Sights in the city 

Ulan Bator has preserved its history well, evident in the architecture honouring its past rulers.  The Bogd Khan Palace, built at the end of the 19th Century is a winter palace that is home to treasured Buddhist art.  The city has several temples including the Choijin Lama Temple, a large Buddhist temple; the Tsogchin Dugan Temple, Erdem Itgemjit Temple and the Geser Temple.  The influence of the former U.S.S.R is seen in the Holy Trinity Church – an orthodox church in a land where Buddhism is the primary religion.  Other attractions include the Museum of National History, and the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, institutions that showcase the natural history and art of this great nation.  The centre of the city has the great statue of Damdiny Sükhbaatar, a revolutionary widely considered the father of independent Mongolia. 

Outside the city 

The natural beauty of Mongolia is not far from the city with several sights and activities a short distance away.  The city appears to be walled in by four mountain ranges of which the Chingeltei has walking and hiking trails. 

The Zaisan Monument honours the city’s Soviet history and offers panoramic views of the city.  Mongolian people are skilled in horsemanship and many excursions outside the city can include the use of hired horses.

Cruise routes
 
South American cruises allow the traveller to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime from the comfort of a luxurious ship, in the company of like-minded travellers.  The continent’s ports of call allow for numerous stops and land-based excursions.  A grand cruise of the region lasts anywhere from two months to 80 days and visits 12 nations including Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Colombia, and Ecuador.  These cruises visit many of the major cultural, historic, and heritage sites the continent has to offer.

Shorter cruise routes include 20-day and 15-day cruises along the Inca Coast from Panama through Peru, Ecuador, and Chile.  30-day cruises extend to the beautiful Patagonian coast from Valparaiso, Chile around Cape Horn to Buenos Aires.  Some carriers include a cruise on the Amazon as far as Manaus. 

The lap of luxury

Imagine Cruising offers cruise deals to South America featuring unbridled luxury with fine dining, wine tastings, world-class spa and massage facilities, and guided tours which are second to none.  Services such as a personal valet and attractions such as a celebrity entertainment night make a South American cruise from Imagine Cruising an experience you will never forget.

When it comes to sport, this infamous city is of course also home to the most famous grass tennis tournament in the world, and the many Kings Cross hotels are perfectly placed to house Wimbledon guests.  London is a city that offers ample activities, both indoor and outdoor, for any visitor to explore.  London is one of the most accessible capital cities on the planet, which is why it receives such a high number of visitors to its many bed and breakfast premises. 

London not only offers the visitor a great level of sporting fixtures but it also has a high variety of famous streets lined with nationally regarded high street shops and boutiques.  St Pancras hotels are ideally located near to some of the most popular shops and markets that attract millions of visitors each year.  Returning visitors find their first stop off point is usually one of the many boutiques London has to offer before checking in at their London bed and breakfast hotel for the night.

Sun protection

You will need to prepare for South Africa’s harsh sun. Sunscreen will protect exposed skin and protective clothing and hats will shield your body and eyes.

Money

The currency in South Africa is the Rand.  Like the US dollar, one Rand consists of 100 cents. Service providers, such as waiters, taxi drivers and hotel staff, usually expect a 10% tip.

Immunisations

There are no compulsory immunisations necessary to enter South Africa, but there is a risk of malaria at all times. Tourists are advised to take any precautions their doctor recommends.

Driving

In South Africa they drive on the left hand side of the road, so if you live in the UK you will have no problems. You will need to carry money at all times to pay for tolls. Seat belts are compulsory for adults as are child seats for young children.

Athens – the capital of Greece

It is very interesting to learn the story of how Athens grew to be the centre of a world of politics, mythology, philosophy and architecture. Sites such as the Arch of Hadrian, Pnyx, Kerameikos, Agora and Acropolis are incredible when you are actually standing there, taking in the story of their places in history.

Egypt – ancient civilisation and modern political power

Ancient Egypt was one of the first of the world’s great civilisations. On the banks of the River Nile students can explore the city of Cairo, which was founded in 969 AD and discover for themselves the timeless beauty of the Sphinx and the Pyramids.

Rome – ancient home of modern culture

The bustling city of Rome is combines both ancient modern cultures, preserving the architecture and artworks of ancient times along with a vibrant modern atmosphere. Students of history can visit temples and churches and admire stunning artwork, statues and murals from the age of enlightenment, the Romantic period, the Renaissance, the Baroque period and the Middle Ages, not to mention Roman.

Turkey

Turkey was once a part of the Roman Empire, which lasted for over 1,000 years, in spite of constant attack by its enemies. Visiting Turkey assists the student to see how cultural influences from the distant past helped in the formation of western civilisation.

These cities form the basis of modern European civilisation. Students of history may find themselves visiting any one of these destinations many times to discover new works of art and cultural artefacts.

Price
Location
Accommodation facilities
Amenities
Travel times
Transfers

For many families price is the deciding factor, you can find really cheap holidays at sunshine.co.uk, they offer good deals for family holidays to the top destinations and they are ABTA covered which means you also get protection if anything happens to your hotel or airline.

Where to go can be quite battle for many families especially if you have conflicting ideas on what you want to do as a family. Some members may want to relax on a golden sandy beach, others may want to get out and explore and that’s before you think about what activities there are for the kids to keep them entertained.

If you’re struggling then here is a list of popular family holiday destinations:

Majorca
Fuerteventura
Corfu
Algarve
Florida
Mexico

If you’re worried about flight times then most European places including destinations such as Fuerteventura and Corfu are still under 5 hours flying time which makes them a great option for families with very young children with many resorts catering especially for families.

If you have older children who enjoy flying then the further afield destinations of Florida and Mexico are a great option not only do you get great weather but you can also incorporate plenty of different family activities.

Another popular destination in the Dominican Republic is Bavaro, which is slightly quieter than Puerto Plata, but no less interesting.  A plethora of seafood restaurants, bars and cafes provide well for foodies who want to try out the excellent cuisine that this area has to offer.  For shoppers, there are many trinket stalls lining the beach where locally-made products can be purchased as a holiday souvenir.  Bavaro is one of the more secluded areas of the Dominican Republic.  Full of straw-topped beach bars and with plenty of palm trees to find a hammock to lay in, the pace of life is much more relaxed here than in the neighbouring Punta Cana, where there are purpose-built resorts with large swimming pools, shopping malls and clubs to dance the night away. 

Playa Dorada, with its great views of the Mount Isabela, is another lively resort, with lots of watersports and nearby leisure facilities such as go-karting and golf courses.  There are some top of the range hotels here, with private beaches and huge pools, so if you really want to get away from it all, this is the ideal spot.

Bed and type breakfast accommodation offer several advantages over hotels. They serve as quiet retreats that are usually only a short distance from major attractions, but still offer a peaceful place to relax during your stay. Individuals and couples will particularly like the private, cosy atmosphere provided by bed and breakfast lodgings.

Hotels, on the other hand, often suit families and those looking for a busy stay. Tourists who want to be near all the biggest attractions and breathtaking sights will enjoy a high-class hotel offering accommodation for children or pets. Hotels also offer cheaper pricing than many private bed and breakfasts and may not require a large advance deposit, as many bed and breakfasts do.

Some hotels combine both the bed and breakfast feel with the larger size of a hotel and are therefore able to accommodate many travellers at once in a comfortable setting that still offers the amenities of a normal hotel. This can be the ideal compromise, though such establishments may be pricier and may not be located near the attractions and sights you wish to visit.

When choosing your lodging, consider location, price and your specific requirements. Flexible travellers may choose lodgings based on which hotel or bed and breakfast has the best atmosphere. Others will want the best deal, and yet more will be looking for accommodation that caters to families or is near the airport. Whatever your specific needs, London offers a variety of hotels and bed and breakfasts to suit all tastes and budgets.

An important question that often crosses people’s minds is whether their age and state of health militate against them when trying to get travel insurance.  The short answer is “no” but careful research should be applied.  A quick internet search will reveal that there are many insurance companies that have tapped into this age group and have designed specific insurance schemes that should cover all possibilities.  Research is vital, as terms and conditions do vary from company to company as do premiums.

Essentially, anyone who has a pre-existing medical condition, be it high blood pressure or diabetes, must inform their insurance provider of these conditions; otherwise the travel insurance will not be valid.  A doctor’s letter is always a good idea, as well as a list of medications so if there is an accident or healthcare problems do arise the local medical services will be able to help the traveller.  It is always a good idea to inform travel companions of any health problems as they might be able to liaise for you should the need arise.

For those of a more adventurous nature, Himalayan trekking or rafting in the Amazon being just two examples, there are many travel companies that cater specifically for the more mature traveller and can advise on the appropriate travel insurance.  The 1960s ‘Baby Boomers’ have come of age and quite rightly wish to enjoy their well-earned free time and most of the major travel insurance providers will be able to help them in this aim.

Spend your holiday exploring one or more of the 26 inland lakes or one of the two islands prominently featured at Sleeping Bear Dunes.  Travelling during the right season will also give you the opportunity to see one of the largest cherry-growing regions in the world.

Travellers visit Sleeping Bear Dunes every year to take advantage of the peaceful serenity that the great outdoors offers.  Fresh clear water and artisanal foods throughout the towns are a big appeal to visitors from all over the world.  Lovers of the outdoors enjoy plenty of activities ranging from paddle boarding and boating to fishing and swimming.  Land lovers can hike the many miles of forest or simply laze about on the beach.