Made up of two main inhabited islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, Madeira is a holiday destination that appeals to everyone. Whether you want to simply lap up the sunshine and the stunning mountainous views, enjoy the capital, Funchal’s famously enjoyable cuisine, or simply promenade the seafront, it’s a wonderful location. These days, however, there’s much more to do than this. For the adventurous, Madeira is now the home to a number of exciting action holiday options. These range from mountain walks in the beautiful Levada, sailing and dolphin and whale watching, scuba diving and big game fishing to surfing or paragliding.

What makes this island paradise even more appealing these days is the array of top quality hotels in Madeira. Outstanding options include the Hotel Orca Praia, a stunning residence built into the side of cliffs just outside Funchal. The hotel is set in peaceful surroundings, a short distance from the small fishing village of Câmara de Lobos and has spectacular sea views of the Atlantic from every room.

Another popular choice is the Hotel Quinta Alegre a lovely, country house style hotel that that lies above the pretty town of Caheta on the sunny south coast. The small residence is a perfect base for hiking or simply relaxing in the midst of the beautiful flora of the Madeira landscape. For those wanting to experience Madeira’s exceptional water sports and diving, or simply soak up the sun on the edge of the sea, the Hotel Galomar is a perfect spot. Located 30 metres above the sea and the natural underwater reserve of Madeira Caniço de Baixo, this is the perfect place for diving, water-skiing and swimming. A private sea platform is also a magnet for sun worshippers.

Many visitors prefer to stay in Funchal itself, and here the Hotel Residencial Vila Lusitania is a com-fortable, family run hotel in the heart of the city, ideally suited as a base for exploring the islands. Alternatively, the Hotel Baia Azul places visitors right in the middle of the tourist district of Funchal, with stunning sea views from the rooms and its stunning balcony overlooking the Atlantic.

The Ukraine has a long and complicated history and, like many countries in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet bloc, it has struggled in modern times with issues of autonomy, national identity and free market.

Located between Poland, Russia, Romania and the Black Sea, the Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe. The name Ukraine, which is a Slavic term, can be loosely translated to mean borderland, and the country’s unique mix of people, cultures and ethnicities suggest a land whose borders have been continually blurred and redrawn over countless uprisings, conflicts and revolutions. In other words, the Ukraine is best described as a European melting pot.

Ukrainians, Russians, Romanians and Belarusians make up a large percentage of the current population, while several other nationalities exist on a smaller scale. If a country is composed of this many distinct backgrounds, then it results in a wide range of art, cuisine and cultural traditions. From the golden-domed churches of Kiev and the cobblestoned alleyways of Lviv to the Carpathian Mountains and Black Sea resorts, the Ukraine has a wealth of attractions for any adventurous traveler.

Exploring Kiev

When Taras Shevchenko, the Ukrainian poet, was in exile he wrote the following love-letter to his homeland: “Most often of all I soothe my aged imagination with pictures of golden-domed, garden cloaked and poplar crowned Kiev.”

Kiev is the type of city that fires the imagination. Perched on a hill, the capital of the Ukraine overlooks the Dniepr River. It is a budget-friendly destination that has a myriad of architectural and historic wonders. You will find cathedrals, monasteries, churches and even a national opera house. St. Sophia, the oldest church in Kiev and a UNESCO Heritage Site, is the city’s most famous attraction. Built in 1037, it features thirteen golden onion domes and a turquoise bell tower. There is also a museum inside its refectory where you will find 11th century, Byzantine icons and frescoes.

Andrew’s Descent, otherwise known as the Montmartre of Kiev, is the city’s most vibrant and beloved street. Boutiques, art galleries, traditional craft vendors and an array of restaurants and cafes adorn this cobbled thoroughfare. Outdoor concerts and bazaars are held on Andrew’s Descent during the summer. After you dine al fresco and sample some traditional borsht for lunch, head over to the Golden Gates. Located up the hill from the opera house, the gates gave signified the entrance to Kiev since 1037.

Adventure in the Carpathian Mountains

Whether you are looking to hike, rock climb, ski, bike, or just bask in the stunning natural beauty, the Carpathian Mountains are ideal for adventurers and naturalists alike. Often referred to as The Green Pearl of the Ukraine, the Carpathians have numerous resort towns that can act as a base camp for mountain excursions and guided tours.

If you are a thrill-seeker, then a hike to the highest peak in the Ukraine is in order. Howerla is the tallest mountain peak, but only skilled and experienced climbers should hike it, as the climb is demanding.

Perhaps a more leisurely stroll through a nature reserve is more your idea of outdoor fun. There are two main reserves in the Ukraine: the Carpathian National Park and the Carpathian Biosphere Park. The Carpathians are world-renowned for their beech forests, and a swath of land on Czarnohora has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rakhiv, Verkhovyna and Vorokhta, three popular cities in the Carpathian Mountains, are all great places to hang your hat as you explore this picturesque mountain range.

Odessa and the Black Sea

If sandy beaches and lively resorts are your idea of an ideal vacation, then make your way down to Odessa, the Ukraine’s third largest city. Odessa features historic attractions such as Pushkin Street, the Catacombs, the Potemkin Staircase and the City Garden, but it is the colorful port, beaches and cruises that draw people to this vibrant city on the Black Sea.

In the summer, Odessa is a vacation hotspot for many people in Eastern Europe, and the beaches are known to get crowded. The city has a cosmopolitan and Mediterranean feel. Boat trips can be arranged from Odessa to Yalta and other places in Crimea, including beautiful Sevastopol. Due to the influx of tourists, it is recommended to visit the Black Sea sometime between late August and October.

The Ukraine is not as well traveled as the countries in Western Europe. For that matter, the cities in the Ukraine are still relatively unknown and off the beaten path in comparison to eastern rivals like Prague, Budapest and Bucharest. However, the Ukraine’s wealth of historic, artistic and natural treasures makes it a must-see destination. Its budget-friendly economy is a backpacker’s dream. Still, as is often the case with these hidden and undiscovered jewels, that budget-friendly vibe will not last forever. While the Ukraine may have had a long and complicated history, the beautiful cities and landscapes that exist today are vibrant examples of national pride, determination, tradition and progress.

Andy Johnson is a frequent traveler to Ukraine and a content creator for US Dish.

Traders in Asia ever since the first century AD have been passing through Kenya which helped the boosting and growth of trade along the coast. The Arabs have exerted a strong influence on the whole area founding the city of Mombasa until the arrival of the Portuguese. Vasco de Gama was the first European to land on these shores in 1498 and immediately realized the importance of getting control of this commercial basis so the Portuguese began to take control of Mombasa which finally became part of the Kingdom in 1592. However, two hundred years later the king of Oman drove the foreigners away and soon Kenya became a British protectorate from 1895 until its independence in 1963.

If you travel to Mombasa you can still clearly see the evidence of this domination from the numerous examples of Islamic architecture to the Portuguese military buildings.

Once you’ve arrived by sea you can see the great profile of Fort Jesus built by the Portuguese after the conquest of the city, painstakingly similar to the regular canons beauty and with proportions typical of the Renaissance. The fort has survived all the vicissitudes of Mombasa becoming the very symbol of the city and was recently included among the UNESCO World Heritage locations.

The city still has many old buildings mainly by Arabs. Do not miss Biashara Street, the street market full of shops selling Arab and Indian kanga and kikoi. In this neighborhood there are also several Hindu temples built between 700 and 800 from the Indian community.

North of town are the ruins of Gedi, a small town built entirely from rocks founded by a rich sultan in the fifteenth century. However a holiday in Mombasa also encompasses the joy of the beautiful and warm sea of ​​Kenya. The most beautiful beaches in the area are located in the north, such as Nyali Beach, or in the south the Shelly Beach.

Cape Town is situated on a peninsula, with the Atlantic and Indian Oceans within easy driving distance. The beaches are stunning and most of them are snow-white and sandy, with Bikini Beach in Gordon’s Bay and the famous Clifton Beach both classified as Blue Flag. There are many areas still unspoiled within an hour or two of the city centre. A trip up Table Mountain in the revolving cable car will reward you with spectacular views for many kilometres around.

The city contains many beautiful buildings, a large number of them Cape Dutch, which were built during the Dutch occupation in the 17th and 18th centuries. A beautiful example of this is the manor house on the Leeuwenhof estate in the suburb of Gardens, at present the residence of the leader of the Western Cape’s ruling political party, Helen Zille from the Democratic Alliance.

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront area abounds in restaurants and shops, many selling authentic African crafts and items of unique art. It borders a working harbour, from which there are sunset cruises and trips to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was kept prisoner for 27 years.

Take a drive through the upmarket suburb of Constantia to Hout Bay, where you can watch the fishing boats unload their catch in the harbour. Afterwards, you can have fresh fish or crayfish at one of the many restaurants along the wharf.

On the Indian Ocean side, a train trip will take you along Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek, where the sea sometimes washes over the railway lines. Make a stop at one of the friendly pubs along the way or hunt for bargain antiques in the main road. Past Muizenberg, you can drive to Cape Point, situated in a nature reserve. It is romantically considered to be the southernmost tip of Africa, although that geographical honour really belongs to Cape Agulhas.

The Atlantic seaboard has many highly rated restaurants with stunning sea views, where you can watch kite surfers defying gravity. Further up the West Coast lie quaint fishing villages. In late winter and early spring, the natural beauty of the flower carpets of the Namaqualand area is almost overwhelming.

The numerous excellent vineyards in the surrounding areas, such as Constantia, the Paarl and Stellenbosch, all have informative and excellent wine tours you can take. The natural beauty of these areas is simple yet stunning, especially during the grape season in summer.

The world-class restaurants and hotels in Cape Town and its immediate surroundings offer excellent food and accommodation. A large variety of bed-and-breakfast establishments and self-catering units supply anything from three to five-star lodgings.

Cape Town is an excellent and cost-effective destination for groups who have chosen to visit South Africa as an interesting alternative to the more common stag weekends abroad.

Traveling seems to wake me up. Is travel essential to the soul? To mine it seems to be. As soon as the train pulls away from my town and I stow my suitcase under the chair, a little smile comes to my face and stays there the entire journey. I wonder about the people around me. I dwell on how I will spend my first few hours at my destination. I read, I prepare, I dream. I have been to Paris before, in fact I lived there once, years ago, for a month. Aside from that I have been there several times. Which is why I made a special agenda. With thanks to the internet and guide books, I am going to go to places I have not yet discovered in Paris, from an all night american diner in the 12th arrondissement, to a cafe where you can sew your own garment whilst sipping tea, which has just opened last year and is the latest trendy thing to do in the Marais on a weekend.

Leaving familiarity behind and heading off for an adventure is under-rated. For me, each and every time traveling helps me see the bigger picture of life and takes me out of my day to day thoughts and struggles. It has a way of waking me up and bringing forward into my consciousness the potential of my future and goals. It gives me the freedom to explore who I am, to remember who I want to be. Sometimes I get stuck at home, thinking of small things that don’t really matter and dealing with things on auto-pilot and without enthusiasm. When I go somewhere else, I forget the ”small stuff” and I open my eyes and really look around at the world, the people and the beauty of life. I am not leaving for Paris until the weekend after next, but in my mind I am already schlepping my suitcase up the stairs of Montmartre, looking enthusiastically for my hostel and taking in the atmosphere of the city of lights.

1. Venice, Italy – The first thing that comes to mind for most people at the mention of Venice is an enchanting gondola ride through the canals. The Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs are often counted among the most romantic spots in the world, so be sure not to miss them.
2. Paris, France – Nothing says “I love you” like a weekend in Paris. The City of Lights is a go-to setting for romantic film and literature; iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre have been the backdrop for many a breathtaking scene. Can’t-miss opportunity: the sunset through the Arc de Triomphe.
3. Santorini, Greece – The slow pace and appreciation for the finer things in life make a trip to the Greek Islands an unforgettable experience. Shops and homes that cling to the volcanic cliffs of Santorini are an awe-inspiring sight, while the black sand beaches and ancient villages provide excellent relaxation and cultural enrichment opportunities.
4. Prague, Czech Republic – Soaring gothic architecture, winding cobblestone paths and castle walking tours all come together to create a picturesque setting in Prague, while the local vineyards and restaurants provide a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Boat tours through the city often include libations and live accordion music, with visitors urged to kiss under the bridges.
5. Ibiza, Spain – For the swanky set, few cities are as exciting and amorous as Ibiza. Internationally renowned for a booming nightlife and high-end dining, a glamorous stay in this Spanish city is sure to impress even the most seasoned travelers.
6. Berlin, Germany – One of the forerunners for trendsetting in underground art and music scenes as well as a city rich with history and culture, Berlin has something to fit the needs of any traveling couple. The incredible creative energy and tolerant attitude of Berliners makes it an ideal spot for lovebirds of the artsy persuasion.
7. Rome, Italy – The heart of Italy practically pulses with romance; from the legendary lovers’ destination of Trevi Fountain to the glory of St. Peter’s Basilica, the options are almost endless. Lingering over a glass of Italian wine at a sidewalk cafe is sure to lead to starry-eyed murmurings and promises of eternal love in the Eternal City.
8. Lisbon, Portugal – For those who like their romance with a twist of tragedy, a visit to the Quinta das Lagrimas just outside of Lisbon isn’t to be missed. The legend of star-crossed lovers Prince Pedro and Ines de Castro permeates the gorgeous setting; strolling through the lush gardens only adds to the air of desperate adoration.
9. Budapest, Hungary – This Hungarian city on the banks of the Danube has experienced a revival in the last two decades, making it a favorite new arrival to the romantic-getaway table. Pedal carriage tours of the jaw-dropping architecture and the famous thermal baths of Szechenyi are just two of the incredible experiences that Budapest has to offer.
10. Edinburgh, Scotland – There’s a reason that so many romance novels are set in Scotland; few places on the planet can compete with the alluring mystery and romantic past of the Highlands. Touring Edinburgh Castle and making the short trek to the many scenic villages makes for a romantic vacation steeped in history.

Whether you’re celebrating a new marriage, the anniversary of an established one or simply planning a romantic trip for two, there’s something for every taste in Europe. With a bit of research, you can plan an entire itinerary from the comfort of your home office.

If however it is a larger family group that will be going on holiday, or even a group of friends, then self-catering accommodation may be a better solution as well as it offering more convenience for longer holidays. Many European destinations as well as some further afield offer villas as the main type of self-catering accommodation.

Advantages to renting villas include their locations. They are often situated away from major tourist destinations making them ideal if you prefer some quiet time on your holiday. Because villas can often be located off the beaten-track, this can give you a chance to experience some of the local life. Many villas will have their own pool, meaning that unlike big complexes you are able to spend as much or as little time as you like in there.

Villas are also available in different styles, some are traditional villas, whereas others are of an extremely modern design, or even completely unique. Villas also offer all modern conveniences, including washers and dryers, which makes it easier to manage the family laundry while away. Some villas may also contain facilities such as a games room or spa. You may also find that villas are more accommodating to additional requirements, such as those of a disabled guest.

If you are staying as a family, a private villa holiday can also give you the freedom from having set mealtimes or menus, which with young children can cause problems. Because villas can comfortably accommodate a large number of guests they also have enough room for everyone to be able to spend time in their own space.

Make sure that the end date on your passport is acceptable to the destination where you will be travelling. Usually a British passport has to be valid for at least six months after the date that you will be returning to the UK. Do check this to make sure that it will not need to be longer than six months. If you are unsure of visa requirements for your destination then you can check online with the Home Office, or at an embassy belonging to your destination country.

Make a list beforehand of key documents that you will need such as passport, visa, travel insurance and driving licence and do a final check of these the day before. If travelling out of the EU, you should also make sure that you have details of your accommodation to hand as you may be required to show this information at passport/border control.

Make sure that you have appropriate travel insurance and that it covers you for any activities, including skiing, that you may be doing while on holiday. If you will need a hire car then it is also easier to arrange this in advance of your travel. Take note that the car hire company may require other documentation from you as well as your driving licence. Make yourself aware of any key driving laws beforehand, especially if you have some distance to drive from the airport to your final destination.

Always be aware of size and weight restrictions for both hand and hold luggage and you should always weigh cases before travel to make sure that you are under the weight limit. Not only are there considerable charges for excess luggage weight, but you will also be held up through the check-in process.

If you are carrying hand luggage only, there is a good chance that you can use the online check-in service. Most airports now offer this facility, allowing you to check-in online up to 24 hours before departure.

Be aware of what you are unable to carry in your hand luggage. Information on restricted or prohibited items is available from your airline. Whichever airport you are travelling from you can also save time beforehand by putting your liquids in a clear plastic bag – if this is not required, you can easily slip them back into your case.

Always be aware of duty free allowances, especially when travelling outside the EU and if you want further guidance about stress free flying from or to UK airports, then make UKairports your main information guide.

Relaxation holidays are particularly popular in hot and sunny climes where lounging on the beach or beside the pool are ideal pastimes. Taking a dip in the sea, reading on a sun lounger or simply building up your tan are the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of working life and just get some time for yourself. Coastal resorts across the world offer this type of holiday activity, though many inland destinations will also have a great relaxing poolside atmosphere too. Sun and sea aren`t always necessary though and blissful relaxation can also be found at spas and country retreats whatever the climate.

Sporting holidays take many different forms, depending on which exciting activity most takes your fancy. One of the most popular is a winter sports holiday, where skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing are combined with wonderful snowy landscapes and a fantastic social scene to enjoy off the slopes. As with beach holidays, winter sports trips are available the world over, from the Alps in Europe to the Rockies in North America. Water sports holidays are also a great experience and both the sea and lakes provide great locations for activities such as surfing, sailing and diving. For those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, walking, climbing and cycling are also great activities that can be found on holidays across the globe.

City breaks offer a very different experience to either of the above options. These locations are full of life and usually have an exciting and buzzing atmosphere, rich with retail opportunities during the day and nightlife after the sun sets. Most cities have plenty of hotels, some with an indulgent degree of luxury, that allow visitors to base themselves in these great urban centres with a grand degree of style. Cities also provide a vibrant mix of different peoples and provide perhaps the best opportunities to leave behind what you know and discover something new, different and invigorating.

Cultural activities are another great way to fill your time on holiday, whether this be through experiencing the local cuisine, or perhaps famous regional beverages, such as wine and beer, or through soaking up the history that so many parts of the world are deeply imbued with. In addition, the culture of the arts can provide great interest for holidaymakers; whether this comes from visiting a gallery, attending a musical performance or using box office theatre tickets to soak up all the drama of the stage.

All in all, there is no shortage of great activities to be enjoyed on holiday, from exhilarating sports to peaceful relaxation and from exploring bustling cities to experiencing unique cultures.

First time cruise passengers are especially likely to find the process of choosing their cruise daunting as there are so many different options to take into consideration. Things like itineraries, what kind of cabin would be most suitable, length of cruise and price ranges may present a list of options and considerations that`s too long for comfort.

You can make the process of choosing and booking a cruise much simpler by asking yourself a few well chosen questions:

Budget

Be honest about the budget you have for your cruise. Most people are likely to compromise somewhere, such as duration of cruise, type of cabin or the number of shore excursions they include. Most cruises include meals and onboard entertainment, with extra being charged for drinks at the bar or spa services.

Cruise Duration

If you`re not sure whether cruising is for you, it`s probably best to choose a shorter cruise. Cruises from just a few days to longer trips lasting a month or more offer plenty of choice whatever your preference.

Casual or Formal

Do you enjoy dressing up, or are you more comfortable in casual wear? Some cruises have formal nights where dressing for dinner is expected. If this really puts you off, look for cruises that give you either a casual option or that don`t have formal occasions at all.

Cabin Choice

Would you prefer an inside cabin, or one with a window or balcony? Balcony cabins are especially romantic for honeymooners, whether first or second-timers, but if you`re cruising on a strict budget then choosing an inside cabin may free up funds for more shore excursions or bar drinks. Decide which is more important to you and book accordingly.

Destinations

While cruises are available in just about every popular tourist region of the world, some areas are more popular than others.

When most people think of cruises, the words `luxury` and `exotic` are also brought to mind, with Caribbean cruises high on the list of favourites. Famous for its perfect beaches, fabulous weather and laid-back, relaxed attitude, the Caribbean Islands sum up everything many people expect of a cruise.