails to prevent vehicles falling. The North Yungas Road certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted but it’s also this danger that attracts so many people to the road.





The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road – UAE



This amazing road is located in the Jebel Hafeet Mountain and spans 7.3 miles, climbing over 1,200 metres along the way. The perfect road surface and 60 corners make this road unquestionably one of the best driving roads in the world; its mix of fast straights and sweeping curves are what driving enthusiasts dream of. A 90 minute drive away from the city of Dubai, people flock to the Jebel Hafeet Mountain to experience the tight, technical and thrilling driving experience.