On the Peninsular you’ll find a multicultural mixture of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours abound both in foods and in style and attitude. Actually foodwise, the Malaysian Peninsular west coast has one of the best cuisines in the world and includes a wide range of things from Indian banana leaf curries to Chinese buffets and Malay food along with a mix of western styles thrown in for good measure.

Malaysia’s capital city is Kuala Lumpur which is known as KL and began with a humble start as a mining shanty town. Today however it’s a 21st century metropolis and is dominated by the skyscrapers – some of the tallest in South east Asia.

Bako is one of the oldest national parks and is 27 square kilometres of unspoilt land between the Sarawak and the Bako river. Mangroves fringe the coast here, and the park has rainforests, as well as kerangas. It is the best place to see the rare proboscis monkey, and Macaque monkeys are common here too.

Cambodia lies just over 600 miles from Malaysia across the Gulf of Thailand, and air travel between the two is frequent and cheap. Like Malaysia it has a tropical climate and it’s temperature tends to range from around 21 to 35 degrees Celsius. It has a low lying central plain surrounded by uplands and low mountains, and transitional plains extend outwards from this central region. The Mekong river flows
southwards through the eastern regions.

Cambodia’s wonderful mixture of history, spirituality, symbolism and symmetry casts a spell over many of its visitors on Cambodia holidays, and as well as the many temples here there is much more that is all too often overlooked by tourists.

The revitalised city of Siem Reap is one area which deserves a mention, and has a georgous riverside location and much of cultural interest as well as fine dining and a drinking scene that rivals anything else available here. Another area of interest is the Bokor National Park where a wide range of rare animals dwell and can be seen if you’re lucky including Indian elephant, leopard, Asiatic black bear, slow loris, pangolin, and many more including over 300 species of birds.

Comtemporary Cambodia blends well with the ancient Khmer empire which it succeeds and there are many remains that can be seen at the fabled temples of Angkor such as Angkor Wat. The south coast has many tropical islands with beautiful deserted beaches awaiting discovery, and as yet virtually untouched by the tourist tide, while inland the cardamom mountains are beautiful to behold in the morning light, and
the cuisine is subtle and delicious.

Disney World Resort if the ultimate destination in Orlando. With theme parks, water parks, shopping, entertainment and much more to be enjoyed there is plenty to see and do for the whole family. Whether young or old you can be sure of an amazing trip here that will give you wonderful memories for the rest of your life. Not to mention the
autographs and photographs that will be collected on your trip around the parks and with four theme parks and two water parks you will be sure of seeing plenty of Disney characters that people, young and old, will recognise from themes and shows throughout their lifetime.

If you are looking for an enchanting theme park chock full of Disney characters and attractions, parades, fireworks and shows then be sure to visit the Magic Kingdom Park. This is really the ultimate fairy tale park and by booking your Disney Tickets Orlando in advance you can be sure of a great deal.

The Animal Kingdom Park is a fantastic place and is actually the Worlds largest animal themed park. There are some amazing animals here and you can enjoy a Backstage Safari tour showing you all around the back stages of the park and how the animals are cared for.

In addition to these parks you can visit Epcot, with it’s entertainment and vast cuisine, Hollywood Studios, with it’s behind the scenes look at real Hollywood action. There are also the water parks of Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon which offer lots of different water rides, of various scariness levels and whether you are looking for a raft ride, a surf pool or a shark reef you will find something wet and wonderful here.

In addition to all the wonderful parks to visit there are lots of amazing places to eat and you can even dine with Disney Princesses here.

Once you have explored all the wonderful parks that Disneyland has to offer then be sure to visit some of the other amazing locations that Orlando has to offer with Florida attraction tickets.

Discovery Cove is an amazing place to view some of the beautiful wild life and marine life that this area has to offer. This park is full to the brim with helpful staff and you will be able to arrange to swim with dolphins and have the whole thing captured on DVD.

Gatorland is another amazing place to see some of the wild life that is on offer in Orlando. You will be able to see a number of alligators, crocodiles, birds and snakes. This a fantastic way to get up close, and almost a little too personal, with some amazing animals that are rarely found in other parts of the World.

If you are looking for something a little different on your holiday then why not visit the iFly Orlando location where you can practice skydiving in a wind tunnel. This is a truly amazing experience that is not widely available in other holiday destinations.

Wherever you decide to visit in Orlando you will be sure of great weather, fantastic people, wonderful cuisine and a holiday that you and your family will remember for the rest of your lives.

Pinpointing the best spot for such a getaway can be a difficult decision, especially as there are so many wonderful destinations to choose from.

Paris

Among these is the city of love itself – Paris. The French capital is the ideal place to spend some time bonding with your partner, and whether you end up at the pinnacle of Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower, romance is sure to be in the air as you gaze over the city from up on high.

Head to the luxurious Chateau de Versailles and take a tranquil stroll around the grounds or visit the beautiful gothic Chartres Cathedral before stopping off at a top-class restaurant on the Champs-Elysees for a moonlit meal for two.

Prague

Another great spot for a romantic break is Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Crossing the beautiful gothic Charles Bridge is an iconic and romantic experience you’re sure to want to try; alternatively, you could head to the intimate Mucha Museum, where you can take in the artist’s works.

Head to Prague Castle to step back in time and make sure you witness the movements of the astronomical clock before you leave – one of the oldest in the world.

Florence

The Italian city of Florence is also an excellent choice for an idyllic escape, with its charming architecture, artistic masterpieces and romantic hotspots, such as the River Arno, Ponte Vecchio and the Boboli Gardens.

Enjoy breathtaking views from Piazzale Michelangiolo or climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for equally stunning vistas and make your way to the Uffizi Gallery to marvel at the works by Botticelli.

Venice

As well as Florence, there are a number of other ideal locations to visit in Italy, one of which is Venice. Getting around by boat is a great way of spending uninterrupted time with your loved one while taking in the beauty of the city, which boasts many gothic buildings and a number of Renaissance and baroque structures too which you can see from a Venice gondola ride.

Sample some of the rustic seafood dishes the region is renowned for and visit historical landmarks such as Basilica di San Marco and the Ponte di Rialto, the latter of which is a bridge built in the 1500s. This is an ideal place to pick up curiosities as there are numerous shops here, while the wider neighbourhood boasts plenty of fresh fish, fruit and vegetable stalls.

Rome

Within the same country is the glorious capital of Rome, and there’s plenty to see and do here. The bustling metropolis is filled with antique buildings – and it’s no surprise, as the city is thousands of years old.

As the capital of Roman Catholicism you can expect to find some wonderfully ornate churches in Rome, none more so than St Peter’s Basilica. Take a tour and then head on to another of the city’s most famous landmarks – the Colosseum, which is thought to date back to around 80 AD.

Consider taking a Rome tours to see everything this fantastic city has on offer.

Bruges

Alternatively, head to Bruges in Belgium for a romantic break where you can stroll hand-in-hand down intimate lanes, enjoy a boat trip along the canals or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city.

What could be more romantic than taking a hot air balloon ride over the picturesque city? This is a popular pastime in Bruges and could be the ideal place to pop a very important question!

New York

New York is another great location for a romantic city break. Here you can take in the amazing skyline from the top of the Empire State Building, enjoy a fun skate on the ice at the Rockefeller Centre, visit the beautiful green space of Central Park and wander around the grand Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Brooklyn Promenade and the nearby Botanical Gardens make for a couple of lovely spots to spend quality time as a couple, too.

Edinburgh

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a short getaway closer to home, you can’t get much more romantic than the city of Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is steeped in history and has a picturesque old town, the focal point of which is the imposing castle, which dates back to around the ninth century.

There are plenty of cosy restaurants to enjoy some traditional Scottish food and be sure to spend some time visiting the historic sites and neighbouring tranquil lochs.

With so many romantic cities to choose from, you’re bound to enjoy a trip to any of these beautiful destinations! Visit idealshortbreaks.co.uk to find out more about these – and plenty of other places for a romantic getaway.

1. Summer Palace (Yiheyuan). It is one of the most famous places to visit on a China tour. This palace was once the summer home of the Emperors of China. Today it is a large, beautiful park that spans more than 290 acres. There is an ancient palace, pavilions, palaces, a large lake and many small places to eat and shop in the park. It is the perfect place to visit for the tourist who is tired of working his or her way through large crowds.

2. Forbidden City (Imperial Palace). This palace stretches across a property of over 250 acres. The palace itself boasts more than 9,000 rooms. It was originally built during the 15th century and later renovated during the 18th century, under the leadership of the Qing Dynasty. It’s a beautiful place to check out – make sure that you purchase your tour tickets ahead of time. It can get crowded if you don’t have reservations booked in advance.

3. Great Wall at Huanghuacheng. The Great Wall is one of the seven wonders of the modern world – and the ancient one. Although it stretches for many miles, try exploring this specific section of the wall. The scenery of the area is stunning, and the sheer magnitude and height of the wall is amazing. You can book a tour with an English speaking tour guide. You will be able to walk along the top of the wall, as well. It is definitely worth the visit!

4. Beijing Capital Museum. Nothing is quite so fulfilling as soaking in the local culture and history of a new city or country. The Beijing Capital Museum is an excellent place to do just that. There are more than five floors in the building, and you will find some of the most unique and ancient Chinese art on display here. It might even be a good idea to start off your trip to Beijing right here.

5. Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park). As one of the most religious sites in China, is is also the largest worship center in the entire country. It spans many acres. It was originally built during the 15th century. Today people can walk the lovely grounds and enjoy the scenery. It is a great place to learn about the history of China.

6. Hiking the Great Wall at Jinshanling toward Simatai. While the Great Wall is amazing to visit, it is even more amazing to hike an extensive piece of it. Jinshanling and Simatai are located right on the blade of mountains, providing breathtaking views, as well as some of the original features from the Ming Dynasty Wall. You will definitely love it.

For those who visit Morocco for the desert and for Berber culture, the classic excursion of riding camels through the Sahara, sleeping under the stars, and getting caught in a sandstorm are widely available in in the Southern region, with Merzouga and its sand dunes high on the list of destinations. Those who crave shopping and are thrilled by the thought of strolling (or pushing) through bazaars, the souqs of Fez and Marrakech could provide weeks of entertainment.

The opportunities for beach excursions are also numerous, and can fit both parents looking for luxury and kids searching for adventure. Essaouira and Asilah have become the most popular beach towns, and those who venture to these easygoing coastal towns will quickly understand why. The coastal areas also offer plenty of opportunity for horseback riding, surfing, kayaking, and exploring beachfront ruins.

Though most think of Morocco as being solely a lad of sand and deserts, hiking and trekking are quite popular, with the Rif and Atlas mountains serving as a gorgeous and challenging backdrop to your journey. Chefchaouen (the famed Blue City) and Tetouan are two mountain towns nestled between the peaks that make visitors feel as though they never want to return home. Both Tetouan and Chefchaouen are excellent sites to find a guide or tour group for some hiking or camping.

No matter how much Morocco evolves as a well-rounded tourist destination, however, it will still always be known for the history and culture evident in the art and architecture of the imperial cities. Fez, the ever-popular and ever-crowded city in central Morocco, boasts a long history of welcoming tourists, and some of the finest Islamic architecture in the country, including the larger of the Bou Inania Madrasas, the Dar al-Magana, and the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II. Meknes, south of Fez and a bit smaller, feels less intimidating and less crowded, and might be a better choice for families with children. In Meknes, one can visit the awe-inspiring Bab Mansour, the Dar El Makhzen palace, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

Due to it’s status as a slightly less-visited city, Meknes seems to retain a somewhat more authentic and hospitable feel, as well as lower prices than any other large city in Morocco. The Roman ruins of Volubulis are also nearby, and worth a visit. Rabat, on the Atlantic coast, boasts the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Kasbah of the Udayas, and has a fascinating history, though not much for those in search of shopping. Marrakech is large, and seems to have it all. Visitors can tour the crowded souqs, or admire the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. Travelers should be aware, though, that it is forbidden for non-Muslims to enter any active mosques in Morocco.

The island’s largest city, Palma de Majorca, is a great introduction to the local culture and can serve as a starting point for your holiday. Villas in the city are near public transportation that can easily get your family to the best beaches on the island. Spend an afternoon escaping the Balearic heat by exploring the shady historic center of Palma. Visit the Catedral de Majorca to view religious artifacts and paintings and the nearby Museo de Arte Español Contemporáneo, which showcases works by world-renown Spanish artists like Picasso, Dali and Miro. Children will love the city’s Marineland, an aquarium that is home to sharks, exotic fish, hot pink flamingos and playful penguins. Don’t miss the daily shows that feature sea lions and other creatures that will entertain the whole family.

Families looking to escape the city will find respite in Alcudia on the north coast of Majorca. The small town is home to the largest protected area in the island chain, the S’Albufera Natural Park.

Count how many of the reserve’s 271 species of bird you can spot! Hiking in the area’s mountains will give your family exercise and a chance to bond with both nature and each other. Pollenca is another small town that is perfect for a villa holiday. Staying in Pollenca will give you stunning views of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range and take you away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist resorts. Visit the 15th century Puig de Pollenca monastery that offers incredible views of both the Majorcan coast and mountain range. Rent bicycles in the town center to explore the winding trails that lead through the mountains and grace the coastline. Visit the market on Sundays to stock up on fresh ingredients for a picnic lunch or to prepare in your villa’s kitchen.

If you don’t feel like cooking, take the time to sample the delicious and filling Majorcan cuisine. Inspired by the Mediterranean’s fresh sea food and hearty Spanish meals, Majorcan cooking will satiate your appetite and delight your taste buds. Start your day with a breakfast of ensaimada, a sweet bun in a fun spiral shape. Enjoy a lunch of frit mallorquni soup with wild mushrooms, meat and local vegetables. Those with a love of spicy food will relish Majorcan sobrassada, a pork sausage spiked with plenty of paprika and served on a slice of thick bread. Try paella for dinner, a traditional Spanish rice dish that pairs perfectly with the day’s catch. Top it all off with a glass of Spanish wine and toast to your family holiday in Majorca.

• Singapore Botanic Gardens. This is a national park within the city. Once you arrive you can expect to see animals, lakes, trees, flowers and other botanical wonders that have been well preserved. They are famous for their fantastic orchid garden, something that any nature lover can appreciate. Even if you don’t typically enjoy the outdoors, the botanic gardens hold something of interest to everybody. It is a great place to take a family, stroll with your husband or wife or just visit with your friends. There is a nominal fee. It is very reasonable and a vast change of pace from the city.

• Singapore Zoo. Exotic animals are to be found within this well-built and clean zoo. The world’s largest group of captive orangutans can be viewed here, as well. It’s a free-ranging zoo that spans over 220 acres. It is truly a beautiful place to visit, if not for the animals, then for the botanical value. It’s big, so make sure you have set aside at least one day for the experience.

• Singapore Flyer. This is the world’s largest observation wheel. It gives you a total 360 view of the city, with a peek at Malaysia and Indonesia. The ride itself is thirty minutes long and will captivate you with the scenery. It is especially fun to visit at night!

• National Museum of Singapore. It is the oldest museum in Singapore. It is three levels high with an audio tour and informative, logical displays that give you a great slice of the culture and history of the city.

• Chinatown. This is perhaps the top tourist destination in the entire city. Tourism is the mainstay of this area, and you will find many fantastic shops and attractions to check out here, all for free. It will offer you a glimpse into the days of old Singapore, before cars and cell phones. Don’t miss out.

• Lau Pa Sat Festival Pavilion. Hungry or tired? Then head over to this pavilion, where you will find a diverse choice of food presented both by store owners and vendors. The selection of food is very excellent and the stores are fun to peek inside. You will get a real slice of modern Singaporean culture when you visit, plus you’ll get to taste some outstanding food. It is also a gem of colonial architecture.

• Bukit Tumah Nature Reserve. If you have ever wanted to visit a rainforest, then don’t’ miss out on seeing the Bukit Tumah Nature Reserve. It is only 12 km away from the city, and it provides miles of biking and hiking trails, home to some of the rarest creatures on earth.

If this has inspired you to take a trip to Singapore, then Malaysia holidays can be booked online and with flights leaving daily from the UK it is easy and accessible to get to.

From tapas bars to historical Moorish palaces there are lots of things to see and do here, and Spain is quite easy to travel around. The rail network is well maintained and connects most of the major cities, and for short distances buses are available. If you’re under 26 you can purchase a Tarjeta Explorerail which allows unlimited travel on most trains and can be bought to last various lengths of time from 3 days up to a full month.

Accommodation here is plentiful, but hotels are often quite expensive. Pensions make a better option (a bit like UK B&B’s), and there is a great hostel network REAJ which has over 200 hostels through out Spain. Most hostels can only be booked once you’re in Spain, so it’s best to book a night or two in a Pension when you first arrive and then make the rest of your bookings from here. Luckily the hostels are rarely completely full unless you’re travelling when there is a major holiday or festival taking place.

Healthcare in Spain is pretty good, but it’s best to make sure you have a valid EHIC card, and comprehensive travel insurance to guarantee your standard of treatment. Tap water is normally considered to be fine to drink, and there are no required vaccinations for travelling here.

Choosing where you visit on your backpacking trip is probably the hardest part of travelling here as there’s so much to choose from. Whatever you do opt for, it is best to decide on a travel time frame before you go so that you get the most out of your trip.

Learn a bit of Spanish, some Basque, Catalan and Galiccian if you can, even if you only learn the basics such as please, thank you, hello and goodbye in each dialect you’ll be much more popular than if you know nothing.

The budget friendly Basque region lies in the Pyrenees mountains and here you can visit San Sebastian and Pamploma, and if you’re here in July you could see the running of the bulls. There is Cataluyna on the French border, and Barcelona where you can enjoy plenty of contemporary art such as Dali, Picasso and Gaudi. Andaulusia is great for experiencing a bit of traditional Spain, Seville and Granada in particular (in Granada the La Alhambra is well worth a visit). Galica is the least travelled area of Spain, and lies up in the northwest near Portugal. The Baroque cathedral del Apostol in Santiago de Compostella is the main attraction here.

if you are heading to the Balearic islands to chill out then Majorca holidays and Ibiza and Menorca offer a contrast to the mainland.

There are two main districts of Luxor, the East and West Bank. Major ruins like the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens are found on the West Bank. There are also a few hotels situated on this side of the Nile. The East Bank is home to the town, the Luxor Temple, the Temple of Karnak, the museum, various hotels, and restaurants. Essentially, the East Bank is the historical capital of Thebes whereas the West Bank is the modern city.

It is fairly simple to get into Luxor. The Luxor International Airport is a destination for flights originating in Europe and across the Middle East coming here on Egypt holidays. It can also be reached from Cairo. There is also a train station and bus station, depending on the mode of transportation best suited to your family’s needs. There are also boats that go up and down the Nile, which can bring travelers to Luxor.

When planning any family holidays to Egypt to Luxor, consider booking tours and accommodations before leaving home. There can be extremely pushy guides, who are best avoided by traveling with a government guide. That said, there are many fantastic sights to see while staying in Luxor. Among the most fascinating are the Valley of the Kings, the temple complexes of Luxor and Karnak, Medinet Habu, the Tombs of the Nobles, and the Ramesseum Temple.

When traveling with a family, it is important to take part in activities that are safe and fun. One incredibly interesting adventure, that is unique to Egypt, is taking a walk across the desert from the Valley of the Queens to the Valley of the Kings. This fantastic hike is a great way to see some of the most important ruins in Egypt, and the world for that matter. After a day spent trekking across the Egyptian desert, take a dip in one of the hotel pools back in town to wash off all the sand.

There is so much to see and do while staying in beautiful Luxor. This ancient city is home to some of the most impressive examples of ancient Egyptian architecture and some of the most well preserved ruins. The scenic desert provides the perfect backdrop to a family vacation spent exploring the Nile Valley. While there are a few things to watch out for, like aggressive touts looking to swindle unsuspecting tourists, but this should not deter anyone from seeking out the beauty of Luxor. This ancient city is brimming with activities, sights, and experiences that will not be forgotten.

If you’re looking to visit historical sites and beautiful art on your holiday, head to Italy for a European backpacking experience you’ll never forget. The country is filled with art, culture, and history from across the ages. Here you can go back in time when visiting the impeccably well-preserved city of Pompeii, buried under volcanic ash in the Roman Ages, or walk among the ancient columns of the Roman Forum. In terms of art, be sure to visit the beautiful Renaissance paintings and sculptures on display across the country, especially in Rome and Florence. Once you’ve had your fill of history and art, take a trip to the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, or Sardinia for some fun in the sun and breathtaking sights. Although these aren’t the cheapest beach destinations, there are plenty of backpacking lodges and tasty, affordable restaurants for you to enjoy.

For hiking, road trips, and nature, the Southwest States are a great choice. Here, you’ll find majestic organic rock formations in National Parks like Arches in Utah, the Petrified Forest and Grand Canyon in Arizona, and the White Sands of New Mexico, all within reasonable driving distance of each other. There are plenty of accommodating backpackers to stop at along the way, and entrance to the parks is cheap (or free on many ‘free entrance days’) with camping sites also being offered on campgrounds within the parks.

If you’re thinking of heading down under, don’t pass up a chance to travel around New Zealand. Although the country itself is rather small, it’s home to some of the most amazing natural sights in the world, some of which feature in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. With lush forests, mountains, and coastline to offer travellers, New Zealand is a firm favourite for nature lovers and adventurers keen to skydive, bungee jump, or scuba dive. If you’re one of these thrill-seekers, remember to take out an adventure insurance policy that will cover you and your equipment against accidents and damage. Most policies cover a range of different sports, and you can even increase your sports grade if you need extra coverage, or opt for scuba diving insurance if you’re planning a deep sea encounter.

So you’ve chosen your backpacking destinations and booked your tickets, but have you remembered to purchase a comprehensive backpacking insurance policy? Don’t put yourself at risk when you travel, ensure that you’re insured with a policy that suits your needs and the types of activities that you’ll be doing. It may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can save you lots of money and stress if things go awry when you’re far from home.