As the temperatures drop, some of us just want to curl up indoors – but others dream of escaping to sunnier climes. While Christmas is traditionally a time to spend at home with the family, the usual routine can become a bit tiresome, so why not go abroad this year and see how the holidays are celebrated in another country? You can still bring the whole family, and with operators like Teletext Holidays it’s easy to find good deals even if you’re booking late.

The economic troubles may be putting a strain on people’s finances, but the good news is that travel companies are cutting their prices to offer competitive deals to their customers. With more people turning towards “staycations” – that is, holidaying somewhere in the UK – to save money, travel firms have more incentive than ever to try to tempt people to go abroad, so it’s well worth taking a look at some of the last-minute offers out there.

The 2012 Travel Trends Survey from TripAdvisor revealed that while the economy remains a “significant concern” for Brits, it’s not dissuading them from taking a well-earned rest: two-thirds said they plan to take between two and four leisure trips this year, with average budgets for these breaks ranging between £2,000 and £4,000.

If you’re seeking a bit of winter sun, have a look at holidays around the Med – the Canary Islands, for instance, are a popular destination for topping up your tan without emptying your wallet. Places like Tenerife, La Palma and Lanzarote really come alive around the holiday season – temperatures average around 19°C in the Canaries in December and January with around seven hours of sunshine a day, so it’s the perfect place to spend Christmas on the beach!

Feeling a bit more adventurous? Why not really turn your world upside down and see how they celebrate Christmas in Australia? The Australian summer begins in December, so don’t expect any snow and log fires – in fact, the traditional Australian Christmas is celebrated with a barbecue in the back yard or a picnic on the beach. Seafood, salads, cold turkey and ham are the usual festive fare, although you may still see a few Santas sweltering in the heat!

Wherever you decide to go on your Christmas getaway, you’ll be guaranteed an adventure and a story to tell when you get home.

You’ve spent countless hours researching the perfect destination for your big holiday. You have taken every precaution to acquire and pack everything you may need, from common over the counter remedies for ailments you may across while on holiday to every type of garment you may possibly need. You arrange for transportation, arrive at the airport early, and set out on your marvellous holiday. So what’s wrong with this scenario? You’ve forgotten the most important thing needed in any holiday: travel insurance.

Many travellers roll their eyes or let out a sigh at the mention of it. As mentioned above, you’ve been exceedingly careful in planning and executing every bit of your holiday. What on earth could you need travel insurance for? For the unexpected! Because no one ever expects to be left with no luggage on a tropical island, or to be forced to pay full price for a pre-booked holiday that was cancelled at the last minute by the travel company who now gets to keep your hard-earned money because you didn’t read every line of the booking agreement you signed. Or worse, to find yourself injured and in need of medical care in a foreign place that wants to charge you thousands of pounds just to provide with medically necessary treatment. If these are not scenarios you want to face on your next holiday then keep reading.

Holiday insurance isn’t a big block of unnecessary protection on things you care nothing about. Contrary to popular belief, travel insurance can be altered to fit your exact needs. You can chose specific amounts for your baggage, health, and cancellation insurance to fit your budget and keep you perfectly protected. This way, if your luggage is lost, you need medical treatment, or have to cancel your trip at any time for any reason, you are protected from potentially thousands of pounds lost or spent in bills.

On your next holiday, be sure not to forget the most important step in your travel planning to ensure you enjoy your holiday with the peace of mind that comes with being protected.

Travel vaccinations should not be viewed as a simple precaution, they should be looked at as vital protection for anyone travelling abroad. According to the NHS, one in four British travellers heading to parts of the world known for being home to infectious disease travels without having had vaccinations.

Some people assume that because they are not particularly prone to getting ill at home, they will more than likely be OK abroad. But places in Asia and Africa expose you to diseases you will not have had to deal with in the UK, and if the body is not prepared, you can fall ill quite easily. Having perhaps saved for months to be able to afford that dream holiday, it’s not worth risking having it spoiled by illness, which could then mean having to meet hefty medical bills or even pay for repatriation.

The first thing to consider is what type of vaccinations you will likely need. This handy interactive NHS guide allows you to isolate your destination(s) and find out what diseases you may be at risk of if you travel there. For example, if you select ‘Thailand’ it recommends looking into vaccinations for typhoid, diphtheria, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis B and cholera, as well as giving some brief information on each disease.

Another reason not to overlook vaccinations is the fact that many of them are available for free! Speak to your GP about what vaccinations are available to you on the NHS, but you can get an idea from this section of the health service’s website. Some immunisations will have to be paid for privately but don’t let this put you off; most are available from high-street chemists such as Lloyds pharmacy and are not expensive – especially when compared to the potential cost of getting treatment for the disease abroad.

Obviously, doing research about the vaccinations you’ll need and having them done can take a little time, so don’t wait until the last minute. Travel vaccinations should be part of your holiday preparations every time you go away, and bear in mind that some treatments must be taken over the course of a few weeks, or you might need a period of watching for adverse reactions to these shots before you travel anywhere.

Berlin, Germany’s stunning capital city, offers a wealth of history and culture combined with a blossoming art scene and a lively, liberal attitude. It’s a must-see destination for city lovers, and fantastic hotels such as the great Hotel Adlon Berlin make it easy to see the city in style, but with so much to choose from, where do you start?

Berlin has six major districts:

Mitte: The city centre, primarily home to the city’s cafes, shopping malls and museums. You’ll also find clubs and bars in abundance in the smaller streets.

Don’t miss: The Bebelplatz, an open square with a strikingly simple monument marking the burning of books by the Nazi regime.

City West: Here you’ll find Ku’Damm, one of the city’s most premium shopping streets, especially noted for its luxury brands. The Charlottenburg Palace and Olympic Stadium is also located in this district.

Don’t miss: The Reichstag Building, Germany’s parliament building featuring panoramic views over Berlin from the domed rooftop.

East Central: A hub of activity for Berlin’s younger crowd, East Central is a clearly liberal-leaning area where artists, students and media professionals congregate. Lots of cafes, bars and independent shops to discover here!

Don’t miss: East Side Gallery, a breathtaking series of murals painted on the longest existing stretch of the Berlin Wall.

North: The North district of Berlin has retained the style of the old city, and contains a number of historical residential districts. Having avoided much of the bombing in WWII, it’s also one of the best places to find some of the oldest architecture in the city.

Don’t miss: Lübars, a small town on the city’s outskirts beautifully maintained in much the same way it was 100 years ago.

East: A district of contrasts, East Berlin is home to the former Stasi prison and a number of Cold War-esque apartment blocks, but also the beautiful World’s Garden, a park of ethnic garden designs and species with regular guided tours.

Don’t miss: The Tierpark, a large green space featuring a zoo and a 17th century castle to discover.

South: South Berlin is mostly residential, although nature lovers should note that the lake and forests in the Treptow-Köpenick borough are widely considered the best around the city, ideal for an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of the centre.

Don’t miss: Müggelturm, the observation tower over the forests and natural landscape that borders the city.

It’s worth remembering that this is only a small selection of what’s on offer in Berlin. Whether you’re a history buff, aspiring artist or just a backpacker looking for a new city to explore, there’s something to suit every kind of visitor, so get packing and start planning you next European city break!

The island country of Malta offers its visitors everything from history and culture to nightlife and stunning coastline. Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea the Island enjoys typical Mediterranean weather all year round. There are also numerous affordable hotels to suite your accommodation needs.

Being an Island Malta has some of the cleanest, safest and breathtaking beaches in the world. According to statistics from the government and locals, the top five beaches include the Ghajin Tuffieha, Dwejra-Dwejra Bay, Imgiebah-Mgiebah Bay, Ramla Bay-gozo literally meaning “Red Sands”, and Paradise Bay.

Malta boasts of a vibrant culture and history. As such one of the places you need to visit before departing is the Maritime Museum in Birgu, which for those of you with children is very family-friendly. Catch a round the harbour creek tour in traditional Maltese Dhaghsa and latter on enjoy a meal in the affordable restaurants.

Nightlife on the island is vibrant. The most renowned club for partying the night away is Paceville. Among the other well-known drinking spots are Qube Vodka bar bucket, the Nordic bars tray of 15 tequilas and the gentleman’s clubs.

Whether you are getting in touch with your spiritual needs or just stalling, the Hypogeum is totally worth visiting any day. It consists of a series of underground chambers, which are connected by low ceiling for passengers. Amazingly, they were carved out of the rock over 4000 years ago by the ancient civilization.

Prehistoric Malta hosts lots of temple sites near the Blue Grotto. The design of these temples is a clear indication of the great feats of engineering back in 3500B.C. For as little as 9 Euros you have the opportunity to investigate and explore the area and its temples.

When you are done exploring ancient temples you may opt to pay a visit mdina, also known as “the silent city”. This medieval, walled city is now part of the town of Rabat. Wander off through the narrow streets as you visit local cathedrals and museums. The architectural designs also tell of a town rich in history and culture.

Whether it’s the coastline, culture or clubs that appeal to you, you can find deals on Malta holidays through Thomson at any time of the year so don’t hesitate to start planning your trip to the wonderful Island country.

A holiday to Egypt can be a truly breath taking, unforgettable experience; one that will make you want to go back every year! Who can blame you? The name itself conjures up a magical place filled with ancient mysteries that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on you. Here’s three very different holidays to Egypt that you can share with loved ones for a holiday that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

Cruising the Nile

You cannot visit Egypt and not have a Nile cruise as part of your holiday. The Nile – the longest river in the world – runs through ten countries! Since ancient times, the people of Egypt (and other countries) have depended heavily on this river.

As a tourist, if you wish to enjoy a calmer, more pleasant experience on the Nile, you could cruise the river in a small, wooden boat known as a felucca. It’s only capable of taking roughly a dozen people or so but it’s very popular with tourists. As part of the Nile cruise, you can (and should) arrange for a package that includes visiting the Great Sphinx of Giza and Egypt’s largest pyramid, the Pyramid of Giza.

How About Some Scuba Diving?

Yes, don’t be surprised. Most people associate the name of Egypt with the aforementioned pyramids but you’ll be surprised to know it’s a great spot to do scuba diving. For example, the Red Sea is a phenomenal place to do some scuba diving; perhaps one of the best places in the world to enjoy this activity. You’ll witness amazing reefs as well as be touched by wrecks and experience emotions at both ends of the spectrum.

The visibility and clarity is quite good as you witness the remarkable diversity of life in the waters. You may even catch a glimpse of the largest fish in the world – the whale shark. Don’t worry though, despite the name ‘shark’ and being absolutely colossal, they are gentle creatures that will glide effortlessly by and if you miss it, you’ll want to kick yourself! Try not to gasp if you see one; it’s not a very good idea underwater, but nobody can blame you if you do!

Romantic holiday for two

Egypt is a wonderful place to take a romantic break for two. Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula is just the place for a truly intimate experience. You could enjoy some fabulous weather during your stay and be treated like a king and queen! There are plenty of high-end hotels full of staff ready to cater to your every need. If it’s pampering you’re after you won’t have to look far.

No matter what you choose, these are three very different holidays to Egypt that will leave you wanting more, so much so that you’ll probably want to come back year after year. For details of more holidays you can enjoy in Egypt, check out Holiday Hypermarket for the latest deals.

The stunning capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague is known for its medieval, fantasy-like architecture and romantic atmosphere. A bustling city centre and lively nightlife has cemented its place as one of the must-see European destinations throughout the year – if you’re planning on booking a Prague hotel, take a look at our guide to the top attractions.

History and culture

While there’s no shortage of museums and galleries, the real culture of the city can be found by exploring on foot. Prague’s city centre is characterised by its beautiful mixed architecture, the most notable example of which is Prague castle, which dominates the city skyline from the river with features of almost every major European architectural style in the last 500 years. Visit the castle and the adjoining St. Vitus Cathedral for a fascinating look around one of the city’s most historically significant buildings. Pure Gothic architecture can be found in the Old Town, including Týn Church, which towers above the surrounding buildings with striking black spires, and the medieval Astronomical Clock, a huge steampunk-esque black and gold timepiece, the third-oldest of its kind in the world.

Romance

There’s no denying Prague’s appeal as a romantic holiday destination – fairytale churches and castles, the wide, winding river through the city centre and stunning vistas from viewpoints around the city make it ideal for an unforgettable break away. Take a cruise on the Vlata River for a great sightseeing opportunity in the daytime, or at night for dinner, music and a fantastic view of the city lights from the water. Art lovers should visit the Mucha Museum, an intimate gallery of Mucha’s Art Nouveau works lovingly preserved by Mucha’s wife. Prague promises picture-perfect scenery whenever you visit, even if you just want to walk through the cobbled streets – visit in summer to enjoy the parks and gardens, or in the colder months to enjoy the city’s transformation into a winter wonderland.

Dining and nightlife

Prague offers a fantastic mix of gourmet restaurants and fast, delicious street food. Look out for traditional places to really experience the local cuisine – Czech food is usually hearty and warming, ideal after a day out exploring! Look out for duck and goose, quite commonly found in Prague, as it’s a fantastic match to most Czech beers. Popular desserts include fruit dumplings and freshly-made crepes, he best of which you’ll find from street vendors on almost every street in the city centre. Pub culture is prevalent thanks to the country’s large brewing industry, but if you’re looking for bars and nightclubs your best bet is the central Castle district, home to the city’s biggest and trendiest venues.

For information about what’s on, take a look at the city’s official website. Whether you’re an architecture buff or just a backpacker looking for a new city to explore, Prague offers something for every visitor, making it the perfect cultural getaway!

So you wish to put your travel shoes on again? Want to globe-trot and see cultures, customs and traditions very different from your’s? Feel like meeting new people and exploring new landscapes that nature has to offer? Indeed, there is no better joy than travelling! Right from the planning stage to the actual travel experience leaves such a deep impression on one’s mind and teaches you a whole new things that it changes at times your very approach towards life.  This write-up will hopefully give you some insight on what needs to be done to fulfil this insatiable need that some of us have!

Very often if you are a lone traveller, you tend to feel a little homesick of unconnected with international calling costing a bomb.  However, with technology at your behest you can now stay connected at all times and give your folks back home some peace of mind. Try new calling cards and free calling options from your laptop. If you are a lady travelling or backpacking alone, this is a must as it ensures safety and connectivity while you are on your toes. If you are travelling in a group, safety is not much of a concern, nor is connectivity as long as one person in the group carries a cell phone or has a laptop with VOIP options. All you need to do is find an Internet hotspot close by and the rest is taken care of. Preparing an itinerary is a must when you think of travelling whether locally or even more so, internationally. You could search for all the information you need on lonely planet. Their website offers exhaustive information and so do their travel guides. It is essential to take into account the likes and dislikes of all, if you are moving in company. Have activities that all will enjoy and you must ensure some adventure if you have kids on board!

Once the destination is finalised, you need to put in place all travel documents and start making arrangements for that extra cash. Remember, when you are travelling, uncalled for expenses are very frequent and very often you will end yourself in a soup if you do not have suitable arrangements made to the effect. Take care of all the visa formalities much in advance so that it does not become a headache at the last minute. Prepare a check list of all the items to be taken with you and make sure you have all the shopping done with sufficient time left to pack.

A few things to remember while on your toes are – always carry your passports on you, even when you are sight-seeing as it is always safer to have them on you instead of leaving them at hotels. If you have not booked your accommodation in advance, go to the local municipal tourist office and they will provide you with all the information required in terms of places to visit, visiting hours for popular tourist destinations etc. You can also get maps and plan your travel whilst on the move. Sometimes, it is better to go for package travel deals if you are travelling in a sizeable number as you might avail yourself of a lot of discounts.

And last but not the least; do not forget to take your camera and batteries along! You must not let these moments go uncaptured as there is nothing better than having a sip of coffee and looking at your beautiful collections of memories together years and years later!

Istanbul is famous for its delicious foods with both eastern and western influences and it hosts some of the most amazing places to eat in Turkey. The grand bazaars, the busy streets, the high class locations, they all hide wonderful restaurants more or less known by the tourists. There are millions of visitors who come to Istanbul every year just for the tasty, traditional dishes that they can only find here. It takes time and passion to find and enjoy these hidden culinary sanctuaries, but the experience is definitely worth it.

Particularly popular for its incredibly delicious Kebab, Istanbul hosts the most delightful Kebab restaurants in the whole country. Antiochia is one of the most well-known Kebab restaurants in Istanbul, especially for its delicious ?i? et, a wonderfully flavored dish made of marinated beef, grilled over a charcoal fire. Dürüm, an incredibly tender minced meat wrap with a nice combination of fresh vegetables, is unquestionably the most savory in town. Keep in mind that this is a relatively small restaurant and you might want to book a table before actually going there, just to avoid surprises.

Located in the heart of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, Gaziantep Burc Ocakbasi is a lovely restaurant that serves amazingly scrumptious food in a nicely decorated environment. Enticed by the delectable scent that comes from this apparently simple restaurant, people can enjoy delicious dishes ranging from appetizing salads to succulent meat. Being in the middle of the Grand Bazaar, this restaurant might be difficult to spot because of the everlasting crowded streets, but once you will find it, you won’t regret your journey!

Gram is another special place in Istanbul where you can taste mouth-watering dishes made by two passionate cooks. Even though Istanbul is a highly cosmopolitan city, sometimes it can be difficult for vegetarians to find a proper place to eat. Gram is suitable for vegetarians as it offers a wide palette of delicious foods made with seasonal vegetables, incredibly tempting pastries and guess what: there are all typically Turkish! Eating at Gram is a way of combining your way of life with the local culinary traditions. However, this classy restaurant can offer a variety of meat dishes as well as enticing deserts.

Situated on the Bosphorus, in an impressive boat-dock, Rumelihisikari Iskele is a high class restaurant offering a tremendously picturesque view of an inspiring medieval fortress. Visitors can enjoy an incredibly pleasant ambience along with the impeccable service delivered by the dedicated waiters and the talented chefs. The food here is extremely flavorful, the ingredients are always fresh and on top of it, there is quite a wide variety of traditional drinks available at the restaurant’s classy bar.

Detailed here are some established eateries in Istanbul but it’s always a delight to sample street food in new and exciting cultures. If you do venture outside of the restaurant scene, be sure to have up to date travel insurance just in case, your stomach takes a turn for the worse! For the best deals use Debenhams Travel Insurance.

When it comes to cities in America, each one of them has photogenic sites that you can take advantage of. However, some of the cities are simply better than others since they offer the best photography spots.

Given below are three of the best photographer friendly U.S. cities:

#1: San Francisco

This is one city that can be seen as one of the best photogenic cities in the U.S. Here you’ll find unusual housing and streets along with world famous landmarks inviting you to snap them. Right from the Golden Gate Bridge to the curving Lombard street, your camera will love the angles it can work with. There are many such sites that can be a real treat for the photographer in you.

If you’re into architecture photography then the Palace of Fine Arts is where you can truly experiment with your lens. And in case you like rock music and love mixing your music interests with your photography skills, then the Fillmore Auditorium is where you should be with your camera. The vibrant colors that make San Francisco the city of bay can prove to be truly inspiring for any photographer.

#2: New Orleans

New Orleans which is also fondly called the “Crescent City” is known for its culture and architecture. And being a photographer you should know that they make the perfect combination. The oldest neighborhood in the city, the French Quarter or the “Vieux Carré”, holds attractions like the Old Absinthe House, Preservation Hall and the Jackson Square Park, which you’d love photographing.

The wildlife on Bourbon Street comes alive after dusk which can offer the best to you if you are one of those “good times” photographers. Venturing outside the French Quarter, you’ll find some of the most picturesque, expensive houses in the Garden District, giving you the opportunity to snap them.

#3: New York

What makes New York a photogenic city? Times Square and the Empire State Building are the two most obvious answers, but it’s actually its rich culture that makes it a hot spot for photographers.

Looking around, you’ll find people dressed in all types of dresses since they all come from varied cultures and nations. New York is a city that never sleeps, which means as a photographer you need to be quick enough to capture the best of it. And if by any chance you want to enhance your skills, you’ll find that the city has a number of good colleges for photography for you to choose from.

While every U.S. city offers something, your success with the lens boils down to your choice of photography and how passionate you are.