Airline & Holiday Information

Northern Europe offers some of the most breathtakingly scenic vistas to be found anywhere in the world.  The air is clean and cold, and the water is clear and comes in myriad forms ranging from the icy glaciers and fjords to placid rivers and, of course, the eternal seas.

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to cruises and cruise deals in this region.  The offerings include cruises to virtually every corner of this part of the world with Norway cruises, Iceland cruises, European Discovery cruises and Arctic Adventure cruises being among the finest and most popular.

Most Northern European cruises include stops at ports of call in many of the Scandinavian countries and the Baltic region nations.  Some cruise lines also offer cruise and stay options with cities including Amsterdam and Copenhagen being among the most popular destinations. 

Any extended cruise is sure to have a few days when you are entirely at sea, but the natural wonders in this part of the world – including the Northern Lights – are well worth the time away from the land.  Additionally, most luxury cruise liners come well equipped with an impressive array of entertainment and relaxation options to ensure an excellent time is had by all.

What better place to head off to for fun, relaxation, golf, and swimming than St Lucia. It is easy enough to have all these activities, and more, included in your holidays to St Lucia. This tropical island paradise is home to a vast amount of great things to see and do, no matter what you have in mind.

For a family vacation, holidays to St Lucia are a perfect choice. It is here where the entire family can run through real life volcanoes, hide in old pirate caves, and spend time hiking, trekking and even relaxing on one of the numerous beaches.

The island also makes for the ideal wedding or honeymoon destination. A St Lucia wedding will make a lifetime of memories as you say ‘I do’ on white sand with an ocean backdrop. Several UNESCO sites can also be reserved for that special day. For honeymoons, what more romantic place than St Lucia?

With romance can come adventure and the island is well equipped to handle both. Some common island activities include ziplines, windsurfing, yachting, diving, rainforest treks, golfing, and a variety of land sports such as biking and 4 x 4-ing.

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and can be found in the province of North Holland. The city has much more to offer than most people think. Generally the initial thought conjures up relaxed cafes and the infamous Red Light District, but there is so much more to the Dutch capital.

For a start you could take a canal tour; there are many different ones on offer. They will give an insight into this lovely city from a whole new level. There are themed tours; open-top boats and you can even hire special chartered private boats for a more intimate tour.

There are lots of museums in the city such as the Amsterdam Historic Museum, which is located in the Old Centre, and the Hermitage Art Museum that is in the Plantage district. Another site to visit is The Heineken Experience where you will learn about the city’s brewery history – at the end of the tour there is even a tasting session. 

There are also many historic buildings here such as the De Wagg building which can be found in the old centre. This is a stunning building that in many ways looks like a scaled-down castle come church with its circular towers and pointing roof spires.

Everyone in the Dutch capital seems to ride a bike, so to see all these sights why not hire one and explore the city on two wheels. It is a great way to experience a self-guided tour of the city and ensures you can stop off at the sights you really want to see.

A gap year, gives young people an opportunity to see some of the world before submitting to the discipline of working life. Australia has long been a favourite destination for people taking a gap year, mainly because it meets most of the criteria for a young person’s holiday; that is to say sun, surf, a thriving youth culture and endless opportunities for adventure.

The ‘working holidaymaker visa’, which is offered by Australian immigration can be taken up by residents of 23 countries, including the United Kingdom, so that people can choose to travel to another country and earn money to provide funds for their holiday. Anyone wishing to take advantage of the holidaymaker visa must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and be without children.

Applicants for the visa must show that they are able to easily find short-term employment of some kind and be in possession of a return ticket. If the individual does not have a return ticket, he or she must be able to show that they can afford to purchase one.

People wishing to travel to Australia on a working holidaymaker visa, may work for one employer for a maximum of three months. This ensures that they comply with the terms of the Visa by engaging in a certain amount of travel and do not become settled in one place.

Once you arrive in Australia, there is plenty to see. There are the usual tourist attractions, such as Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef and the Opera house in Sydney. It may be beneficial to base yourself in one of the main cities, such as Cairns, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney or Canberra.

For a truly tropical cruise holiday why not cast off to the Caribbean? A popular holiday destination for us Brits, the Caribbean has a lot to offer, different types of travellers. If you book a Caribbean Cruise adventure you can easily explore this region without having to worry about travel and transfers as all that is taken care of.

Totally tropical islands

The Caribbean is made up of a cluster of islands, some big and some very, very small, each is rich in its own different culture and steeped in history and offers scenery which will take your breath away. Lush green foliage opens up onto white sandy beaches and turquoise waters and the Caribbean enjoys year round sunshine and great temperatures from warm and pleasant to scorching hot.

You can lie still and peaceful uninterrupted on the beaches and let all your worries melt away or explore the local area on excursion’s from your cruise ship. See how the islands became what they are today, with Nelsons Dockyard in Antigua which has its British Connections as well as Kingston on the island of Jamaica. These colourful ports which offer an insight into colonial history as well as a wealth of activities visitors with local culture to savour.

The great thing about the Caribbean is that there isn’t much of a chance of coming across the same food or drink, each island has its own cuisine and tastes which means you can experience wonderful flavours and customs on each islands you stop on.

Why not try your hand at snorkelling around the bays of St Lucia or Grand Cayman. Take a safari up into the jungle depths on Jamaica. Experience some of the best wave in the world if you’re a keen surfer, you will find some of the best waves around in the Caribbean.

Getting there

There are a couple of options for cruise holidays when you book through Bonvoyage.co.uk, you can cruise directly from the UK a voyage which normally takes about seven days (there are plenty of on board activities to keep you occupied though). Or you can opt for a fly and cruise holiday, flying out to US ports or some in the Caribbean. Finally you can enjoy a fly, cruise and stay holiday where you can add on an extra week’s holiday in your final port of call or start a week earlier before you embark on your cruise.

Picture courtesy of tshantz

Cyprus has earned the name as the beach holiday destination of the world; as a result most of its beaches are crowded during high season.  However, with a little bit of exploration a few tranquil ones can be found.

The beach at Pomos 

The quiet beach of Pomos is a short distance away from the fishing community and port that bears the same name.  The village is one of the most remote spots and may be missed if you don’t carry a map.  The beach plays host to a variety of festivals honouring local culture and traditions. 

Chrysochous Bay

Although this is quite a long beach that stretches from the edge of Akamas to Latchi, it has a few sections that are quite deserted, especially between Pomos and Polis where a quiet time can be spent with just the family or for a romantic evening of tranquillity. 

Mansoura Beach 

For years, this beach has been the meeting place between Cyprus’ Turkish and Greek lands. The beach itself is not far from the border at Pyrgos.  The spectacular Troodos Mountains that surround the area have several resorts and hotels as well as hiking trails for the intrepid explorer. 

Lara Bay

Today, Lara Bay is part of a Cypriot natural treasure – the country’s only national park and the home of some fascinating wildlife.  The endangered Loggerhead sea turtle and Green sea turtle frequent the bay at breeding time. The best way to get around the area is to walk.  Guided walks take you through the Akamas peninsula, although you will need to hire an SUV from Paphos or Pomos to get to this region. 

Travelling to Cyprus is not a big issue because cheap flights can be found on numerous websites. The accommodation in Cyprus ranges from economy to luxury hotels, so you can take your pick depending on your budget.  Almost every town in Cyprus has access to some of the finest beaches in the region.

Sandy beaches and hypnotic music is a draw for many holidaymakers who make their way to Mauritius. This small nation of two islands, Mauritius and Rodrigues, is known as the perfect spot for those in need of romance, tranquillity, or the ultimate getaway.
 
Your holidays to Mauritius will take you to the Indian Ocean amongst some of the most beautiful jungle, plantations, and beaches. The islands are extremely diverse in population and offer an excellent cultural experience. Here you will find a large population of intermingled Chinese, Hindus and African people speaking French, Hindi, and English.

Aside from its spectacular culture, the islands are also known for their beauty. No matter where you are staying it will not take long to enter Casela Nature and Pleasure Park where you can walk with lions, get up close with giant tortoises, or meander to enjoy some of the world’s rarest fauna.

Those seeking something that offers an adrenaline rush can suspend themselves between two peaks of volcanic rock at the breathtaking Hanging Bridge. Casela is where this man-made, eco-friendly park can be found. Visitors to this park can also enjoy more than 1,500 species of birds including the Pink Pigeon.

Holidays in Mauritius should also include a visit to the western portion of the island where the Tamarin Wave can be found. Even if you are not an avid surfer, the beach is beautiful and lined with numerous great hotels. Nearby is the 18-hole Tamarin Golf Course with its challenging jagged cliffs and sandy beaches.

When you first step into your hotel room, at first glance everything may seem to be in order. The bed is neatly made, the pillows are stacked just so, the paper covers are in place on the drinking glasses. But just how clean is that hotel room?

The fact is, you will never know just how clean the room actually is – or isn’t. How well did the staff clean the room between guests?

There’s no need to cancel your holiday or sleep in the car instead of the hotel, but it doesn’t hurt to take a few precautions to protect yourself.

•    Before you drink out of the hotel room glass, wash it out yourself with some soap and hot water.  Hotel staff can be overworked and might just rinse the glasses – don’t risk it.

•    If you are unsure if the bedspread has been washed, remove it from the bed before you decide to snuggle up for a nap.  If you get cold, just ask for more blankets.

•    Wash your hands after touching the light switches, doorknob, remote control, toilet handles, and lamps – these items are touched the most.

Arriving in Antigua is truly like stepping back in time. Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and colonial Spanish architecture transport visitors back to when the city originated in the sixteenth century. However, the modern luxury of the hotels and fine dining impress the most discerning travellers.

The city is rather easy to navigate by foot, as it is laid out in a grid around the central square. Nevertheless, it is easy to get lost among the colourful buildings, retailers, and street life that make up Antigua. If you are ever unsure of your location, simply look up and see one of the volcanoes that surround Antigua. From there, you will be able to discern which direction you are facing and find your way back on track. The largest volcano is to the south, Volcán de Agua. To the west are Acatenango and Volcán de Fuego, which produces smoke almost daily. Day trips and even overnight hikes can be arranged to any of the surrounding volcanoes for those travellers in search of more adventure.

Luxury is a staple of the hotel industry in Antigua, and there are many boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts competing for you to spend your holiday with them. You can stay in a converted sixteenth-century convent, coffee plantation, or colonial government building. Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed by the visual magnificence and rich history of these special lodgings.

Shopping is a popular holiday activity in Antigua. There are many indoor and outdoor markets selling locally-made goods, coffee, and produce. Jade shops and museums produce fine jewellery, and specialty luxury boutiques offer designer European clothing. Whatever your budget, there are plenty of places to shop in Antigua.

The most easterly of the Canary Island, Lanzarote is a popular choice for British holiday makers. The dramatic scenery, golden beaches and lively nightlife is what attracts many as well as the choice of hotels in resorts which are dotted around the island. There are resorts for the sun worshiper and resorts for those who like action and adventure, so why not check some of them out and see if they fit the bill for your next holiday.

Costa Teguise

One of the more popular tourist areas due to its proximity to the airport, Costa Teguise is a fairly new resort which features many traditional Canaria styles. It has everything you would expect from a new resort, shops, bars restaurants as well as plenty of activities such as golf courses and water sports.

Playa Blanca

If you’re looking for sun-drenched beaches then you need to be heading to Playa Blanca. This resort is situated on the south of the island and is a great sun trap. The area is also ideal for family’s and couples who want a bit of peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of some of the other resorts.

Puerto Calero

This resort is centred on the islands recreational port, which means in Puerto Calero you will find an air of exclusivity. Here you will find peace and quiet and well quite a lot of privacy.

Puerto del Carmen

One of the most important resorts on Lanzarote it has some of the islands best beaches as well as a wide selection of hotels. This is all catered for by numerous bars, restaurants and shops. There are plenty of activities on offer as well such as windsurfing, marine excursions and scuba diving.

Yaiza

If lounging around on the beach all day is not your cup of tea, then Yaiza might be the resort for you. Situated close to the Timanfaya National Park there is plenty to explore in the surrounding area, especially for those who like walking ad hiking, plus you could also take in a camel ride in the Timanfaya National Park.