Relaxing Family Holidays for the Taking at Alvor

Author: Jean Andrews
Source: ezinearticles.com

We all like to believe we can totally relax on holiday. However, it is wise to keep your wits about you when travelling abroad. Without becoming completely cynical about strangers — after all there are good and bad people everywhere — pack some common sense and educate yourself to avoid becoming a victim.

When the locals are over-friendly or eager to help it is not always with an ulterior motive, but that is very often the case. It does not make them criminals, and the motive may be as simple as steering you towards a family business hoping you will part with some cash. Who can blame them for trying. Taxi drivers may offer to take you to a business where you will get a good deal — but usually only because they are paid a commission.

ATM Machines Just as you should at home, watch for suspicious activity around ATM machines. Shield your hand when punching in your account details and password. Criminals may install a fake front or tiny camera on the machine to steal your details.
Credit/Debit Cards Keep an eye on your card when making purchases to ensure it is not swiped a second time or taken off to a back room where a copy is made.
Driving Abroad Thieves might flag you down or pretend to be police officers. Ask for identification if you are suspicious. Legitimate police will never ask for your wallet, purse or bag. Rental cars, cars with foreign plates or towing caravans are prime targets. Thieves may stop you and request assistance, or claim that you have a flat tyre. It may be a ploy to steal your vehicle or rob you.
Passports/Wallets/Documents Every year thousands of travelers are parted from their passports, wallets, and important documents by pickpockets and thieves. Identity theft is a huge and growing problem. Make copies of the information page of your passport and documents and keep them in a separate place.
Pay Phones Be vigilant and cover your hand when entering personal information. Watch for anyone who may be listening. If a suspicious person appears to be using the phone next to you, even with their back turned toward you, walk away. Criminals have clever ways of recording sounds and information.
Scratchcards/Holiday Clubs/Timeshare Scams No prizes for guessing that all scratchcards are winners! Usually a free holiday or prize has to be claimed by attending a ‘presentation’. These can be unbearably lengthy and in desperation to escape the unwary are often conned by high-pressure salespeople into signing contracts they don’t understand. Spain is a hot spot for scratchcard scams. Older travelers are often the target of this type of con. Remember the saying: ‘There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch’. If it appears too good to be true then it probably is.
Spiked Drinks/Food Be wary when offered free food or drinks by strangers. Avoid leaving food or drinks unattended, especially when traveling alone. Drugging has become prevalent in many parts of the world as a way to rob you, assault you, or worse.
Street Crime/Pickpockets A distraction or commotion may be used to rob you. They may spill something on you or bump into you. Women carrying babies or young children are often used as a distraction. Avoid appearing affluent and leave your expensive jewelery at home!
Suitcases/Bags Bags are popular targets, especially at airports, railways stations, car rental offices, and on public transport. If a bag isn’t stolen outright, it might be slashed and the contents removed when you are not looking.
Taxis Book with a reputable company or through your hotel when possible. If the driver claims the meter is not working agree a price upfront or find another. Have some idea of the length of the journey and approximate fare. Ask at your hotel, look up the information on the internet, or use a map or guide book. If the driver gets the impression you know your away around it may be less tempting for them to take you on the scenic route.

Before traveling to any foreign country do some research regarding any particular scams currently being used there. Visit the website of the British Foreign Office and their Country Advice pages — or your country’s corresponding government agency. Visit http://www.ScamBusters.org and travel review websites where you may pick up useful tips from other travelers. Make a note of police and emergency numbers as well as contact information for the consulate or embassy in your destination country

With so much information available online and through guide books there is no excuse for being gullible or a helpless victim. Educate yourself and you may just stay one step ahead of the con-artists!

Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for Travel Insurance Agencies Ltd who offer great deals on UK Travel Insurance and Travel Insurance for residents of Eire.

Author: Phil Adams-Wright
Source: articlesbase.com

It’s hard to believe but we’re just over a year into one of the worst financial situations for decades and many people have been affected by the collapse of banks, job losses and other financial burdens. The major casualty of this situation has been people’s summer holidays, many people are now finding that they can’t afford to go on holiday this year but all is not lost.Holidaying in the UK has become this year’s trend, the buzz word “stay-cation”, a play on the word vacation it’s become the British holidaymaker’s motto this year. There are plenty of reasons behind this new trend including the following reasons:Unfavourable currency conversionsAt the moment the UK pound is suffering against the Euro, the currency widely used in many favoured UK holiday hotspots such as Italy, Spain and Greece. This means that you’ll be spending much more when you’re actually on holiday for things like meals, drinks, excursions and gifts. With money being the major issue many people are afraid of spending more when away this year.Increasingly frustrating airline proceduresNo one likes flight delays or cancellations but these days many airlines are tightening their belts too and so processes are becoming more complicated for the passenger and easier for the airline. One example is cut backs on numbers of flights and destinations but also things you expect from an airline such as check in desks are now being charged for if you haven’t pre-checked in on the internet before arriving at the airport. Strict baggage allowances also mean you could be paying more for your baggage too.Issues with children abroadWhen you are abroad travelling as a family you have to watch your children like a hawk, crowded marketplaces and airports can result in children going missing but also any illnesses or accidents around the pool could prove costly with foreign medical bills, this can be prevented by getting travel insurance but again this is another added expense for travelling abroad. Any medical conditions that need the child or any family member to be taken home can be costly too as well as ruining the holiday.So why should we holiday in the UK, the weather is temperamental at best but the advantage we have with the weather is many holiday resorts and cities have alternate indoor activities to keep us entertained. Abroad if the storm clouds come then you’re normally ushered inside and wait for the rain to stop, not the best way to spend a holiday if you have travelled during many warmer countries storm season like Florida or the Caribbean.The UK’s tourist industry has already seen massive rises in bookings and so many holiday parks or resorts have invested heavily in providing more and better facilities for their guests to convince them that holidaying in the UK may be cheap but they most certainly won’t be cheaping out on the fun they’ll have in the UK this summer.

Other Holiday Park related subjects written by Phil Adams-Wright are: Family Holidays, UK Holiday parks and Holidays in Skegness.

Author: Dave Boyd-14010
Source: articledashboard.com

When surfers think about heading off on the next adventure in search of perfect waves and fun times, most think of the classic point breaks of California, the sandy beaches of France, perfect tropical reef setup’s in Bali Indonesia, beautiful turquoise waves in Australia and of course those world class heavy waves in Hawaii. We want you to give all these typical surfing locations the flick and discover 5 surfing holidays off the beaten track. Discover the great, uncrowded surf in the Mid Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Ocean.

Surfing Holiday Cape Verde
Cape Verde which means green cape is a captivating island in the Atlantic Ocean a few hundred miles off Mauritania and Senegal. The island’s people blend African, Brazilian and Portuguese culture mixed with world class surfing, kite surfing and windsurfing. The little known Cape Verde is also known as the “African Caribbean” and its brimming with character and endless snow-white sands. Its easy to see why these secret Atlantic isles are the hottest buzzword in surf travel right now and why My Surf Travel are the first company to bring them to you. The surf in Cape Verde is varied with stacks of quality reef, points and beaches year round.

Surfing British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands present surfers with the possibility to mix a luxury holiday with excellent surfing. With small bays and hidden coves, the British Virgin Islands are among the world’s loveliest surfing grounds. What is the most amazing about the surf in these islands is the variety and quality of the surf. This is has attracted a handful of professional and soul surfers to this region for years. The British Virgin Islands has become a secret hideaway for surfers for years rarely ever featuring in surf publications. Even though it doesn’t have the most consistent surf it offers the opportunity of some very good surf in the most wonderful of settings in beautiful turquoise waters.

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the best surfing location within the Indian Ocean offering high quality surfing, peaceful beautiful and very tropical surroundings and uncrowded beaches. Located just south of the Indian subcontinent Sri Lanka is a secret garden of surfing and also is one of the most reliable surf destinations in the Indian ocean. The island encompasses beautiful tropical beaches, verdant vegetation, ancient monuments and a thousand delights to please all tastes. The surfing season in Hikkaduwa starts in October and ends in early May.

Surfing Galapagos Islands
The unique Galapagos Islands, in all their dramatic and desolate volcanic beauty, lie 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador’s Pacific coast right on the equator. The islands were first made famous by Charles Darwin in the 1800’s and considered to be the birth place for the theory of evolution. You won’t find too many trendy wine bars and cafe’s here, only fantastic scenery and wildlife plus some excellent waves. You regularly surf with dolphins, sea lions, turtles and iguanas. The best time of year for surfing is December to May very favorable winds and constant swell.

Surfing Holiday Samoa
When its time to go on a holiday like no other, full of adventure, natural beauty and pure relaxation then you need to discover Samoa. Like other Pacific islands Samoa is overflowing with the potential for surfing all year round, subject to swell and good wind conditions. The best time to surf samoa is in three main date ranges: May to September; February to April and including October; and November to January. Some of the epic surf spots on Samoa’s reefs include Tiavea Bay, Fagaloa Bay, Solo Solo and Dragons Breath.

To book a surfing holiday to any of these destinations, check out My Surf Travel to book your surfing holiday. You can package up your flights, hotels, boat charters, surfboard hire and local guides together on one site.

Author: Iain Williams
Source: articleage.com

With the Internet being more accessible than ever before, people are online for longer and at a later hour, it’s even starting to replace the television for evening entertainment in some housholds.
Holiday companies are adapting to this demand by offering their holidays online, “no great shakes there then” I hear you say. But holidays cost a lot, who is going to spend over a thousand pounds online not knowing if the holiday is actually available.
With the holiday companies that say “book online” but you find out it’s just an enquiry form, i feel this is at the least mis-leading and a nuisance. Customer confidence is what is needed, companies have to offer their product in a clear and easy to manage website with secure booking and LIVE availability status – this is what we are beginning to expect.
The innovotive holiday companies understand the customers needs and have supplied their demands, yes there are companies out there that have got LIVE booking systems, secure online payment facilities, immediate email confirmation facility and credit card anti-fraud sytems. With the Internet evolving at an incredible rate it is possible to search and find all of your holiday needs with a few clicks of your mouse. The days of looking through out of date holidays brochures are numbered, with the Internet you can now email web pages to your family and friends, read up about your chosen resort, look at dozens of photos or virtual tours, look into family travel insurance, check out your travel options and most importantly see the price and availability of your accommodation and resort, then once decided it can all be booked online in one go at any time of day and night – securely. Now thats how it should be.
Book Online & save money
Saving money is another key factor when searching online, you window shop and search for bargains in the high street, so theres no reason why you can’t do it online, you may be doing a little more leg work or should i say finger clicking but it’s quicker, more enjoyable and substantially cheaper. “Book online and SAVE” is a common phrase you will see when browsing the internet. Companies want you to book online, it saves them time and money, so why not take advantage of it.
I foresee the traditional holiday printed glossy brochure being a thing of the past pretty soon and with broadband and soon to come `super broadband` there won’t be any reason at all not to visit your favourite travel website for a quick virtual tour of your favourite holiday resorts – and at lightning speed.
Iain Williams is an established travel writer and is one of the most innovative travel businessmen in the industry, he is also the director of the renowned family holiday specialist Williams Holidays. http://www.williamsholidays.com

Author: Harry Lawrancebr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Cyprus is the third biggest island in the Mediterranean and is a hugely popular destination for holiday makers, attracting over 2 million visitors every year. Cyprus possesses a unique culture and a fascinating history having been occupied by Roman, Greek and Turkish empires. Paphos, the former capital of the island, is one of Cyprus more upmarket resorts and is the perfect holiday location for families and couples seeking a fun but relaxing break.

Paphos consists of two areas, Kato Paphos and Pano Paphos. Kato Paphos is the more modern coastal resort area while Pano Paphos is the town itself and is slightly inland.

Paphos boasts some superb beaches with Coral Bay being one of the most popular with tourists and locals alike, offering a long sandy beach and a relaxed family atmosphere with safe swimming and watersports. Latchi Beach has deep waters making it an ideal spot for swimming, scuba diving and watersports. Holiday makers may also be interested in visiting Lara Bay, a remote area with an excellent beach, some beautiful scenery and a turtle hatchery where loggerhead and greenback turtles lay their eggs. This is one of the few places in the Mediterranean that they can still be found.

The resort is rich in history and as such offers several interesting sightseeing opportunities. The Tomb of the Kings is a series of underground tombs carved out of solid rock. The tombs are thought to have been the burial sites for high officials and aristocrats and many of the tombs date back to the 4th century. Paphos is also supposedly the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, and the baths of Aphrodite on the west of the island is where legend claims the goddess bathed. The bath is a natural waterfall and the trail around the area offers a splendid walk. Fans of Archaeology will enjoy the remarkable mosaics in the House of Dionysos. The House of Dionysos was built by a wealthy merchant in the second or third century and the intricate mosaics sat undiscovered beneath the soil for 16 centuries before being discovered and excavated in 1962.

Shopping in Paphos is popular with tourists where amongst goods from some familiar stores, holiday makers can purchase items such as leather goods, ceramics and embroidered lace at much lower prices than could be found in the UK. Also spectacles are very good value in Paphos and many tourists choose to get their eyes tested and purchase their glasses at one of the many opticians to save money.

There is a wide choice of international and mezze restaurants along the beach promenade and near the harbour in Paphos. Mezze is a traditional Cypriot meal consisting of a large number of hot and cold dishes such as meats, vegetables, fish dishes and salads. The majority of restaurants are similarly priced and good value for money. The nightlife in Paphos is mostly found on one street named Agiou Antoniou (also known locally as bar street or nightlife street). Along this street tourists will find various bars and clubs including the Outback sports and karaoke bar, Woodyz bar and the Starsky and Hutch seventies disco./pbr
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Author: Jo Goddenbr
Source: articleage.combr
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HOLIDAYS – something we all look forward to and something we all feel that we deserve. Of course, some countries realise this and treat their retired folk to a weeks holiday, but I cant see it appearing on our countrys agenda for a while, can you?
So, what reason do YOU have for not taking that well deserved break? Cant afford it? Remember that old saying – take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves? Well, although in this modern throw away society no one appears to be particularly worried about pennies, the saying is as true today as ever it was. Take an example – when out shopping, how often do we think I need a rest, Ill pop into the caf้ for a coffee and perhaps a muffin? Well, just forego that coffee and muffin every week and at the end of the year you have that return flight to say Spain. To this end, half way through shopping I return to the car not only to drop off my purchases, but to pour myself a coffee from my flask and also to rest and relax whilst listening to the radio. Alternatively, if the weather is nice, you can enjoy your coffee in the fresh air in the park. Also, go without just one packet of cigarettes or that takeaway (youll probably not even notice the difference, but your body probably will) and miraculously at the end of the year youll have the accommodation as well. Follow the maxim of the TV beauty advert and think Because your worth it!
So, now we are ready to go on holiday and we come to the dreaded packing. Im talking ladies here. (Men dont have a packing problem, do they? – they can pack in 5 minutes flat. After all, theres only a few clothes, money and passport. Whats the problem?)
Clothes wise – if you want to take the minimum, then think basic duo colours, say black and white. Its amazing how you can mix and match and appear to have taken more clothes than you have. Also, basic clothes can be dressed up with a coloured wrap or jewellery as the occasion arises, and one stole/wrap can be a shoulder wrap/pillow on the plane, a wrap over your swimsuit, or over your dress in the evening when perhaps its cooler.
Because I am rather absent minded and can never remember where I have put things when Im in a different environment, I have simplified my packing using differently coloured plastic bags. Tights, pants, bras, make-up, hair products, etc. all go into separate bags, and then on arrival at the holiday hotel, I dont unpack the bags but just pop them into the drawers relating to the position on my body, eg tights (feet) would be in the bottom drawer and hair products (head) would be in the top drawer. (Im assuming, of course, that the hotel has provided drawers, but, if not, do not despair, just hang the labelled carrier bags in order on the hangers in the wardrobe, or just in case hanging space is limited, take with you the plastic hooks to put over the doors). The bedside cabinet is reserved for essentials and emergencies, eg medicines, first aid, phone numbers, travel insurance, mobile phone, paper, pens, etc. Also take envelopes, already addressed, for the holiday cards you are going to send. I find that envelopes take approx. 3 days to reach this country and cards usually arrive after I have returned from holiday. (Now, if Im beginning to sound a bit smug with all this efficiency, Im quickly brought down to earth by remembering the initial horror I felt when after my holiday and returning from a frantic shopping expedition, I found that I had been using carrier bags boldly emblazoned with the words PANTS BRAS.)
One thing we all miss on holiday is our favourite pillow. How come the continental pillows are always so uncomfortable? Continental heads appear to be the same shape as ours, and yet the pillows appear to be designed for aliens. I have read that the Queen takes her own when travelling, and I can understand why! However, my friend has a possible solution. She buys new pillows once a year, takes the old ones on holiday, enjoys a good sleep, and then leaves the pillows there at the end of the holiday. The resulting empty space in the suitcase is filled with duty frees and gifts, etc. A word of warning here regarding the return weight of your suitcase. I noticed on our recent return from Spain, using a budget airline, that an official stood behind the check-in attendant with pad at the ready, and everyone in front of us had to pay an excess – not cheap at 7 euros per kilo. (Remember, a kilo is only approx. equal to a bag of sugar). Some had to pay an excess in the region of 40 euros. I was left wondering whether some of the holiday souvenirs were worth the 7 euros. In fact, if you are thinking of buying presents for small grandchildren, why not make it easy on yourself and buy them before you leave the UK. It saves weight and worry and the toys are of better quality in the UK. Also if you ever wonder what happens to all the souvenirs we struggle back with from holiday, then just visit the local Charity Shop or Car Boot Sale.
Now, as you struggle down from the attic with the suitcases, do spare a thought for the following. My friends husband dutifully brought down the two suitcases and informed her that this time he was going to pack his own suitcase for the distant wedding they were attending. On the morning of the wedding they dressed in comfortable travelling clothes and placed the two suitcases in the car. They stopped at a pub just before their destination in order to change into their wedding outfits. My friend had her glamorous outfit and her husband had a suitcase full of Christmas decorations!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!
Visit Mabels…Maintaining Bygone Times, containing numerous articles thoughtfully researched mainly for the older person. You may access these articles by visiting http://www.mabels.org.uk/ – You will learn about the best tips, latest news advice to improve your health, fitness, finances retirement as well as information on nostalgic topics, places to visit, leisure lifestyle, mobility helpful organisations to make the most out of life and much, much more to benefit Your Quality of Life.br
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Author: Jason Whiteheadbr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Africa probably does not spring to mind as the first destination you would choose when planning a beach holiday, but there are many great reasons to give it a try. Cape Town in South Africa has up until recently always been the destination to go to if you wanted to go to Africa and enjoy the beach as well as all the other great things that only this great continent has to offer. Now there are new kids on the block and places like Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania, Mombasa in Kenya and The Gambia have really come in to their own each offering their own unique selling points and flavour of Africa but all great beach holiday destinations.

One of the more obvious reasons to pick somewhere on the African continent is to enjoy the beach during the European winter, breaking up your winter and escaping the summer holiday rush. How often these days do we hear of strikes at airports during the summer peak holiday period, delaying millions of holidaymakers and destroying their few weeks away from work? Escape the rush and travel out of the peak season.

Beach Holiday in Cape Town, South Africa

Capetown in South Africa is still the most sophisticated beach holiday destination in Africa, with the incredible backdrop of Table Mountain, excellent accommodation options and some of the best restaurants in the world it would be an excellent place to visit even without the beach. On top of that you can also enjoy the best wines and scenery of South Africa on the Garden Route, which stretches from Mossel Bay to the Storms River in the Western Cape. There are ten nature reserves in the area as well as unique marine reserves, home to soft coral reefs, dolphins, seals and a host of other marine life.

Combing golf with a beach holiday has always been popular in places like Spain and Portugal, South Africa and the Cape Region have some of the best Golf courses in the world, now you can combine a beach, golf and safari holiday, there is nowhere in Europe that can boast that!

What about the beaches? Cape Town has some excellent beaches, False Bay with the long sandy beach which extends from Gordons Bay to Muizenberg and includes Boulders Beach and Simons Town. The Atlantic Seaboard along the West (Atlantic) side of the Cape Peninsula with well known beaches including Sandy Bay, Clifton Camps Bay, Scarborough and Kommetjie. The West Coast, running Northwards from Cape Town with the windy conditions make these beaches popular for surfing and kite-surfing.

An important point to note is the sea in False Bay is about 6 degrees warmer than the Atlantic Seaboard and the West Coast!

On the down side, Cape Town is the furthest point in Africa you can travel to from Europe, so expect a long flight as mentioned above the water can be a little chilly and then it is probably one of the more expensive destinations in Africa.

Beach Holiday in Mombasa, Kenya

Kenya, probably best known for its wildlife safaris on the Masai Mara but also has plenty to offer in the way of beach holidays on the coastline near Mombasa. The city of Mombasa is a real bustling African city and there is in stark contrast to the sophistication of Cape Town. There are however many fine places to eat to sample some more traditional African food as well as those catering to western palates. The Old town is also well worth visiting and Fort Jesus, a Portuguese fort built in 1593 by order of King Philip II of Spain, to guard the Old Port of Mombasa, Kenya. It was built in the shape of a man and was given the name of Jesus as a religious reference.

Along the coast there are plenty of places to stay with some of the most luxurious hotels youll find anywhere in Africa, some great little beach cottages as well as basic beach side campsites, something for everyone.

The snorkeling and diving in Mombasa and the surrounding areas is also excellent and it is a great place to learn to dive with the prices here are substantially cheaper than many other well know diving locations. Bamburi beach is a great location to base your beach holiday in Kenya, about half an hour from Nairobi, there are some great hotels and beach cottages as well as an excellent PADI dive center located at the well know Travellers Beach Hotel.

Of course no trip to Kenya would be complete without some sort of Safari and they can be organised from Mombasa with a popular destination being the Tsavo National Park, less well known than the Masai mara, but at just over 21,000km sq, Tsavo is the largest national park in Kenya and one of the largest in the world with large herds of Elephant and plenty of lions, it is well worth considering if you want to take a break from relaxing on the beach!

With these two very different African beach holiday options, I hope to have given you a just a flavour of what Africa can offer you in the way of your next seaside holiday./pbr
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Author: br
Source: articledashboard.combr
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When you are thinking about a cheap holiday vacation, you might need to know how to book a cheap holiday vacation online and save some money as well. You can look for some travel sites or hotel sites that offer packages that include hotel accommodations, airfare, car rental and maybe some tickets to attraction or even meal specials. Planning a vacation is fun, but finding one you can afford is even better. Buy using a travel site that has packages that include everything you need, you are going to save even more and even afford a vacation you might not of been able to if it was not for the saving you are getting.

The first thing to do is find a site that offers cheap holidays and begins their process of finding a great package deal. You will enter your information such as departure date, return date, how many adults and children and the type of room you want as well as do you want a direct flight or not. Once you have followed through the process, it may ask you if there are any other things you need to include in your cheap holiday package. This is where you can claim tickets for other things such as attractions, car rentals and meals.

Once you have everything entered, the site will return a report about the cost of the room, airfare and any other options you may have included. It will give you a total price that you can then accept or look for a different deal. If you like the deal they have for a cheap holiday package, you can then confirm the rates and pay with a debt or credit card. You will receive confirmation in the mail about your trip with your itinerary and tickets if you chose this option.

The only thing left to do is wait for the day, pack your clothes and you are on your way to a cheap holiday vacation. You can look at different sites to ensure you are getting the right deal that fits your budget. If the first one is not what you expected, try another site to see if the deal will be more affordable./pbr
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Author: David John Martinbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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Youre off on holiday at last! There are so many things to remember, not least your travel insurance and your sun cream. Once youve got your trip covered, heres how to cover up in the sun…

Soaking up the sun can be really relaxing, but sun damage can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer and premature ageing. Even in the short term, sunburn can ruin your holiday – no one wants to cover up all week with painful, lobster-like skin.

How can I protect myself from sun damage?

Choose loose, cool clothing that covers you up. Wear sunglasses with UV protection and a hat to protect your face and neck. Take regular breaks in the shade and ideally keep out of the sun from 11am to 3pm.

Make wearing sun cream part of your routine. Cancer Research UK recommends a minimum of sun protection factor (SPF) 15 for most people. You dont have to buy the most expensive brand but check that your cream blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Use generous amounts, reapply after going in the water or sweating and if youre near the water, take extra care as youll burn more easily.

When do I put my sun cream on?

Put your sun cream on at least 20-30 minutes before you go outside and reapply after 20-30 minutes in the sun and then every two hours. Always put your sun cream on before your moisturiser and make-up and dont forget the areas that are most commonly missed: your hair parting, your ears, nose, lips, feet and skin around the edges of your clothes.

Whos most at high risk from skin cancer?

People with fair skin, red or fair hair, light eyes, or a lot of moles or freckles need to take extra care in the sun. The same goes if you have a family history of skin cancer or a previous bad experience of sunburn. You might want to cover up, stay in the shade or wear sun cream thats SPF25 or more. If you notice changes to your skin or moles, speak to your GP.

Do children need extra protection?

Children have sensitive skin and need extra protection from the sun. Use SPF25 and reapply every two hours and after theyve been in the sea, the pool or playing with water. Put them in loose clothing with long sleeves, preferably cotton and check shoulders, backs and necks are covered.

Hats are a must, ideally with a wide brim or a flap that covers the neck, as are sunglasses with UV filters. Babies under 12 months need to stay in the shade.

Can sun cream go off?

Eventually. Sun cream lasts for 2-3 years but check the expiry date on the bottle – you wont be protected if its out-of-date. Keep your sun cream cool and out of direct sunlight as this can damage it.

For the ultimate relaxing holiday, get your travel insurance sorted before you go.

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pBuy cheap a target=_new href=http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/jump1?catId=63300708mediaId=19300208 rel=nofollowtravel insurance/a from Post Office?; single trip and annual multi trip a target=_new href=http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/content1?catId=19300207mediaId=19700175 rel=nofollowtravel health insurance/a offering you comprehensive cover with a range of additional options./pbr
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Author: Michael Barnesbr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Portugals premier holiday destination, the Algarve, has always been held in high stead by the many, many visitors that return to its beautiful idyllic landscape year after year and it isnt difficult to understand why. The beaches on the Algarve are of an extremely high quality and among the best in Europe, with over 100 miles of golden coastline that is ideal for swimming and snorkelling especially of the coast of Praia de Rocha.

There are secluded bay that are shelved by dazzling reddish rock along the length of the shoreline some of the bays are very quiet and can be taken advantage of with and extremely relaxing break.

While the relaxing beaches may lure you to this beautiful paradise in the Atlantic Ocean there are a wide variety of water sports to tempt the more adventurous traveller and for the family there are always the water parks with some excellent flumes.

The Algarve has a strong connection with golf and is home to some world class golf courses that were designed by professional golfers so whether is a gentle round of more serious competition amongst friends or fellow visitors there is something for all to enjoy.

The Algarve has an abundance of quaint shops and market places to by locally produced goods, the baskets are quite lovely and very popular. The main shopping centres are further inland, found at Faro, here you will find designer merchandise and the more exclusive boutiques.

The cuisine here has influences from the nearby culture of Portugal, Spain and North Africa. Seafood is popular and the local version of paella is quite remarkable for those after a little more zing the more spicy African dishes are also quite abundant. The local Almond liqueur Armaguinaha is very pleasant over ice with a twist of lemon.

The nightlife is as varied as everything else in the Algarve with many restaurants open until very late and a variety of discos, so its just a case of whatever takes your fancy. Praia de Rocha is a favourite with holidaymakers as it offers many bars, clubs and restaurants. There is a casino for you to try out your luck. Alvor is quieter, and unlike it counterparts Albufeira and Sao Juao where you will find the infamous Strip.

To experience the Algarve historical sites you need to venture inland to Silves to see the ancient castle or Monchiques craft market or just visit the little, and typically Portuguese villages must be experienced while you are on this magnificent island.

The Algarve has a wonderful summer climate that is monitored by the gentle Atlantic wind making it warm but comfortable although sun protection should be worn during the summer months. Rain on the Algarve is extremely rare and water temperatures are around 21-22 deg C during summertime.

Whatever youre looking for in your holiday or vacation, the Algarve promises to deliver so no matter whether you are a family, group of friends, a couple or just travelling alone the Algarve can make your holiday a truly memorable one./pbr
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