Discover the very best holidays - where our customers have been, and where they are planning to go in 2011!

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80	Ultra All-Inclusive holidays with Sandals Resorts One of the annoying things about all-inclusive holidays is that fine dining restaurants often cost extra, and the range of drinks is limited. Well at Sandals Resorts, luxury is included from start to finish, and they have put together a list of benefits... 1) Up to 11 fine dining restaurants included in the all-inclusive package, with zero supplements 2) Unlimited premium branded drinks and Beringer wines are included in the all-inclusive package 3) No tips - they are all included 4) Scuba diving and many other watersports are free 5) Free nightly entertainment That means that you can enjoy a luxury holiday and not have to worry about money at all. The only time you may need to spend is if you have a spa treatment or require sports tuition for example. There are several resorts to choose from in Jamaica, Antigua and St. Lucia, and we would be delighted help you choose. One of our favourites at the cheaper end is Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort and Private Island in Jamaica which has an exclusive offshore private island for you to enjoy!
79	Bellepais Village, North Cyprus Bellepais is one of the little gems of the Mediterranean, a village in North Cyprus in the hills above the harbour town of Kyrenia, and which has long attracted artists, photographers and writers. It has a delightful selection of cafes and restaurants, good walks, but the highlight is the 14th century Bellepais Abbey with spectacular panoramic views. Not far from here is Kyrenia with its horseshoe shaped bay, clear warm waters and sandy bays, plus a good choice of restaurants. It is perfect for an evening stroll along the promenade. Dominating the town is a Venetian Castle where you can see the world's oldest shipwreck. Our chosen hotel is in a quiet position in the foothills of the Five Finger mountain range, and within walking distance of the village and abbey. It has panoramic views of Kyrenia and its new harbour.
78	Tunisia's Desert Safari + Beach holiday The desert safari is a 4 day trip which many customers add on as part of a two week holiday to Tunisia. It packs an amazing amount into 4 days, and yet never feels rushed. On your journey to the Sahara, you will pass extraordinary desert scenery. On a typical trip you'll visit the Roman Amphitheatre, see the Troglodyte cave dwellings where Star Wars was filmed, enjoy a sunset camel ride, mix with the locals at Douz Market, see the mirage of a salt lake, ride on a horse and carriage through a desert oasis, enjoy a trip on the Red Lizard train, and see where the English Patient was filmed. This amazing 4 day trip is easily combined with almost any beach hotel in Tunisia.
77	Laos and Cambodia The highlight of Cambodia is the awe inspiring ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat, best seen as sunrise when the light is magnificent, while the highlight in Laos is the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang on the banks of the mekong River. Most people fly from Bangkok, but we prefer a different route - travel up to Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand and then slowly make your journey by boat down the river until you reach Laos.
76	Bargain breaks to Madeira The island of Madeira is an excellent choice for a cheap week away. It's not too far, the weather is warm all year round and the food is excellent. What it lacks in sandy beaches, it makes up for in the beautiful coastline and the availability of things to do including an island wide series of walking trails. Because even the better hotels are such excellent value, we find that many customers choose to stay in 5* hotels, especially if there is a bargain to be had. For example the Pestana Grand which is in a beautiful location right on the sea front in the bay of Ponta da Cruz and has plenty of facilities such as large pool, vast gardens and evening entertainment. If you've not considered Madeira before then there is a lot to do including fantastic walks, food, markets, the cable car to Monte, beautiful gardens and great views.
75	Northern Lights cruise The Northern Lights is a spectacular phenomenon that you will never forget. There are various ways of seeing them, one of them being on a short cruise from Tromsø in Norway seeing spectacular scenery all the way. As part of the trip you will get the chance to go on a husky rides, reindeer sledging rides, go snowmobiling, visit a snow hotel, and visit the North Cape. There is a choice of two 5 or 6-day cruises, or you can combine to make a 12 day round voyage. Extensions include spending a night in the Kirkenes Snow Hotel and heading into Northern Lapland for a cultural experience with the local Sami people. Ships are relatively small with between 400 and 1000 passengers, and have wide windows and panoramic lounges to make the most of the stunning scenery. You'll find cafes, restaurants and relaxation facilities on board.
74	Hyatt Regency, Sharm el Sheikh Sharm el Sheikh is our second most popular resort after Taba, and it's a much livelier place with world class diving and snorkelling. The two most popular hotels are the Hyatt Regency and the Ritz Carlton, both offering an exception level of luxury for the price. Food and drinks are cheap one you are outside the hotels. But it is the exceptional facilities and atmosphere of the Hyatt Regency that makes it our best selling hotel in Sharm el Sheikh. One of the highlights is the traditional souk where you will find Bedouin music, small shops and boutiques, and a variety of bars and restaurants plus Roti Roti you will find traditional Middle Eastern bread making . The rooms are luxuriously furnished with sea views, marble baths and comfortable beds with the softest Egyptian cotton linens. You also have the option of upgrading to a Regency Club room to take advantage of the separate private lounge and evening cocktails. Finally, Sharm el Sheikh is world renowned for its amazing snorkeling and diving. There is excellent snorkeling from the hotel, or take a boat to the best dive spots in Ras Mohammed National Park.
73	New York With great offers from BA and Virgin this year, short breaks to New York have been better value that the last few years. The key here is to get a good location - anywhere near Times Square and Broadway is good, but one of the best at the moment is the Jumeirah Essex House which is a luxury hotel opposite Central Park. A typical stay is 4 or 5 nights, but if you're planning to visit over Thanksgiving, St. Patrick's Day, or over the 4th July then early booking is essential. One of the best trips is the ferry over to Ellis Island and the fascinating story of the early immigrants to America. Close to the Statue of Liberty, the panoramic views of the New York skyline are breathtaking. Another unmissable experience is to visit the top of the Empire State Building, passing photographs of its construction along the way. The views from the top are sensational, and we would suggest a visit early in the evening to catch the sunset and dusk. Meanwhile a horse and carriage ride will take you on a journey through magnificent Central Park. But for something different take a bicycle tour the new Hudson River Park Greenway and through Central Park, taking in famous sites such as Strawberry Fields International Peace Garden, Belvedere Castle, Shakespeare Garden, concert sites, and more! Finally, for something very special book a sailing experience around the Big Apple’s famous harbour aboard New York’s only tall ship. Nothing will prepare you for the amazing sensation of being on one of the largest sailing boats still in commercial operation today...160 feet long, with masts rising 135 feet off the deck.
72	Zermatt, Switzerland Zermatt is a charming traffic free village in Switzerland with a network of mountain trains and cable cars that allow some amazing walking opportunities. But it is most famous for the stunning views of the Matterhorn, one of the highest mountains in Europe. To get close to the Matterhorn, take the gondola to Schwarzsee, a quaint little village with streets full of shops, boutiques, and mouth-watering pastry and chocolate cafes. In summer it is a perfect mountain destination for scenery and walking, while in winter it is one of the top ski destinations.
71	Goa Did you know that in 1975 it took six weeks to get to Goa? Now, it has become a firm favourite for guaranteed winter sunshine. Add to that low prices, low crime, beautiful golden beaches, backdrops of coconut trees, friendly locals and you have the recipe for a perfect holiday. There are dozens of hotels to choose from with many of the cheaper ones in the bigger and livelier resorts of North Goa, while you'll find many of the 5* hotels in quieter South Goa such as the Park Hyatt (pictured). Wherever you stay though Goa has many distractions to tempt you away from the beach. Here are a few of the excursions possible during your stay. Tiger & Elephant Safari - Go on a memorable 3 day tour by train to Karnataka visiting an elephant training camp, tiger & lion reserves, and seeing locals in the villages. Houseboat - a truly exclusive and unrivalled overnight excursion in Goa. The 'Floating Palace', is a four-bedroomed, wooden houseboat with modern facilities and all meals provided. Cruise up the Mandovi River, past the capital, to where the river meets the sea as sunset approaches. Jungle Book - an overnight tour giving you a taste of the 'Real India'. Stay in Shanti, a tiny hamlet located within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by natural beauty. Activities include a village tour, jungle walk, cultural entertainment, yoga, Ayurvedic massage, Hindu temple and spice plantation visits. The highlight for many people is the ride on the back of an Indian elephant.
70	Cruising in the Far East and the mystical island of Komodo One of the most exciting things about cruises is that you'll visit places that you'd never have dreamt of going to as a holiday in its own right. And one of these places is the mystical island of Komodo, home of the Komodo dragon! Costa Cruises have a few sailings next year which stop at Komodo Island as part of a two week trip that starts in Singapore and travels to Indonesia, Komodo Island, Bali, Jakarta, Malaysia, Phuket, back to Malaysia and then arriving in Singapore, where you have the chance to add on a few nights in the city. In all, they have a total of 11 cruises in the Far east as well as several shorter ones if you just want a taster as part of a cruise and stay holiday.
69	Bargain breaks to Malta Malta is an easy island for a quick getaway in the sun, and now you have a huge choice of accommodation from cheap 3* hotels to luxury accommodation such as the spa hotel of Le Meridien in St. Julian's or the stunning location of the Intercontinental which is close to one of the island's few sandy beaches. It's easy to get around - taxis are cheap and plentiful while there is a good bus service, and one of the best days out is to the capital Valetta, built in the 16th century and now a delightful town to wander around. The Blue lagoon is a popular trip where you'll find dazzling blue waters around the tiny island of Comino, while you can visit caves and grottos on a boat trip in the South of the island. But one of the best experiences is a good quality meal in the evening by the waterfront. Food is exceptional, the atmosphere is great, and it's good value too. Finally, a recommendation for a lovely 4* hotel in a great setting - the Waterfront (pictured) which has quickly become a firm favourite with many repeat guests.
68	Giraffe Manor, Kenya This is not so much a holiday in itself, but a unique experience before a holiday in Kenya. Giraffe Manor is a deluxe manor house in woodlands on the outskirts of Nairobi, full of atmosphere and character, but the main feature is the resident giraffes who will poke their heads through the window to say hello. The rates include all meals, plus wine and other alcoholic beverages and entrance to the Giraffe Centre.
67	Ta' Cenc Hotel, Gozo Gozo is a small island next to Malta, but with a slower pace and more relaxed than its neighbour. It is home to picturesque villages, green hills and top class diving. On a typical holiday here you might visit the capital Victoria and wander to the citadel for panoramic views, or take one of the many walking trails. Hiring a car is easy and there are regular ferries across to Malta, while a day out on the beautiful tiny island of Comino is a must. There are various places to stay. Gozo has a number of delightful farmhouse style properties available to rent that come with BBQs, however our favourite hotel is the unique Ta' Cenc, and island within and island and perfect for peace and tranquillity. It is built on Gozo's highest point, overlooking the cliffs and with magnificent views across to Malta and Comino.
66	New England’s Spectacular Fall Foliage tour This is a premium class tour of New England in Autumn where the highlight is Mother Nature’s dazzling display of colourful foliage that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. The scenery ranges from the charming villages of Vermont to the Northeast’s tallest peak and the rugged Atlantic coast. We can send you a full tour itinerary which includes Boston and the Freedom Trail, Williamstown, Stowe, North Conway, the White Mountains and Portsmouth. You'll stay in luxurious centrally located hotels such as the historic Omni Parker House in Boston and the Sheraton Harborside in Portsmouth, plus some wonderful resorts and lodges, including the famous Trapp Family Lodge, owned by the family who inspired the classic musical, The Sound of Music.
65	A room with a view in Sicily The charming resort of Taormina is the most popular in Sicily with a selection of boutiques, cafes and restaurants, but most of all the fantastic views of Mount Etna which is easily accessible either by car hire or by a half day tour organised by your hotel. Most hotels are located in Taormina itself, with a few down by the beach, however our favourite one of all is just outside Taormina in the small medieval village of Castelmola. Villa Sonia is rich in antiques and other artefacts, and the restaurant is noted for its extensive wine list and home cooked food. But the highlight are the views and many of the rooms have spectacular panoramic views of Mount Etna. The local village is said to be one of the most beautiful in Italy with narrow winding streets and an olde world charm. It is famous for its Almond wine which you can try in the village, as well as browsing through the craft shops or visiting the 13th century castle or some of the delightful small churches. Afterwards stop in one of the little squares and eat in one of the restaurants or pizzerias.
64	Staying in a Quinta in Madeira If you are looking for somewhere special to stay then I can recommend one of the old manor houses in Madeira which are full of character and usually in stunning locations. Many have been restored and transformed in to small hotels, with a homely atmosphere that you don't get in the big hotels. Often they have large gardens with a huge variety of plants, flowers and trees. Perhaps the best is Casa Velha do Palheiro. Most quintas kept a traditional feel with original features and decor, but there are a couple that have added modern contemporary features such as Quinta da Casa Branca which has floor to ceiling windows and clean lines throughout its design. Others are special for their views, such as Quinta Das Vistas which means 'Quinta of the views'. It is set on the crest of a hill above Funchal , and you can easily spend your afternoons on the panoramic terrace with a cocktail admiring the wonderful view. And others have unique features such as Quinta Jardins do Lago which has a resident giant tortoise from the Galapagos islands, or Quinta de Bela Vista (pictured) which is famous for its magnificent collection of antiques and paintings. Wherever you stay, you'll be assured of high quality accommodation and excellent service. Many people choose to relax around the grounds but Madeira has lots to entice you away from your hotel such as the markets, walking trails, Funchal's botanical gardens, the cable car ride to Monte, and enjoying afternoon tea at the world famous Reid's Palace.
63	Las Vegas Whereas Las Vegas has traditionally been a short stay weekend destination, we are now seeing people staying for longer, perhaps a week or 10 days. The hotels have so many facilities that you'll never get bored, especially with trips to the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam to enjoy. One of the hotels, Mandalay Beach, even has its own beach, which underlies the fact that Las Vegas can be a place to relax by the pools and in the spas as much as gambling or sightseeing. Incredibly, there are over 100 different shows every day in and around the hotels ranging from comedy, plays, magic to the big budget entertainment productions. At present some of the top shows include Cirque du Soleil, The Lion King, Cher, Bette Midler and Phantom. The range of hotels can be mind boggling. At the top end is the Venetian themed on Venice, and which has a replica of The Bridge of Sighs complete with gondola rides and Mediterranean style cafes. The Bellagio, Wynn and now the Palazzo are all luxury 5* hotels while the Luxor is a good choice to keep the cost down. One of our most popular is Planet Hollywood partly because of its good rates and luxurious feel, but also because of its location right in the centre of the Strip.
62	Land of the Canyons self drive One of the world's most spectacular drives is the Canyonlands in USA and takes about a week to complete. It starts and ends in Las Vegas, and begins with the short drive to the scenic Zion National Park famous for its many spectacular walking routes. Next there is another short drive to Bryce Canyon and the bizarre hoodoo formations. Spectacular at any time, they are even more spectacular at sunrise or sunset. After Page and Lake Powell comes the iconic Monument Valley which has been the backdrop to so many movies. The loop of the park is 17 miles long and takes you past breathtaking scenery. As with Bryce Canyon, an early morning or late afternoon drive makes the most of the brilliant light. Close by is the amazing Antelope Canyon, which surprisingly had few visitors when we travelled there. It has been beautifully carved from sandstone over the ages, and the walls are so narrow that you can easily touch each side in some places at the same time. But it is the light and the dazzling warm colours that make this such a special place. Finally your circuit takes you to the best of them all, the Grand Canyon. Most of our customers stop for a couple of nights here to be able to visit the (excellent) IMAX theatre and experience both sunrise and sunset at the canyon. Then its back to Las Vegas and onwards to Los Angeles, San Francisco or even Florida.
61	Taba Heights, Red Sea Taba Heights is the best resort in Egypt (and possibly anywhere) if you simply want a high quality chill-out holiday at a great price. Its hotels are either half board or all-inclusive and are tremendous value for money, all with private beaches and an excellent range of facilities. From Taba there are several popular excursions including Petra in Jordan (very popular), Eilat for shopping and the dolphins, or the overnight trip to Cairo to see the pyramids. Our favourite hotel is the Hyatt Regency which has a fantastic repeat guest record due to its high quality facilities, excellent service and good rates. There is snorkeling directly off the beach as well as a spa and three swimming pools. A free shuttle bus takes you to a little village, while the 18 hole golf course and diving centre are close by.

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