With 2012 off to a fine start, the weather lightening up and an anticipation of summer just around the corner, it’s time to get into the holiday mood and forget about the state of the economy.
There are some great deals out there that you can find by looking at any of the numerous holiday price comparison websites and online estate agents. In the high street too you can find plenty of deals that enable you to travel to some exotic locations at a price that won’t eat into your budget too much.
Here are just a few suggestions if you’re stuck. These cities are all packed with interest and have something for the whole family to enjoy, making them an ideal taster for the coming year’s travel options and opportunities.
Paris
Paris is in a class of its own – an ancient city full of world famous attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. It also has the best shopping on the Continent.
London
London is full of all the sights and sounds of the greatest city in England, with an unsurpassed variety of famous attractions from Buckingham Palace to the fabulous London Eye and much else besides.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a charming Dutch city famous for its canals, and there are plenty of cheap places to stay. Visitors enjoy poking around the museums, joining in with the cafe society and appreciating over 7000 listed buildings.
New York
The Big Apple is as hectic and restless as ever and jam-packed with entertainment and excitement. This is the great melting pot of the US and the most cosmopolitan city in the world, a true international icon and urban space par excellence, and flights to New York have never been cheaper.
Barcelona
Barcelona is home to the famously OTT La Sagrada Familia cathedral and is one of Spain’s greatest cities, full of street performers and outdoor cafes, spacious plazas and with an exciting nightlife. Or how about the vineyards beyond?
Rome
Rome is a stately capital steeped in history, once home to emperors and gladiators and still redolent of epic and legend. The Coliseum, Vatican and Pantheon are just a few of its incomparable historic sites.
Istanbul
Straddling two continents, Istanbul is lapped by the Sea of Marmara and was for centuries the greatest city on earth. Marvel at the famous Blue Mosque, underground cisterns and church of Hahjia Sophia, and enjoy the lemon tea in tulip shaped glasses.
Las Vegas
An exotic and unashamedly in-your-face creation, Las Vegas erupts out of the desert like a monstrous bloom. It’s worth coming just to see how innovatively neon lighting can be tested to exhaustion.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a symbol of Scotland, and its famous castle stands defiant and craggy as ever. There is great shopping in Princes Street and the surrounding countryside is exquisite. The city itself is packed with museums and galleries.
Phnom Penh
The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh offers an exotic South East Asian experience at very reasonable prices. The landscape is gorgeous and the city has every modern convenience. Its numerous attractions include golden temples and diamond-encrusted giant Buddhas.