The city of Istanbul is becoming one of Europe’s most popular city destinations. Steeped in history and bubbling with culture, it’s easy to see why. As well as being one of the continent’s most popular cities, it is also one of the biggest, actually managing to span two continents.

As a result, the city of Istanbul is absolutely packed with things to see and do. Here, we take a look at just three of the city’s finest attractions, which aren’t to be missed.

The Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet

While you may not have recognised it as the Hagia Sophia, this is a building which you’ve probably seen in countless pictures – it is one of the most beautiful in the entire world. The four spires may suggest that the building is a mosque, but it actually has a very unusual history.

Initially built to serve as one of the primary churches of the Byzantine Empire, the building became the victim of several fires and earthquakes before taking on its current form. During this time, the building did briefly serve as a mosque and is now a museum.

Situated in the picturesque district of Sultanahmet, the Hagia Sophia is a popular spot with tourists and is certainly one attraction which shouldn’t be missed. While you’re in Sultanahmet, be sure to visit to Blue Mosque, which sits just next to it. This area also boasts some of the city’s finest hotels – have a look through Istanbul hotels with Expedia to see what’s on offer.

The Bosphorus

What makes the city of Istanbul truly unique is that it straddles Europe and Asia. While the city takes on a diverse culture throughout, visitors should take the time to visit each side of the river to compare the atmosphere. This entails a short trip across the Bosphorus.

Istanbul is served by an outstanding public transport network, allowing visitors to take the short journey across the strait for a tiny fee. From the Bosphorus, one is rewarded with a spectacular view of both Europe and Asia, as well as some of the city’s most prominent landmarks.

Princes’ Islands

The scale of Istanbul is wonderfully exciting, but is can also be overwhelming. When you’ve been in the city for a while and are keen for some peace, quiet and relaxation, head over to Princes’ Islands just off the city’s Asian coast.

The nine islands are free of cars and are home to some traditional architecture. If the weather is warm – as it so often is – this is a great place to spend a day simply walking around. Needless to say, the islands also offer a great view of Istanbul for those who want to survey this landscape from an outside perspective.

Nothing can beat the excitement and anticipation of a holiday with your friends. Whether it’s a weekend abroad with the lads or a girly getaway to a sunny escape, a holiday with friends always promises a splash of fun.

But how do you go about finding the perfect getaway? Group bookings can be frustrating with the added hassle of securing accommodation and transport for larger numbers and this is where package holidays, such as those available from Co-operative Travel can be a real life saver. With this in mind, here is a look at five of the best holiday experiences that are perfectly matched for groups on the lookout for fun.

1. Crazy cruises

Cruises are a fabulous example of perfect getaway for friends. Cruise breaks travel to huge variety of destinations, from sunshine in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, to cultural hotspots like Scandinavia and the Baltics. They also take out much of the hassle that comes with organising a break for a large group of people, like the logistics of planning accommodation, transfers and dining choices.

Cruises are also diverse enough to cater to a huge range of tastes and interests. After all, you and your friends might share a lot in common, but even the closest friend groups have plenty of variety. From zip wire lines and surf simulators, to cabaret performances and cinemas, on-ship entertainment is bound to keep everyone happy.

2. Ski holidays

Snow holidays are the perfect group holiday choice, with plenty of action and excitement on the slopes, not to mention the chance to kick back in the jacuzzi in the evenings. With more and more ski slopes opening all the time, there are also ski breaks to suit any groups’ budget, from cheap and cheerful options in Italy, to the more exclusive options, in locations like France and Switzerland.

3. City breaks

The continent offers an excellent variety of city break destinations to choose from. For friends looking for a quick party option without breaking the bank, it’s hard to beat the nightlife in cities like Barcelona and Prague. For any ‘foodie friends’ looking to explore a location’s culinary scene, Rome and Paris are both renowned for the delicious seasonal fare.

4. Sun and sand

If you’re fed up with the lousy weather (who isn’t?), then grab a few friends and rediscover the world’s sunny side. Winter sun isn’t only available between November and January; it’s available anytime of the year. Opt for highly affordable and fabulous resort towns which boast year-round sun, like the Egyptian Sharm el Sheik, Spain’s Benidorm and the Algarve in Portugal.

5. Something a bit different

Who says all mates-breaks are identical? If you and your friends like to discover something a bit different in your getaways, then why not take the opportunity to experience something really special. Hiking in Lake Como, wildlife watching in Gambia or sun-seeking in Madeira, are just some of the more adventurous and unique getaways to choose from.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re on an extended breach break in the Caribbean or are just enjoying an overnight stay in London, the success of a trip away often comes down to our accommodation.

With so many hotels to choose from and so many facilities to decide on, it’s helpful to have a list of rules which can help us narrow down our options. Here are ten commandments for finding the perfect hotel in any city whether it be Tokyo, Cape Town, Bangkok, Los Angeles, Bogota or anywhere else.

1. Prioritise location

Nobody wants to spend their time away in transit so make sure that your hotel is near to the local amenities. Being within walking distance is a great way to save on cab fares.

2. Check for food

While you may be keen to eat out as often as possible, after a busy day it’s sometimes nice to have an easy meal. Particularly when it comes to breakfast, having the option to eat at the hotel is priceless.

3. Trust reviews

Hotel descriptions are not always very telling. To find out how great a place really is, listen to those who have stayed there in the past.

4. Check facility opening times

Facilities can be a deal-breaker when it comes to booking a hotel but make sure you are able to take advantage of them. Particularly for those travelling on business, it can pay to double check when the facilities will be available to make sure you don’t miss out on something you’re paying extra for.

5. Look for late check out

When we’re on holiday it’s not unusual to slow everything down a little. Quite often, we find ourselves getting up later than usual by the end of a week away. In order to avoid a fee for checking out late, try to find somewhere that has a lenient check-out time as standard.

6. Go for Wi-Fi

Choosing a hotel with wireless internet is a great way to ensure that we stay in touch with loved ones while we’re away. Most Expedia hotels provide internet access, but it’s always best to double-check.

7. Check for English speaking staff

One of the best places to receive information on the local area is usually from our hotel. If you don’t speak the local language, it’ll be worth checking that there are English speaking staff on-site to make your stay easier.

8. Shop around

All hotels are different and it’s unlikely that the first you come across will be perfect. Try to look at as many as possible before making up your mind.

9. Ask about excursions

Checking out the local area is often something your hotel can help with. Many hotels offer discount on local excursions so be sure to ask prior to booking if this interests you.

10. Give others feedback

Finding a good hotel is so much easier with the help of others. Leaving feedback yourself can make life easier for future travellers so make sure you share your experiences online.

Whether a luxury getaway is a common occurrence for you, or you’re looking forward to embarking on the holiday of a lifetime, the number of destinations on offer is simply overwhelming. In just about every corner of the world, holiday destinations are striving to offer the highest grade service in near enough every setting you can imagine. With so much to choose from, it can be hard to know which are best, so here we take a look at three luxury holiday destinations which surpass all expectations.

The Turkish Riviera

With all the class spots for sun dotted around Europe, there remain a few great places which are not over-run with tourists. While the coastal regions and island of Spain and France are overwhelmingly popular, set your sights to the east and you’ll find peace and tranquillity in the equally beautiful country of Turkey.

Club Med luxury breaks offer you the chance to snap up a luxury villa right on the Turkish Riviera. It doesn’t matter who you’re travelling with, the opportunity to witness the breathtaking scenery from the side of your very own pool is a recipe for success.

Mauritius

Mauritius should be no stranger to anyone with a keen eye for luxury holiday destinations. The island nation has a well established reputation as one of the world’s finest spots. What is truly unique about the island, as a holiday destination, is the way in which it deals with tourists. As well as being extremely well equipped for holidaymakers, the island prides itself on its consistently high levels of service, attention to detail and personality.

You can choose whether you want to enjoy the untouched white sands of the island’s coastline, or just sit back aside your very own pool and let your worries float away. Planning can sometimes take the fun out of a holiday, or indeed reduce the amount of time you have to relax, but the perfection of Mauritius as a holiday destination eradicates the need for planning, so you can’t make a wrong move.

Mexico

If you’re after some first class beaches and some unique and welcoming culture, then look no further than Mexico. Mexico’s beautiful coastline lends itself to casual water sports – it doesn’t matter whether you’d rather be hanging off the back of a power boat at 40 knots, or calmly watching the exotic fish find their way through the world’s clearest waters, this is the place for you.

Should you decide to take a break from the hard work of lying on the beach, Mexico is a country packed full of stunning history. Take a trip to the famous Mayan temples to get a taste of ancient culture.

Have you ever wondered how Santa celebrates Christmas? Before you answer, remember that Christmas celebrations vary from country to country; from Sheng Dan Jieh in China to the arrival of Père Noël in France. But one thing stays the same; Santa loves all types of Christmas. Here are three different Christmas traditions from around the world that make Santa jolly.

Christmas in Finland

In Finland, you have many common European traditions; including decorating a tree on Christmas Eve and attending Christmas Mass. But some local customs remain, like going to a sauna because this is recognized as a sign of purity. For some, a visit to the cemetery is also an annual event because people light candles to pay their respects to the dead. Christmas Dinner is traditionally made of ham, escalloped potatoes, salmon, rice porridge and turkey. “Joulupukki”, the Finnish Santa Claus, is supposed to visit every house and is even kind enough to use the front door. You can even visit the man himself on specialist Lapland Santa holidays.

Christmas in Venezuela

Here, Christmas festivities start on the 16th December. In Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, don’t be surprised if you see people casually roller-skating their way to morning mass. And children use the roller-skaters as human alarms; they tie a piece of string to their big toe when they go to bed and let the other end hang out of the window for the skaters to pull on in the morning. The main attraction is on “Noche Buena” (Christmas Eve), when families get together for a huge meal. Also, Venezuelan kids get two sets of presents every year; one on Christmas day and one on the 6th January, Los Reyes Magos.

Christmas in Ethiopia

Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on the 7th January because they follow the Julian calendar. It is a day when families go to church to celebrate the birth of Christ. Wet is a popular dish served during the Christmas season. It’s a thick, spicy stew made of meat, vegetables and eggs. Two local sports are often played during this time; one is called ganna which is a little bit like hockey and is played with a curved stick and a round wooden ball. The other is yeferas guks, where people ride on horseback and throw ceremonial lances at each other.

However you spend Christmas, Santa is sure to bring the Christmas cheer. Whether it’s in South America, Africa or the traditional home of Mr Claus in Lapland, northern Europe, make sure it’s merry.

Florida is place that many of us love!  If you haven’t been there before then it’s a place in the sun that won’t soon forget and you can enjoy an amazing family vacation without spending your entire life savings.  There are many things to do in the state of Florida the real question is what part of Florida are you going to be visiting?

Whether you’re into Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale or if you love the Keys there’s so much to do.  If you’re planning on visiting the Tampa Bay area you may want to catch a comedy show.  This may be for the adults only but if you’re looking for things for the entire family definitely don’t rule out Busch Gardens!  This is a great adventure for the entire family as it has so much to do and will keep you busy all day long!  If you plan ahead you may be able to get some great deals on tickets!

If you’re visiting the Orlando, Florida area then you won’t want to miss Disney World!  Whether you’re an adult or a child this is one place you won’t want to miss out on.  It’s a magical place that reminds you of your childhood and helps create amazing memories for your little ones!  However, it’s not for everyone so make sure that you take a little extra time to check out the beach!  Now, that’s something that everyone can enjoy!  The beautiful water and the soft sand will feel like velvet on your feet.

Make sure to stock up on that sunscreen so you can enjoy all that Florida has to offer! Also don’t worry about accommodations as the secret is out that Florida is a great travel destination. As a result there are many Florida properties to choose from whether it’s a hotel, timeshare, villa or campground and you’re sure to find something that meets the requirements of your stay.

Whether you love shopping or sitting around the hotel pool Key West offers amazing beaches and lots of entertainment for the whole family.  It has its own unique flare that you can’t find in other portions of Florida and if you haven’t been there yet make sure you put it on your list of Florida destinations.  The beaches here are also very beautiful!

Regardless of which part of Florida you visit there’s so much to do from visiting the beach, checking out the local shops and eateries or theme parks and rides.  There really is something for everyone in Florida and the rates to travel here are very affordable so make sure you do some research on Florida and all it has to offer and be sure to put it on your to-do list!

Biosphere reserves are unique and wonderful attractions that conserve or study of a particular area in the world. They seek to encourage social development of that area by bringing people in closer contact with nature.

Each biosphere has a different focus. Whether it’s solar power, sustainable behaviour, environmental education or preserving rare wildlife these wonderful spots present a better view of our world – if only in a bitter-sweet snapshot.

Brazil Biosphere Reserve

The Serrado Espinhaco is almost 3 million hectares of land and home to 3.4 million. Dominated by Brazil’s dramatic mountain range almost 2,000 metres above sea level it focuses on encouraging sustainable mining.

Kenya Biosphere Reserve

Malindi Watamu Reserve in Kenya is fighting a constant battle against the coastal erosion and rising sea-levels eating away at the beautiful coastline and threatening the local economy. The community pulls together to protect the wildlife including the turtles that migrate there each year to breed. They are encouraged from poaching and over-fishing in an attempt to have a thriving marine life well into the future.

Portugal Biosphere Reserve

Berlengas in Portugal is a small group of islands and rocks west of the town of Peniche. Visited by tourists, fishermen and scientists who flock to explore its unique ecological surroundings. You can grab a cheap flight to Portugal to witness the bird reservation area and clear barrier reefs with vibrant marine life.

Sudan Biosphere Reserve

Radom Biospehere in conflict-ridden Sudan studies the effects of years of violence and unsustainable wildlife poaching. The study has revealed the devastating impact of mankind. Species of wild species has dropped from 24 just 11 years ago to 11 today. Elephants, lions, gazelles and buffalo have all disappeared.

Lanzarote Biosphere Reserve

Lanzarote has managed to merge its tourist industry with the island’s natural beauty making it a model of sustainability for the rest of the world. People take their holidays to Lanzarote to witness first-hand the unique volcanic landscape and stunning rock formations. The almost alien-world ecosystem has earned the island the title of Biosphere.

The most stunning example is Timanfaya National Park which epitomises the island’s ecosystem of solidified lava rock formations housing species of lichens in the shrubs.

So this summer join in with one of the most ambitious reservation projects in modern times. Pick your spot, pack your camera and head off for a unique adventure.

It does not matter where you live or what time zone you are in, breakfast is an important meal of the day. With the right breakfast foods, your day starts off even better. If you are not a breakfast eater, you will be once you hear of all the best places to indulge at. Here is a list of some of the best places for breakfast.

In NYC, Russ and Daughters is a new twist on classical breakfast items. They offer the classic bagel with a number of options. They are well known for their bagel sandwich that is made from Scottish smoked salmon along with cream cheese and a red onion that is placed onto the poppy seed bagel on the lower east side.

If you are ever in Berlin, the Mr. Minsch restaurant is a place to see and some food to enjoy. The vibe at this restaurant is of the Mad Hatter who meets up with a 1950’s décor. The takeout bakery is where the master chef Andreas Minsch will turn confectioner into a masterpiece. The choice between the gigantic cinnamon roll to the black forest cherry cake is a hard one when deciding which items to purchase on the menu.

In Sante Fe, the Tecolote is perfect for a couple or a single person to eat at when ordering a breakfast. This option for best breakfast around the world will have its guests enjoying a burrito with sausage or the option of bacon that is smothered with the green chiles alongside of a number of mini cinnamon rolls. It’s not terribly expensive which is another plus but the wait for the food can be a bit long if you are found to be standing in line for quite some time.

If you are ever in Istanbul, check out the Managerie breakfast spot. The best breakfast can be found here as you indulge in a variety of eggs, actual sheep’s milk cheese spreads and olives, cucumbers and even tomatoes with warm sourdough bread, be sure to sample the honey as well as order a cup of chai. The terrace on the rooftop is worth a thousand words. In other global cities you may wish to consider the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum in London or Griddle Cafe in Los Angeles.

Food is more than just a necessity for life as it is more of a luxury at times. Often times, people take for granted what can be done with the simple items found in a kitchen and most chefs know this which is why they have created some of the best things for breakfast lovers.

The Galapagos Islands are a haven for lovers of the great outdoors and wildlife fans as well as being an once-in-a-lifetime experience, and some travellers come for a few weeks while other only stay for a few days. There’s so much to see that time is always going to be tight, so here’s our lowdown on the very best things to see and do whilst you’re on a luxury holiday to Galapagos.

Charles Darwin Research Station

The father of the theory of evolution first began thinking about his world-changing ideas whilst stopping by the islands from his ship, The Beagle, and he’ll forever be associated with this place. Most travellers to the Galapagos stop by the Charles Darwin Research Station where hundreds of scientists continue his work and help with conservation efforts. The visitor centre is really interesting and it’s from here that visitors can see the incubation tanks for the baby giant tortoises before watching the grown-ups roam around outside.

Diving

For experienced divers, the Galapagos are heavenly. While conditions such as strong currents mean that this isn’t a great place to learn, or a good spot for beginners to attempt, those who’ve taken the plunge a good few times before will experience the best diving of their lives here. The best time to dive is from July to October when the water is a little cooler but with better visibility. Besides a gamut of tropical fish, you’ll see sharks, whale sharks, rays and barracudas. There are quite a few dive shops around the islands and there are plenty of sites to try.

Lava tubes

These strange underground tunnels over a kilometre in length were formed when the volcanoes of the islands last exploded. When the lava stopped flowing, a solid skin was formed, creating these tunnels. You can walk through them with a flashlight and they’re reached from the village of Bellavista, 7 kilometres north of Puerto Ayora.

Swimming with sea lions

You can go swimming with sea lions here, or more accurately, the sea lions will swim with you. These friendly and curious animals won’t need any encouragement to get involved. Armed with a snorkel and mask, you’ll be able to watch them swirl around you under the water and maybe even blow bubbles in your direction! Isla Lobos off the coast of San Cristobal is the place to do this. You’ll also see lots of frigate bird and blue-footed booby colonies here.

Tortuga Bay

This beach on Santa Cruz Island is one of the most beautiful in the Galapagos. It’s a great spot for swimming and relaxing. Beneath the waves, you might spot sea turtles, who love this part of the island. It’s also a place where you’ll be able to walk amongst marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and, frigate birds, pelicans, sea lions and the famous finches.

Taking the whole family away abroad can become a very expensive affair. Once more than one child is added to the equation, costs quickly add up. Knowing where and how to spot and secure your ideal break for the brood is the key to having the holiday you deserve, without a dismal bank balance that you definitely don’t.

Ibiza is located just over an hour away from the United Kingdom, cheap holidays in Ibiza are a reasonable option for an affordable family getaway. Although Ibiza is famed for its vibrant party scene, as the clubbing capital of the world, there are a number of regions throughout the island that offer a completely different style of sojourn.

An important factor to help you stay within your budget is your board basis. Tally up how much you would typically spend on food and drinks while you are away. Often those who choose to book all inclusive holidays, find that despite the original price of their holiday being higher, overall the cost of their time abroad is much more affordable. Having everything taken care of so you only need to worry about which sights you’re going to helps anyone make the most of a vacation.

In recent years, Ibiza has made significant improvements to many parts of the island to ensure than it is a child friendly environment for families who visit Ibiza. Each resort suits different family holiday styles; Ibiza is an extremely versatile island. Despite some new areas, the island is still known as a mecca for nightlife and what are widely considered some of the best parties in the world.

Cala Llonga to the east coast of Ibiza is perfect for families with small children. As a peaceful resort, the area is spot on for parents who want to kick back and relax, while their children play safely in the horseshoe bays and shallow waters. There are many family friendly activities to participate in for free or next to nothing such as swimming, snorkelling and sand castle building.

Alternatively, in contrast to the serenity of Cala Llonga, resorts including Playa D’en Bossa are a much more active option. Stunning beaches, small attractions and excellent amenities make Playa D’en Bossa a region for a chilled out stay, sprinkled with entertainment. A little entertainment goes a long way and attracts an interesting international audience which can lead to interesting evenings.