Following the strengthening of the Euro against the Pound over the last year or so many travellers have been considering looking elsewhere for a good value holiday. Turkey has become a serious contender as an alternative to traditional European destinations, with its favourable exchange rates of around 2.4 Turkish Lira to the Pound. The country benefits from all the advantage of its European neighbours, such as weather, activities and culture, but at a better price when you’re there.

Popular places for holidaymakers to spend their new found wealth include the town of Bodrum on the West coast, where old fashioned charm and modern sophistication come together in a pleasing mix. A trip to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is a great investment of both time and money. Further south around the capital of Antalya visitors can see some of the ocean’s treasures in their natural habitat when they enjoy the area’s excellent scuba diving. The region also benefits from a good supply of high quality cheap Turkey hotels, with all inclusive resorts available for incredible prices. Meanwhile, the Dalaman region is a good choice if you want to save a bit of money by sampling a diverse range of Turkey’s delights all in one place. Again, there are plenty of reasonably priced Turkey hotels on offer, suitable for families, couples or groups of friends.

Of course, some of the best things to do in Turkey are free. Whether walking around it’s towns, hiking through its mountains or relaxing on its beaches, Turkey’s most exquisite offerings are in fact priceless.

Families looking for a well-rounded holiday should head straight to Crete. Kids will love Star Beach water park in Hersonissos, where there is no shortage of thrills and excitement to keep everyone entertained. Meanwhile, a taste of the ancient can be found at a number of historic sites around the island, including the inspiring Knossos ruins in the north. Some astonishing deals on Crete hotels can be found currently. A self catering apartment in the Hersonissos area suitable for a family of four can be booked for an amazing £5 per person per night.

Cyprus is a great little island if you’re after a romantic escape. There’s a lot to be seen on the cultural side too. You and your partner can enjoy a relaxing getaway safe in the knowledge that it won’t break the bank thanks to the great deals on Cyprus hotels currently. Rates for 2 people over even nights can be booked for just £7 per person per night.

Those looking to escape to a faster pace when on holiday will enjoy the sights and sounds of Ibiza The island has its quiet moments, without a doubt, and you could spend your whole break in a lazy little town or village, but many visit Ibiza to sample its more wild side. With some of the biggest clubs in the world waiting to welcome holiday-makers, it’s no surprise that thousands of party goers flock to Ibiza Town and San Antonio Town – particularly when cheap hotels in Ibiza can be found for under £10 per person per night.

Top for seclusion: Cala Turqueta

Cala Turqueta is an effortlessly attractive beach that has been left untouched by the tourist trade. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for with breaktaking views that can be enjoyed in almost total seclusion.

Top for families: Son Parc

This north coast beach offers safe, shallow waters and a multitude of activities, ideal for families seeking a fun day in the sunshine. The beach is also nearby Menorca’s only golf course, offering enthusiasts the chance to slip away for a quick round of golf if desired.

Top for activities: Cala Galdana

There is plenty for the active tourist here on Cala Galdana beach, which can be found on the south coast. Make sure to take in the stunning horseshoe cove and cliffs before you take part in one of the exciting activities this beach has on offer. These include boat trips, watersports, mini golf, cycling and the chance to take relaxing walks along the breathtaking coastline.

Top for nature: Cala Trebaluger

This picture perfect southern beach can be found at the mouth of a river, surrounded by pine forests. Accessible only by foot, the area is perfect for bird watching enthusiasts. Unfortunately there is no where to grab lunch so it’s a smart idea to bring along a packed picnic basket you can enjoy should hunger strike.

Top all-rounder: Son Bou

Son Bou, Menorca’s longest beach, stretches 3 kilometres along the south coast of the island. Enjoy the brillaint views from the comfort of a sun lounger or waterside restaurant, or those looking to liven things up can enjoy a range of water sports. The beach is a tourist hotspot, but take care when young children are in tow, as the occasional stong current can be dangerous.

All types of travellers will enjoy the unique beaches that the beautiful island of Menorca has to offer. Holidaymakers can find a plethora of good deals on trips to the beautiful Balearic Islands. Search the great range of good quality Menorca hotels and check out the deals on cheap hotels and apartments on the island for your next sunshine break on this paradise isle.

Finding the right accommodation
The right accommodation can shape the course of an entire holiday – just as the wrong accommodation can. Fortunately, Tenerife has a huge range of options making it easier to find the perfect place to stay. From cheap hotels and self catering apartments to luxury resorts, there is something for every type of traveller.

Entertainment for everyone
Visitors of all ages will enjoy experiencing all that Tenerife has to offer. Holidaymakers should be sure to experience the summit of Mount Teide as well as the brilliant scenery of Teide National Park along the journey. More family fun can be found at the various zoos, water parks and amusement parks on the island, and then of course there is the beach, where water sports, sunbathing and other beach activities will make for a very merry winter holiday all round.

De-stressing
De-stressing is paramount when on holiday and fortunately Tenerife can also cater to this. Laying back in the sunshine on the beach is an obvious start, but for those needing a more intense de-stress there are spa facilities available at a number of the major Tenerife hotels.

Keeping with the Christmas spirit
Guests enjoying a staying over Christmas will be sure to experience a lot of holiday cheer. Tenerife is a popular destination for Brits so there are plenty of traditional Christmas tidings to be found on the island. Despite being on a tropical island, Tenerife has all the Christmas comforts including food and entertainment – and possibly even snow on Mount Teide.

Creative Christmas presents
For those planning to be on the island for Christmas day itself, creative present buying can help to save money, save baggage space and make sure the holiday truly is one to remember. A scuba diving session, spa treatment, chance to swim with dolphins or a few hours horse riding through the Tenerife countryside could make an excellent gift and may even be something that couples or families can enjoy together, making memories for a lifetime.

The Capital Coast Resort & Spa is a new hotel in Paphos which is a good example of the quality of Cyprus hotels in the area. This brand new resort is already an award winner, having picked up the title of ‘Leading hotel in Cyprus’ at a recent Hotels4u.com and Medhotels.com combined awards ceremony.

Boasting lovely views over the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean the hotel enjoys a priviledged location. Its collection of studios and one, two and three bedroom suites are complemented by a good range of amenities and facilities. Self catering, half and full board packages are available to allow for a range of holiday budgets.

Facilities are comprehensive, including plenty of dining, sports, relaxation and kids options. Guests can sit back and relax at the pool side, cocktail or roof top bars and enjoy meals at the hotel’s a la carte restaurant. Meanwhile, an onsite gym, swimming pools and various sports courts cater for the more athletic types. A Wellness Spa centre can also be found onsite, including a Finnish sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.

Families with younger children will enjoy a fun filled stay and peace of mind thanks to the hotel’s nursery and creche facilities, plus kids’ swimming pool and playground. A mini market, currency exchange and laundry are some of the added extras available.

Holidaymakers wishing to explore the exciting Paphos area will find the Capital Coast Resort and its comfortable and stylish accommodation an excellent base. Whether looking for luxury or cheap Cyprus hotels the region will have something to suit. Aphrodite’s birthplace, the Troodos Mountains and a wealth of pretty villages and Byzantine monasteries and churches are just some of the sights waiting to be enjoyed.

An example of one of the many hotels in Turkey offering five star luxury at a great price is the Concorde De Luxe Resort Hotel. This beachfront hotel is located in the capital of Antalya and its impressive range of accommodation and facilities is enough to mean guests never need to leave the resort. As an award winning option for travellers, this hotel was voted the ‘leading hotel in Turkey’ by Hotels4u.com and Medhotels.com at their recent awards ceremony.

The Concorde’s all inclusive option offers the best value for money. For around £350 two people can enjoy a standard room with land view for seven nights and for just £50 extra they can opt for a stunning sea view. The cost includes the chance to take full advantage of the hotel’s extensive dining facilities. The Turkish, Italian, English, Seafood and BBQ restaurants are just some examples of the choices onsite. Meanwhile, holidaymakers can enjoy unlimited locally produced drinks and a selection of imported beverages at one of the 12 bars available, including a tea house and vitamin bar.

The range of activities at the hotel for all ages is second to none. Just a few of the sporting and relaxation facilities include a Fitness Centre, Turkish Bath, Sauna, indoor swimming pool, Aquapark, mini golf course, non-motorized water sports gym, racket sports, and air gun shooting. All of these are complemented by a luxurious Spa with over 30 treatments. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy taking part in the mini club specifically designed for 4 – 12 year olds, with numerous activities and games on offer with qualified staff.

There is even more on offer besides all this, ensuring an amazing holiday experience. The Concorde De Luxe is a perfect example of the value offered by Turkey hotels right across the country.

An oasis of beauty in the middle of the remote desert, the landscape of Sharm el Sheikh is truly breathtaking. Holidaymakers will be refreshed by the vivid city of Sharm which offers an entire range of new and exciting adventures. Best of all, with a plethora of cheap hotels and average temperatures ranging between 15°C to 35°C during the winter months and 20°C to 45°C  during the summer, the city and its offerings are always prime for enjoyment.

Underwater adventures

Sharm’s most magical attraction is definitely the vibrant Red Sea. There are over 250 diving spots near Sharm, including coral reefs and shipwrecks. Many well-preserved wrecks can be explored in the straits of Tiran and Marsa Alam, with many more thought to be as yet undiscovered.

Out of water activities

If staying afloat is more to your liking, there are many activities you can enjoy above sea level. Water babies will love all the water-based entertainment available; choose from windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, parasailing, submarine tours and dolphin watching, among others. Those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land can take advantage of the various restaurants, shops and other amenities close at hand.

Although Sharm offers visitors loads of adventurous activities, a peaceful rest along the white sandy beaches should not be overlooked either. Whatever the preference, the wide range of affordable Sharm el Sheikh hotels available means that the destination and all its underwater mysteries can be enjoyed a reasonable price. A holiday in Sharm will not will not leave you disappointed.

When you’ve decided on Tenerife as your next island paradise destination, the next step is to find accommodation. All star ratings and price ranges are represented. Tenerife has 5-star luxury hotels and of course smaller hotels with fewer amenities for those holidaying on a tighter budget – however, almost all of the hotels in Tenerife have a swimming pool, restaurants, telephones and televisions in each room, plus air-conditioning.

A number of the hotels in Tenerife have their own luxury spas onsite, offering more to help you relax on your holiday than just beaches and ocean alone.  One example is the Abama Golf and Spa|One such hotel is the Abama Golf and Spa. This deluxe 5-star resort considers itself to be a “paradise of sensations”. It is located on the west coast, in Guia de Isora. There are several room and suite options, including rooms with balconies in the Citadel or suites with their own private terraces in the Villa. The hotel itself is located at the top of a cliff with breathtaking views of the ocean. Enjoy relaxing on the Abama’s secluded beach.

There is a group of luxury hotels in Tenerife located on the beach at Playa del Camison, which has been referred to as an “oasis of sophistication”. The names alone – from Sir Anthony Palace and Cleopatra Palace to Mediterranean Palace – exude luxury and class.

These particular resort hotels may fall outside the usual holiday budget, but there are plenty of other choices. The Tamaimo Tropical, for example, is an aparthotel with fully equipped kitchens, 2 pools for adults and two for the kids, an onsite buffet restaurant, and prices that are likely to be more family-friendly. There are plenty of similar hotels in Tenerife to this one, so whatever your situation, you won’t go short of options.