Are you thinking about going on a last minute holiday? If so, maybe should consider going on a cruise. Contrary to popular belief, last minute cruise deals don’t have to be expensive or a lot of hassle to organise. Multiple travel organisations offer low-priced, last minute deals and will do the organising for you. One British company, Cumbria Cruises, focuses on offering last minute options for you to pick from. We listed some of the best last-minute cruise deals they offer below.

1. Last minute cruise to Mozambique on the MSC Sinfonia

Mozambique has lots of national parks with a variety of wildlife – from sea turtles and wild dogs, to crocodiles and leopards (not to worry though, they’re all at a safe distance). If you love animals or simply want to brush up on your Portuguese, then this cruise to Mozambique is for you.

2. Last minute cruise from Mexico to Los Angeles on the Carnival Inspiration

This cruise shows you two completely different worlds, starting in Mexico and ending in Los Angeles, the international movie capital!

3. Last minute cruise to Sydney and Adelaide on the Queen Mary 2

Australia is known for its crazy animals, but has a lot more in store than the wildlife. The Australians are friendly people who are into variety of things, including their vibrant surf culture and rugby. If you are into sports and being on the move, then this short four day cruise, from Sydney to Adelaide, is a great fit. Don’t forget to visit the Sydney Opera House and the tallest building in Adelaide, the Westpac house!

4. Last minute cruise to Melbourne and Cape Town on the Queen Mary 2

Similar to the cruise listed above, this starts in Melbourne but takes you to South Africa, allowing you to visit the stunningly beautiful ‘Mother City’, or Cape Town, to be precise. 

5. Last minute cruise to China and Japan on the Volendam

The great thing about cruises is that they allow you to see different countries with ease. Unless people are travelling through Asia, it’s not really a given that people visit both China and Japan on their holidays. The last-minute cruise on the Volendam, allows you to see both countries, opening your eyes to all the beautiful things the two have to offer.

Have a look through all the last minute cruises on the Cumbria Cruises site and you will undoubtedly find your dream holiday in there. There is something for everyone. Don’t wait too long, though; the prices are cheap and the service is great, so the last minute offers go quick!

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1. Mykonos
If you love to party then you will love Mykonos. Packed full of beach bars, clubs and restaurants it is also blessed with perennial sunlight which sets the city aglow. Greek mythology states that the sun was sent by the Greek god Apollo. It is a popular choice with the younger crowd, so if you are into the more sedate of holidays then it may be one to avoid.

2. Corfu
If you are an avid reader then the Greek island of Corfu is the perfect spot for you. Located just off the West coast of Greece it is where Lawrence Durrell wrote Prospero’s Cell. In fact, you can stay in the actual house in Kalami where it was written. Holidaying in Corfu is all about relaxing, eating and drinking and reading to unwind. If this sounds like your idea of bliss then this is the island for you.

3. Santorini
If you love a view then this is the Greek island for your holiday. An extinct volcano once erupted and left a broken rim that is now Santorini. Classically known as Thera or Thira, the town looks down to the sea and boasts some truly stunning views. Steep cliffs and hills are all part of the landscape. It also has a hot desert climate due to its location. Ideal for those who love to learn more about the geography of their holiday destinations.

4. Rhodes
Located on the Aegean Sea, Rhodes is a very popular Greek island. The largest of the Dodecanese islands, it is also heavily populated in comparison to the other islands. With over 300 days of sunshine per year it is a far cry from the UK’s climate. Its beaches are more gravelly than sandy but all you need is a deck chair and access to the nearest bar and you are all set.

5. Crete
The fifth largest island in the Mediterranean sea. Steeped in history it holds the ruins of the Minoan palace of Knossos and is the birth place of Zeus. It boasts mountain ranges, beautiful beaches and some of the most hospitable people you will find. Crete holidays are very popular and it is not hard to see why.

When it comes to the Greek islands, you really are spoilt for choice.

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Theme Parks

Start your journey at the Alamo USA office at Orlando International Airport and you can reach some of the world’s best known theme parks, including Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld Orlando and Birthday World. Alternatively, you could pick up your car at New York’s Newark Airport and visit Santa’s Village, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park or Blackbeard’s Cave.

World Heritage Sites

The United States has a wealth of Heritage sites to visit, and your tank of fuel could take you from Washington, DC, to the Statue of Liberty or to Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were signed. Or how about setting out from Santa Fe and visiting the famous Pueblo Indian dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, or seeing Chaco Culture and the prehistoric site that includes the Aztec Ruins National Monument.

Weird Roadside Attractions

Pick up your car at Hector International Airport, just outside of Fargo, North Dakota, and a tank of fuel will take you on one of the weirdest site seeing trips you will probably ever experience. Your 300 mile journey will take you past the UFO-themed space aliens grill and bar at Fargo, and on to the world’s largest stack of oil cans, and a 26 foot high concrete buffalo. It’s then on to a huge steel eagle, a giant bird sculpture and North Dakota’s Cowboy Hall of Fame. Next, there is a four headed statue of a thunderbird, the world’s largest Holstein cow and, finally, an amazing collection of giant metal structures including fish, pheasants and the world’s largest grasshopper.

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The Grand Palladium Palace Ibiza Resort and Spa has a stunning beachfront location on the Playa d’en Bossa. And in case you want a change from swimming in the sea, there are two hotel pools in which you can take a dip as well. For ultimate relaxation, choose one of the pool-side Balinese beds before heading off to one of the three restaurants for lunch, perhaps followed by a treatment at the hotel’s spa.

Families are welcomed at the hotel, with a mini club and teens club, and a fun-filled entertainment schedule for all ages. There are numerous hotel services to make your holiday run smoothly, including internet access, hairdressers, laundry service, sports facilities and parking.

Next Stop San Antonio

On the western coast is the renowned San Antonio Bay. Brisa Hotel Ibiza is situated with sea views over the bay, with easy access to the beach of Punta Xinxó. A little further walk takes you into San Antonio itself, with its shops, popular bars, restaurants and clubs. For those who prefer to keep their feet for dancing, there are buses and a ferry which connect with San Antonio and the nearest beaches.

While the recently modernized, three-star hotel is popular with younger holidaymakers in the peak seasons of July and August, during the remainder of the year, it is a great base for couples and small groups of friends who want a relaxing holiday while being close to the shopping and entertainment amenities which will make a holiday in Ibiza unforgettable.

For those who want to keep active on holiday, there are opportunities in the area for tennis, parasailing, scuba diving, mini golf, to name but a few. And if you prefer to read a book on your balcony, then a double room will provide you with exactly this. 

All-Inclusive Options

Also close to San Antonio is the Riviera Hotel Ibiza, and with the option of an all-inclusive stay, this three-star hotel has beautiful sea views over the Bay. For dining options there is a buffet served for breakfast and dinner, allowing you to explore the area in between, or for the all-inclusive guests, a lunch option as well. The hotel has gardens, terraces and two swimming pools for adults and children, and this hotel offers the additional choice of apartments for those who like to be a little more self-sufficient while away.

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The countries surrounding the Mediterranean sea are home to some of the most exotic and rich cultures in the world. From the sandy beaches and sleepy fishing villages of Portugal and Spain, to the mysterious coasts of Turkey, Israel and Egypt, there is no better way to sample the unique flavour of the Mediterranean coastlines than by boat. Azamara Club Cruises offer travellers the opportunity to immerse themselves in each port where they can soak up the culture of each country.

Visit the Mediterranean in the Spring

 While summer brings flocks of tourists to popular tourist resorts throughout the Mediterranean, it also brings hot weather. The weather in the spring is better suited for exploring small fishing towns and historical sites, and it is still warm enough for sunbathing on deck. Many popular areas swarm with crowds in the summer months.

It is much less crowded from May to June, so you can take your time to bask in beautiful surroundings, without worrying about excessive queues and wait times for sites of interest.

Marine wildlife

In between visiting new and exciting lands, there is plenty of marine wildlife to be seen in the sea. The Mediterranean is known for the variety of marine life found just beneath its surface. Some species like Dolphins, tuna and swordfish can be seen throughout the area, while others are more region specific. The coasts of Greece and Turkey are renowned for monk seals and loggerhead turtles. There is also the opportunity to catch sight of sharks roaming just beneath the surface.

East and West

The two largest cultures of the world meet in the Mediterranean. Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and France are just some of the far edges of the Western world that straddle the invisible line between the East and the West. Cruising the Med in spring will take you from these cultures to the more exotic cultures of the East, when you visit ports in Egypt, Israel and Turkey, to name a few. Track the way the in which the two very different world-views merge in the border countries- where East and West manage to live side-by-side in a whirlwind of world cultures.

Land Discoveries

To really get a sense of one of the many countries on the cruise, it is essential to go a step further than the port and the surrounding towns. By going on a unique land discovery with a local guide, there is the opportunity to meet local people and places far off the beaten track. The more adventurous can opt for cycling and hiking tours while others may prefer local wine tastings, tours of vineyards and historic places of interest.

When you go on the Mediterranean and Black Sea cruise you will experience some of the most beautiful ports in the world and bring back memories that will last a lifetime.

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The Cook Islands are a series of 15 different islands that are dotted within the 2.2 million square kilometres of the South Pacifica between New Zealand and Hawaii. Featuring a warm climate, dazzling blue lagoons and friendly inhabitants, it’s no wonder that the Cook Islands are a popular tourist destination. Here we look at what just a few of the islands have to offer.

Rarotonga
 Rarotonga is one of the youngest islands in the southern group of the Cook Islands and is also the capital. The landscape on Rarotonga features planted terraces packed with banana trees, coconut trees and paw paw whilst a swampy plateau provides the perfect growing conditions for taro. Truly a tropical island, there is also a white sandy shoreline with aquamarine waters, coral reefs and an abundance of brightly coloured tropical fish. With plenty of opportunity to enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving and generally hanging out on the beach, Rarotonga also offers trekking to explore the inner island and offers a range of restaurants and bars, offering both traditional and international foods.

There are an abundance of white sandy beaches in the Cook Islands
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/backpackerben/392178132/

Atiu
 Also located in the southern group of the Cook Islands is Atiu which is a volcanic mass that has risen out of the sea. The inner part of the island features lush tropical rainforest which is home to a plethora of beautiful birds including the Tavake and the Great Frigate, whilst the outer rim of the island features hidden sandy coves.

The clear waters of the Cook Islands
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48722974@N07/5093724092/

Mitiaro
One of the smaller of the southern islands, Mitiaro is also the flattest. Once a volcano that sank to become a coral reef, Mitiaro rose again to form this stunning island. One of the highlights of this island is the underground cave system which includes Vai Mouri, a deep, crystal clear, cool lake which is reputed to have healing powers. As with many of the other islands Mitiaro features white sandy coves to enjoy, along with a spot of swimming in the dazzling blue waters.

Penrhyn
Penrhyn is the largest and most northerly island in the group of Cook Islands. Due to its remote location, it has a more traditional feel to it with the art of rito still being of great importance. This is the process of weaving using young coconut fronds which are striped and boiled in seawater before being turned into mats, hats or jewellery amongst other things. Fishing is also a popular pastime on the island with the large lagoon being a popular place for game fishing to take place.

Manihiki
One of the most remote inhabited places in the world, Manihaki is also stunningly beautiful. It is essentially a large atoll surrounding a 9km deep lagoon which is the epicentre of the Cook Island pearl industry. The lagoon features a series of pearl farms and Manihaki is renowned for its black pearls. Snorkelling, diving and fishing are the popular activities of choice in Manihiki.

With so many beautiful islands to choose from, each with its own way of live and unique scenery, it’s no wonder that the Cook Islands are referred to as the best-kept secret of the South Pacific.

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Whatever reason you may have in your mind, you must pack your bags, prepare your digital cameras and French translation books, and look forward to stepping on the cobblestone roads of Paris. After checking in your hotel, you should check out the bustling Paris nightlife. The city lights are beautiful whether you view them from your hotel room or while playing Partypoker or even from the streets below.

Belleville and Oberkampf are popular spots among local and foreign partygoers. Champs-Élysées is famous for clubbing and its beautiful landmarks. Aside from clubs, poker joints are also good places to visit. Aviation Club de France is the first stop for tourists who are looking for a good poker game. With a starting buy-in of €50, you can join their Texas Hold ‘em games. They also have other poker games like Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, and mixed games.

However, if you opt for smaller games you can check out the smaller poker houses like Association Cercle Eldo, Association Cercle Central, and Cercle Angails. Aside from real life poker, you can also find notable poker contenders on Partypoker.fr. Just make sure to avoid French singer Patrick Bruel because he owns a World Series of Poker bracelet! After your night out, why not get a picture taken with the famous Eiffel Tower, the icon of elegance and contemporary in Paris was built for the World Exposition of 1889, three hundred and twenty-four meters tall, it’s the most-visited place in the city.

Wherever in the world you are, you can recognize the Eiffel Tower just by its silhouette. Tourists who want to go the top of the tower via the elevator will have to pay more than those who use the stairs, the latter is an excruciating task and is not recommended to visitors with vertigo. The tower has two restaurants, serving the best French cuisine as prepared by the top chefs in the country.

Eating at the tower accompanied by the breath taking view of Paris is a remarkable experience. Aside from the Eiffel tower, another must-see place in Paris is the Louvre. It is home to the works of great artists such as Da Vinci, Rafael and Rembrandt. Everyone especially art lovers mustn’t forget to drop by the culturally rich museum.

When you’re done with experiencing the wonders of Paris, be sure to check out the French gastronomy from the street cafes to the most-expensive restaurants offering the best of France. One thing’s for sure when you get home; you’ll have a lot of great photos to show and stories to tell about Paris!

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GrandCanyonBusDeals.com posts a new video expose on how trips to Hoover Dam are included in tours to Grand Canyon National Park. Plus tips and tricks how to get coach tours at discount.

(TRAVPR.COM) USA – November 21st, 2012 – Las Vegas, NV — Nov. 19, 2013 — Grand Canyon Bus Deals, the leading provider of reviews and tips on luxury bus tours from Las Vegas, announced today the release of it’s newest video expose on how the Hoover Dam is being included into trips to the Grand Canyon.

“Lots of Las Vegas visitors want to go to Hoover Dam as part of a bus tour to the Grand Canyon,” said Keith Kravitz, owner of Grand Canyon Bus Deals. “For the most part, it’s achievable, but just not at the level you’d expected.”

Kravitz points out that the typical West Rim and South Rim bus tour includes what is called a Hoover Dam “photo stop.”

“The standard bus tour goes across the Hoover Dam Bypass before looping back for a 10-to-15-minute photo stop on the Arizona side of the dam,” he noted. “Usually, this is sufficient, but there are a large pool of people who want more.”

To address this issue, Kravitz’ GrandCanyonBusDeals.com produced this YouTube video about the issue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dbhOA2bA3o

“The video quickly goes over the key issues that surround the Hoover Dam stopover and concludes with a number of tricks and tips concerning how to buy these trips inexpensively.”

Specifically, the video notes that a full-fledged Hoover Dam tour must be booked separately from a Grand Canyon tour.

“The reality is that two days are required to fully explore both landmarks,” said Kravitz. “Depending on which rim is visited, the bus tour itself is a total of between 12 and 15 hours.

“The guided Hoover Dam trip is approximately 4.5 hours. There’s just know way to do both in a day, and that’s why the photo stop is a great compromise for bus travelers.”

From Las Vegas, tour buses depart daily for the canyon. The West Rim, which is 120 miles east of town, is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the glass walkway that let’s the adventurous walk up to 70 feet past the edge.

“Some of the best views of the canyon are to be had from the Skywalk,” said Kravitz. “The best is directly north, which combines the canyon’s epic cliffs with the roaring Colorado River.”

Favorite West Rim options include taking a helicopter ride to the bottom and a Colorado boat ride.

“The West Rim is the only place in the Grand Canyon where helicopters are allowed below the rim, making these flights extremely unique and in high-demand.”

The South Rim, which is 277 miles away, is renowned for it’s natural scenic beauty and incredible panoramas.

“South Rim requires more time but it’s worth it,” Kravitz said. “The lookouts, especially Mather Point, are spectacular and ideal for photographers.”

The most popular South Rim upgrade is the rim-to-rim helicopter ride.

“The flight is a 30-minute thrill ride,” he said. “It goes from South Rim to North Rim and back. The highlight is the Dragoon Corridor, which is the widest, deepest section in the entire canyon.”

For more detailed information about Grand Canyon bus tours and the Hoover Dam photo stop, please visit this page: http://www.grandcanyonbusdeals.com/hoover-dam.html

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Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Reviews, the National Park’s leading information provider about air tours, announced today the release of its video on the impact of weight surcharges on ticket costs.

The video is part of the company’s series aimed at providing money saving tips to the traveling public. 

“Not a lot of folks are aware of the weight limit surcharge imposed by helicopter companies,” said Keith Kravitz, owner of Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour Reviews. “Depending on who you fly, it can be a substantial cost.”

Papillon Helicopters, the largest purveyor of trips to the Grand Canyon, sets the maximum weight at 275 pounds (125 kilograms).

“Papillon charges $100 if you exceed 275 pounds,” noted Kravitz. “This can easily turn a good deal into an average one.”

Maverick Helicopters, which specializes in deluxe trips to the National Park, sets the maximum at 300 pounds. Passengers exceeding that will have to purchase two tickets.

“Here’s where it gets interesting,” Kravitz mused. “Typically, Papillon will have the better deal. However, if a passenger, for example, weights 285 pounds, Maverick becomes a cheaper option.”

If booked on the Internet, there’s not an option to add in the weight surcharge to the total cost of the flight as it’s usually billed to a client’s credit card at check in. Call-in reservations are based on the honor policy, and many people fib.

“Passengers are weighed at check in,” said Kravitz. “Papillon, for example, has scales integrated into a floor tile. Estimations by consumers that fall on the light side of the scale will usually be rectified at this point.”

In the world of helicopter tours, weight is a big deal. For a helicopter to be cleared to fly, passenger weight must be distributed as evenly as possible in the cabin. It’s this technicality that makes reserving a window seat, for example, nearly impossible.

“Pilots get the flight manifest just before departure,” said Kravitz. “Then, on the tarmac and after the safety check, they make the seating assignments.”

Some tour operators are letting passengers book the front seat, but there’s no guarantee because of the weight-distribution requirement.

There are two points of departure for Grand Canyon helicopters: the West Rim and the South Rim. Las Vegas travelers will go to the former, while those in central Arizona will head to the later. There are no direct helicopter flights from Las Vegas to the South Rim. The alternative is to take an airplane or bus tour there and transfer to a helicopter for a rim-to-rim ride.

Currently, it’s “low season” for tourism at the Grand Canyon, making it perfect to explore the National Park minus the big crowds that descend on it during summer.

“The number of helicopter flights decreases during winter” said Kravitz. “The odd result is that availability gets stressed. Best words of advice is to purchase tours at least a week in advance in order to get the best departure times, selection and prices.”

Go here for more information about the weight-limit fee and how to plan for it:

http://www.grandcanyonhelicoptertourreviews.com/weight-limit-fees.html

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Thomas Cook Tours is offering discounts of up to 10% on a 12-day fully escorted tour of exotic Sri Lanka, due to depart London on 31 January 2013.

The Exotic Isle Tour includes a journey across Sri Lanka, with visits to the island’s important historical and archaeological sites, game reserves and beautiful tea plantations.

London to Colombo
Thomas Cook Tours will be providing tour members with complimentary transfer to Heathrow, from where they’ll depart on a flight to Colombo. On arrival, guests will check in to the 4-star Cinnamon Grand Hotel.

Among the highlights of the Exotic Isle Tour are;

• a visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a fascinating blend of natural fortifications and human architectural ingenuity that encompasses ancient gardens, crumbling ancient palaces and intricate rock paintings

• a day spent exploring the Polonnaruwa Ruins, one of Sri Lanka’s best preserved archaeological sites, with its 12th century fortifications and imposing statues of the Buddha

• a memorable opportunity to get up close to the population of orphaned Asian elephants at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

• the chance to explore the bustling city of Kandy, with a sightseeing tour and a cultural show

• a journey through the emerald-green highlands of Sri Lanka, home to the island’s world-famous tea plantations

• a jeep safari in the Yala National Park, home to the world’s densest population of wild leopard and to a range of other indigenous wild game

• two days to unwind on the unspoilt Indian Ocean beaches surrounding the town of Bentota, on the Sri Lankan West Coast

Places still available on the Exotic Isle Tour
The tropical island of Sri Lanka is the ideal refuge from the European winter. With substantial tour discounts on offer, places on the cultural holiday are likely to be snapped up quickly – as such booking early to avoid disappointment is recommended. 

More information about the Exotic Isle Tour of Sri Lanka, including tour operator contact details, rates and a downloadable itinerary, are available directly from the Thomas Cook Tours web site.

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Thomas Cook is one of the world’s oldest tour operators, offering escorted tour services since 1841.

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