Public holidays, the festive season, family gatherings and the cold winter weather will have people thinking about cruise holidays. If you like to plan ahead, now is the best time to consider cruise holidays for 2012.

 For those with a busy lifestyle that simply cannot afford a long time away, a short cruise could be the answer. Approximately one in every five cruises booked in the UK is for a duration of five days or less. Short cruises still offer the same level of luxury and pampering, as the longer cruises.  

There is a big demand for quick escapes and short holidays that consist of four or five days, and there are many cruise companies out there eager to cater for the demand. Allow a cruise company to whisk you away for a few days to a great destination, all the while taking care of meals, accommodation and entertainment. A few good days away could easily feel like a two-week holiday.  

A short cruise still provides ample time for cruise passengers to visit two or three great destinations. This short time at sea also means less packing and travel preparations.

The modern cruise ships are fitted with state of the art fitness facilities, provide excellent dining and first rate entertainment, making a trip at sea the perfect short cruise holiday getaway!

While the Mistral wind means chilly winter and spring temperatures, autumn in Marseilles is generally warm and pleasant, making it the perfect time of year to visit this cosmopolitan and dynamic city.

Combining cultures from East to West, Marseilles is home to a large population of North Africans, Spanish, Italian and other Mediterranean peoples. The third largest city in France, Marseilles was founded in 600BC, making it one of Europe’s oldest cities. It is, to this day, one of France’s most important port cities.

Terracotta roofed buildings, sunny walkways and a diverse selection of locals has led to a fascinating blend of cultures. The open air markets, which merge Provençal French markets with Moroccan souk-style bazaars, are the perfect place to see how this mix of people get along with one another and offer delicacies unique to Marseilles, such as their famous dish bouillabaisse and the beautifully perfumed soaps, which are milled in the city and scented with Provencal lavender and herbs.

Fans of the author, Alexandre Dumas, should not miss the opportunity to visit the Château d’If by taking a boat to the island prison, which held the Count of Monte Cristo in the novel of the same name.

Sometimes travellers just do it for the challenge to get a cheap holiday, while at other times they do it so they can finally afford the trip of their dreams. Either way many people love to get in on travel deals, including last minute cruises.  

Many travellers confess that they use every resource they can to get the best deal on the cost of their travel holidays. This includes reward points, credit card discounts, frequent flyer miles and using the internet to search for any last minute cruise deals.  

For the seasoned saver, these strategies often prove successful. It is a fact that most cruise ships want to leave port filled to capacity, the seasoned traveller knows this, and is aware of how to get in on these great cruise discounts.  

Viewing websites and keeping in touch with a travel agent are definitely two efficient ways to secure a good cruise deal. These deals often become available from 60 to 90 days before the ship is due to leave port. This leaves the determined traveller plenty of time to book their cruise while still getting a good deal on their flight, no doubt with the help of frequent flyer miles. 

Southern California has perfect weather for 12 months of the year and is one of the best places to go if you want to relax and unwind; you can do as much or as little as you like.  Head to the beach and visit the Santa Monica pier, or see how many theme parks you can visit in a week.  Los Angeles has something for everyone and if it is not on your holiday list, it should be. Before you book your flights think about what you what to see, and where you want to go. 

Hollywood is 45 minutes from the Los Angeles International Airport and has plenty of activities for you to enjoy, especially if you are short on time.  Jump on a bus and take the Hollywood Movie Star Tour.  You never know what celebrity you might run into.  Another must see is the Chinese Theatre.  Match your hands and feet impressions with some of the most iconic movie stars, including Tom Cruise and Joan Crawford.  New York may be known for Broadway, but if you have your heart set on seeing a show you will not be disappointed.  Whether you want to see a comedy, drama or musical, Los Angeles has it all.

A trip to California is not complete without seeing the happiest place on earth. Disneyland is located in Anaheim and is just a short drive from the international airport. Have breakfast with the stars and get your picture taken with Mickey Mouse. Walk down Main Street and shake hands with Goofy. Have lunch in the New Orleans Quarter and get spooked at the Haunted Mansion.

Remember that the City Of Angels is a big place, and if you only a few days to see the sights, plan accordingly, as you will not want to miss a thing.

Organising your wedding day can be hectic, but so can the honeymoon.  If you and your future spouse want to have a hassle free celebration, you should consider getting married on a tropical island.  Imagine standing on the shore with the one you love and saying your vows in front of your closest friends and family members.  One of the best things about this kind of wedding is that after the reception all you have to do is walk a few steps to your own private bungalow for the honeymoon of a lifetime.

There are some beautiful all-inclusive resorts that specialize in wedding planning.  All you have to do is show up.  Fiji, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Barbados and the Virgin Islands are just a few of the first class destinations where you can tie the knot.  You can choose from a casual barefoot ceremony, or opt for something more formal in the tropical gardens.  Your planner will help you choose the flowers and music that is provided by the resort.  The weddings officiate and your certificate is also included.  After you say I do, your friends and family can congratulate the two of you at a first class reception with food, champagne, dancing and a beautiful wedding cake. 

One of the best things about having your ceremony and honeymoon on the same island is the cost.  You can save hundreds of dollars on airfare, accommodation and meals.  Some tropical island destinations will give you incredible discounts if you book your ceremony at their resort.

Richness, decadence and succulence are three adjectives that define the gastronomical options on luxury Maldives holidays.  With the elegant fusion of cooking styles and tastes, guests can expect exotic cuisine and refined dishes prepared by world-class chefs using culinary preparation techniques from all over the world.  Holidays in the Maldives mean not only indulging in some of the most exotic food in the world, but also dining in an exotic and luxurious ambience.

For guests looking for luxury holiday dining, the most unique restaurant in the Maldives is the Ithaa Underwater restaurant on the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.  Serving contemporary fusion cuisine that mixes Asian and Western influences, this exquisite award-winning restaurant is situated 15 feet into the Indian Ocean, surrounded by a spectacular coral reef.  The coral reef offers a 270-degree panoramic view.  To reach Ithaa, guests walk across a wooden walkway from the oversea Sunset Grill Restaurant.  To ensure intimacy and privacy, only 14 lucky guests are admitted into the underground dining area.

The world’s first underwater restaurant itself is encased in clear acrylic, and this one of a kind restaurant is the only one where guests are surrounded by glass with fish swimming on the outside.  The flavours are proudly Maldivian, featuring traditional spices of Maldivian cooking in Western recipes.  Ithaa itself has become a top tourist attraction of the island.

The restaurant is open for cocktail hours, lunch and dinner, all served in elegant ocean themed dining ware.  Cocktail hour only includes drinks and canapés.

Nestled high in the mountains in the southern part of Vietnam, Dalat is a modern day city in Asia with a distinctly European alpine feel.  Sound like a contradiction in terms?  Maybe it is, but the only thing you will have difficulty getting your head around here is the breathtaking natural beauty that abounds in the area.

Firstly, any journey to and from this mountain city is an experience in and of itself.  Spectacular will not even begin to describe your assent and descent through this lush, green, undulating mountain range.  Dalat, famed for being the ‘city of eternal spring’, is significantly cooler than other places in Vietnam due to its high altitude, so be sure to pack a cardigan – not usual advice for those travelling through sub-tropical Southeast Asia.

The centre of this unique city is located on a lake where you can enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by, and even spot a Vietnamese cowboy and his horse posing for photographs if you’re lucky!  Also it is well worth taking a climb to, or even staying the night at, the ‘Crazy House’ if your budget allows, for a taste of the weird and wacky world of planning permission gone berserk in this hybrid of creative madness. 

However, the main must-do activity when visiting this city involves taking a trip to the mountains for a trek.  Be warned, it is not for the faint hearted, but if you can make it to the top of the 2,160 metre high Lang Bian Mountain, the views you are treated to will leave you breathless in more ways than one.

The ski resort of Borovets in Bulgaria is fast joining the ranks of other popular snow holiday destinations due to the impressive scenery, the challenging slopes, and of course, the attractive prices.  Bulgaria still has its own currency, the Leva, and is cheap to fly to all year round.  Nowadays, ski fans are choosing Bulgaria as a snow destination over other European ones. 

Borovets itself is in northwestern Bulgaria and has been attracting tourists for over a hundred years, although due to Bulgaria’s varied past it has only recently become of interest to Western Europeans.  The capital, Sofia, is around an hour’s drive away and the slopes are covered in snow from mid December until April, making it a relatively long season.

The highest pistes, or paths, are found at around 2600 metres but there are plenty of smaller slopes, wooded areas and Balkan restaurants and bars to keep you entertained.  The coldest month is January, where the temperature drops to around five degrees Celsius, but the bright sunshine ensures that your stay remains enjoyable.

The Bulgarian people are friendly and welcoming once the initial boundaries have been broken and they sure will make you feel welcomed and encourage you to try the local cuisine and the national firewater, rakia.  Ski instructors are available to teach people of all levels of skills at a low cost.  Due to the presence of children’s clubs, the little ones can stay entertained too.

If you fancy getting away from the slopes, the nearby Rila Monastery or simply strolling around the city of Sofia will open your eyes to a whole new colourful and captivating Bulgaria.

You don’t have to go as far afield as Australia, or Hawaii to enjoy good waves.  The Atlantic coasts of France, Spain and Ireland have some of the most beautiful waves in Northern Europe.  Just remember your wetsuit!

Ireland
Bundoran, in Donegal, is Irelands surfing capital.  It has both reef breaks for more experienced surfers and beach breaks for beginners – an ideal location for learning. It has long beaches and consistent waves all year round.

Portugal

Portugal is blessed with over 600km of beach breaks with the best waves rolling in through late winter and early spring.  There are many surf camps along the Portuguese coast for both beginners and more experienced surfers.  If you’re looking for an upmarket surf resort, Hotel Baleeira is a four star resort at Sagres.  Set on a clifftop over looking the bay, guests will be treated to spa treatments between sessions on the Algarve’s world class breaks.

Spain

Bilbao is Spain’s surfing capital, marrying large Atlantic rollers with Spanish sunshine.  The best waves of the year come in autumn and winter.  Mundaka, Spoelana and Zarautz are popular and offer consistently good breaks.

Rip Curl has a school on Areaga Beach in Bakio, site of several of Spain’s surf competitions.

If the north Atlantic waters of the Basque country are too cold, head south to Spain’s most southern territories, Grand Canarias and Lanzaroti.

France

The stretch of coastline between Bordeux and the Pyrenees is called The Aquitaine.  It offers 160 miles of superb Atlantic rollers.  Hossegor, in the southern reaches, is France’s surfing Mecca and home to the ASP Quicksilver Pro event.

Things to consider when you surf abroad:
•    Will your board suit the breaks you’ll be visiting?
•    If you’re hiring a car to search for secluded breaks, have you researched?
•    Does your travel insurance cover water sports? Many policies don’t.
Good etiquette when catching waves abroad
•    Don’t hustle, locals can be protective of their waves.
•    Remain on the shoulder of a wave until your turn comes.
•    Communicate with the surfers around you to prevent accidents.

If you’re a beginner look for uncrowded waves. This will give you room to make mistakes without endangering or annoying anyone else.

Climb a mountain, explore a forest and dive into the exotic underwater world of the sea. The beautiful island of St Lucia; a Caribbean idyll, provides all this and more for a luxury holiday amongst beautiful scenery and pristine white beaches.

St Lucia is a perfect choice for visitors seeking that luxury holiday experience with a difference. St Lucia holidays can be as peaceful and relaxing you choose or provide challenges to experience in a safe and supportive environment.

Romantic breaks couple with opportunities for adventure and children are made very welcome with plenty of activities and fun for all. Many resorts offer special activities for children allowing parents a few quiet hours together

A stunning natural landscape means that those looking to explore will find different experiences almost around every corner. Explore the white beaches in the north before moving down the island, encountering a hinterland of jungle valleys filled with coconut and banana plantations and always the soaring volcanic mountain peaks remain in view. In the south there are black volcanic sands and everywhere there are small coastal villages and turquoise bays.

The tropical weather provides opportunities to soak up the sun, basking on a beach or on the veranda of a luxury holiday resort while enjoying a local cocktail, preparing for a long, leisurely meal with local specialities and gourmet international cuisine. Golfers have an excellent choice of courses and divers will find a paradise of mountains and caves under the water.