Top reasons to choose Barbados for your winter holiday

Barbados is the ideal location for those seeking some winter warmth with an average daytime temperature of 26 degrees celsius.

Barbados is famed for its sandy beaches, and rightly so! Visitors can explore 70 miles of sun-saturated beaches and translucent azure waters. The west coast offers calmer waters whilst the east coast laps up the Atlantic waves, making it a surfer’s paradise. For the most breathtaking beaches, a visit to the south east of the island is required- an alluring background of sheer, plant covered cliffs and pure pink sand awaits you.

The crystal clear water also makes Barbados the ideal location for water sports. Snorkelling or scuba diving allows you to see the underwater delights of marine life including coral reefs and sunken ships. If you prefer to be above the water, you can charter a yacht, manned by experienced and friendly crews.

The warm climate ensures a unique mix of flora and fauna. Green fingered travellers will appreciate the Andromeda Botanical Gardens where you can delight in the sights and scents of tropical flowers and trees. A particularly beautiful example is the dwarf Poinciana, with its typically red and yellow flowers and delicate green foliage- it is also the national flower of Barbados.

The best way to explore the Island is on foot. Every Sunday, three-hour hikes around the Island, in a variety of difficulties, are available. The Eastern and Northern sides are best for hiking; you can easily view the thrashing Atlantic waves that shape the coast. The views are simply spectacular.

There is no better way to celebrate Barbados’ heritage as the birthplace of rum than visiting a rum distillery. In St Michael’s Parish, the Mount Gay Rum and Malibu Rum visitor centres offers tourists the chance to witness the distilling process and to enjoy the full flavour of Barbados rum. Learn about the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the different rum companies.

If you enjoy shopping, you’ll love Barbados. Known as the tax-free haven of the Caribbean, the island is home to one of the most coveted shopping destinations in the region. If you prefer souvenirs, the talented island craftsmen produce all sorts of trinkets, fine art pieces and collectables for you to take home. With one pound averaging 3.2 Barbados dollars, you’ll get good value for money too.

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Foul Bay in South-Eastern Barbados

Finland: Top Five Winter Adventures

Wondering where to go for your winter holiday? How about Finland?

The Finnish Tourism Authority has put together a list of the top 5 winter adventures.

No visit to Finland is complete without visiting a sauna! Saunas are seen as a place for physical and spiritual cleansing, and are scattered everywhere in Finland. You’ll find them in public swimming pools, houses, gyms and hotels. Even the Parliament building in Helsinki and Finnish embassies abroad have sauna- there are enough to accommodate the entire population simultaneously with somewhere between two and three million! Visiting a sauna is a great place to unwind.

Visit Finland during the winter months and dip in an icy lake or roll in the snow before moving on to a steaming sauna. The contrast between hot and cold is said to be good for the circulation.

A cruise aboard the ice-breaker Sampo is an experience not to be missed. The journey offers visitors the chance to experience life on board an ice-breaker ship as it travels through the Gulf of Bothnia. You’ll get a guided tour of the ship, but the main attraction is the option of swimming in the freeing cold sea! Neoprene survival suits are provided, ensuring that you float on the water. A hike on the ice is also available, showing you its true thickness. As you make your way back to the ship, you’ll truly appreciate the power of Sampo, and have memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re visiting Finland with your family, a trip to Lapland is a must. Located in the Arctic Circle, Santa Claus Village offers festive fun for everyone. There are plenty of Reindeer, along with other animals such as horses and dogs. Why not have a break from playing in the snow and do a spot of shopping? There are a range of products from handmade Finnish goods to souvenirs and products from high end Finnish designers on offer. There are also bars, restaurants and Christmas exhibitions to keep the whole family entertained.

Finland is also a fantastic place to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). For the best views, head North into Lapland, where they shine every other clear night (on average) from September through to March. A great alternative to husky tours is to stay in a purpose built igloo. These igloos have glass roofs where you can gaze at the mesmerising lights from the comfort of your own bed. Sleep under the stars and experience the best of what Finland has to offer.

To read the full article, visit http://www.visitfinland.com/5-steps-to-winter-adventure/

Top 10 holiday destinations for 2015

The euphoria of the Christmas and New Year holidays is now truly over, and for most of us it's a return to the drudgery of our workplace.

The changeable and often cold and wet weather is probably adding to  a sense of post-Christmas depression.

No wonder we're starting to see so many holiday adverts appearing on a screens and in magazines.

For those of us lucky enough to have the money and opportunity to arrange a holiday the difficult decision is often where to go.  The internet gives us a whole wealth of information, ideas and reviews, and many of us also rely on recommendations from friends and family.

It may even be the case that too much information actually makes it harder for us to choose.

We came across the 101 Holidays website with a list of their top 10 holiday destinations that gives plenty of food for thought.

Wherever you decide to go we hope that you enjoy a well earned and relaxing break

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