Best Beach Holidays at Christmas - Natal, Brazil

It's coming up to Christmas, its freezing cold, the rain seems to be unrelenting and its light seemingly for just 5 hours a day. So it's no wonder we all want to get away for a week or two and get some winter sun. And Brazil has got to be fairly high on the agenda for a memorable beach holiday. I previously talked about Fernando de Noronha as a great beach destination off the beaten track off the coast of Brazil. Natal is the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, a state in the North East of Brazil. The town was founded on Christmas day in 1599 and is named "Natal" as this is the Portuguese word for Christmas. It enjoys the benefit of having the best climate in the whole of Brazil - it sees only very minor seasonal vaiations as it is near the equator which means it is perfect for a Christmas holiday getaway.

Natal is growing in popularity as a top holiday destination - foreign tourism has increased by 134% between 2002 and 2005. Plans are underway to build the largest airport in South America and the 8th biggest in the world as a result of this tourism boom. This is for a variety of reasons - for example its climate, and its accessability - the area is the closest point of Latin America from Europe meaning it is quicker to reach by plane than other areas like Rio. Natal is also a gateway for the beaches around the region - some of the most popular include Ponta Negra which runs along the coast for much of the city, and Via Costeira, famed for its clear waters. The region as a whole is blessed with countless beautiful beaches, including Pipa, one of the most famous beaches in Brazil.


Ponta Negra Beach, Natal, Brazil

Natal is not just famed for its beaches - the city has also been named as the safest in the whole of Brazil. Also there is plenty to do aside from lying on the golden white sands soaking up the rays. For example, Natal celebrates a huge off-season carnival called Carnatal which is held in December - so book your flights now for a last minute deal to experience this unique party. Slightly different from the carnivals of Rio, the crowds follow round an array of trucks and floats playing music into the streets. There are also a range of your staple tourist attractions such as aquariums, shops, bars, restaurants and, uh, the largest Cashew tree in the world. For more information on Natal and where to stay, check out www.natal-brazil.com

Overall, Natal has so many qualities that make it one of the best beach holiday destinations in the World. It is still relatively unknown, however its rapid tourism growth should be enough to indicate Natal must have many things going for it. If you are looking for abit of an Easter or winter getaway Natal should be high on your list of destinations to jet off to.

Budget airline flights to Christmas Markets

The Christmas holidays are rapidly approaching, and all your friends are planning a big trip away to enjoy a nice few days off. But what's that? You can't afford to go away? Well, think again. Because there are so many great low cost breaks to choose from, to some of the best holiday destinations in the world. And a visit to a traditional Christmas market is the perfect choice at this time of year - they offer something for everyone so you can be guaranteed a good time.

Christmas markets originated in Germany and Austria but are now located pretty much everywhere - which means you should be able to find some low cost deals to take you to a destination that hosts a Christmas market. Generally the markets are held in the streets or in a town square, and consist of a variety of stalls selling a range of food, drink, gifts and Christmas themed items. The nativity theme is very popular, and typical Bavarian food and drinks are common, such as Bratwurst, Christollen, mulled wine and wheat beers. People from all over converge to the markets, leading to a real festival atmosphere that the whole family can enjoy.


A Typical German Market

Some of the best markets include Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Dresden and Salzburg although they are now present in many continental areas including , Alsace, Zurich, Brussels and Chicago. In the UK, large markets can be found in Leeds, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester to name but a few. So what next? There are a range of low cost airlines that fly to many of these destinations, so simply choose your departure airport and search for a destination that takes your fancy! For example, from London you can fly out to pretty much all of the major Christmas markets, including those held in Frankfurt, Berlin, Bremen, Dusseldorf, Salzburg, Leeds and Edinburgh. Prices are lower than you would imagine too, especially at an off peak time like November or December. So even if your pay rise has been put on hold, don't assume you won't be able to experience the joys of the Christmas market abroad! Check out the latest low cost flights and don't miss out on a visit to one of the best Christmas holiday destinations in the world!

Cheap Caravan Holidays & Motorhome Holidays - UK & Abroad

With the recession still forcing many holiday makers to keep their wallets firmly in their pockets, demand for cheap holidays is as high as ever. Recent stats show that searches online for the phrases "motorhomes" and "caravan parks" have increased by about 450% each over the last 12 months as Mr Joe Public shuns traditional foreign holiday destinations for a cheaper, but equally cheerful break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A huge range of UK and foreign caravan holidays can be found online, each company offering a slightly different take on the traditional concept. Many sites offer a variety of caravan types, from basic to luxury, which you can tow away to your destination of choice and simply return within a given date. This offers a great deal of freedom and excitement - you never quite know where you will end up. The same is true of motor homes, which are basically caravans with an engine, an all in one car and caravan essentially. Caravan and motorhome hire has really taken off, many of the most popular destinations in the UK include the national Parks and areas of natural beauty, including the Lake District, Snowdonia, The South Downs, the Dales and the Peak District. However there are no limits to where you can go. Many companies allow the caravan or motorhome to be taken abroad as well, allowing you to drive down to the South of France or right down to Italy or beyond.


Motorhome Hire UK

Caravans and motorhomes offer a real sense of adventure that you rarely get on a traditional package holiday. You can visit some of the best holiday destinations in England and abroad in your own time, whether you are a family, a couple or simply on your own. Many caravan and motor home parks exist around England and Europe for you to take a break and socialise with other families or individuals. There are so many characteristics of a motorhome or caravan holiday that make it easy to see why the recent trends in this type of holiday are set to continue.