Many wouldn’t think so but with its sparkling turquoise waters, its stunning natural landscape formations, and its warm nights, Turkey is one of the most romantic places in the world. Grab a cheap car hire Turkey and tour the country’s romantic destinations inland and on its coastlines – here are a few of them:

Assos

Now called Behramkale, this ancient village on Aegean coast of Turkey used to be the site of Aristotle’s Academy. Aristotle was welcomed here after he left Athens and Plato’s Academy and founded his own. Assos is also the site of Athena’s Temple whose ruins still exist today. This village boasts hilltop views of Aegean sunsets and beaches with crystal clear turquoise waters. Hike up to Athena’s Temple with your loved one and enjoy each other’s company while watching the sun set or take a nice warm nighttime dip together at the beach. If you feel like learning something about history, Assos has an old town with granite houses and cobbled streets where you can walk around in.

Kekova-Simena

This beautiful region on the southernwestern Mediterranean coast of Turkey is a popular spot, especially to those who are interested in the country’s Lycian civilization. This row of ancient villages and towns not only boasts ruins from the ancient and medieval worlds, it also offers lush greenery, clear blue skies and a beautiful coast. It is a popular yachting destination and a well-known swimming spot for visitors and locals alike. The ancient towns of Teimussa and Simena, which also has a very interesting sunken Lycian city, have large necropoleis and the appealing fishing village of Kaleköy has many ancient and medieval ruins. The village of Demre, a place where St. Nicholas lived, is also located in the area. Whether you are looking for a romantic holiday or an educational one, this region is the place for you.

Safranbolu

The town of Safranbolu (“the saffron city”) is located near Turkey’s northwestern Black Sea coast, around 6 hours from Istanbul. This historic town has a number of mosques, several rock tombs and historical fountains, a sundial, and a historical clock tower. It also has beautiful Ottoman architectures. Walk around hand-in-hand on its cobbled streets and gaze upon the remnants of history or spend a few hours shopping at the shoemakers market. If you are feeling adventurous, visit the nearby Mencilis Cave, which is the 4th largest cave in the country.

Kaleiçi

This historic old town near the city of Antalya on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey has structures from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires and an ancient Roman harbor being used today as a docking area for yachts. If you and your partner enjoy history and architecture, spend your holiday in Kaleiçi. The old town has quaint boutique hotels that offer very luxurious accommodations where you can relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring the town. Do not forget to visit the town’s popular landmarks like the clock tower, Hadrian’s Gate, the H?d?rl?k Tower, and the ?skele mosque

Kalkan

Kalkan is an old fishing town on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast that boasts about 300 days of sunshine and clear blue skies a year. It was declared one of the best tourist destinations by the British newspaper The Independent in 2007 because of its unspoiled landscape, its sparkling turquoise Mediterranean waters, its white-washed houses, and the vibrant bougainvillea flowers that decorate the town and serve as a colorful contrast to the white houses. Many water sports enthusiasts visit this town to scuba dive, jet ski, or parasail. Kalkan also has its share of historic sites like the Lycian ruins on Patara Beach.

Western Australia is one of the major tourist attraction for travelers looking for wilderness and adventure, and rightfully so. The area is huge but very sparsely populated – just 2.1 million inhabitants with almost three-quarters of them living in Perth. And yet, the area covers more than one-third of the whole Australian land mass. This is the perfect recipe for travelers looking for peace and quiet, to experience wilderness like nowhere else and re-align your tired body and mind with the nature. So, what are you waiting for? Get searching for the cheapest flights to Australia and give your stressed mind a well-deserved break in this land of adventure!

Scenic Perth

Start out your adventure in Perth, famed for its blue skies, stunning natural scenery and friendly, spirited people. The city of Perth is built on the banks of Swan River and flanked by scenic highlights such as the King Parks and the Botanic Gardens. The carefree city offers various activities and attractions – you can go parasailing over the sparkling Swan River, stroll through Kings Park and admire the city’s skyline, or visit the beach. The city is the perfect place for a holiday, and make for a great way to the start of your Australian west coast adventure.

Colorful birds and beautiful Australian wildflowers are just a few minutes away from the city center in Kings Park. Over 400 hectares of parklands and natural bush is spread for you to explore and enjoy, as well as a great spot at the top of Mount Eliza to enjoy a picnic and admire the sweeping Perth skyline. You can also visit the Aboriginal Art Gallery, or rent a bike to explore the park. The city of Perth also boast 19 metropolitan beaches, each with its own special atmosphere. These make for a great spot to watch the sunset, or to have a splash out in the waters of Indian Ocean. Some of the more popular beaches are Scarborough, Trigg, Port, and Cottesloe.

To the south of Perth is the precinct city of Fremantle, a colorful area that truly comes alive during the weekends. Street performers, fresh farmers markets and alfresco cafes dot the area, a popular quick getaway destination for local tourists. Aromas of fragrant spices wafts tantalizingly in the air as the markets hum with colorful crafts, antiques and fresh food and produce. Fremantle is easily accessible from the city, either by train or through a Swan River Cruise, and is definitely worth a visit.

Another popular quick getaway from Perth is the Peel Region, which lies less than an hour away from the city of Perth. Boasting sandy beaches and crystal clear waters of the coast to the rugged terrain of Darling Scarp, the region offers something for every type of adventure lovers. Whitewater rafting, swimming with the dolphins, hiking and trekking, all these activities and more are available in the region. There is also the popular Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary which is known for its good fishing, crabbing and prawning.

Margaret River

Towards the south of Perth is the Margaret River region, a charming scenic landscape boasting world-class wineries and boutique breweries. But the main attraction for adventurers would be the pounding surf breaks and the spectacular scenery. Mother Nature has created an exceptional gallery here in the form of networks of underground caves, turquoise waters and rugged natural coastline. Trekkers would undoubtedly enjoy walking the various coastal trails available here, as well as pay a visit to the historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, situated at the most south-westerly tip of Australia with its dramatic cliffs and rocks. Explore the stalactite decorating Ngilgi and Jewel Caves, the ancient fossil remains of Mammoth Cave, and admire the Karri Trees, the third tallest trees in the world, at the Boranup Forest.

For the surf lovers, powerful waves hammer through 40 kilometers of Margaret River’s coastline, with Surfer’s Point promising excellent swells and first-class waves. There are also a boat-load of other activities available for your convenience – from water-skiing and canoeing to windsurfing and rock-climbing. This combination of great surf, fine food and wine, spectacular scenery and a naturally diverse region allows Margaret River to emerge as one of the world’s top travel destinations.

Shark Bay World Heritage Area

On the other side of Perth is the Kalbarri National Park, located on the lower reaches of the Murchison River, filled with magnificent gorges, rolling sand plains and dramatic sea cliffs. Here is the area of Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with natural attractions and travel highlights.

Visit Shell Beach, a long stretch of snow-white beach popular for swimming, beach combing and relaxing in the sunshine. The aptly named attraction is formed from millions of shells, a truly unique destination. Over the years, the shells have used to construct a number of historic buildings in the nearby town of Denham, deep in the heart of Shark Bay and springboard to various nearby attractions.

Another such attraction is Monkey Mia, one of Australia’s most talked-about destinations where wild bottle-nose dolphins swim around your legs just off the beach. Here, the beautiful beaches complement the warm sea, superb fishing and fascinating wildlife to create a electrifying destination. The Hamelin Pool is another local wonder, filled with hyper-saline water and rocks that are actually alive – they are marine stromatolites, slow growing organisms that have existed for at least 3,5 billion years.

Coral Coast

Finally, you can head towards the Coral Coast, a coastline region that is home to unique rock formations of the Pinnacles and the internationally renowned Ningaloo Marine Park, an amazing area for diving and fishing all your round. With its world-class waters filled with marine life, Ningaloo Marine Park is an Australian icon, and one of the few places in the world where you can take a tour and swim with the world’s largest fish – the whale shark.

The Marine Park covers a massive area of 5,000 square kilometres of ocean, stretching 260 kilometres from Budegi Reef near Exmouth to Amherst Point near Coral Bay. Here, you can wade into the crystal clear water at Turquoise Bay and you will be immediately within distance to reef formations that is home to more than 500 species of tropical fish and 220 species of corals, as well as dolphins, dugongs, manta-rays and turtles. Few areas in the world can match the region for its aquatic life and excellent water visibility.

This reputation as one of Earth’s last ocean paradises have seen Ningaloo Marine Park awarded numerous tourism awards, and have always been one of the more popular travel destinations in Australia. The area has also been nominated to be enshrined as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers can base themselves at the small fishing towns of Exmouth and Coral Bay, both of which have retained their original flavor and a relaxed, down-to-earth vibe.

While neighboring Greece has its beautiful beaches, wonderful sunsets, and ancient ruins, the country of Turkey has its awe-inspiring natural landscape formations, a colorful and lively culture, and an eclectic mix of the Greek, Roman, and Ottoman structures. An all inclusive holidays to Turkey vacation boasts diversity when it comes to tourist attractions and holiday destinations and if you are looking for a vacation full of adventure and fun, it’s the place to be.

Troy

If you are looking for an Indiana Jones type of adventure then the site of one of the greatest wars in ancient literature must be your first stop in Turkey. Once thought to be a mythical place, the archaeological site of Troy that was excavated in 1865 is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to the many civilization and empires that took over Turkey in ancient times, Troy has a number of archaeological layers. The layer named Troy VII is, based on findings of several scientific studies, identified to have been the city that inspired Homer’s Troy.

Cappadocia

Leave those fancy shoes at your hotel room and put on your hiking shoes. Cappadocia, after all, is nothing if not for its exceptional natural rock formations. An ancient region of Anatolia in Turkey, Cappadocia is famous for beautiful conical rock formations called fairy chimneys, its troglodyte dwellings, and its underground cities. When you are in the midst of all these, it truly feels like you’re in another planet or you’ve gone back thousands of years back in time. Additionally, if your feet get too tired of exploring yet you still couldn’t get enough of the landscape, you can always see everything from above in a hot air balloon.

Pamukkale

Nature has bestowed upon this town in the western part of Turkey. It features breathtaking petrified calcium terraces with pools of hot springs that people can bathe in. These calcium terraces called travertines are truly a natural wonder that is worth a visit. Smaller, underground versions of the travertines are the Kaklik caves, which are a good 30 minutes away. Closer to town is another natural wonder, the hot mineral waters of Karahayit whose autumnal colors are a sight to behold. If you are looking to take a break from your adventurous vacation, head to Pamukkale. The town also boasts some historical sites like the larger than life Roman amphitheater of Hierapolis and the biblical location of Laodikya.

Istanbul

The city of Istanbul is probably the most vibrant and the liveliest city in the world when it comes to its people, its culture, its history, and its architecture. Here, you will see the best testament of the empires that ruled Turkey. Evidences of the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations are found all over Istanbul and their magnificent architectures beautifully decorate the city’s night skyline like Christmas lights. Take a day or two to learn about Istanbul’s history through its basilicas, churches, mosques, castles, and palaces and don’t forget visit Dolmabahçe Palace’s world-famous double horseshoe staircase made of Baccarat crystal.

There are still plenty of places to discovery in Turkey like the ancient city of Ephesus, once the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Sumela monastery, which is hanging on the face of a really tall cliff; and the ancient city of Pergamon, once the site of the Altar of Zeus. Turkey is truly the place to go if you are looking for an adventure away from home.

Ah, Greece, the land of one of the greatest and most glorious ancient civilizations of all. With its fascinating history, its scenic coastlines, and its elegant ruins that reminiscent its glorious past, how could anyone not help but be drawn to it like a moth to a mesmerizing dancing flame. There is so much to see within its historical shores but for now, let us look at ten of the most popular. Be sure not to miss these attractions on your next cheap holidays to Greece!

Athenian Acropolis and the Parthenon

On a tall rock in the midst of modern-day Athens stands the Acropolis of Athens, a beautiful citadel that is perhaps the best illustration of the power and sophistication of the ancient Greek civilization. Twenty-one archaeological structures still remain in or at the base of the Acropolis today. At its center is the Parthenon, the intricately designed Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. With its elegant avenues and beautiful sacred structures, the Acropolis is one historical site that should not be missed.

The Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion, a popular summer haven for the Athenians, is home to the Temple of Poseidon, one of the most powerful Olympians in Greek mythology. The temple stands near a cliff, looking out to the Aegean Sea, and offers a romantic view of the sunset. Only a few columns of the once great temple remain today; still, tourists visit this site where ancient mariners and communities offered prayers and left gifts to the god of the sea to gain his favor.

Santorini

Near the southeastern tip of Greece is the beautiful volcanic archipelago of Santorini, a tourist destination famous for its different colored beaches and warm waters. Santorini also boasts charming towns, and several wineries. Several of its islands are inhabited by villages and each island offers a different experience for tourists – the island of Oia, for example, has the most beautiful sunsets, the island of Perissa has the best beaches, and Fira, the largest island, has a beautiful Grecian village perched on a cliff.

The Ruins of Delphi

The oracle of Apollo is perhaps the most famous oracle in the world. Naturally, people flock the oracle’s ancient site and home, Delphi. In ancient times, Delphi was very significant to the Greeks because it was the site of the omphalos, a stone that supposedly marked the center of the universe. Today, tourists visit Delphi to see the mysterious Sanctuary of Athena with the Tholos and the remnants of the Sanctuary of Apollo, the most sacred site to the ancient Greeks.

Mykonos

Mykonos is where people go to party. The island is known for its dance clubs, bars, and vibrant nightlife. Mykonos has more to offer visitors, however. Its towns boast museums, little local shops and boutiques, quaint cafes, and restaurants that serve delicious food. On the western side of town sits the Mykonos Windmills and the lovely Byzantine church of Panagia Paraportiani and 30 minutes away from town is the archaeological island of Delos, Artemis and Apollo’s birthplace.

Crete

Once the center of the Minoan civilization, Crete today is perhaps the most beautiful place in the Greek islands. With its various landscapes, ancient Minoan and Roman ruins, a sunken city (Olous) where mermaids supposedly live, sandy beaches, ancient Neolithic tombs (Zarkos Gorge), the cave (Ideon Andron) where the infant Zeus was supposedly hidden from his murdering father, and the supposed tree where Zeus and Europa made love for the first time; Crete is truly a romantic and picturesque place to visit.

Mycenae

Mycenae is one of the most famous ancient kingdoms in Greece due in large part to its role in the legendary Trojan War. It was King Agamemnon of Mycenae who led the Greeks to wage war against the city of Troy for the kidnap of Helen, Queen of Sparta. Today, people visit ruins of the once great Mycenaean acropolis, the royal tombs that lay just outside the acropolis, the famous Lion Gate that serves as entrance to the city, and the Treasury of Atreus or the Tomb of Agamemnon.

Knossos, the Minoan Palace

Knossos is the largest archaeological site in the city of Crete and was once the administrative center of the Minoan civilization in Greece. It is said to be the inspiration for the story of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. Much of Knossos today is a reconstruction of the ancient city that would have been wrecked when the Mycenaeans took over.

Corinth

Corinth was one of the major and flourishing cities in the ancient Greek civilization. It was where Alexander the Great officially agreed to lead the Greeks into battle with the Persians. Today, tourists visit Corinth to see the ruins of the temples of Apollo, Aphrodite, and Octavia as well as the Acrocorinth, the Pelrene Fountain, and the Asklepielon. Corinth is considered a sacred site in Greece.

Rhodes

This Greek island in the Aegean Sea was historically famous for the 107-foot the statue of Titan Helios, known to the world as the Colossus of Rhodes, that stood at the city’s entrance. The Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The famous statue is long gone, completely destroyed by an earthquake around 224 BC but tourists flock in this historical island for its acropoleis, ancient towns, castles, and monasteries.

Read on for a brief rundown on when to visit and when to avoid the most popular countries in Asia. It’s also worth noting that if you find that freak weather is likely to hamper your plans to jet off to Asia at a particular time of the year then perhaps the Eurobookings website could help you to make alternative plans in a host of major cities like Berlin, London and Rome.

Hong Kong

Expect hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters in Hong Kong, which has a sub-tropical climate. Temperatures in spring and autumn can still reach a pleasant 27 or 28 degrees Celsius and between 14 and 20 in the winter. Summer in Hong Kong is not sweltering, but at around the early 30s is pretty warm so pack plenty of light, airy clothing.

India

Unless you can handle the intense heat and humidity of an Indian summer, travellers are probably best advised to wait until between October and February before they take in India. That’s because June, July and August are ridiculously hot months, while north-east India is too wet during this time as well.

Japan

Unlike many other Asian countries, Japan doesn’t really get hazardously hot. Temperatures in the summer rarely exceed 31 degrees Celsius and comfortably stay above 5 degrees in all but the most northerly regions throughout winter. Hot and humid summers are common in Japan and rainy season gets under way in June and ends in mid-July.

Malaysia

Different parts of Malaysia endure rainy seasons at different times of the year. For example, on the east coast and islands such as Tioman Island and Redang get monsoons between November and January. Sabah experiences monsoons between May and November and the Malaysian state of Sarawak on Borneo is wettest between October and March.

Thailand

Temperatures in Thailand surge above 34 degrees Celsius between April and June and many tourists in general find the country too hot and too wet. Northern Thailand is hampered by the heat, which makes the southern regions and islands more comfortable in terms of temperatures and very popular. Monsoons tend to occur in Thailand from May to October.

A host of high-profile golfers have come together to help raise nearly 2.5 million Baht at a charity auction in aid of the flood relief efforts in Thailand.

The Thai public and people throughout Asia in general are still attempting to come to terms with the country’s worst floods for 50 years and the clean-up operation is under way. Considering luxury golf breaks contribute to the Thailand tourism industry, it is entirely fitting that some of the stars of the sport did what they could to drum up some much-needed money to help the flood victims and raise awareness that more needs to be done.

Images from BillGoff.com

The likes of Darren Clarke, John Daly, Sergio Garcia, Charl Schwartzel and Lee Westwood all took time out from their preparations for the season-ending Thailand Golf Championship to attend the charity event and evening was a great success.

Ryo Ishikawa, one of the most promising young players in the sport, also attended and the recent events in Thailand are particular emotive for the 20-year-old. The youngster reacted to the earthquake and tsunami that struck his native Japan back in March by pledging all his earnings for the rest of 2011 to the relief efforts.

And Ishikawa was only too happy to lend his support to do what he can to generate money for the on-going charity efforts in Thailand. He said: “We had the same problem in Japan with the earthquake and tsunami and I was really touched with the help we got. “In return, I’m proud to be a part of this effort to help in Thailand. All the players feel the same and I hope the country recovers soon.”

Although Christmas and the New Year are just around the corner, it’s not too late to escape the chill on a last minute holiday. Just because the UK is being plunged into darkness and battered by cold winds and icy rain doesn’t mean the rest of the world is suffering the same fate. If you want to top up your vitamin D, work on your tan and sip cocktails at sunset, here are three of the best Asian winter sun destinations to do so. If you act quickly, you can pick up one of Thomas Cook’s last minute holidays to winter sun hot spots and head off before the year is even over.

Thailand

Put firmly on the tourist map by the film The Beach, Thailand is a paradise on earth. Tropical rainforests meet white-sand beaches; tumbling waterfalls cascade into emerald green rock pools; colourful coral reefs teem with even brighter coloured fish and in almost every vista there is a Buddhist temple or shrine.

The Land of Smiles always offers a warm welcome; the beaches are to die for and the culture, architecture and tradition is engaging and intriguing.

From the inland rainforest-surrounded city of Chiang Mai to The Beach paradise of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand has much to offer the winter sun seeker, the adventure enthusiast and the culture vulture

Sri Lanka

Tea plantations shrouded in morning mist, ancient deserted cities, mountainous national parks and miles of golden sand beaches make Sri Lanka one very appealing place to visit. It has been marred by civil war but the country now seems to be on the road to recovery and it’s welcoming tourists with open arms.

The climate is divine, the food is delectable and the landscape diverse. For such a small country there is a lot to see and do; from elephant rides to surfing, plantation tours to cookery classes this small slice of Indian Ocean paradise has plenty to offer.

Goa

Goa is like no other place on earth. It is firmly rooted on the Indian subcontinent, but its colonial rule by the Portuguese gives it a decidedly more European feel. Add to that a massive dose of laid back ‘hippy’ style living and you have one very eclectic place indeed.

It’s a spiritual haven, so yoga lovers will definitely be in heaven. It’s also a great place to shop with markets and street vendors all vying for your attention.

Aside from a stunning coastline, the hinterland is a muddle of criss-crossing waterways that make for relaxed afternoon boat cruises and further inland the dense rainforests are home to the illusive Indian tiger. To top it all off, the food is amongst the best in the entire country, lots of seafood curries, coconut milk and fresh fruit.

Asia is slightly mysterious, incredibly colourful, culturally heterogeneous and completely different to what Britons are used to. From ancient remains to tropical rainforests and a mixture of religions the Asian region is a top priority for many travellers. Of course the Asian continent is vast and there is much to see, but if you could only visit a handful of places, these are the ones that should come top of the list.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The intriguing temple complex at Angkor Wat in Cambodia is shrouded in mystery. It was built for King Suryavarman II in the 12th century in classic Khmer style. It is the largest religious building in the world and a symbol of Cambodia, yet much is still unknown about the building and its former residents. For example, the temple faces west unlike other Angkorian temples, and historians have no idea why. Surrounded by lakes and rainforest, this ancient gem is truly wonderful.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is breathtaking. The steep and towering limestone rock formations rise magnificently out of the emerald sea. The region is often dusted with mist and traditional fishing boats eerily scour the water for fish. This place looks more like a scene from a movie than real life.

Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia

The world’s oldest tropical rainforest is in the Taman Negara National Park in Malaysia. The rainforest is home to a huge range of unique wildlife, from the Asian elephant and Sumatran Rhino to the Malayan tiger and crab-eating macaque and some parts of the forest are still, as yet, unexplored.

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal in India is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It truly is the jewel in India’s crown. Dating back to the 1600s, it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. The architecture and its scale are mesmerising. Visit at sunrise to watch the walls change colour with the rising sun.

Mount Everest, Nepal

The highest mountain on earth is nature’s greatest feat of engineering. Although you might not be physically able to climb it, it’s still worth visiting base camp and the surrounding Sagarmatha National Park. The scenery is out of this world with vivid blue glacial pools, rocky glacier tracks, vast meadows and of course towering snow-covered peaks.



If you want to visit one of these destinations in the near future, check out the range of all inclusive holidays from Thomas Cook. You don’t have to spend a fortune on these long-haul destinations and you might actually be surprised at just how affordable holidays to India and Malaysia, for example, actually are.

Annual policies could save regular travellers an average of 15%, says moneysupermarket.com

The latest travel insurance research by travel insurance compare giant, moneysupermarket.com, has found that families who travel regularly are financially far better off taking out annual insurance cover than single trip cover.

With half term here and the Christmas and Easter holidays fast being booked up, the comparison site is urging families to secure themselves an annual policy – and, of course, one with adequate cover for their travel requirements.

Far from saving a few pounds by neglecting to buy insurance cover, travellers can find themselves left with huge medical bills if treated abroad without worldwide travel insurance cover, or left without replacement cash or expensive baggage and gadgets should they be lost or stolen abroad.

Moneysupermarket’s recommended level of cover is as follows:
• £2m for medical expenses
• £1m personal liability
• £3000 cancellation (/enough to cover the cost of your hoiliday)
• £1500 baggage
• £250 for cash
• Policy excesses under £100
• Cover for scheduled airline failure and end supplier failure as desirable
• Delay cover (e.g. £20 per hour for the initial 12 hours).

Moneysupermarket’s advice is targeted, in particular, at those families who take a minimum of two trips per year or at least one long-haul getaway per year. The comparison site estimates that families taking three trips per year would save around 15 per cent if they were to take out an annual policy as opposed to single trip cover for each trip they book.

And what’s more, the levels of cover provided with annual policies are generally more generous for annual policies, particularly when it comes to that all important medical cover, as well as cancellation and baggage, which, for the average family, can amount to hundreds, even thousands of pounds for a long trip.

An example given by Moneysupermarket in their recent press release is of a family of four holidaying in the US for seven days. Comprehensive cover for just £26 that would offer:

£5,000,000 medical cover
£3,000 cancellation
£1,500 for baggage.

For an extra £13, the same family could get themselves an annual policy that offers all of the above PLUS an extra £5,000,000 of medical cover as well as cover for as many extra trips as they want in the specified 12 month period.

Moneysupermarket travel insurance expert, Bob Atkinson, said: “Heading abroad for a much needed break is always exciting but it’s essential to make sure you and your family are fully covered before you go. Many people leave travel insurance to the last minute and often overlook the finer details such as the varying levels of cover available, only to be caught out later on if a claim needs to be made.

“The price of a policy should not be the main factor when buying travel insurance however being a savvy regular traveller will save you money without compromising on cover. It really pays to take the time to get to grips with the small print and ensure you have more than enough cover for your needs. Annual policies normally provide an increased level of cover however this does come with an additional price tag.

“Holidaymakers need to think carefully about how often they plan to travel per year and if it is more likely they will travel to a long haul destination such as the USA, then it is definitely worth paying for an annual policy. It also gives flexibility if they decide to go on any last minute holidays or trips such as weekend city breaks abroad or in the UK, as they will already be covered.”

Photo credit - Simon Lesley Photo

As more young people go on holiday with their friends every year, tourist hotspots are increasingly selling themselves as partying and club scenes – with themed nights, potent fishbowl cocktails, and hundreds of other off-the-leash Brits having a wild time and casual sex. There’s a saying: what goes on tour, stays on tour. But if you’re not careful when you’re on the booze abroad it could end up changing your life forever.

You might think, while on holiday, that being a British citizen gives you a free pass out of trouble – if you’re a victim of crime, the consulate will sort it; if you get arrested, all you’ll get is a slap on the wrist. You couldn’t be more wrong: you’re subject to the often very different laws of the locality you’re in and they may choose to make an example of you or ignore your complaints. The consulate will provide support in terms of translation and travel money transfers but can’t negotiate with police, investigate crime or hire you a lawyer.

So here are a few don’ts and dos – with them and some common sense you can drink safe this summer:

Don’t: do activities drunk. Swimming, snorkelling or even hiking while under the influence or hungover is extremely dangerous; dehydration in hot climates, lack of coordination and unfamiliar scenarios are a recipe for disaster. Accidents can in the worst cases be fatal and in the best cases be expensive, as any evidence that you had alcohol in your system while doing potentially dangerous stuff like skiing will invalidate your travel insurance.

If you’re travelling with a company that offers daily activities, avoid paying for them in advance. If you’ve paid and go on to have a heavy drinking session the night before, you’ll be left unable to take part and short of cash.

Don’t: go it alone. Almost 300 rapes and sexual assaults were reported by Brits on holiday between July 2010 and July 2011 (FCO figures) and alcohol is the most common denominator: if you’re not in control, you need to know a friend will be there for you.

Don’t: drink and drive. Not only is the legal limit much lower in some countries than in the UK, it can vary depending on your age, the size of your vehicle and the level of your experience. Driving on a moped is just as dangerous if not more dangerous than driving a car: just because you don’t have to pass a test to be in control of one doesn’t mean the laws are laxer when it comes to being intoxicated behind the handlebars.

You’re going to be driving on strange roads, often on the right hand side, that could be dangerous or ill-maintained at the best of times – drunk, you’ll be extremely lucky to escape unscathed.

Do: know the local laws. Those that think they’re drinking responsibility could end up flouting the most basic restrictions, so check the legal drinking age and attitude to public consumption with the FCO before you set off.

You might find your preconceptions about the culture aren’t true: for instance, the legal drinking age in France is 18 and marijuana is illegal in Jamaica. Pleading ignorance won’t cut it so make sure you know where the boundaries are.

Do: unto other countries as you would have done to yours. Alcohol-related arrests could involve nudity and public urination, stuff you’d never do at home but risk abroad. People have been arrested for wearing beachwear on the high street and getting frisky in public places – or worse, getting violent. Drinking too much has been the catalyst for many a brawl abroad, because it lowers your already lowered inhibitions. It’s a good idea to have at least one person stay sober (or sober-ish) for the evening, to keep you safe and under control.