First of all Gran Canaria has as excellent climate, reason being it is not that far away from the equator – where temperatures average 27 - 32 degrees throughout the year. As a result Gran Canaria has over three hundred days of sunshine.

This Island also has several beautiful sandy beaches to compliment the lovely weather, so you’ll have no problem finding a nice spot to lie down and soak up the sun’s rays. And if you find that you get too hot you can always cool down in the clear blue waters near the beach.

Most beaches have several water activities that you can take part in such as scuba diving and para-sailing, so you’ll have more than enough things to do to keep you busy while you are there.

There are many resorts in Gran Canaria, but if you want to go to a really lively one you should go on a Playa Del Ingles holiday, because Playa Del Ingles is probably the most vibrant resort of all. There you will find several clubs and pubs that you can visit for a great night out. One of the great things about this Island is the fact that alcohol is pretty cheap, which is something you can celebrate during your night out!

As you can see Gran Canaria is a great place to go for group holidays, so why not book your holiday there today.

The south of the island offers several beaches of which to choose from. Playa de Las Americas is the most famous tourist area and recives an incredible amount of visitors from all corners of the globe. There are plenty of small beaches in this area. The beach in this is volcanic and therefore black. All beaches are very close together and they will always be filled with our sun-worshippers.

Another beach resort is Playa de Los Cristianos. Playa de Los Cristianos also tend to cater for an older crowd than Play de Las Americas.

Thanks to the sheer scale of Mount Teide, the north of Tenerife is a completely different proposition. Playa de las Teresitas is an artificial beach that is only 7km away from the city centre of Santa Cruz. Golden sand was brought in from the Sahara desert. The beach can be pretty quiet apart from at the weekend when the locals come to take it over.

Playa de Los Gigantes is another famous beach at the west of the island. The surrounding landscape is incredible. The beach is named after the imposing cliffs, known as the Giants. With its famous black sand and imposing landscape it is an incredible unique beach.

So if its beaches you want, it’s beaches you’ll gn your cheap holidays to Tenerife

Indeed flights to Lanzarote from the UK take just four hours.  And have never been cheaper.  Thanks to the introduction of low cost fares by airlines such as Ryanair and easy Jet.  Making a winter break on the island more affordable than ever for British tourists.  Who last year accounted for around 800,000 arrivals on the island.

Places To Stay

There are plenty of accommodation options for anyone planning a holiday on the island during the winter months.  With something for all tastes and budgets.

The best hotels in Lanzarote can be found in the southern resort of Playa Blanca.  Which also enjoys the best weather during the winter months.  Here tourists can book good value four star accommodation in establishments such as the Princesa Yaiza and the Timanfaya Palace from as little as €60 per night.  Which is the cost per room and not per person. Alternatively there’s also a big selection of villas in Playa Blanca for rent too.  With prices starting from around €500 per week. 

Getting Around

Lanzarote is a very small island measuring just 60km by 40km.  So it’s easy to explore and tour.  The roads are quiet and safe and car hire in Lanzarote is very inexpensive too – as is petrol.  So it doesn’t cost much to get out and enjoy the main sights.  Such as the Timanfaya Volcano Park and the Jameos del Agua.

Things to do and See

There’s so much see and do on Lanzarote.  As well as natural wonders and fantastic beaches visitors can also explore the work of the local artist César Manrique.  Who is regarded as the father of modern tourism on the island.  Thanks to his determination to create a sustainable tourist industry.

Lanzarote is also home to a number of picturesque towns and villages.  Such as Haria in the north and the former island capital of Teguise.  The oldest settlement the Canaries dating back to the 1450´s.  With loads of historic buildings such as the Palacio Spinola for tourists to enjoy.

There are lots of places which you can visit even though you are on a tight budget. Gold Coast in Australia that provides surfers paradise accommodation is a popular place to visit among family outings. There are lots of things to do such as fishing, swimming, hiking, jet skiing and a lot more.

It can be a perfect place for you and your family. There are lots of things to do when you visit there. You will never find any dull moment in surfers paradise hotels accommodation. They are offering a value for your money treat that you can afford. Spending on a vacation would mean losing a part of your hard earned income. Don’t worry! It will make you ready to face another stressful week ahead.

Being out of your shell can bring benefits, such as the following:

1. It can strengthen bonds between family members.
2. It can keep you healthy by making you free from stress.
3. It can uphold your inspiration.

So, if you are planning to have a vacation, surfer’s paradise hotel should be one on your destination list if you want to have a worthy vacation where you can unwind.

But despite the fact that these seven islands welcome over 9 million visors every year some, such as Lanzarote, retain much of their original character and are largely unspoiled.  With tourism having made little visible imprint.

Lanzarote was first conquered by Spain in 1404.  Becoming a stopping off point for the Spanish galleons that crossed the Atlantic between the new World and the Old.  Feeding the growing Spanish empire with Inca silver.

Modern package tourism first took root here in the late 1960´s, growing rapidly during the 1980´s.  With the bulk of visitors originating from the UK, Germany and Eire.

Island Accommodation

As a relatively developed tourist island Lanzarote offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors.

Lanzarote villas  have grown in popularity enormously over the last few years. Thanks in no small part to the growth of the internet.  Which now enables many tourists to create their own holidays online.  Booking their own accommodation direct with the owners and finding their own flights.

Villas in Playa Blanca  are the most popular choice – as this relatively new resort is located in the south of Lanzarote and enjoys the best weather as a result.  With more sunshine hours and higher temperatures.

Things To Do & See

Lanzarote only measures 58km by 38km.  But for a small island it offers visitors loads to do.  Explore over ninety beaches, take a tour of the incredible Timanfaya Volcano Park or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the many small white washed villages which dot the island.

Outside of the three main resort of Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca the island remains untouched by tourism.  Thanks to a man called César Manrique – an artist who battled against over-development and won.  As a result the landscape here is not scarred by high rise buildings as this sort of construction was banned during the 1970´s.

Getting There

Flights to Lanzarote are available with major carrier such as Thomason and Monarch all year round.  From all major UK airports and with prices for a return starting from around £170.  The journey time from the UK is four hours.  Making Lanzarote Britain’s closest winter sun destination .

Water contaminated with toxic chemicals flows in an open trench in Ranipet, India.

Young men look for metal at the site of an abandoned lead mine in Kabwe, Zambia. Lead poisoning of children in the area is endemic.

In Dzerzhinsk, Russia, waste from 190 chemicals has turned the groundwater into a dangerous toxic sludge. Life expectancy there is 42 for men and 47 for women.

According to a report by Battery Council International, the U.S. consumed over 12 billion pounds of lead in batteries from 1999 to 2003. A portion of these batteries end up in primitive recycling facilities like this depot in Haina, Dominican Republic.

In 1959, its population density was 835 people per hectare for the whole island, or 1,391 per hectare for the residential district, one of the highest population density ever recorded worldwide. As petroleum replaced coal in Japan in the 1960s, coal mines began shutting down all over the country, and Hashima’s mines were no exception. Mitsubishi officially announced the closing of the mine in 1974, and today it is empty and bare, which is why it’s called the Ghost Island. Travel to Hashima is currently prohibited.

Off the coast of Iceland on the morning of 14 November 1963, the crew of a lone fishing trawler spotted an alarming sight. Off to the southwest of the Ísleifur II, a column of dark smoke was rising from the water. Concerned that it could be another boat on fire, the captain directed his vessel towards the scene. Once there, however, they found not a boat but a series of violent explosions producing ash. This was an unmistakable indication of a volcanic eruption taking place underwater, close to the surface. Very aware of the potential danger but eager to watch, the crew kept their boat nearby. It was indeed a remarkable event that they would witness a small part of over the course of that morning: the formation of a brand-new island.

Although now quite visible, the eruption lasted for much, much longer than the Ísleifur II would have been able to watch. After several days, the volcano had broken the water’s surface, forming an island over 500 meters long and 45 meters tall. Even though the rough tides of the North Atlantic might have soon eroded the new island away, it was named Surtsey, meaning ‘Surtur’s island’ - Surtur (or Surtr) being a fire giant of Norse mythology. The island proved to be tenacious, however. The eruption was ongoing and Surtsey increased in size more quickly than the ocean could wear it down. In the meantime two other nearby volcanic eruptions produced the beginnings of islands, but neither lasted very long. By April 1964, though, the most violent parts of the eruption were over and Surtsey remained.

It was fairly clear that it was going to be a permanent island - or at least as permanent as anything can be in geology. The explosions returned in August 1966, and only stopped when the entire eruption finally came to an end in June 1967. Since then, the volcano has lain dormant. The island was left 174 meters tall and about 2.8 square kilometers in size. At 33 kilometers south of the mainland, it also marked the new southernmost point of Iceland.

PALM ISLANDS (Dubai): the palm-shaped man-made island

The Palm Islands in Dubai are the three largest artificial islands in the world. They are being constructed by Nakheel Properties, a property developer in the United Arab Emirates, who hired the Dutch dredging and marine contractor Van Oord, one of the world’s specialists in land reclamation. The islands are The Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali and The Palm Deira. The Islands are located off the coast of The United Arab Emirates in the Persian Gulf and will add 520 km of beaches to the city of Dubai.

The first two islands will comprise approximately 100 million cubic meters of rock and sand. Palm Deira will be composed of approximately 1 billion cubic meters of rock and sand. All materials will be quarried in the UAE. Between the three islands there will be over 100 luxury hotels, exclusive residential beach side villas and apartments, marinas, water theme parks, restaurants, shopping malls, sports facilities and health spas. The creation of The Palm Jumeirah began in June 2001. Shortly after, The Palm Jebel Ali was announced and reclamation work began. In 2004, The Palm Deira, which will be almost as large in size as Paris, was announced. Palm Jumeirah is currently open for development. Construction will be completed over the next 10-15 years.

SEALAND (Principality): World’s smallest island

The Principality of Sealand is an island and a micronation located on HM Fort Roughs, a former Maunsell Sea Fort located in the North Sea 10 km (six miles) off the coast of Suffolk, England, in what is claimed as territorial waters using a twelve-nautical-mile radius.

Since 1967, the installation has been occupied by associates and family of Paddy Roy Bates, a former radio broadcaster and former British Army Major, who claims that it is a sovereign and independent state. Critics, as well as court rulings in the United States and in Germany, have claimed that Roughs Tower has always remained the property of the United Kingdom, a view that is disputed by the Bates family. The population of the facility rarely exceeds ten, and its habitable area is 550 m2 (5920 sq ft).

Sealand’s claims to sovereignty and legitimacy are not recognised by any country, yet it is sometimes cited in debates as an interesting case study of how various principles of international law can be applied to a territorial dispute

EASTER ISLAND (Polynesian triangle, Chile): world heritage site and one of the most isolated inhabited islands in history

Easter Island is one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands. It is 3,600 km (2,237 miles) west of continental Chile and 2,075 km (1,290 miles) east of Pitcairn. Nowdays, it is a Chilean-governed island, and is a world heritage site with much of the island protected by the Rapa Nui National Park.

First settled by a small party of Polynesians, Easter Island is one of the youngest inhabited territories on Earth, and for most of its history it was the most isolated inhabited territory on Earth. Its inhabitants the Rapanui have endured famines, epidemics, civil war, slave raids and colonialism; have seen their population crash on more than one occasion, and created a cultural legacy that has brought them fame out of all proportion to their numbers.

MALDIVE ISLANDS: the paradisiac island nation with 1,192 islets

The Maldives is an island nation consisting of a group of atolls in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is located south of India’s Lakshadweep islands, and about seven hundred kilometers (435 mi) south-west of Sri Lanka. The Maldives’ twenty-six atolls encompass a territory featuring 1,192 islets, roughly two hundred of which are inhabited by local communities.

Originally the inhabitants were Buddhist, but Islam was introduced in 1153. It later became a Portuguese (1558), Dutch (1654), and British (1887) colonial possession. In 1965, the Maldives obtained independence from Britain (originally under the name “Maldive Islands”), and in 1968 the Sultanate was replaced by a Republic. However, in thirty-eight years, the Maldives have seen only two Presidents, though political restrictions have loosened somewhat recently. The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in terms of population. It is also the smallest predominantly Muslim nation in the world.

THE WORLD ISLANDS (Dubai): man-made islands in the form of a world map

Ever wish the world was smaller? The World is a man-made archipelago of 300 islands in the shape of a world map. The World is being built primarily using sand dredged from the sea. Each island ranges from 23,000 m2 to 84,000 m2 (250,000–900,000 square feet or 5.7–21 acres) in size, with 50–100 m of water between each island. The development will cover an area of 9 km in length and 6 km in width, surrounded by an oval breakwater. The only means of transport between the islands will be by boat and helicopter. Prices for the islands will range from $15-45 million (USD). The average price for an island will be around $25 million (USD). Dredging started in 2004 and as of March of 2007 The World is around 90% complete. According to the National Geographic Channel (The Best of Megastructures) the overall price for the World is $14 Billion US Dollars

ALCATRAZ ISLAND (USA): home to the first lighthouse on the Pacific Coast

Alcatraz Island (sometimes informally referred to as simply Alcatraz or by its pop-culture name, The Rock) is a small island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay in California, United States. It served as a lighthouse, then a military fortification, then a military prison followed by a federal prison until 1963, when it became a national recreation area. The first European to discover the island was Juan de Ayala in 1775, who charted the San Francisco Bay and named the island “La Isla de los Alcatraces”, which means “Island of the Pelicans”.

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 brought thousands of ships to San Francisco Bay, creating an urgent need for a navigational lighthouse. In response, Alcatraz lighthouse #1 was erected and lit in the summer of 1853. Because of its natural isolation in the middle of a bay, surrounded by cold water and strong sea currents, Alcatraz was soon considered by the U.S. Army as an ideal location for holding captives. Alcatraz was the Army’s first long-term prison, and it was already beginning to build its reputation as a tough detention facility by exposing inmates to harsh conditions and iron fisted discipline. Due to rising operational costs because of its location, the Military Department decided to close this famous prison in 1934, and it was subsequently taken over by the Department of Justice and later became the famous federal prision and finally a recreation area.

1. The Maldives

For: Relaxation
The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, about 435 miles South-West of Sri Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination because of the astoundingly beautiful resorts and scenery. In most cases you can stay in a private villa which sits out in the middle of the water - connected to the mainland by a small walkway. If you want to go somewhere to relax - this is the place to do it. The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is very closely related to Sinhala, the language of Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, you will have no problems speaking English in the tourist spots. Don’t forget to pack your laptop so you can read the List Universe while you are sipping margaritas on your private porch floating on the ocean!

2. Queenstown New Zealand

For: Excitement
In Winter or Summer, Queenstown is a fantastic place to holiday. In the Winter it is full of people there for the skiing, and in summer it is full of people there to take the white water trips down the Shotover river. I would also say that the food in Queenstown ranks as the best I have eaten in the entire world; though food in New Zealand is of an extremely high standard in general. There are a large number of hotels right on the waterfront of Lake Wakitipu (New Zealand’s longest lake and third largest). The water is bitterly cold (even in summer) - but it is beautiful to look at from your hotel window and if you can stand the cold, bathing is certainly allowed. Queenstown is also New Zealand’s jetboat and bungy jumping capital. And if you think the price is too high - you can always pop to Arrowtown right next door and try panning for gold in one of New Zealand’s old mining towns. Oh - and don’t forget, New Zealander’s are the friendliest people in the world.

3. Paris France

For: Food
Everyone knows that Paris is the City of Romance and Food, but it has that reputation for a good reason! The food in France is simply outstanding and almost unparalleled around the world. You can stay at very inexpensive hotels, or very expensive ones, depending on your budget; just make sure you leave enough money for the food and wine. Some of the things you will have to do: 1) eat macaroons at La Duree, on the Champs Elysee (you won’t be able to control yourself when you taste these things!), 2) eat ice-cream at Berthillon - the best ice-cream in the world (handmade entirely from natural ingredients), and 3) eat pastries at Pierre Hermé - the picasso of pastry. Don’t forget to check out Printemps - the incredible department store found on Boulevard Haussmann.

4. New York United States of America

For: Shopping
With the US dollar at an all time low, it is the perfect opportunity for non-Americans to travel to New York and pick up some bargains. In addition, you get to see one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the United States, and can experience the hustle and bustle of an incredibly busy city. New York has many state parks and two major forest preserves. Adirondack Park, roughly the size of the state of Vermont and the largest state park in the United States, was established in 1892 and given state constitutional protection in 1894. Major destinations include the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Broadway theatre productions, museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other tourist attractions including Central Park, Washington Square Park, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, luxury shopping along Fifth and Madison Avenues, and events such as the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village, the Tribeca Film Festival, and free performances in Central Park at Summerstage. New York’s food culture, influenced by the city’s immigrants and large number of dining patrons, is diverse. Jewish and Italian immigrants made the city famous for bagels, cheesecake and New York-style pizza. The city also boasts some of the finest haute cuisine restaurants in the USA.

5. Hong Kong China

For: Unique Culture
Hong Kong is frequently described as a place where East meets West, a meeting reflected in its economic infrastructure, education and street culture. On one street corner, there may be traditional Chinese shops selling Chinese herbal medicine, Buddhist paraphernalia or bowls of synthetic shark fin soup. But around the next, one may find theatres showing the latest Hollywood blockbuster, an English-style pub, a Catholic Church or a McDonald’s. The city’s cosmopolitan flavour can also be seen in the wide variety of cuisines available. While different varieties of Chinese selections, especially seafood, are most popular, there are also many European, American, Japanese, Korean, and other restaurants. Ethnic dishes served in cha chaan teng’s and dai pai dong’s are also popular. The people of Hong Kong take their food seriously and many top chefs make their way to the city to show off their talents to these discerning diners. The Hong Kong government also supports cultural institutions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra.

6. Venice Italy

For: History
Every time I have been to Venice I have had an amazing holiday. Not only is the city incredible for its history, it is incredible for its food, its architecture, and its uniqueness. I have been in both summer and winter and would suggest that either of those seasons is perfectly fine for a visit. In summer it gets very hot and crowded, and in Winter it is not crowded but can be a bit on the cold side. If you are interested in old Churches, this is the place to go - there is one around every corner. The ambience of the city is one of mystery and rich culture. I recommend the Hotel Bauer which is just a few meters away from the San Marco square (the heart of the city). One of the best things about Venice is that you can leave your hotel and just start walking - you don’t need to worry about maps as you will eventually find your way back to the hotel. This is also an excellent way to explore the tiny dark alleys. Be sure to go for a trip on a gondola - but be prepared to pay big for the privilege - it is not cheap - on my last trip it cost me 75 Euros for 45 minutes.

7. Pyongyang North Korea

For: Exclusivity
This one is for the intellect - so that you can one day say that you have been the last bastion of Stalinist communist. It is very difficult to obtain a visa to visit North Korea, and if you do, it will be an expensive holiday. But you will be in a very small group of people who can say that have visited. By all accounts the food is extremely good and plentiful. You will be waited on hand and foot, and you will have a tour guide with you the whole time to explain things (okay - they are communist agents, but they will still explain things). You can visit the large shopping center and watch people who are paid to shop (so they look prosperous) and if you time it right, you may get a chance to see the amazing Mass Games, which are held every year on the 15th of April at the Arirang Festival, to celebrate the birthday of the Dictator Kim Il-sung.

8. Cape Town South Africa

For: Beaches
Cape Town is the third most populace city in South Africa, and it is the most popular tourist destination due to its good climate and natural setting. It is the home of the famous Table Mountain. Due to the city’s unique geography, it is possible to visit several different beaches in the same day, each with a different setting and atmosphere. Cape Town is noted for its architectural heritage, with the highest density of Cape Dutch style buildings in the world. Night life in the city caters for all tastes, with a range of restaurants and cafes that are generally recognized as including some of the finest eateries in South Africa (both in food quality and decor terms). Night clubs and bars abound with popular areas including the top end of Long Street and its immediate surrounds, as well as the redeveloped Cape Malay quarter, De Waterkant.

9. Sydney Australia

For: The Nightlife
Aside from having the most deadly creatures in the world, Syndey is a wonderful place. It is vibrant and pumping at all times - though especially at night. If you like the nightlife - this is the destination for you. Australian people are very friendly and the crime rates are reasonable. You can go on a harbour cruise at night and have dinner while floating under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or you can go out to the country side to see some amazing and unique flora and fauna. You can even spend an evening at the opera in the famous Sydney Opera House, home to the third busiest opera company in the world. Sydney’s most popular nightspots include Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and The Rocks which all contain various bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Star City Casino, is Sydney’s only casino and is situated around Darling Harbour.

10. Monte Carlo Monaco

For: The gambling
If you fancy holidaying Bond style, this is definitely the place for you. Be prepared to come home with no money - but memories you will cherish forever. This is the city of the Rich. Did you know, citizens of Monaco are not allowed to enter the casinos? They are also exempt from tax, making this a popular spot for the world’s billionaires. As well as gambling, Monte Carlo hosts the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and many fashion shows. This country was, of course, home to the American actress Grace Kelly (Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco) before her death in 1982.

Sources: Wikipedia

Luxurious accommodation with state-of-the-art amenities. Swimming pools, spas and Ayurveda are available with most of the hotels. Sightseeing tours, adventure sports, water sports and musical nights are some of the features that these hotels often offer. What’s more, they come in a range of budget, which suit to every pocket and preference. No matter what hotel or resort you choose, the unforgettable stay with warmest hospitality is assured.