Where package holidays are concerned, late deals are still one of the favoured methods of going away. This involves choosing a destination, or several as the case may be, and keeping an eye on the list of package holidays as the clock ticks down to the departure date. Then when the price has (hopefully) dropped far enough, you book your preferred holiday – which can be as little as one week before the departure date. This is a popular method but it’s not without its risks. The idea is that tour operators buy up flight seats and hotel rooms in bulk, package them together and sell them with a few added extras, such as coach transfers and the services of a local holiday rep. Of course any packages not sold are a loss to the company – so they often lower their prices near the departure date to entice those last few customers in.

It can work extremely well, particularly if you’re open-minded about where you choose to go and where you stay. However you can easily lose out if your chosen hotel is snapped up by another eagle-eyed holidaymaker, and similarly, the price might not drop as much as you would hope.

If you like to play it safe, or if you’re looking for family holiday deals, a better bargain-hunting method would be to book well in advance. Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of a new brochure or a brand new season and be prepared to book as soon as the new holiday brochures hit the shop shelves. You’ll often see early bird deals advertised with first-come-first-served special offers, plus you’ll get extra time to pay off the cost of the holiday and save some spending money too.

So what if Christmas hasn’t even been and gone yet? Who cares! The man in the red suit isn’t gonna hold it against you. In fact, it’s a sure bet that he’ll give your early bird savings a ‘ho ho ho’ of approval.

Also, don’t forget, you can write your Christmas list with Malia clubbing on your mind. Another low cost tactic – get your nearest and dearest to stick a few holiday essentials into your Crimbo stocking.

That’s OK, thank us for the tip later, we’re full of this kind of stuff. It’s our gift to you, like that time Katy Perry bought Brand a trip into outer space. But a little less extravagant, obviously.

Maybe a lot less extravagant.

Maybe nothing like it at all, come to think of it.

Your suitcase contents are going to differ somewhat depending on whether you’re a female or male creature. Generally, women – and preened pretty boys – pack an entire two-weeker suitcase full of seasonal looks.

Lads and lasses planning to get up to a load of messy mischief usually pack less appropriate attire, including ridiculous hats and fancy dress, as well as inflatables and protection.

Sun protection. For all that fun they’ll be having in the scorching Crete heats. Why, what were you thinking of?

As well as a week’s worth of clothes, a few hats, inflatables, fancy dress, neon and sun cream, what else do you need? Well, there is all of that health and legal malarkey to consider.

Your passport needs to have at least six months remaining on it, from the date of your return. You’ll need your EHIC stuff (Googlerama), health insurance, travel documents and currency.

Savvy travellers also leave their journey deets, contact address and phone number with someone they trust. Mums qualify for this duty.

Get on it! The Malia holiday 2013 countdown starts now!

Many say that you have to be there to truly understand why it is known like this, but knowing what to do can only maximize your trip. So, once you’ve taken the plane or euro train, here are the top five places to take your partner when in Paris.

1. Montmartre – With such a beautiful city, you need to be able to give yourself both a panoramic view as well as immersing yourself into the fast-paced culture of the French capital. This quaint hillside village is known for its bohemian living and couples can wander blissfully through the narrow winding streets that come complete with pretty cafes and shops. With all this going on, don’t forget to take advantage of the stunning views from this northern hotspot.
2. Pont-Marie – When travelling with your partner, a trip to somewhere known as the “bridge of lovers” really cannot be missed. So, jump on a riverboat down the Seine and have a kiss under the bridge. Plus, legend has it that a kiss with a wish of eternal love at this spot will always be granted. Make sure that you hold onto your significant other in Paris.
3. Eiffel Tower – Whether you are travelling alone, in a group or as a couple you have to see this landmark. The difference is that you can enjoy it differently with your partner. Be sure to take the lift to the top for a smooch overlooking the city of love and don’t forget to snuggle up in the Trocadero Gardens after for a stunning, romantic view of the monument.
4. Luxembourg Gardens – The mile circuit is beautiful throughout the year and it is a great place for couples. The palace was built back in 1625 but it’s not all chess players and children and you can share a special moment by sneaking into the De Medici Fountain where you will find an untamed oasis, perfect for lovers.
5. L’Abeille – A romantic trip can’t be complete without some luxury cuisine, and this is exactly what you get in this restaurant. Erected by the grand nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, this stylish and elegant mansion has some history to it. An intimate venue inside, it can house only 40 people, the restaurant opens up to a garden that is as luxurious as you could imagine. The blend of modernity and tradition from both Asian and French cuisines makes this one of the top eateries in the capital.

Those may well be five of the best things to do in Paris, but the city of love can offer so much more. From the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge to the Square du Vert Galant to the Wall of Love, it is all there a metro station or two away.

Sports activity holidays can be ideal for solo travellers, by giving them an experience they will never forget. Take in the overwhelming scenery and panoramic views our world has to offer with a hiking holiday. Pack your walking boots and put your best foot forward. Whether it’s a relaxing amble exploring the Mediterranean countryside, or for the more adventurous, a hike into the mountains, bespoke packages mean that no matter your ability, there’s something for you.

If walking isn’t your thing, how about a stint on a mountain bike? Don your helmet and set off on one of many trips available. Explore your surroundings at your leisure or join other cyclists on a guided tour. Discover areas that are more hidden then the usual tourist traps and appreciate the panoramas with your fellow riders.

Snowboarding is perfect for the adrenaline junkies. Ride the powder to experience free-floating freedom. Test your snowboarding skills on one of the various slope difficulties on offer. For the beginners, the green slopes are perfect to learn the ropes, or you could join a tuition class to ensure you learn from some of the best. For the more daring, avid snowboarder, the black runs will challenge your skills with some awesome gradients.

If you prefer to have individual use of your legs, why not give skis a go? Master the snow plough on the slopes or for the more advanced, how about a cross country expedition? Join a group of able skiers and discover the areas that amateur skiers won’t find.

Whatever you choose, be sure to create your tailor-made break online to guarantee excellent value.

The capacity on board is up around 2,400, so there is bound to be a lively atmosphere on-board whatever time of year you set sail and wherever you’re heading to. And the sense of excitement is added to by the range of lavish Broadway-style theatre shows that are performed at various times of day. The Stardust theatre in fact is one of the stand-out features of the Norwegian Jade and its 1,000 or so seats are packed more often than not.

A key element of any cruise holiday is always likely to be the cuisine and the dinning options that are available and the Jade is extremely well equipped in that department. Guests can in fact choose from a range of cooking styles from Spanish tapas to Japanese Teppanyaki, steakhouses and plenty more besides.

The choice of foods might be a key ingredient for adults planning their next cruise trip but children tend to play closer attention to the list of activities that they might soon be exploring. There again the Jade offers a terrific variety and staff are highly experienced in keeping even the most energetic children occupied.

You can book a trip aboard the Jade via Thomas Cook, whose website is where you’re likely to find some of the best deals available. And if the Jade doesn’t quite tick all your boxes then there are still dozens of other Thomas Cook cruises 2012.

Cyprus is a great country to visit either alone or with a company (family or friends). Some of the places that are recommended as a must see for any tourist to Cyprus include Hala Sultan Tekksi, Limmassol Castle and the historic city of Famgusta. Larnaca, Kataklysmos, and Agia Napa are some of the trendiest locations in Cyprus and are popular for their clubbing and partying culture.

One can also enjoy water sports at Larnaca, Dassoudi Beach and Geroskipou. Hikers and trekkers will be delighted by the sight of the various forest trails and mountains in the areas of Machairas and Limmasol. The best time to visit Cyprus is during spring as the sunny weather is quite pleasurable during that time.

Florida as a tourist destination is more popular than any other location in the world. Apart from the famed Disneyland, the fantastic beaches also attract people full of pleasure and sunshine. The city of Miami is heaven sent for all those who love the spicy mix of sunshine and water sports. The surfing sport is also quite popular here among the locals.

Although predominantly Caucasian, a fair number of Floridians are of Hispanic origin. Most of them are mainly from Cuba and this gives the entire place a highly vibrant cultural mix. There is also no lack of restaurants, shopping malls and night clubs, which results in an urban life on the highest quality.

To sum up, these are just a few of the many reasons for you to consider hot holidays to Cyprus and Florida.

Located in northeast Essex, Romford is one of the most popular commuter towns in London, as it has excellent and accessible transport links, including being a hub of the London buses network. Romford railway station is on the Great Eastern Main Line in London’s fare zone 6. There are also services from Romford to Clacton and Southend-on-sea.

Recently however efforts have been made by the local government to turn Romford into a cultural destination in its own right. While it will always lose out to its much larger rival London, Romford is well on its way to becoming a destination with much to offer. Romford is a former market town and already has a wide selection of old pubs and restaurants as well as boutiques and other retail options. The Romford Greyhound Stadium is one of the last of its kind in the greater London area and the Romford Ice Arena is home to the Romford Raiders ice hockey team.

Romford is also home to a thriving electronic music scene and is known for its connections to the electronic music group Underworld. The Strictly Underground and Suburban Base record labels also call Romford home, which has increased its importance on the scene.

The first time I heard the word staycation was from a friend of mine last year. She said doing staycations is way better than having long vacations somewhere far. Aside from being cheap, it is easier to organize.

But from the infographic shown above, it says differently. Well, I am not saying my friend is wrong but what I am trying to point out, it different in every place and where you are coming from. For us who are living in the tropical countries, staycations might work best especially in spring pool resorts or the beach were we can just cool down but if you are from other country, especially the cold ones, taking a vacation to a tropical paradise is way better and more or less cheap or of the same value.

So, if you are up for some sun and get away from the coldness of your place, taking vacations might be the best for you!

Infographic Provided by ThomasCook

But if you thought a holiday in Mexico was only for the privileged few, think again – just like any other destination in the package holiday range, you can find an abundance of great deals on trips to the Americas. From cheap all inclusive holidays to last-minute bargains, there are plenty of great deals to choose from on everything from standard beachside hotels to luxury spa resorts.

The allure of this magical place and its once-in-lifetime holiday promise brings tourists looking for something that little bit special – a touch of luxury, a sense of adventure and the thrill of being somewhere completely different. One thing’s for sure, Mexico holidays certainly tick all the right boxes and offer plenty more besides.

No trip to this beautiful corner of the world is complete without a visit to the ancient Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza, an incredible UNESCO heritage site based in the Yucatán. After that, you might find yourself following a guide into the wilderness – exploring the vast jungles and navigating your way across ravines or climbing ancient pyramids – before settling down to lunch in a local Mayan village or watching monkeys scurrying amongst the trees.

If that’s all a little too much, one thing that Mexico certainly does best is beach breaks – and what a sight for sore eyes this is. The Caribbean Coast is all swaying palm trees, gently lapping shores and powder-soft sands, perfect for sitting back and doing absolutely nothing. When you need a little refreshment, all you have to do is stroll to the nearest beach hut for a zingy cocktail.

One thing’s for sure, Mexico is a unique destination and the perfect place for creating long-lasting holiday memories.

Both destinations offer glorious sunshine, beautiful beaches and amazing nightlife, and can be booked at a great price, thanks to Direct Holidays deals – so how do you choose between these two great destinations for Majorca holidays?

Magaluf

Magaluf is definitely Majorca’s busiest party town, with pubs, bars and clubs galore to keep party people entertained. Upbeat, bustling and lively, Magaluf offers a wide range of watersports to enjoy on its golden sandy beaches, as well as more unusual attractions like the upside down ‘House of Katmandu’, which has to be experienced to be believed!

One great Magaluf attraction for fun loving holidaymakers is Aqualand, which is a giant waterpark where you can easily spend a day enjoying the thrills and spills on offer.

Palma Nova

Palma Nova is slightly quieter than Magaluf but still offers fantastic nightlife, as well as some amazing restaurants and quieter bars to enjoy. Boasting three beautiful golden sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Palma Nova is a great place to enjoy watersports, take a boat trip or just take a stroll along the vibrant seafront promenade.

Golf lovers are sure to enjoy the Golf Fantasia attraction, which has golf course and mini golf courses to suit all ages and levels of skill.

If you’re finding it too close to call when it comes to choosing between Magaluf and Palma Nova, the good news is that these two popular, busy resorts are only a short taxi ride away from one another.

You can choose to stay in slightly quieter Palma Nova, but make the short journey into Magaluf for the great nightlife, or choose to stay in the heart of the Magaluf action taking an occasional breather in Palma Nova. Whichever resort you choose you’re guaranteed amazing nightlife, sunshine and an altogether amazing time.