So where is Cape Verde?

This may seem like a basic piece of general knowledge, but it could definitely take you some time to point towards these little islands in the enormity of the Atlantic Ocean.  Let’s be precise from the start, then: Cape Verde is a group of 10 islands lying 350 miles off the coast of West Africa, roughly around the same latitude as Senegal and Mauritania.

View Cape Verde Islands in a larger map

What’s Cape Verde’s weather like?

Hot! First thing’s first: it is rather reassuring to know that the average temperature in the country doesn’t go below 24 C. With most hours of sunshine are between the months of March and May, Cape Verde is one of the safest bets around for water babies. And if you’re a surfer, it usually stays quite breezy, keeping away humidity and making it easy to stay fresh even on the hottest days. Something to bear in mind is that there are just two seasons in Cape Verde: Tempo das Brisas (windy season) goes from October to July, and Tempo das chuvas (rainy season), which only lasts two months, between August and September (also the hottest month).

How do I reach Cape Verde?

For those flying from the UK, the easiest route is to go direct, either to Sal or Boa Vista landing either at Amilcar Cabral International Airport (SID) or Boa Vista Airport (BVC). The flight is about 6 hours long.

What currency will I need?

The country’s currency is the Cape Verde Escudo (CVE), with 128 escudos corresponding to £1 (May 15^th, 2013). Since this is not a legal tender outside the islands, it is advisable to change all your Escudos before leaving the country, as you won’t be able to do that afterwards. Credit card facilities are also available locally but you shouldn’t rely on cards too heavily as many establishments prefer cash.

What else do I need to know?

With ten islands to pick from, the opportunities for exploration are extremely varied. Cheap ferries connect the islands between each other, with Mindelo to Sao Nicolau and Praia being the main connection. Internal flights are also available, while the limited size of most of these islands means it’s recommended to take a bicycle or walk rather than renting a car.

The post A visitor’s guide to Cape Verde appeared first on Holiday Hype.

What’s the deal with all-inclusive food?

Although the exact details of what a resort offers vary slightly from resort to resort, most will offer a similar deal. In terms of food, all your meals for the day will be covered – breakfast, lunch and dinner. These will generally be served in two or three-hour windows so that you can suit yourself when you eat. Outwith meal times, most resorts will offer complimentary snacks and often as much ice cream as you can eat (be sensible now!) that is a great deal when you consider the expensive alternative!

Most resorts will operate a buffet service for the main meals of the day but there are many all-inclusive resorts that also boast at least one à la carte restaurant which you are often entitled to visit on at least one evening of your holiday. Make sure you check out what’s included in your all-inclusive deal and how to claim it – you may have to book a table in advance, for example.

Are there free drinks as well?

There’s never been a better way to get a round of drinks in than when you go all inclusive. Hot drinks and soft drinks will generally be available all day and alcohol for a minimum of 12 hours. Where this is the case, alcohol is generally served from around 11am to 11pm, similar to standard pub opening times in the UK. One thing to note is that the beer, wine and spirits on offer will not generally be familiar big brand names but is more likely to be locally-produced. This does not mean they are of a lesser quality, however, and a free drink by the pool in the sunshine always tastes great anyway!

Is anything else included?

Often a resort will offer complimentary activities as well as food and drink. Some offer watersports or activity classes but it’s best to check what’s included at your resort before you book. Evening entertainment is also often provided.

Some of the best inexpensive all-inclusive deals can be found at resorts in the likes of Tunisia, Turkey, Spain and Bulgaria and it really is a great way of ensuring you get fantastic value for money on your next sunshine holiday.

Images: Pilar Echeverria, Abdone | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Read more posts by this author:

The post What can I expect at an inexpensive all-inclusive resort? appeared first on Holiday Hype.

Reasons to try street food

• Price: Especially for those who have bought package holidays (for example, half board holidays, where only breakfast and dinner are supplied), it really doesn’t get much cheaper and fresher.
• Authenticity: Sometimes it’s a relief to get away from the burgers and spag bols of every-day routine and try something new! In restaurants overseas, the food menus are often dumbed down to suit travellers’ palates, but if you want to try something truly unique, hit the streets.
• Local flavour: The colours and smells are enough to get your stomach rumbling, but there’s usually lots of conversation and laughter in street markets where the locals congregate.
• Local economy: Many street vendors have set up small businesses that are linked to local agriculture and they sell hot food to support their families. Visiting a local food cart business is one way of giving back to the country you visit.

Tips & tricks for eating safely from food carts

But is street food really safe to eat? Many people have different opinions and experiences – especially those who go on holiday and come home with an “I got sick from the food” story! It may not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s also one of the best ways to affordably try local cuisine without venturing in search of expensive restaurants.

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure you only snack in concession trailers safely:

Locals know best

It’s a maxim that applies to more than just food, but when you’re eating in a new city, never try food carts that are totally empty. Check what the other customers are wearing – if everyone ahead of you in line has cameras and backpacks, they may be tourists too. Look for older diners, people in uniform or visit during mealtimes when the stalls are busiest. Remember: the quicker the food is going out the door, the less chance of contamination between ingredients.

Go for grills

If possible, choose a vendor who actually cooks the food in front of you, and try not to choose an item that has already been away from the heat, getting cold. As another safety precaution, opt for fresh vegetarian snacks instead of meat or seafood (unless you’re staying at the seaside!).

Check food safety

It’s easy to take food safety for granted at home, however a general understanding (or lack) of food safety is easy to spot. The use of clean glasses and crockery, tables, condiments and tongs is important and personal grooming (clean hands and hair nets) is essential.  Before tucking into your food, check that preparation surfaces are clean, that different ingredients are separated and kept on ice and that the vendors don’t handle food and money interchangeably.

Check your comfort level

We all have unique tastes when it comes to food: some people are adventurous and will try anything while others are much more discerning about what they eat. Others have very well-defined thresholds – too gooey, too fishy, too mushroomy – that will not change no matter where the food comes from! It’s important to know your limits and check that you’re comfortable about trying something new before you take a bite. If you want to get some more health tips about eating street food, this excellent resource on street food safety is well worth the read.

p.s. If you’re a street food fundie, this amazing Flickr called Street Eats has pictures of mouth-watering snacks from around the world!

Image credits: saigonstreeteats.com, mathildescuisine.files.wordpress.com, dailytravelphotos.com

More posts by Juliet:

The post A guide to tasting street food appeared first on Holiday Hype.

But there’s no need to panic: if you’re indecisive, you don’t have to settle for just one island. Island hopping in Greece is possibly the best solution for restless travellers in love with the sea, but it’s still essential to know which stops could make your holiday truly unforgettable. Discover our top 5 favourite Greek islands to get it just right during your sailing holidays around the land of Gods.

Santorini

Its beauty is unmatched and the picturesque volcano at the island’s base is also the only one in the world with an underwater crater. With its narrow streets, ancient villages on top of steep cliffs and beaches ranging from white, to black and red, Santorini means discovering all that’s magnificent about Greece.

Naxos

The biggest island in the Cyclades, Naxos has a proud history, having once been capital of the Ducat of the Aegean. This is also an island of many features:, most notably the ancient and rugged landscape to the East, which has abandoned towers, Venetian castles and monasteries all around it, as well as some of Greece’s finest sandy beaches. Among them, Agios Prokopio is a proper paradise that deserves repeated visits. Also make sure to try the delicious local cheese before you leave: graviéra, xinòtiro and arsenikò are all mouth-watering.

Skiathos

Great Greek islands don’t have to be in the Cyclades: why settle for well-known options such as Mykonos when you can discover the unknown? Skiathos is part of the Sporades, and its lush Mediterranean forests make its landscape much different from the arid islands to the south. Among its 60 beaches, we recommend trying out Ahladiés for some snorkelling, and Koukounariés for the nightlife fun. But don’t forget to discover what lies inland: you’ll be surprised by the beauty and the natural strength of the forests around the Strofilià area.

Skyros

Famed for its new age credentials, the largest island in the Sporades has a chilled atmosphere and a fascinating story behind it. The main historic landmark there is a Byzantine castle, which has an unbelievable view over the sea, while Hora, the village around it, will inevitably become the centre of your visit. There’s no reason to miss out on this true gem of traditional Greek architecture while you’re there.

Corfu

So far we’ve mentioned islands lying to the east of Greece, but let’s not forget what’s to be discovered in the Ionian Sea! Corfu manages to surprise even the most seasoned tourists because of the many influences it manages to mix effortlessly. Once under Venetian control, the town of Corfu is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, with refined French influences also very much alive in the Spianada square and Liston areas. Among the cultural highlights that reflect its ancient heritage, the city also boasts a museum of Asian art as well as a Byzantine museum. However, if stunning beaches is all you’re after, just go west: Ermones, Glyfada and Mirtiotissa are impressive by any standard.

Have you been island hopping in Greece or elsewhere (what about the Caribbean?) Tell us about it in the comments

Image credits: mrwallpaper.com, vacation-in-greece.gr, tripel.me, seaknots.ning.com, potamakibeachhotel.com and topwalls.net

Check out other posts by this author:

The post Greek island hopping: our top 5 appeared first on Holiday Hype.

It goes without saying that while the thrills are all there, a run on this 100-foot slide is safer than an Austrian black piste could ever claim to be! As a plus, you won’t have to battle the bitter Alpine frost in the process, but rather embrace the sunshine and refreshing waters of Spain’s Costa Blanca.

Conveniently located just a bus ride away from Benidorm’s city centre, Aqualandia is a fantastic detour from your usual Benidorm beach haunts. With over 27 years of history upon its shoulders, the park covers 37 acres, with lush Mediterranean vegetation spreading all across it.

As the initial excitement kicks in when you’re making up your mind about what to do here, consider the size of the park and the more than 20 attractions available. To help you jot down an initial list of favourites, we thought a few tips would come handy:

Make a splash on Splash

If this is your first visit to a waterpark, you may want to a avoid starting off with a baptism of fire on the most extreme slides. In Aqualandia’s case, the perfect way to begin would be with…a Splash. Its six parallel slides are made for competition, be it with your best mates or family, and starting the day here means kicking off with a challenge on a soft tube.

Reach 60 mph on Big Bang

Maybe consider the Splash as the right kind of training before you take on the wild beasts next door: we introduced the Big Bang already – but hey, we forgot to mention that this is not just a single slide! In fact it’s made of four different tubes that take you to the highest speeds in unpredictable ways. If you’re that kind of daredevil, there’s nothing to stop you from testing all of them.

Relax in the Wave Pool

After four consecutive extreme slides, you may need a little break – the “Piscina de Olas” (wave pool) is just a short walk away. We’re talking about a gigantic pool that will make any other pool you’ve been before look like a small puddle. Just jump when the wave approaches to get that relaxing lift or set out to where the water is deeper and feel like you’re lost in a crystalline sea.

Take the kids to Adventureland

But how deep is too deep? If you’re travelling with your little ones, some areas of the park are better tailored for them than the depths of the Piscina de Olas: just take them to Adventureland and let them play on smaller and colourful slides, water cannons, bubble pools and water labyrinths…

Get hypersonic on Kamikaze

Having tried a bit of everything, the exhausted will just need to lie down and chill on any of the sunbed areas on place. But before leaving, don’t forget try out the last extreme adventure worth living for the day – the Kamikaze has a name that says it all. Hold your breath when you’re up high and get ready for sliding down a straight line faster than a rocket.

Of course, with many more attractions available, everyone’s experience of Aqualandia will be a different one. Whether you follow our tips or go your own way, we suggest reaching the park early in the morning (and possibly during weekdays) to avoid potential queues for the attractions.

Opening times are from 10am to 7pm, with buses number 1 and 11 taking you to the park from the city centre. Supplementary travel information can be found on the park’s official page, and for all things Benidorm, just make sure to check out our other blog posts.

Image credits: visitbenidorm.es, theleader.info,

Check out other posts by this author:

The post Waves and slides for the brave: discovering Benidorm’s Aqualandia appeared first on Holiday Hype.

Although the original Disneyland resort was opened in California in 1955, the largest resort (opened by Walt’s brother, Roy) is in Florida near Orlando. Featuring four theme parks: the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – as well as two waterparks – it’s easy to see why Florida is the home of all things Disney.

Iconic Disney rides are instantly recognisable from pictures and videos taken over the years. Have a look at our interactive timeline of Disney theme parks to get a sense of which ones are not-to-be-missed! And if visiting Disney in another country appeals to you, check out our gallery of 13 Disney parks around the world.

Orlando is a hotspot for non-Disney entertainment as well, and visitors can head to famous attractions including SeaWorld and Universal Studios, swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove and enjoy thrilling rides at Busch Gardens. But for many, Disney is the main event – the headline act – and for some, a dream come true.

*Here’s a tip: If you don’t want to be restricted to just the one Disney Park, buy Disneyworld tickets and Park Hopper passes in advance; the passes let you switch between Florida Disney’s six parks without paying separate entrance fees.

The iconic Disney day-out

Visiting Disneyland is easily a bucket-list item for kids. However, the sheer size of it (40 square miles, the same as a large town!) can be really intimidating. So, we’ve planned a day out in Disneyland, visiting some of the oldest and most celebrated rides in the resorts.

In the morning
It’s a good idea to get there early if you want to avoid the crowds, so start at the oldest Florida park, Magic Kingdom, in comfortable shoes before 9am. Hotfoot it over to Tomorrowland’s Space Mountain, the oldest operating rollercoaster in the state, and breeze through the waiting area before heading over to the Pirates of the Caribbean; the inspiration for the successful film franchise starring Johnny Depp.

In the afternoon
Head over to EPCOT and take a journey through 40,000 years of human history in this park’s iconic golf-ball time machine. A not-be-missed ride is Mission Space, which simulates an astronaut’s mission to Mars, while adrenaline junkies can take a hang glide over California in Soarin’.

In the evening
Time to cool down after a day’s excitement on a sunset ferry to Disney Hollywood Studios and watch one of Disney’s slick live shows that feature beloved characters like The Little Mermaid or Belle from Beauty and the Beast. While you’re heading back to your hotel, don’t forget to watch out for the nightly fireworks show over Magic Kingdom’s iconic castle!

Have you been to Disneyland? Tell us about it in the comments!

Image courtesy of floridatix.

Read Juliet’s other posts:

The post The happiest place on earth: Disney theme parks [an interactive timeline] appeared first on Holiday Hype.

We have all gone Majorca mad here at Holidayhypermarket, mad I tell you! It’s the launch of our Majorca street view competition and all the clicking of photographs being taken is driving us…erm…MAD! We are looking for the most picturesque photograph of this stunning island you can find. Just take an amazing picture using our fantastic Majorcan street view camera and you could win £600 OFF your next holiday to Majorca. Yes that is £600 off a holiday to the most popular destination in the Balearics, how mad is that! You can also enter as many photos as you like, please click on the link below to enter the competition.

 
Enter Competition
 

So where will you take our street camera? Magalluf for the party scene-perfect for the young and lively! Family favourite Alcudia with its fantastic beach or a more laid back resort like Cala D’or for the romantics (yes there are still some of us left). Sun, sand and sea is the typical description of Majorca so why not explore the numerous stunning coves and traditional Majorcan villages that this island has to offer, (just like in our competition). Majorca has an unbelievably varied nightlife, a wealth of bars and restaurants and last but not least a warm friendly welcome. So if a taste of Majorca is what you are looking for then GET CLICKING and good luck or “buena suerte” as they say in Majorca!

How to play

Enter Competition

The post Win a holiday to Majorca! appeared first on Holiday Hype.

The development at the southern end of Magaluf has seen the Beach House, the Wave House and the Antillas Barbados hotels receive extensive makeovers to fully modernise them and bring them up to five-star luxury standard. It’s also seen the introduction of the Katmandu Park & Resort, Majorca’s first themed resort. All this right next to Magaluf’s fantastic beaches.

Calvia Hotels Magaluf Review

The Beach House

The Beach House now has a real modernist feel to it, with the bedrooms boasting sleek lines, monotone interiors with the odd splash of colour and stunning views out to sea. Outside there’s a beautiful adult swimming pool and, with the promise of top Spanish and international DJs performing in the evening, we think this might be just the place for the coolest among us.

The Wave House

The Wave House is so named for a reason. The hotel boasts two wave machines that mean you don’t even have to go as far as the nearby sea to practise your surfing skills. Huge water pumps create 48km/h waves that will have you barrelling in no time! After that, if you want a more sedate water experience, grab a Balinese bed by the infinity pool and chill out. Again, the rooms have been fully updated to appeal to a young, modern crowd.

Antillas Barbados Hotel

In a slightly quieter part of the resort and on a small hill lies the Antillas Barbados hotel, boasting more than 700 rooms and five swimming pools, it also has a Flintstones themed area for the little ones. This is a big hotel catering to families, complementing the younger vibe in the rest of the resort.

Katmandu Park & Resort

Again focused on family time, the Katmandu Park & Resort claims to be Majorca’s first themed resort. A comfortable family hotel, with all the facilities you would expect from one, there is also the Katmandu theme park area which has mini-golf in a fire and ice-themed world, a laser gun-based Wild West area and The Asylum, a ride that is not for the faint-hearted!

Magaluf has always been buzzing but the vast improvements made to the Calvia Beach Resort means that this part of town just leapt to the top of our holiday list.

Click on the map of Calvia Beach below to get to know the area.

More posts from Sam:

The post Calvia Beach Resort becomes Magaluf’s hottest spot appeared first on Holiday Hype.

What is a half-board holiday?

Half-board basis means that your accommodation, breakfast and one other meal (usually dinner) is included. Drinks are not part of the price you pay but you usually won’t be denied a glass of orange juice or coffee at breakfast if you opt for this package.

In larger resorts, breakfasts and dinners are generally served in buffet style for a faster service and relaxed atmosphere. Smaller hotels often provide a more personalised service via à la carte dining.

What are the benefits of booking half board?

Flexibility
Half board basis packages allow you the freedom to explore your chosen destination and have lunch in restaurants  all over the city. If you’ve opted for a holiday in a place that’s known for its food (think Greece, Turkey, Spain or Italy), then half board means you can sample some of the local cuisine without missing meals that you’ve already paid for.

Affordability
Hot weather can reduce your appetite, making you want to eat less or choose different foods than you usually do at home. Booking full board may oblige you to eat more than you want to just to get your money’s worth, but leaving one meal flexible per day means that if you’re peckish, you can find a new restaurant for lunch and if not, a small street snack may be all you need.

Dining with kids
Parents will agree that sitting in a dining room with tired and over-excited children is no one’s idea of relaxing family time! Booking half-board accommodation takes away the stress of attending meals and getting children to finish their plates, but it also allows parents to focus on booking excursions and daytime activities. Just remember to pack some snacks for the busy days ahead!

Other types of package holidays

• Room only (RO) basis: Perfect for that lock-up-and-go flexibility, this option includes no meals or cooking facilities.
• Self-catering (SC) basis: This means that no meals will be included in the price you pay for your accommodation or holiday package, but you will be provided with facilities to prepare light meals. This is a good option if you’re keen to flex your cooking skills, but also interested in sampling the local fare.
• Bed and Breakfast (BB): For those who rate the early meal highest, this package includes breakfast in the price of your accommodation or holiday package.
• Half-board (HB) basis: You pay for two meals per day, usually dinner, excluding drinks except for basics such as tea and juice. This is a great option if you’re travelling with kids or wanting to enjoy a flexible schedule away from the hotel during the day.
• Full-board (RB) basis: This is three square meals per day without snacks or drinks; perfect for those who are sticking to a budget but wanting to feel pampered too! 
• All Inclusive (AI) basis : Everything is included in the price you pay; flights, accommodation, 3 meals a day and snacks and drinks too. The drinks on offer and the range of food available changes by resort so it’s always important to check before you book. All inclusive is one of the UK’s favourite holiday types because it offers excellent value for money.

Our package holidays range from self catering to all inclusive, with plenty of options in-between. Have a look at our package holidays to see what’s coming up this summer!

More posts from this author:

The post What are half-board holidays & should you book one? appeared first on Holiday Hype.

The Discus Dubai, backed by Swiss company Deep Ocean Technology, will be surrounded by a “beautifully vibrant coral reef”. It is divided into two main discs – one above the water and one below – connected by five solid legs and a vertical shaft that contains a lift and a stairway.

There will be 21 suites, some located between 10 and 30 metres beneath sea level, and facilities that include a snazzy bar and an enormous swimming pool or dive centre at the centre of the disc. Special lighting of the areas outside the rooms and underwater vehicles can be operated from within, allowing guests to take a closer look at the seabed outside.

The Discus may be the largest, but it isn’t the first; there are quite a few luxury hotels that have underwater features in the Maldives including a spa at Huvafen Fushi, the Ithaa undersea restaurant and Niyama nightclub.

Moreover, it isn’t the first attempt at building an underwater hotel in Dubai: plans for the Hydropolis, the world’s first underwater luxury hotel and resort, were abandoned in 2010 when the recession hit and many other projects that lacked commercial viability where permanently stalled. Estimated to cost $300 million, the Hydropolis, if it had been completed, would have ranked among the world’s most expensive hotels.

For the moment though, thrill seekers will have to make do with the Discus, which emphasises water sports, and provides equipment to guests along the lines of 3-passenger submersibles for exploring the depths of the ocean,  plus motor boats, jet skis and underwater scooters.

Image credits: Deep Ocean Technology

More posts by Juliet:

The post Water Discus Dubai: the world’s biggest underwater hotel [PICS] appeared first on Holiday Hype.