There’s plenty to love about a sunny getaway to Tenerife. The popular Canary Island holiday spot offers a fabulous mix of local culture, cuisine and activities to capture any guests’ imagination. Best of all, with the excellent range of cheap holidays to Tenerife to choose from, it’s also hugely affordable.

With temperatures rarely dropping below 20 degrees and some of the most naturally stunning scenery in the world, the activity at top of most itineraries is a trip to Tenerife’s wonderful beaches. If some sun and sand sounds like your kind of getaway, here’s a look at five of the best Tenerife beaches to include on your next Canary Island adventure:

1. Playa de Las Americas

This resort area has a fantastic collection of beaches to choose from, not to mention a bustling marina area filled with bars, restaurants and shops. Located only half an hour from the airport, Playa de Las Americas is a great destination for beaches, with calm, safe waters and plenty of entertainment to keep you occupied.

Water sports and facilities include wetsuits, snorkeling equipment and surfboards for hire. If you prefer a more leisurely day out on the water, whale and dolphin watching cruises venture along the coastline, while submarine safaris allow you to explore the fascinating ocean depths.

2. Los Cristianos

The beaches around Los Cristianos feature an ideal mix of tranquil blue waters and golden sand. This surrounding fishing village is also more laid back and family-friendly than many of the more party-oriented areas.

The beach itself has plenty of facilities to keep sun-seekers occupied, with sunbeds, sunshades and plenty of bars and food huts to choose from. Los Cristianos also features a local marina well worth exploring, not to mention the beautiful coastal promenade, which is packed with local shops, restaurants and cafés.

3. Puerto de la Cruz

The beaches in beautiful Puerto de la Cruz have been attracting British holidaymakers for decades and it’s easy to understand why. There is a stunning variety of beaches to choose from, covering everything from beautiful golden sands to majestic, volcanic black coasts.

If you want a break from the beach, Puerto de la Cruz also has the Lago de Martianez – a massive lido with eight salt water pools as well as bars and restaurants. When you need a break from soaking up the sun and salt water, take a trip to the fascinating old town, bursting with local character and charm.

4. Costa Adeje

Costa Adeje, in the island’s southern area, is one of the most sought after destinations in the country, well loved by families and couples for its more laid back and serene lifestyle. The sandy beach has an excellent range of water sports as well as plenty of local cafes and restaurants. The whole area is presided over by the picturesque Mount Teide, offering a stunning backdrop to your days in the sunshine.

5. Costa Dorada

Known as the Gold Coast, there are more than 150 miles of glittering sandy beaches to keep you busy in Costa Dorada. Framed by bright blue seas, resorts such as Salou Cambrils and Portaventura are always popular options with plenty of activities available for kids, allowing adults can sit back and relax on the perfect golden beaches.

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There are some things all backpackers have in common. They all have a backpack, for one. And they all need backpacker travel insurance, for another. But other than that, there is a huge variety of travelling characters, and so many different ways to explore the world through backpacking. If you’re considering a backpacking trip, you should think about what sort of experience you want to have. Here’s a little bit of guidance to help you make the most of your trip based on what kind of a backpacker you are:

The Party-goer

Luxury item: Neon body paint.

Your perfect day: When you’re abroad, you know that the day is for resting. Particularly if you happen to be on a beach, minimally clad. But when you finally wander off to find your first beer of the afternoon, you bump into some locals who tell you all about what’s going on that evening. Sunset is when the fun really begins.

Where you should go: South-East Asia. The route through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand is legendary for more than its scenery. Social butterflies from all over the globe gather on the beaches (particularly for each month’s full moon) and party the night away.

The Artist

Luxury item: A second camera lens. And maybe a third.

Your perfect day: A monk in a misty temple spends the morning teaching you to meditate. Then you stumble across some local children who are happy to spend hours posing for portraits—all the better if you manage to get a famous landmark in the background.

Where you should go: South America. With such a diversity of scenery, and people renowned for their friendliness, you’ll love countries like Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Don’t forget to book to hike the Inca Trail for those classic Machu Picchu pictures, too!

The Do-Gooder

Luxury item: Gifts from home to give to everyone you meet.

Your perfect day: You wake up early to prepare your lesson plan for the day. After spending the day teaching fifty children to count how many people there are in the class, you let a bunch of them beat you at football, and use you as a climbing frame. You go to bed smiling, knowing that you’ve left more than just footprints behind you – you’ve left a positive impact.

Where you should go: Africa. There are hundreds of volunteer projects in rural parts of many African countries, and this continent is probably where most help is needed. Get an English-teaching qualification (a simple Google search will show you the myriad of options out there), find a school looking for staff, and you’ll know you’re making a difference.

The Adventurer

Your luxury item: A pop-up tent, for when you venture out of hostel territory.

Your perfect day: You climb all night to reach the summit of a mountain in time to watch the sun rise, but that doesn’t mean you can slack off for the day. You need to find or catch whatever you’re eating, build a campfire, and cook a rustic meal. Because, let’s face it, the adventurer wouldn’t be caught dead within a million miles of the nearest McDonald’s.

Where you should go: There are built-up parts of Australia, but there are also vast areas of wilderness that make wonderful camping territory. Set off into the bush and you’ll feel like the only human around.

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The Caribbean is synonymous with the concept of paradise in most of our minds. The entire region is home to outstanding beauty, spectacular fresh food and some of the most rich and colourful culture in the entire world.

While it’s hard to put a foot wrong when visiting the Caribbean, there are a few destinations which stand out for being particularly stunning. Here, we take a closer look at three of the premier Caribbean holiday destinations: Guadeloupe, the Bahamas and Martinique.

Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe’s nickname ‘The Butterfly Island’ gets things off to a promising start. The island’s natural beauty comes as standard, but it is in the detail that Guadeloupe really begins to stand out and earn its reputation as one of the Caribbean’s finest resorts. Whether you’re after action or relaxation, Guadeloupe is a spectacular choice for a luxury 5* break with Club Med.

The trade winds keep the warm climate in check and create the perfect conditions for fantastic water sports. This has made the island a hotspot for wind and kite surfing, but on calmer days, visitors can choose to hire a small boat and explore the island’s varied selection of ocean wildlife.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas are one of the most well-known destinations in the Caribbean, acquiring a worldwide reputation as one of the world’s elite holiday regions. As an archipelago, the Bahamas present visitors with a superb opportunity for a bit of island hopping. What could make for a more relaxing day out than exploring some of the world’s best beaches in your own boat?

Part of what makes the Bahamas such a popular luxury destination is the ease with which visitors can get on with the locals. English is the first language of the region and the locals are generally extremely welcoming to tourists. The locals’ friendly nature is reflected in their arts and most recognisably, in their music.

Martinique

The island of Martinique is known primarily for its water sports, but doubles up wonderfully as a destination for a luxury getaway. The combination of rainforest and black sand give the island’s beautiful beaches a unique feel, which feels like true exotic paradise. Travelling inland from the gorgeous white sands allows you to discover the mountains and the dynamic landscape provides a home for some fascinating wildlife.

If the world class water sports academy on Martinique isn’t enough to keep you entertained throughout your stay, consider visiting Gorges de la Falaise – a beautiful canyon, some parts of which are accessible only via a quick swim.

The French influence reaches not only the language but the food. This makes for a change from the usual Caribbean cuisine, though visitors can still expect to find many of the same wonderfully fresh fruit and vegetables found elsewhere in the region.

The post Guadeloupe, The Bahamas and Martinique: Caribbean Paradises appeared first on The Lost Backpack.

If you’re after a holiday with a bit more to it than simply sun, sand and sangria then rock scrambling in Costa Blanca could be right up your alley. It’s becoming more and more popular with adventurous visitors to the region who want a bit of excitement with their sunshine, and is perfect for anyone who’s a bit of an adrenalin junkie.

A big part of the appeal for rock scramblers is that it’s an ideal way to get up close and personal with some stunning landscape, and the Costa Blanca Mountains certainly fall under this bracket. The area has long been a popular spot for walking and trekking holidays, as there’s just so much to see and the views are so breath-taking. Rock scrambling takes it that step further and lets you get intimate with the environment in a way that very few other activities do.

If you’ve not got a clue what rock scrambling is, but like the sound of it so far, it’s part rock climbing, part hillwalking. Using hands to scramble up more difficult rock faces, it’s an increasingly popular pastime and is a good way to keep fit as well as experience nature and enjoy the social aspects of rock scrambling clubs and communities.

You’ll find lots of information online about rock scrambling groups, and it’s worth trying rock scrambling out in this country first if you think a rock scrambling holiday would be something you’d enjoy.

Even if you’re experienced, for safety you should always scramble in a group, such as Costa Blanca Mountain Friends. One of their group scrambles starts with a hike from the west of Serra del Penyo, scrambling through rock and woodland to the ridge track then heading east for one hour to the Cavall Verd, scrambling up the Penya Roja and heading east before descending through the Ermita at Murla. This scramble should take around four and a half hours and is just one example of many you can do with the group.

If you decide to go ahead and book a scrambling holiday, a top recommendation is to get your flights and accommodation as part of a package deal with a company like Jet2Holidays, to get the most value for money. In terms of where to stay, Palm Beach Hotel is just one suggestion of well-located hotel with a good reputation within Benidorm.

Happy scrambling!

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Breakfast is served all around the world and depending on where you live will depend on what you get served for breakfast. One of the best places to wake up and enjoy breakfast at is any local diner that that has a good reputation. Also, there are usually local chains like IHOP known for its stacks of pancakes and for its great deals that it offers on an endless amount of food, or so it seems.

If you like to have sausage, pancakes, eggs, bacon and more all on your menu, perhaps you might want to check out Denny’s. The restaurant chain is found in select cities with deals on breakfast that make your budget even friendlier. They offer you breakfast deals on eggs and bacon as well as other much needed breakfast items. This restaurant will offer choices for other meals as well such as dinner and lunch. If you’re looking for a real English Breakfast in London, look no further than the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury.

If you are in the NYC area, one place that you might want to check out if you are interested in doughnuts is the Doughnut Plant. This doughnut shoppe is famous for its ultimate treats, people especially love the pistachio which is hard to get your hands on. They will have something for everyone including the dulce de leche and chocolate flavors. These treats are simply scrumptious and perfect for first thing in the morning as well as in the late afternoon.

In Nashville, there is a restaurant known as the Pancake Pantry. The breakfast shoppe is only open in the mornings and if you are not there first thing in the morning, don’t plan on getting a seat. The thing about this restaurant is that you tend to stand in line as long as you spend on eating breakfast. The food is delicious and quite affordable. Located near the Vanderbilt University, college students, professors, doctors, nurses and visitors to the area will all stand in line for hours just to be able to get inside and get a bit of food before heading to work or school for the day.

If this is still not a reason for you to get up and get breakfast, well here is another reason to. The Thumbs Up in Atlanta is one place that should be checked out while in Georgia. The restaurant is known for its tofu as well as the poached eggs, moist biscuits and even the hashbrowns that come out of the kitchen. Overall, a great restaurant that you should check out and if you leave hungry, well that’s your fault.

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When one thinks of Egypt the obvious images that come to mind are the pyramids, the Nile and all the thousands of years of history that they have witnessed. There is, however, another side of Egypt that is just as interesting and exciting and which can be enjoyed on its own or in conjunction with that history: Sharm el Sheikh.

On the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm el Sheikh is a Red Sea resort that began its life in the 1960s and which is now one of the premier beach resorts in the region, particularly famous for the quality of its diving opportunities, among many other things.

Climate

From November until March is winter in Sharm el Sheikh, with daytime temperatures from the early- to mid-twenties Celsius, a very pleasant time to visit and some would say the best time. There is no spring or autumn to speak of and the rest of the year the temperatures are positively balmy, upwards of 30 degrees and even as high as the mid-forties. In these summer months there are up to 13 hours of sunshine each day, though even in winter there are at least 8 hours.

Beaches

There are many beaches in and around Sharm el Sheikh, such as Naama Bay, Sharks Bay and Nabq Bay. Naama Bay and Sharks Bay are both particularly good all-round beaches having not just the lure of the sand and water but also great amenities for shopping and eating. Nabq Bay is a protected area and so is particularly pretty and peaceful.

Water Sports

These are what the area is famous for. The waters around Sharm are calm and clear for most of the year, and with the abundant coral reefs and corresponding marine life they are the perfect spot for scuba-diving and snorkelling. Numerous other activities are also available such as parasailing, catamaran sailing, waterskiing and hiring pedalos or canoes. There really is something for everyone.

Nightlife

As well as the usual bars and restaurants, Sharm el Sheikh is proud to host Space, sister club to Space Ibiza, and also Pacha, likewise the sister of the original in Ibiza. Both these temples to dance and hipness are located around Naama and underline the fact that Sharm el Sheikh is not just a beach resort but is becoming cooler and trendier than ever before, with so much more to offer than other beach resorts.

Hotels

Hotels are where Sharm el Sheikh really comes into its own, with a literal plethora of five-star hotels to rival any of those in Dubai. Notwithstanding the likes of Hilton and Le Meridien, which are of course world-renowned, Sharm also boasts hotels such as the Baron Palms Resort, a beautiful, rather boutique-style hotel that has two vast swimming pools with waterfalls, its own private beach and nine restaurants and bars, as well as every other amenity you would expect. The Xperience brand is a local one and the Xperience Sea Breeze is one of the top-rated hotels on Tripadvisor. It has no less than 5 swimming pools, its own beach and even a jetty for snorkelling.

Sharm el Sheikh may very well be the ideal holiday destination. It has innumerable quality hotels to choose from which in themselves make wonderful destinations. When you add the beaches with all their water sport options, the perpetually good weather and the ability to relax or party away an evening you may wonder why you haven’t considered it before. Should you want to add a bit of history and culture to your itinerary Cairo is only an hour away by plane so you can even spend a day touring the pyramids to complete a pretty perfect holiday.

The post Reasons to Holiday in Sharm el Sheikh this Year appeared first on The Lost Backpack.

The United Kingdom is a place rich in history, culture and beauty. It’s also home to many greats driving roads and countless car enthusiasts from around the world. Enterprise has put together this presentation below to showcase some of the best drives you can take while you’re in Britain.

If you’re not from the UK but this interests you, the easiest thing you can do is rent a car and get involved. Britain is not a large place but it is a beautiful place and the drives there will be a great way to explore the many destinations that await.

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The ardent and passionate traveler knows that Australia is full of surprises in every nook and corner. There are scores of cities, remote locales and then there is the outback but Australia is one rare country in the world that has such a diversity of natural landscape, topography, wildlife and serenely mesmerizing locales that you cannot possibly presume what you might encounter.

Gliding through the skies to a modern airport and exploring the central business districts of major capital cities is something that everyone does but if you wish to explore Australia in its truest and opulent wonders then you must hop on a road trip. While the concept of road trip may not have originated in the land down under, the idea of backpacking has certainly had its biggest contributions from the Aussies and from people all over the world who have either made Australia their home or have tried to explore a slice of the wonderland.

There are dozens of routes that you can take on a road trip in Australia. Every state has at least five odd road trip routes that are extremely popular and not just among locals or nationals but for international tourists as well. You can take the Great Ocean Road and explore fascinating locales while speeding past the Twelve Apostles or you can take the Pacific Highway or the Sydney Newcastle Freeway and explore the east coast in its finest spirits.

The Gold Coast Highway can take you all the way from Brisbane up to Rockhampton and you can keep going further north along the shoreline of the Great Barrier Reef and if you were to explore the valleys in South Australia then a road trip is what would suit you the best. Whether you start from Perth and take the coastal highway all the way to Broome or you intend to dine a few kilometers from Ayers Rock in Northern Territory, take a car, turn on the GPS and take on the finest roads any country can offer you.

A road trip in Australia makes sense from economic perspective as well. You are going to save a lot of money on traveling and the country has a culture of world class motels and bed & breakfasts along almost every major route. The hospitality standard is immaculate in Australia and even a single star motel would completely satiate you with its quality.

If you go on one road trip in Australia, your urge to keep planning such tours will never cease in your entire lifetime. There are many ways to organize the transportation and no shortage of RVs for sale in Australia. Another popular method is buying a car and selling it at the end or renting a car for shorter trips, particularly those returning to the same airport to avoid extra fees.

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Australia is a beautiful country with many beaches and landmarks to look at. For some it is their dream to be able to backpack their way through the country and getting the full experience of what Australia has to offer. This dream might seem outside of most people’s budgets, but with a little creative spending you will be able to backpack across Australia.

When you are traveling to Australia is it is very important that you bring enough cash with you in case of a problem or unexpected fees. The immigration sites recommend you take along AUD 5,000, but there are several backpackers that will tell you this might not be enough if you are planning on staying in Sydney or Melbourne, as these cities are some of the most costly cities in the world. If you feel uncomfortable carrying that much cash with you, you can always open or transfer your money to an Australian bank account. This will save you almost 50 dollars each time you need to use an ATM. The fees are so much, for each transaction, because each country will charge you for using the ATM.

Your living accommodations will take up a good portion of your money. To try and save your cash for fun activities and transportation to and from the beautiful attractions you can stay in hostels. To save even more you can purchase a 25 dollar yearly fee for a hostel membership. This membership will help you save a few dollars each night you stay in a hostel. Regardless of your budget you’ll be able reasonably priced backpacking accommodation in Australia.

Another great way to save money when backpacking across Australia is, take the bus. Taxies are very expensive and you will be able to purchase a one way ticket for the starting price of a cab. If you are interested in seeing the sites find the bus schedule and use it to your advantage. A little known fact to remember is; taxies in Australia charge more for their services after 10 pm.

When you are backpacking across Australia you are going to want to take a look at some of the bigger attractions, but if you visit some of the more obscure places you can find that you will be able to look at a view of the ocean with very few people. You will not have to fight the crowds and you will be able to view the country in peace.

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Whenever you are looking to travel, the Canary Islands are always an excellent choice for lovers of brilliant sunshine and sensational shorelines. It is the combination of these factors, fused with the welcoming ambience, which encourages thousands of Britons to book their holidays in Tenerife  each year.

Despite Tenerife’s ability to provide wonderful weather every month of the year, low cost packages on discounted holiday websites mean that the resorts on the island are now more accessible and affordable than ever. Booking your Tenerife holidays is recommended for a wide selection of well-priced packages.

Tenerife is an astonishingly versatile island with many resorts to suit all holiday styles. Whether you are hoping to cash in on a little respite from the humdrum of daily life, or you want to party rock from dusk ‘til dawn, Tenerife has an area for every type of traveller of all ages and desires. It’s the largest and most populated of the Canary Islands with a population of near one million with tourists from all over the world coming daily.

Playa De Las Americas is known as the party capital of Tenerife. Those looking to hit the clubs and pubs, drink and dance from sunset to sunrise, will feel right at home nestled within the neon of this resort. Staying at a resort catering to partiers definitely has its pros and can help ensure you can kick back and make the most of your time, partying in paradise.

To benefit from the attractions near to Play De Las Americas, those with families can stay on the outskirts of the resort, away from Veronicas. Here you will be conveniently located near to the breath-taking beaches and entertainment without the hustle and bustle of Veronicas overlooking your holiday.

There is always the option to escape completely, however. Puerto De La Cruz is a top Tenerife spot for families. The beaches here are breath-taking, but are based within a truly Canarian setting. Award winning attraction, Loro Parque is also nearby.

Alternatively, Los Cristianos for couples, Costa Adeje for a chic girly week, Puerto De La Cruz and Los Gigantes for a romantic rendezvous, are all holiday options well worth looking over.

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