Holiday & Travel

This December, escape the UK and enjoy an alternative Christmas break with a trip to Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto.  The home of over 15 UNESCO world heritage sites is transformed over the holiday period into a twinkling haven for shopping and sight-seeing alike, and Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCVB) has rounded up the city's highlights for a December break this year.

Offering great value, the new breaks feature unique or VIP 'behind the scenes' experiences and guided sightseeing with special access to famous landmarks, accompanied by a local expert guide.   The featured hotels are centrally located with easy access to the city, and are mostly four star rated to offer premium accommodation, with a range of facilities and breakfast included.   Although many elements are included, customers have the flexibility to make their own travel arrangements to join the breaks.

Skydive into your private luxury lodge, sleep in a four-poster bed under the stars in the outback, get a graffiti lesson in Melbourne's laneways or go on a scenic flight with former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw as your pilot. There are few places on earth as diverse and action-packed as New Zealand and Australia and Head of Australasia at Jacada Travel, Katie Holmes, is thrilled to take people to see a side to these countries that few have experienced before.  

The Carlyon Bay Hotel, near St Austell in Cornwall, has beaten more than 200 other contenders to win a national 'Bring the Kids' award in a black tie gala ceremony that took place in Bedfordshire on 14 November. Organised by the Best Loved Hotels group which annually inspects all the quality hotels it showcases throughout the UK and Ireland, the award recognises Carlyon Bay's exceptional family facilities. 

Get set to be inspired by HRH Prince Harry's imminent Caribbean Tour of seven countries including several 'paradise islands'. On 20 November Prince Harry sets off to Antigua & Barbuda to represent his grandmother, HM The Queen, and the tour coincides with three of the Caribbean countries celebrating milestone independence anniversaries.

With winter quickly approaching, are you dreaming of a bright Christmas with sunshine, mild weather and postcard-worthy scenery? Leave the snow shovels at home and escape with your family this holiday season to Monterey County. From traditional tree lightings to yuletide carols to a twinkling boat parade, the destination boasts celebrations and festivities for residents and visitors alike, creating unforgettable holiday moments.

There is just over 1 week to go until the new immersive Christmas Light Trail opens at Blenheim Palace. On Friday 25 November, the hour-long family friendly experience will open to visitors. The first trail takes place at 5pm with the last walk leaving at 8pm. Visitors are advised to book their tickets in advance, as some nights are already sold out!

Situated between a long, scenic beach and a freshwater lagoon, bordering the historic Al Baleed UNESCO archaeological site, the resort introduces a new level of luxury and refinement to the region, allowing discerning guests to discover the unique charms of southern Oman. Conveniently located just 15 km from Salalah International Airport, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara sits within easy reach of an abundance of cultural treasures and thrilling escapades.

Sydney is one of the most spectacular places in the world to celebrate New Year's Eve, thanks to its world-famous fireworks that light up locations across the city. Destination NSW reveals some of the best vantage points for visitors to welcome in the New Year from family-friendly viewing at Darling Harbour, to ticketed events at Taronga Zoo, and grassy spots along the Harbour foreshore.

Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa has been recognised as the "Best Newcomer or Back On The Scene" by Conde Nast Johansens and received their prestigious 2017 Award of Excellence. The ownership and management are thrilled, according to Resort Director Erica Coppola. “We couldn't be prouder of this recognition. We strive daily to provide the finest luxury experience to our guests, and to be recognized for our efforts is extremely gratifying.”

The Lake District is picturesque all year round, but on a crisp winter's day when the mountains are snow-capped it really is truly magical. From Christmas shopping experiences to jolly events and concerts, there is plenty going on in the area this festive season.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Maldives is excited to welcome German Michelin star chef Marco D'Andrea, who will be in-residence at the resort later this month for a twenty day period. Christoph Pentzlin, Hideaway's executive chef, will be working alongside the celebrity chef to create a range of new exciting menus and experiences including a signature afternoon tea, a new desert journey and exclusively prepared 4 Hands eight course dinner menu.

Voted number one country to visit in 2017 by Lonely Planet magazine, Canada is ever -popular notwithstanding Brexit and the recent US election result. Frontier Canada is celebrating Canada's 150th birthday in some style with some all-inclusive packages with built-in added value so that clients know in advance exactly what their costs will be. Choose Canada for 2017.

Booking data at beach holiday specialist On the Beach has revealed the Canary Islands as the most popular destination for sun seekers this winter sun season, with Tenerife the most popular island. Research has revealed bookings to the Canary Islands are up 6% this winter sun season compared to last with Lanzarote the second most popular destinations this winter season. Alicante, located in the ever-popular Costa Blanca region of Spain is the third most popular destination this winter season, followed by Majorca and the Portuguese Algarve region.