But despite myriad reasons to stay in the city centre, it’s still worth taking a look at what’s outside, just in case you fancy a change of pace or atmosphere. With that in mind, here are our top five day trip suggestions from the Algarve capital.

Loule

A nice and close option, Loule is just a 40 minute bus ride from Faro and features an atmosphere untouched by time and the modern world. Ancient quarters and castle ruins, craft marketplaces and fantastic workshops – this splendid little town has everything to offer and feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Faro’s city centre. Despite being somewhat touristy, it’s often deserted if you venture over at the right time of year. Make sure you visit one of the local restaurants for traditional Portuguese cuisine. Nandos, eat your heart out.

Fatima

If you’re interested at all in Portugal’s religious history and architecture, look no further than Fatima. The parish is perhaps most famous for its Sanctuary of Fatima, the construction of which was prompted by an apparition of the Virgin Mary. A splendid building that looks as impressive and awe-inspiring as the day it was first constructed, the Sanctuary is a definite highlight of the town, but don’t forget to go wandering through the labyrinth of streets in search of hidden treasures.

Gibraltar

Not many people realise it’s just a daytrip away from Faro, but this fascinating territory of the UK is actually surprisingly close. Particularly well-known for its population of Barbary Macaques, you’ll be able to experience all manner of attractions, including crumbling fortifications and the Second World War tunnels constructed deep within the Rock itself. The towns also do an excellent job of representing Gibraltar’s vast melting pot of cultures – be sure to sample some of the local cuisines.

Lagos

Gorgeous beaches, brilliant seafood restaurants and an active nightlife – is there anything Lagos hasn’t got? Steeped in history and culture, this location is a seriously popular destination among tourists for all the right reasons, and at just under two hours away from Faro, it just about fits our criteria as an awesome day trip location. Travel there early in the day to make the most of everything it has to offer – there are some stunning cliffside walks to be done, as well as the local culture to experience.

Seville

For a quintessential Spanish experience, you need only drive for two hours from Faro to Seville, which contains some stunning architecture dating back centuries. Be sure to visit the Metropol Parasol by German architect Jurgen Mayer, which is a more recent example than some of the churches. The mind boggles at the gorgeous organic shapes he created.

Hagia Sophia, Turkey

1)   Thailand

With the USD, GBP and other western currencies strengthening against the Thai Baht Thailand is getting cheaper and cheaper at the moment. Why not escape winter and jet off to an island paradise like Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Chang or if you’re feeling the need for a little culture instead head up to the mountainous north and kick back in beautiful Chiang Mai whilst visiting hill tribes in the mountains. It’s true to say that Thailand really has something for everyone so if you’ve yet to venture to the Land of Smiles then 2014 is the year to fix it.

2)   Turkey

With a glorious history ranging back to the Ottoman empire it’s no surprise that Turkey is jam packed full of historical importance. You can spend weeks exploring the country from Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul all the way across to Ani, the former Armenia capital 1500km to the east,

And if museums and history aren’t quite what you had in mind why not soar above the clouds with a hot air balloon in mesmerizing Cappadocia or hit the beaches and nightclubs of booming bodrum. Oh and be sure to eat your fill of doner kebabs and baklava – they’re like no where else on the planet

3)   Brazil

Brazil is booming and 2014 is the time to watch them boom. The football World Cup is coming to the beautiful shores of Brazil in June 2014 so it’s a must-see for any sports fanatic. The views from Christ the Redeemer overlooking Copacabana beach are arguably unrivaled anywhere else on earth. And if the city (and the football) gets too much for you? Head off on an Amazonian adventure with a local tour company, kayaking on the longest river in the world and mixing it with indigenous tribes. Brazil really can offer something than no other country can.

Football is hugely popular in Brazil

All 3 places are guaranteed to offer you the trip of a lifetime. In the budget is feeling a little slimmer in 2014, then Thailand is the place to go, no country on earth can match their beautiful tourism industry combined with the prices. If money is no object, then Brazil is a no-brainer. The World Cup in Brazil promises to be a magical occasion, and one you can brag about for the rest of your life. Finally, if you just need a week or 2 on a beach or even just a city break then Turkey has got you covered. Now all you have to do is work out the dates! Happy travels.

• Houghton Mill Caravan Site. This site which sits on River Great Ouse’s bank have a splendid view and it is a paradise not only for those who love to fish but also for people who are interested in cycling and walking. Bridleways and footpaths are in abundance in the area as well as many waterways. Since the site is at the fringe of Houghton, a charming village with quaint shops, campers can purchase local traditions. Fishing on this site is best done on September when the area is quieter.

• Lucksall Caravan and Camping Park. Nature lovers would relish the experiences offered by this woodland park which is bordered by flowerbeds, trees and shrubs. This site is just the place to catch a glimpse of curious otters and kingfishers that are flitting up and down the nearby river. With a direct access to River Wye, you can wonder through miles of lovely tracks winding into the woodland forest and back. If you also have a weak spot for canoeing, you are in for a treat because this is one of the premier spots for this sport in the country. Coarse fishing enthusiasts would also love this place as it is a great spot for anglers.

• York Rowntree Park. Located in New Yorkshire on the banks of the Ouse, you can enjoy your privacy as the area is bordered by glades and hedges. York, a pretty and historic city is within walking distance and the site is perfect for exploring the Yorkshire area. A walk within the city walls will bring you to a close encounter with medieval timber-framed homes. Aside from taking charming walks along the area, you get to go fishing, its open all year round and you can enjoy a variety of water sports.

• Wagtail Country Park. This site is set on the peaceful countryside of Lincolnshire and there are a lot of great sites near the area. The towns of Newark and Grantham are a short drive away and sites like the Cathedral of Lincoln is also close by. You can fish from the stocked lake nearby; they have tench, carp, rudd and more. Due to the shrubs and the leveled grass, the area offers greater privacy and there are areas which are only for adults. Onsite, there are short wildlife walks and long walks that will take you into the beautiful countryside.

• Berwich Seaview Caravan Club Site. Given its location on England’s northernmost site, you get to enjoy a combination of spectacular views in the country and across Scotland’s border. Overlooking the river estuary is a site which is perfect for walking your dogs. Small castles, serene beaches and ruins are sprinkled around the area and they are surely great destinations for caravan travelers. The nearby Goswick Golf Club boasts of the best link courses in the country and you can definitely catch some fish while enjoying the serene environment around you.

Whether you love the idea of going out to fish, walking your canines or simply stretching your legs for long walks in the countryside and spending the night camped out, these destinations are definitely good ones. Aside from these, there are numerous national parks where you can pitch a tent or park your car with towed caravan for a deserved rest.

Travel rewards from your credit card can be pretty awesome. Not only do you get free rewards, but you get rewards for purchasing things you had already planned to buy anyway. There are many strategies that can be used to maximize your reward potential, and below we have organized the best ones we could find.

Link your card to your most used frequent flyer account
Not all travel rewards cards are linked to your frequent flyer account, and many of them do not need to be in order to earn rewards. However, to maximize your rewards, make sure to be a frequent flier on one major airline and attempt to align yourself with this airline through your credit card. Many credit cards will give you double points or miles for travel purchases directly through their company, so the miles will multiply, not just add up, when you make qualifying purchases.

Keep track of promotional opportunities available
At your bank’s website you can keep tabs on the current promotions being offered. There are several different promotions offered at the same time, so regularly checking back to see what you can use is vital to making the most of your rewards card. When planning future purchases or travel, planning for birthdays or Christmas, checking the website before purchasing elsewhere is a great way to earn your rewards as fast as possible.

Pay as many bills as possible
In order to reap the maximum amount of rewards, make it a habit to pay with your credit card. No matter if you are at the grocery store, gas station, or paying utility bills, ask if you can pay with your card. Consistent little purchases add up quickly, which means rewards add up quickly, too. If a company requires a fee for paying with a credit card, do the math to determine if the fee is worth it. Many times it may not be, but it’s better to be sure than miss out on rewards.

Ditch other rewards cards
For maximum rewards, it is in your best interest to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Earning a few rewards on one card and a few on the next will not help you earn a big ticket reward, like an international flight or a cruise. While a little bit here and there can help earn big, splitting those reward points will not help.

Always pay off your credit card balance monthly
A reward isn’t a reward if you are paying for it monthly. In order to get the most out of your credit card, pay it off to avoid fees and high interest rates. This way, when you do earn your reward it will truly be a reward.

Use your rewards
Not all reward points expire, but even if they don’t it’s good to cash in every once in a while to remind yourself why you do this.

Happy travels!

Benefits 

The modern cruise is enjoyed by all age groups and can encompass a wide variety of interests. For some cruises the passenger will have to fly to the point of embarkation, this is sometimes included in the cruise price, and for other cruises it’s as easy as just traveling down to the port and then just boarding the ship.  Anyone who chooses this type of holiday can rest assured that they will be traveling in comfort and style.  An increasing number of ships offer onboard lectures about the places that will be visited in order to inform the traveler in advance about what to expect.  Most ships offer onboard entertainment and the cabins and food are sumptuous. Imagine returning to the liner after a hard day’s sightseeing safe in the knowledge that the accommodation is reassuringly familiar and that the food on offer will reflect the local menus and that all the passenger has to do is put their feet up in anticipation of the next destination.

Countries 

It’s up to the individual’s budget, time limitations and interests where they choose to go.  The holiday can be as exotic as the traveler desires.  Current options on offer from Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises include a trip around the Eastern Mediterranean starting at Venice, This Italian city can be exhausting, there is literally so much to see so if anyone does intend to visit the Serenissima, the ancient name for the Venetian Republic, a walk around St Mark’s Square, stopping off at the Doge’s Palace will probably serve as an introduction.  This trip also includes a visit to Istanbul so the passenger will be able to see the glories of the Byzantine age in their home setting before heading off to Naples.  If anyone is looking for an introduction to a country, then a cruise is certainly a comfortable and idyllic way to sample this world.

Winter sun 

A cruise to Honolulu will introduce the traveller to the tropical delights of Hawaii and also offer a welcome break from everyday life. Anyone who plans their trip for October will be able to enjoy the Festival of Na Lima Hana, which is a celebration of regional dancing, food and local drumming and singing.  The lowest cruise prices tend to be around the autumn for those in the Northern hemisphere.  One of the benefits of a trip to Hawaii is that the sun shines throughout the year.  Alternatively if anyone wishes to view the Northern lights in Lapland or take a trip to Alaska, then they can probably put up with the cold because they know that they’ll always be returning to a warm and comfortable ship after the day’s exertions.

However, we are here to tell you to reconsider; the area is drop dead gorgeous, and there are plenty of amazing activities and adventures that you and the kids will love to take part in.

Here are a handful of different ideas; hopefully they will inspire you and you’ll have a fab, memorable weekend away!

Celyn Villa

This is a beautiful place to stay – your backdrop is framed by the lovely Moel Famau and the rest of the Clwydian Range of hills, meaning you have some truly gorgeous sights to look out upon.

Well-known around the nation for its hiking and biking opportunities, this area has plenty of things to keep you occupied. Celyn Villa is a wonderful, friendly bed & breakfast, near to the luscious Greenfield Valley Heritage Park.

Moel Famau

The afore-mentioned Moel Famau is the highest point in the Clwydian Hills, and it offers spectacular views of the surrounding greenery. You can travel to the top with an expert on the area and find out all about it, or you can simply race to the top and catch your breath (with a picnic) at the peak.

There’s also a geocaching trail in the area, so you and the kids can enjoy a digitally-interactive treasure hunt! If you are at the top on a particularly clear day, you should be able to see Blackpool Tower…

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Known as one of Wales’s seven wonders, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is often called the “stream in the skies” – the aqueduct itself is almost 130 feet high, giving you unparalleled views of the countryside around, all from a unique vantage point.

The best way to experience it is via canal boat – you can bob along the waters all the way across! However, if you’re feeling brave, you could instead walk along the (rather narrow) pathway!

Ruthin Gaol

Ruthin Gaol has, as you perhaps might have expected, a rather dark history behind it, involving torture and brutality, as it housed some of the worst criminals around at the time. The conditions were not exactly what we today would label “humane”, let’s put it that way.

It’s a really interesting place to visit, especially if the kids aren’t too squeamish. You can learn all about the history of the place as you wander its dingy rooms.

Ruthin Castle

If you’re looking for yet more information and recommendations about the attractions of the North Wales Borderlands, just visit the website, but we still have one more for you.

Just up the road from the Gaol you’ll find Ruthin Castle. This castle is now a luxury hotel, sitting among acres of woodland. Make sure you explore the property, and then once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can fill up in Bertie’s, the incredible on-site restaurant. Delish!

Photo Credit: Certo Xornal

Believed to date back to the second or third century, the ruins at Cerro da Vila were once a rustic residence, surrounded by lush and fertile fields in this picturesque part of the Algarve.

Photo Credit:  Certo Xornal

Viewed from above, the lines of the ruins show the silhouettes of a reception room, bedrooms, a kitchen and even slaves and servants’ areas. In this photo, the piles of stones are what are left of pillars that supported the villa’s roof.

Photo Credit: Certo Xornal

What’s more the villa itself sprawled out over a considerable area, with numerous bathtubs and intricate mosaics uncovered during its excavation, hinting that its former residents may have held a high social standing.

Photo Credit: Certo Xornal

The layout of Cerro da Vila played an important part in piecing together the activities of Romans in the Algarve region, as it was found that water was fed from a dam located around 2km from the villa. This gave historians a clearer idea of the complex building skills of the Romans, as well as their resourcefulness in such a previously unpopulated area.

Photo Credit:  Certo Xornal

Archaeologists were also impressed by the feature of a cryptoporticum at Cerro da Vila – a covered corridor that connected the slaves’ areas, and only became common around the first century.

Photo Credit: Certo Xornal

After exploring the ruins of Cerro da Vila, you can find out more about this fascinating site at the Archaeological Museum, which also displays some of the objects that have been uncovered around the area. The diversity of these objects showed that Cerra da Vila was inhabited right up to the 11^th century, including the medieval and Moorish period, and also tells the story of the villa itself in detail.

This makes the Cerro da Vila an essential stop on holidays to the Algarve for those with a penchant for history, plus it’s easy to reach from Vilamoura hotels like the Vila Gale Marina by bus or taxi. Just don’t forget to pack your camera!

Photo Credit: Certo Xornal

Holidays to to Greece with Crete, and its miles of beautiful coastline and clear, clean waters – visibility is typically 30 metres or more – has long been an attractive destination for divers and snorkellers. There are several superb diving centres on the island and snorkels can be bought or hired from any beach with general facilities. For those new to scuba, the calm bays are ideal for learning the basics, while more experienced divers can find an array of challenging and interesting sites.

Snorkelling in Crete

Snorkelling is a popular holiday activity and one that requires no previous expertise and little in the way of equipment. Once you have bought or hired your snorkel and mask – flippers are optional – all you need is a beach! Here’s where the fun really begins. The best beaches for snorkelling are those with superb visibility and warm, clean waters with no currents, and those with a range of fishes and other sea life. Beaches with a rocky seabed tend to have the best sea life, both in terms of quantity and diversity. You might come across starfish, moray eels and even octopus, as well as sponges and various marine plants.

Many beaches in Crete tick all those boxes, so how do you choose from amongst them? In general less crowded beaches are better for snorkelling, as crowds create noise and activity which can disturb sea life. Fortunately, the most crowded beaches tend to be those long sandy stretches that are not ideal for snorkelling anyway.

Many of the best beaches for snorkelling are found in the south, where there are plenty of rocky coves and inlets and sheltered bays. They include Elafonissi, a beautiful island reached via a shallow lagoon; Souda, a lovely, quiet cove; Plakias, a nearby resort with excellent facilities; and Matala, an outstandingly beautiful beach with caves and clear waters.

The northern beaches tend to be busier, but several of them are suitable for snorkelling. They include Pachia Ammos near Stavros, an excellent sand and limestone beach; Gerani, a quiet pebble beach in a beautiful natural cove setting; and Anissaras, a more populated beach with excellent facilities.

If you want a little more adventure, why not try out a snorkelling tour? Many hotels organise day-long snorkelling trips to some of the finest spots around the island. This gives you the opportunity to further escape the crowds and take advantage of local knowledge to find the clearest waters and best diversity of sea life. Snorkel (and scuba) sites include Dia Island, a small island off Heraklion; Chrissi, an island south of Ierapetra; and Thedorou, near Platanias.

Dive centres, offering equipment hire, lessons and day trips, can be found at many of the busier resorts, including Rethymno, Gouves, Agia Pelagia, Malia, Plakias and Vai. Beginners may want to take a PADI course, starting from two day courses with theory, pool dives and open water dives. Junior courses are available for those aged 10 to 14. Various advanced and speciality courses are also on offer.

Some of the finest beaches for snorkelling are a little out of the way and few have accommodation options. Unless you happen to be staying at one of the above beaches and are happy to spend your entire holiday there, searching out the best snorkel sites and getting to the dive centres is often easier with your own transport. With car hire the island of Crete becomes very easy to navigate and drive around, making the service very reasonable. Having your own transport also means that you get to experience some of the spectacular scenery to be found along the coastal and inland roads – you may even be tempted to spend more time on land! But whichever beaches you choose, the clear turquoise waters of Crete are sure not to disappoint – it is the perfect destination for a diving or snorkelling holiday.

Whether you’re thinking about relocating to start a new life in North America, or you are simply looking for a little insight and better understanding of the culture behind the American Dream, here is a complete A to Z of (some of) the ways to live your life the United States’ way.

Hawaii

Every life begins with your ABC’s, and education is one of the United States’ top priorities. The nation as a whole spends more than one trillion dollars per year on educating and schooling its young, and opportunities and chances to develop academic skills are amongst the highest in the world. A literacy rate of 99% for both male and female students, and some of the top higher education establishments in the world, make the USA a great place for the young to learn.

America is the home of pop music, and nothing represents that better than the letters D,E, and F, or more precisely, the DEF of Def Jam records. This New York label was home to some of the most famous hip hop stars of the 1980s, and represents everything exciting and vibrant about a music industry that remains one of the nation’s top exports to this day.

The United States doesn’t settle for half measures. So instead of the letter G, we have extreme G. America’s theme parks are a tourist attraction that bring in millions of visitors from across the globe each year. But it is the Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio which boasts the Millennium Force: the world’s most extreme roller-coaster, which puts riders through an immense 4.5 G-force through two of its turns!

Hawaii, with its state postal code HI, is the remotest state in the union, lying almost 2,400 miles to the west of the Californian coastline. The volcanic archipelago is home to landscapes and wildlife unlike anything found within the mainland. And if life in the United States is new to you, then Hawaii will give you something in common: its unique culture and way of life is something that most American citizens have never experienced either.

J is for July, or more specifically, the 4th of July. America’s independence was a hard-won prize, achieved as much through clever diplomacy and civil action as it was through blood spilt on the battlefields. The month is a special time in the states, and is celebrated with festivals, re-enactments, and parties across the country.

Next in our alphabet, we arrive at K,L, and M. Or, to reverse it, MLK, the initials of America’s greatest civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. Though he was assassinated in 1968, the legacy of the pastor’s son from Atlanta Georgia is one of the most important in the nation’s history, and his campaigning brought freedom for millions of African Americans.

N.O. Is the abbreviated form of Louisiana’s “Big Easy”, New Orleans. The south’s undisputed city of jazz is a perennial favourite for visitors, who fall in love with it’s unique cultural blend of the deep south and old French influences. The music, the architecture, the night life, and the traditional cuisine of New Orleans are unlike anything else found in the United States.

P,Q and R may seem like a tricky one for our alphabet. But luckily, PQR is also the national weather service’s designation for Portland, Oregon. This quirky and characterful Pacific Northwest settlement is America’s most environmentally-friendly city. As well as boasting impressive green credentials, Portland is home to many of the nation’s top microbreweries, so fans of craft ale will feel right at home!

Florida’s St Thomas University (or STU for short) is the historical training ground of one of the NFL’s most famous franchises, the Miami Dolphins. The team trained here during their golden age, when the Dolphins were one of the teams which introduced the world to American football. The NFL is now America’s favourite sport, and the season culminates in the Super Bowl: where the top two teams compete in the world’s most watched annual sporting event.

VW stands for Volkswagen Group of America, responsible for commercial to high performance vehicle brands, including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Volkswagen cars in US territories. If you are planning to resettle in America, you will need a domestic licence, but with a car hire at Avis, USA road laws allow visitors to get behind the wheel immediately, using their current overseas license.

Nowhere typifies the rock and roll lifestyle of excess like West Hollywood did in the 1980s. And from its legendary nightclub the Whisky A Go Go, we reach the end of our American alphabet with the club’s band-in-residence, the glam rockers XYZ. Like so much of that era, this band is probably best consigned to the past. But “The Whisky” lives on, and is one of LA’s hotspot that most definitely does require revisiting at least once.

The Cotswolds

I have a particular fondness for cottage breaks, as these give you the most freedom in terms of things like meals, in addition to plenty of space and a sense of cosiness. Plus, if you’re travelling with family or a group of friends, they’re also a very sociable option. Now, let’s take a look at the very best places to go for a memorable cottage getaway in the UK.

1) The Cotswolds

First on my list is the Cotswolds. This is the name given to a group of hills in south-west and west-central England, which include scenic villages like Painswick, large cities and fantastic walking routes. So, a visit to the Cotswolds gives you lots of options – for example, you could stay somewhere rural and have a quiet break, or book a cottage close to a city like Bath and Oxford to be close to urban attractions.

2) Cornwall

Next up we have Cornwall, which I love for its combination of gorgeous beaches, delicious food and beautiful landscapes. Having lots of family-friendly attractions, the county is a particularly good option if you’re planning a break with the kids, but it has something for everyone. Among the things you shouldn’t miss include indulging in classic Cornish pasties and cream teas, heading to Blue Flag beaches and trying a spot of surfing.

3) Devon

Sitting next to Cornwall in the south-west of England is my next recommendation – Devon. Like its neighbour, this county is home to a tempting mix of delicious food and natural beauty spots, which makes it a brilliant choice for couples hoping to relax and spend some quality time together. Among the highlights of this destination is Dartmoor National Park, where you can see stunning sights like the turquoise lagoons of Lydford Gorge. There are also plenty of historical attractions in Devon, such as Watermouth Castle, where you can learn all about life in Victorian times.

4) The Isle of Wight

My next suggestion is booking a cottage on the Isle of Wight. This little island lies just off the south coast of England and is easily reachable with a short ferry ride. One of the things I like most about the Isle of Wight is its tranquil atmosphere, which I think is enhanced by the fact that more than half of the island has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I also really like its mixture of attractions, which include scenic walks and cycle rides, natural wonders (most famously The Needles) and theme parks like Blackgang Chine.

5) The Lake District

Last up is the Lake District, which is one of the UK’s most celebrated national parks. This is an unbeatable place to visit if you’re envisioning a break amid amazing scenery, since the lakes and mountains of this region are hard to top. While there’s plenty to do here (including water sports, cycling and checking out historical attractions like Castlerigg Stone Circle) I actually think simply taking some leisurely walks is one of the best options, since this gives you the best way to relax and truly appreciate your surroundings.