One of the most cost effective and enjoyable ways to explore a country is with a caravan. The appeal of hitting the open road and being able to stop at locations that catch your fancy is a form of travel that many enjoy. Europe is a very big place that has lots of attractive destinations to enjoy but here are five of the best places in Europe to go caravanning.

Southern France
The French have always been keen campers, and as a result the country is well equipped with high quality campsites throughout. But there is no better place in this beautiful destination than the rolling countryside of the southern region. Long stretches of vineyards as far as the eye can see are the backdrop to golden beaches on its Mediterranean coastline.

Coastal Spain

Spain is very well known for all its beach resort coastlines, but for anyone who is looking to explore by caravan, the part of the Mediterranean which runs from the French border is the perfect spot to start and throw oneself into an adventure that will take anyone into a magical land of amazing food, vibrant and mixed camping communities and most importantly, a well mapped out and trodden path of road networks that take caravanning holiday makers into parts of the country that would never be seen by plane or even land based public transport means.

Northern Italy

Tuscany is perhaps the most famous and well known of destinations in this rural area of Italy however for the keen caravan traveller, it is not the only one that offers a wide range of sites to stay at. There are many campsites that are caravan friendly with spacious lots, access to electricity and a good range of different level of quality of amenities. This is particularly important for those who have the most modern caravans and therefore have no need to be spending extra money for extra amenities that they simply have no use for.

Along the Rhine

Winding along this majestic river, which is considered by many as the most important waterway in Europe, there is a plethora of campsites that provide the ideal stopping places for anyone on a caravan holiday. Each site is located deep in the countryside with luscious greenery, clean air and clear blue skies as far as they eye can see. For those who are not linguists, this is equally one of the most English friendly parts of Europe with the language being spoken well not just by those who work in the hospitality industry but also many of the travellers one is likely to meet on the road.

For the ambitious at heart – Istanbul

This city break location may sound like a strange place to take a caravan but as the region grows there are an increasing number of sites in which to park up and explore around. What makes this unique place just wonderful to explore independently along the road is the mix of European and Asian culture that clashes and fuses together before one’s very eyes. Travelling through the city, people can see step by step as the ever-changing environment blends from a very western to a distinctly eastern flavour.

Europe is the perfect playground for those with a caravan, just make sure you have caravan insurance to cover your vehicle, a stock of supplies in the event of a breakdown and a good map! 

The Canary Islands boast a sterling list of holiday must-haves. For starters you’ve got a fantastic climate which not only promises scorching summers, but mild t-shirt winters too. It’s easy to get to, thanks to the huge range of scheduled flights and package holidays on offer. And above all, it’s got diversity by the bucketload. It’s got snow-capped mountains, volcanic geology, exotic gardens and knock-out beaches. And that’s just for starters.

Whatever you fancy, the Canary Islands are bound to have something to tickle your fancy.

Let’s say you fancy a trip to Tenerife. Thanks to the popularity of this destination the prices have become much more competitive over recent years, and cheap Tenerife holidays can be found all over the travel agents’ websites. But that doesn’t mean to say you’ll have to share your patch of sand with a beach-load of other tourists – far from it. Some places naturally get busy in the height of summer, but by moving away from the main resorts or heading to the northern part of the island – home to Puerto de la Cruz – you’ll find a much quieter ambience.

If Lanzarote’s sun-baked lava fields and spiky exotic gardens take your fancy, you won’t have to look far for a good price. Whether you choose a last-minute getaway or plan your trip a year in advance, Lanzarote holiday deals are pretty easy to come by. It’s got a huge choice of resorts too, from the neon lights and lively buzz of Puerto Del Carmen to the peaceful bays and mountain vistas of Playa De Los Pocillos.

That’s one of the great things about the Canary Islands – you can always find a resort to suit your mood, not to mention a price to suit your pocket. Whether you’re after all-out luxury or something cheap and cheerful, there’s a Canarian holiday with your name on it.

In Amsterdam one can go look at the original Vermeer and Rembrandt, stroll through the famous Red Light District, settle on a barge, buy a bouquet of fresh flowers every day, shop at unique local markets, rent a bike and strengthen the leg muscles or spend the whole evening in the coffee shop. If you still haven’t found a reason to visit Amsterdam, these post will give you one.

Opportunity to live on a barge

In Amsterdam, with its abundance of channels and islands settling on the waves is quite simple – there are large floating hotels, such as the Amstel Botel with the 175 rooms and small mansions with three to four rooms. Some of them may be pretty expensive like for example Le Maroxidien with organic breakfast. Only few however dare to refuse to stay on land but be sure that staying on a barge is definitely worth it. They are considered to be the most romantic spots in the city.

Artists and museums

Netherlands gave to the world culture many great artists. The originals, of familiar tro everyone since early childhood paintings like “Night Watch” by Rembrandt or “Milkmaid” by Vermeer can be seen in the Rijksmuseum. There are also very entertaining collections of porcelain figurines and dishes, doll houses and other objects of decorative art. And in the famous Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, contrary to popular belief, there are pictures not only of this artist (the most extensive collection in the world, covering all periods of Van Gogh’s life), but those of his contemporaries, the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, including Monet, Seurat, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec.

Markets

There are dozens of local markets in Amsterdam where you can find practically everything including vintage clothing, antiques, flowers and farm products. Everyone should attend Blumenmarkt – flower market on the water, where you don’t even need to buy something, just to enjoy the variety of colorful flowers. For antiques and art go to Art Plein Spey or De Loire. There is an abundance of oriental flavors on Dappermarkt Keypmarkt and fresh products in Lindengraht Nordenmarkt.

Liberal traditions

It is known all over the world that here soft drugs, prostitution and same-sex marriage are absolutely legal. Till January 2013 every tourist still has a chance to leagally smoke a joint in one of the coffeeshops in Amsterdam. The main thing however is to remember the possible adverse effects of local risky but legitimate entertainment.

Amsterdam is the bike capital of Europe

In Amsterdam there are more bikes than people. There are no bike paths only in the older parts of the city. It is possible to rent a bike on every corner of the city. Cycling here is safe and moreover is the cheapest way of getting around the city.

All year we have been hearing about London, thanks to the Olympic Games, but now that is over, what is there to do… that’s new!

Over recent years London’s Theatreland has remained quite static, but 2012 gave it a bit of a shake up. Yes some of the old classics are still there – ‘Phantom’, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Mamma Mia!’ ‘The Lion King’, ‘The Mousetrap’ – but many have gone and THAT is only good news for anyone thinking of putting London on their list of holiday destinations in 2013 – even if it is just for a weekend break in London!  So what is there to look out for?

The big show with a World Premiere right at the end of 2012 but already booking well into 2013 is ‘Viva Forever!’ The exclamation mark may give away the fact that it is produced by the same team that produced ‘Mamma Mia!’ And, like Mamma Mia! It has taken the songs of a super group to help the story along. The super group in question is The Spice Girls! And the writer given the job of making sense of their “Ziga-zig-ahh” is comedy legend Jennifer Saunders. Put all this together and I think you will agree, it has the pedigree to be the next big thing in London – and you could see it first!

The second show to be worthy of mention is ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory’ which will be coming to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from June 2013. The huge success of Tim Minchin’s stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda’ (which is also still on in London), must have been at the forefront of the producers for this show. Again the team behind the production is a good indication of its chances for success.  Sam Mendes will produce, he has just finished producing ‘Skyfall’, the latest James Bond movie, the songs are by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitmann who wrote the songs for the stage show ‘Hairspray’ and Award-winning actor Douglas Hodge will play Wonka in a move that has been seen as a triumph of talent over celebrity!

Third on our list is another stage adaptation of a hit film. This time it comes with its own pre-written hit songs: ‘The Bodyguard’ was a huge success for Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner and the stage version looks to do the same for its stars. Of course the music is well known: in addition to the movie sound track, extra Whitney Houston songs have been included, and why not: Heather Headley who is playing the role is more than up to singing them. She created the role of Nala in the stage musical of ‘The Lion King’ and won a Tony for best actress in ‘Aida’ on Broadway but her vocal pedigree goes way beyond the stage with a long list of award-winning live and recorded performances.  The Bodyguard himself is British beefcake and ex ‘Monarch of the Glen’ star Lloyd Owen.

If these first three shows are all about the stars then our next show is all about the chorus: ‘A Chorus Line’ is back! If you are a fan of X Factor and the like then you need to see this.  ‘A Chorus Line’ is based on the true stories, the real life auditions that dancers go through for every job they do get and every job they don’t get! This is the show many dancers quote as being the show that inspired them to dance (no, not ‘Strictly Come Dancing’!) but it is also the show that shows us mere mortals how hard that choice is! It has been over 30 years since the show was first in London but having seen it more recently it hasn’t aged. As a dramatic piece there is no doubt it will be a success but will it fill the London Palladium night after night?  This is why it is in my list because it will undoubtedly be one of the successes of 2013 and you really must go and see it, but I’m a realist – how many of you actually will?

The last show in my top five is one that I predict will be a slow burner but will become one of those shows that takes London over for many years to come.  ‘Once’ is another Broadway import and yet another stage adaptation of successful movie. If you haven’t seen either, it is the story of the relationship between an Irish musician and a young Czech mother who meet through a shared love of music.  A talented cast of actor/musicians bring the music to life and it won no less than 8 Tony’s in 2012. Although it is not always the case that a successful Broadway show becomes a successful London show I think this one will.

So that is my top five! It is, I have to say, the tip of the iceberg.  I’ve not mentioned any of the great plays featuring a multitude of stars that will open in 2013… and I have steered clear of the gossip mongers who will have every musical ever written, coming to London – however likely that may be. And I’ve not mentioned any of the shows that are already wooing London audiences and will continue to do so throughout 2013 and the beyond. But maybe that was my fault for only promising you 5 shows!

About the author: Simon Harding has been promoting London theatre for over 30 years. He currently runs London Theatre Breaks and recently wrote London Theatre and Theatre Breaks – a guide on getting the best out of your London theatre-going.  SPECIAL OFFER: Readers can download a copy by clicking on the link – it’s free for a tweet or a share.

On the north east coast of Cornwall sits a small village with a very big history. Tintagel overlooks the Atlantic on a wild and rugged stretch of the Cornish backdrop that is the perfect setting for it’s colourful past. Known as Trevena until it was given its current name in around 1850 by the Post Office, which is still standing to this day. This was once a manor house dating from the 14^th century, with ancient stone walls and wooden roof with beams blackened from smoke.

Arthurian Legend Tintagel

Much further back in the recesses of time, Geoffrey Monmouth identified Tintagel as the birthplace of the Arthurian legend in his 12^th century tome ‘The history of the kings of England’. Centuries later, Lord Tennyson described the connection between Tintagel and the legend in ‘The Idyllis of the King’. Today, there is little left of Tintagel Castle, the birthplace of King Arthur, but the cliff top ruins have a serenity about them that is almost magical.

The castle is said to have built in around 1240 by Richard the Earl of Cornwall,  this post dates the Arthurian legend of the 7^th century by around 600 years as he chose to build his castle on the wild and windswept site where the original castle had stood using the original foundations and footstones in his construction. It is these original parts that are said to still exist, but it is the site and the ambience that is more important.

Dog friendly hotels in Cornwall

The combination of the beauty of the area and the legend makes Tintagel one of the most popular tourist spots in Cornwall, and searches on the Internet for hotels in Cornwall, accommodation Cornwall or Cornwall hotels bring up many results for in and around Tintagel. Those who are looking to take their dogs on holiday with them will be looking for dog friendly hotels in Cornwall, and there is one in particular to watch out for.

Camelot Castle hotel

Camelot Castle hotel sits overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on one of the most prime sites you will ever find for a luxury hotel. Majestic on the inside as it looks from outside, this hotel welcomes both guests and their pets into its rooms and offers comfort and hospitality to all, whether they have two or four legs. It is rare to find such a beautiful hotel opening it’s doors to both pets and their owners, but then again, with a name like the Camelot it’s going to be pretty special.

The Cornish seaside town of Newquay is one of the most popular of all south west holiday resorts, with a heady mix of some of the best weather in the UK, great surfing, a vibrant night life and more than enough activities to entertain everyone. If you are looking to head down Newquay way in 2013 then get your accommodation booked early so your trip coincides with the Run to the Sun festival which takes place from the 24th-27^th May.

Newquay stag weekend Run To The Sun

This is one of Europe’s largest combined dance, VW and custom car festivals, and could be the perfect event to plan your Newquay stag weekend around. This self contained event is being held at the Trevelgue Holiday Park in the town and has on site camping facilities. While this will appeal to seasoned festival-goers, those who prefer a few home comforts will still be putting cheap hotels Newquay into their internet search engines.

Here’s a tip; for the best accommodation in Newquay forget the hotels Newquay search and head to the Sunnyside hotel website. Clean, comfortable rooms await you and your pals, and the ensuite rooms are suitable for singles, couples and large groups. The Sunnyside enjoys a great location looking out over Towan Beach in the heart of the town and is the ideal base to take in the festival and all the other attractions in Newquay.

Party till dawn

Tickets are already on sale for RttS 2013 and are selling fast, so get down to the website and order yours so you don’t miss out. The five arena’s have a 4am licence so you can party ’til dawn, and the festival also has a fully functioning village full of vendors as well as a selection of white knuckle rides. Everything you could want to know is on their website, enabling you to plan your trip here to perfection.

Whether or not you can time your visit to Newquay to coincide with RttS or not, there are plenty of other reasons to book yourself at the Sunnyside and make the trip south. While many British seaside resorts are considered dull by the younger set, there is no such misconception with Newquay and the amount of young travellers who come down every year to have fun in the sun and the surf is testimony to this.

Porto, Portugalís second largest city, has the soulful feel of a smaller coastal town with the rolling Douro River at its heart. Located on the Atlantic coast it is one of the most scenic cities in Europe with lush parkland and mountains surrounding the centre.

Walking and enjoying the view are key ingredients of a city break in Porto, whether that be along the steep river banks and its sandy beaches or through the medieval old town. The city is also the place to begin a Douro river cruise, a popular way to enjoy the stunning scenery of Portugalís interior. Week-long cruises travel through the heart of the historic winemaking country that has existed on the banks of the river for hundreds of years, and then on to Spanish Salamanca.

Portoís historic quarter has UNESCO world heritage status, and is a well preserved gem of a medieval city. Strolling around here is the perfect way to spend the day, with baroque churches, lofty bell towers and an impressive cathedral to enjoy. Climb Torre de Clerigos for great views over the tiled rooftops and river. Portoís old town is characterised by the white and blue tiled buildings that date back to the Middle Ages. Locally known as azulejos these tiles are one of the regionís most celebrated products.

The cityís atmosphere is best soaked up at the Ribeira quayside where you can sip coffee by day and port wine cocktails by night as you watch the world go by. Street art, live music and an exciting array of contemporary restaurants mark Ribeira out as the most bohemian area of the city and is the best place to experience its arty scene. There are also a number of quality galleries to explore.

Port wine originates from the region, and its production is a time honoured tradition throughout the Douro Valley. Cruising along the river, the history of the practise is plain to see in the vineyards and terraces that line its banks. One of the joys of a European river cruise like this is that it presents the opportunity to enjoy remote regions and soak up the atmosphere of rural Europe. The vineyard terraces and settlements that have grown up around the port wine making tradition have earned the valley UNESCO status.

Dining at one of the wine producing quintas with a glass of port and a backdrop of the historic terraces is a definitive Portuguese experience, and, for many, rural Portugal quickly becomes one of their favourite European locations.

Tallinn, Capital of Estonia

Cruising and fashion are a lot alike. How so? Holiday seekers are always looking for the most buzz-worthy destinations. The travel industry has a lot in common with the television show Project Runway. When Heidi Klum famously says one day you’re in, and the next you’re out, she could easily be talking about destination hotspots. Travel fads come and go, and cruisers always have their eyes peeled for the next big thing. This is where the Baltic enters the picture. Northern gems like Latvia, Estonia and Scandinavia (Iceland, Norway, Finland!)are stoking the imagination of cruisers.

Riga

Croatia may have been the buzzword last year, but Riga is leading the charge for 2013. Between the crooked cobbled streets, turrets and colourful steeples, the Latvian capital is like a northern version of Prague. Vecrig, the Medieval old town, is the highlight of Riga. From the Dome Cathedral to St. Peter’s, the churches in Riga are the stuff of fairy tales. However, Riga is not all Gothic architecture and soaring spires. Art Nouveau buildings dominate the city, and the best examples are north of the old town, particularly along Elizabetes.

Tallinn

Tallinn, which is the capital of Estonia, is a World Heritage Site. Similar to Riga, Tallinn is an architectural haven. You can easily spend the day winding your way through Tallin’s old town; the city’s breath-taking warren of cobbled streets, medieval walls and cathedrals is a must-see for any tourist. Highlights include the Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Toompea Castle. Furthermore, Tallinn’s Town Hall Square is said to be Europe’s oldest gothic town hall. Sooner or later, you’re going to want to take a break and rest those weary feet. Tallinn has numerous open-air cafes to grab a bite and something to drink. Ask for a pint of Saku, which is the local beer of choice.

Reykjavik

Known for being the homeland of musicians like Bjork and Sigur Ros, Reykjavik boomed with the jet setting rave crowd about a decade ago. While the country is still known as a musical hotspot, there is more to Iceland than clubs, bars and Viking beer. When you cruise to Iceland by booking a fantastic cruise offer, nothing will prepare you for the majestic and otherworldly landscape. To get the lay of the land, book a Golden Loop Tour. Highlights of the excursion include Gullfoss, otherwise known as Golden Falls, and the Blue Lagoon. Reykjavik is more like a village than a capital city. The best way to stay warm in the northernmost capital in Europe is to go shopping or pop into one of the many restaurants and enjoy a meal. Lamb and herring are big in the land of fire and ice.

Often hailed as the ‘island of eternal spring’, Tenerife’s climate is one of the most agreeable to be found anywhere in Spain as it’s comfortably warm during the summer, yet doesn’t get too cold in the winter. For this reason flights to Tenerife with airlines like Jet2.com stay popular throughout the season, and if you choose to leave your visit until later in the year you’ll never be short of something to do.

One of the most popular activities to enjoy during the winter in Tenerife is exploring its rugged volcanic terrain, which Neil Armstrong described as the closest thing to the lunar landscape that he’d ever seen on earth! Thankfully you won’t need NASA training to navigate the mountains and valleys of Tenerife, just some comfortable shoes and a strong sense of adventure.

Mount Tiede, the highest point in Spain, is a popular destination for hikers on Tenerife and on your ascent you’re sure to come across plenty of beautiful wildlife as well as flourishing fauna and fauna. Being an island of extremes Tenerife also has a number of vast caves under its surface, such as the 27,000 year old Cueva Del Viento tube where you’ll need to watch your head – or leave with a few nasty bumps!

A Fin-Tastic Experience

Another unforgettable experience to enjoy in Tenerife is a dolphin and whale-watching excursion off the south-west coast of the island, where the waters are inhabited throughout the year by up to 21 different species. From pilot whales to bottle-nose dolphins you never know what you might be lucky enough to see, all from a distance that respects the natural environments of these wonderful creatures yet is close enough to take your breath away.

Back on dry land, the quiet season offers a great opportunity to see Tenerife’s towns without having to content with hordes of tourists. Pay a visit to the island’s capital of Santa Cruz, a vibrant port town at the foot of the Anaga Mountains to wander through its chic shopping streets and sample authentic Spanish food in its many tempting restaurants, without having to wait hours for a table.

Many of Tenerife’s most popular tourist attractions will also be open throughout the year, including wildlife parks Loro Parque and Las Aguilas Park, so don’t miss the chance to take in their sights in peace and quiet – well, apart from the calls of the birds, of course!

Champagne Vineyards

Aube is situated in the Champagne region of Ardennes in the north east of France and is the perfect area to visit for those wanting to see the abundant beauty that Champagne has to offer. An area most famous around the world for its production of a wide range of sparkling wines such as the much loved Bollinger Champagne, this region has more to it than many people know.

As well as quaint towns and villages, you’ll find enough lakes and forests to keep the nature lovers amongst you happy and at the same time, fans of adventure sports are also well served with a wide variety of activities available such as quad bikes, canoeing and even a centre for parachute jumping. But let’s not forget that this destination is also home to the delicious grapes that go into make the drink of choice for any celebration,

Troyes

The ancient town of Troyes is the former capital of the Champagne region, making it an ideal base to explore what the wonderful region of Champagne has to offer.

Troyes is steeped in history and full of quaint streets and timber-framed houses. You could easily spend your time here simply wandering around and taking in the beauty of the place, in the form of gothic statues and stained glass windows. On top of that there is much to do, for example making time to visit the Museum of Modern Art or the stunning Cathedral of St Paul and St Peter.

The beauty of glass

In Aube you will never be stuck for a souvenir. The area is renowned for it’s glassworks. Home to various crystal and glass blowing factories, including the first one ever established by the glass master of Venetia who also settled in region. If you fancy a short trip to Bayel, you can visit the crystal factory that that makes an assortment of bottles for the locally produced Champagne.

Chateau de Droupt Saint Basle

Churches and Castles

There are several historic buildings and monuments all through the region of Aube, such as the Chateau de la Motte. This captivating building is open from Wednesday through till Sunday for tours and the gardens are open daily, hosting various theatrical events and concerts during the summer months.

Some parts of Chateau de Droupt Saint Basle date back to the 16th century and it even includes an assortment of excellent medieval art. This region is also the home to various timber-framed churches, in villages such as Mathaux and Lentilles. All of these ancient buildings feature beautiful stained glass windows, ancient works of art and sculptures.

The great outdoors

The Orient, a Forest Natural Park, offers biking trails and walking for those people who prefer the great outdoors to ancient architecture and art. The surrounding lakes are home to several breeds of migratory birds and if you are lucky, you might even see the White Tail Eagle in its natural habitat. Sailing and kayaking is a must for adventure enthusiasts and for a more tame experience why not take a jaunt in a cart and horse. For the ultimate arial view of the Aube, why not opt for a parachute jump at Brienne le Chateau.

There is so much more to Champagne than the delicious sparking wine that is produced here, so if you really want to celebrate book a holiday to the region of France that has something for everyone.