Famed for their family-friendly appeal, the Balearic Islands serve up a wide range of holiday retreats boasting a wonderfully warm summer climate and that classic holiday combo of sun, sea and sand. Whether you're after a cheap holiday to Ibiza or an exclusive escape, there are plenty of choices on offer on the beautiful White Isle.

If you've got the kids in tow, try the low-key resort of Portinatx. Based in the far north of the island, this attractive little Ibizan town boasts a beautiful sheltered bay, flanked by rocky outcrops and boasting clear, shallow waters that makes it ideal for little paddling feet. There's a smattering of hotels and entertainment venues here so, come nightfall, you can take the kids for some tasty Spanish cuisine or dine at your hotel for a more varied choice.

If you're after a cheap holiday to Ibiza, you'll find a range of special offers and deals for resorts all over the island. Try a tour operator like Thomas Cook and search online for holiday discounts. This might come in the form of last-minute departures, or early bird deals on next summer's departures. Booking early is a great way to save money because, not only can you benefit from early booking deals, you will also have longer to pay off the cost of your booking and enjoy extra time to save some spending money too. 

So whether you want a cheap holiday to Ibiza or a lavish summer retreat, the White Isle is the place to be.

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The London Transport Museum is a favourite amongst history enthusiasts and those with a real and passionate interest in transportation and its history.  The Museum itself is the product of a collection started in the 1920s with just two horse buses and an early motorbus.  This collection was then moved between venues as it grew and is now split between the Covent Garden site and a depot in Acton.  The Covent Garden museum has now been a feature for 33 years and is still well visited and kept up to date.  Built of cast iron and glass, the building that now houses the London Transport Museum was designed as the central flower market of the district. 

 It’s not only train and bus mad historians that love London Transport Museum.  It seems there’s something inbuilt in little boys about trains and anything with wheels.  They love all things transport and for those with an inquisitive mind the museum offers the perfect source of new questions.  Not to leave out the little girls who of course may be more into trains than the boys - there is so much to see and discover at the transport museum that everyone will be enthralled.  Even as an adult it’s difficult to get your head around the fact that in just over 90 years transport has evolved from horse drawn carts to cars that can break the sound barrier.  Also discover how the underground was created and why, and imagine being one of the first to ride on it.  It must have been pretty scary trusting a train below the surface back then. 

The future of London’s transportation networks is a topic of debate with sustainability being at its heart.  The 2012 London Olympic Games meant a huge overhaul of the transport networks in the city to cater for all the extra visitors, this meant big investment in the future of the city, breathing new life back into parts of the tube and a revamp of the bus system.  The mayor, Boris Johnston, has famously also installed pay-per-use bikes, or “Boris bikes” all over inner London as an alternative for those who would ordinarily turn to taxis, cars or public transport to get around the city.

London Transport Museum is at the heart of Covent Garden, and is a great place to discover a little segment of history.  Take your children for free and watch them be amazed by how far technology has come over time - and be a little bit amazed yourself!

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National Space Centre

For weekend breaks that don't cost the earth, head into space. The National Space Centre that is. The word “space” doesn’t immediately spring to mind when you think of the UK, but the award-winning National Space Centre in Leicester is excellent choice if you’re looking for a quick weekend break. The UK's attraction dedicated entirely to space, the National Space Centre offers hours of interactive fun and self-discovery. There’s even a nifty planetarium to keep you (and the kids) occupied for hours. 

The Royal Opera House Tea Dance

Named by Lonely Planet as one of Best UK Attractions for 2013, the tea dances offer an unparalleled “back-in-time” experience where you can waltz, tango, cha cha cha and quickstep to the Royal Opera Dance Band at this London landmark. Check their website for dates and times throughout the year.

British Museum

The most visited site in all the United Kingdom for 2012, London’s British Museum never fails to impress. From the inspired design of the building to the rotating exhibits, there is no doubt that every family member will find something that appeals to them here. And good news for the budget-conscious – admission is free.

National Football Museum

If you find yourself keen on cheap short breaks out of the city of London, head to Manchester where you can find no better attraction than the National Football Museum. The museum houses the world’s greatest football collection with over 140,000 items, and explores everything related to the “world’s greatest sport.” Five floors of interactive exhibits dedicated to football past and present are open to the public. And again, like the British Museum in London, admission if free.

The Coast

A visit to the UK would not be complete without a visit to the coast. Did you know that there's a stellar beach only 43 miles from London? It's in the town of Skegness -- there's even a Butlin's resort here with a stellar waterpark if you're hesitant to dip your toes in the sometimes chilly ocean.

Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the skyline of Edinburgh in Scotland, the massive Edinburgh Castle is not only one of the largest, it’s also the city’s oldest building. The Crown Jewels are on display here, including the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State which are the oldest Crown Jewels in the United Kingdom. Coveted by kings, the historical Stone of Destiny – built into a throne by King Edward I --  is also on view within the castle walls.

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As the snow-capped mountains look over the hidden lagoons and alpine lakes, the island of New Zealand is certainly one of the best destinations to experience in the world. Let’s take a look at some of the top attractions in New Zealand, no matter what your budget or the length of your stay.

Tongariro National Park and Te Wahipounamu

Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning it has an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife. Composed of three mountains, colourful lakes situated at the bottom of the craters have been providing fresh water to the island’s inhabitants for thousands of years. This has allows the lush green forests of Tongariro to stretch for hundreds of miles, offering a tropical landscape that is home to millions of wildlife species. This national park is of the upmost cultural importance to New Zealand, and is a must see location if you’re ever traveling to the island.

Te Wahipounamu

Te Wahipounamu offers some of the most stunning forests in all of New Zealand, and at 26,000 square km, there’s a lot to see. The glaciers in Te Wahipounamu are very popular with local hikers, and they also hold spiritual significance for the local villages that surround the bottom of the mountains. The site can be found towards the south of the island, and it encompasses a variety of National Parks, as well as protected lakes and animal sanctuaries. If you’re looking for the ultimate New Zealand experience, then this is certainly the place to visit.

Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland

This is one of the only remaining active geothermal locations in New Zealand, with the volcanic crater producing small amounts of molten lava, mud pools and steam geysers. If you’re a budding photographer, then you’ll be able to get some great snaps at the Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland. Furthermore, it’s also a great place for couples and people who love adventure. If you’re thinking about taking a trip to the Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland, make sure you head online to search for cheap flights to New Zealand.

Subantarctic Islands

These small islands are another World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO, and they are home to over 120 species of exotic bird. Because the government of New Zealand controls the amount of people that are able to visit the island, it’s always an amazing opportunity if you do get the chance to visit from the mainland.

The Waitomo Caves

These amazing caves are located towards the north of the island, and consist of underground rivers and labyrinth caverns home to bats, rare fish, and a number of other forms of natural wildlife. Some of the caves major attractions include stalactites and stalagmites, and they’re also great for rock climbing too.

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For families with older children, there are various locations around the city that offer some exhilarating rides such as one would find in an amusement park. Circus Circus is the home of the Adventuredome Theme Park. Here, families can find many rides which provide for an action filled day. Two casinos also offer roller coasters for visitors. The Sahara features the Speed the Ride roller coaster for riders who measure at least 54” in height. Another roller coaster is found at New York New York. The Manhattan Express, like the Speed the Ride, also has a height requirement of 54”. The Stratosphere is home to three rides that are definitely to elicit some screams: Big Shot, X-Scream and Insanity.

When traveling with older children, parents often can find the time to enjoy some casino games while in Vegas. It doesn’t matter if they have experience playing in a land casino or simply an online casino like OnlineCasinoAustralia.com.au it is simple to enjoy a game. Even though it appears difficult, the game of roulette actually is not. This game often attracts a crowd which makes it easy to spend some time simply observing how the bets are place before actually cashing in for your own chips. A family Vegas vacation should include some casino gaming for mom and dad.

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Britain's diverse offerings when it comes to festivals mean a wide-range of activities, and no matter what your tastes, there's sure to be something to suit every member of the family.

Here are our picks for our Best of Britain's Festivals

Glastonbury Music Festival

It's hard to believe this music festival has been around for more than 40 years -- it started the day after Jimi Hendrix died in 1970. Hosting top acts from around the globe, thousands of music devotees congregate at Worthy Farm outside Pilton, Somerset, England for a wild (and sometimes wet and muddy) weekend of camping and music.

Buddhafield 

Heading into its 20th year in 2013, the Buddhafield Festival in Somerset is designed to advance the teachings of Buddhism and Buddhist meditation. If you're into clean living and seeking only natural highs, then this is the festival for you. Musical performances are complimented by morning meditation and yoga classes, and alcohol and drinks are strictly verboten.

LolliBop

With a tagline of "The Big Bash for Little People," this new-ish festival (it's only been around for 4 years) is aimed squarely at kids. And with activities such as face painting, "wacky races," stilt-people and an enchanted forest, kids 10 and under would get the most value out of it.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

Billing itself as the world's best New Year's celebration, Hogmanay is the 4-day event ringing in the new year with a bang, Scottish style. Events include a torchlight procession, a candlelight concert, and plenty of signing and dancing. Plus we think there might be alcohol. 

Merlin Festival

Held in Carmarthen, Wales each August, the Merlin Festival celebrates the Welsh roots of the world's most famous magician. Again this one is more for the kids, but it's a great day out if you in the neighbourhood. Some would even say it's magical.

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Being the capital of fashion means that most of the quality things you can buy tend toward the pricey side. But this doesn’t mean you can’t find low prices for great quality goods. Because it’s the capital of fashion, it’s also the capital of the discount outlet store. There are plenty of these outlets in Milan and on the outskirts. The only thing required is a lot of patience and some spare cash, but the rewards can be well worth it -- prices may be 10-20 times cheaper than in the shops. To maximize your savings, know what rates your bank or the outlet charges for purchases you put on credit. When it comes to your credit card, take a few minutes prior to your trip to find the best for you – compare bank accounts online before you leave. That way there won’t be any surprises when you return home.

One of the traditions that Milan’s locals really stick to is the time for the ’’aperitivo’’. In short, this term is all about drinking a cocktail, or something light just before dinner time, after work is finished. Those who serve this ’’aperitivo’’ also serve something to eat, which may vary from some snacks to a pizza or some spaghetti. It’s a great way to fill up if you’re intent on visiting Milan on a budget.

The Milan Duomo is Milan’s iconic cathedral, and the best part about it is the free entrance. However, visitors who desire to see the Treasury must pay a small fee of around $1.50 USD. The cathedral is also a great place to enter when the weather outside is either too hot or too wet. 

Even though Milan isn’t particularly known for its parks, it has its decent share of green spaces. Parco Sempione is one of the must-see parks among visitors who just want a spot to stop for a second, take a deep breath and enjoy the beauty of nature. The park has jogging and bike paths and of course best of all, it’s free.

Another freebie you can visit, especially if you are travelling with kids, is the Acquario Civico, the local aquarium.

Palazzo Reale is the Royal Palace, which used to be the center of Milan’s government. It was almost torn down in order to build the Duomo nearby, so even though it doesn’t look as impressive as the cathedral, the Royal Palace is a good stop because it’s free, it has a tourist information office and it holds a richer historical ambiance than the Duomo. On the second floor, visitors will have the chance of seeing a former theatre.

Visiting Milan on a budget is quite a tricky task because there are so many attractions, especially when it comes to shopping, but saving money requires sacrifices, and Milan is one city that is certainly worth the effort.

Check out the folks at Halifax.co.uk if you're keen to discover more about current accounts -- both banking and credit.

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Before Mexico was explored by the first Europeans, there were a number of traditional cultures that evolved into advanced civilisations, including the Maya, The Teotihuacan and the Olmec. The Spanish were the first European settlers to conquer Mexico in 1521, however in 1821 the country declared its independence.

From economic instability to domestic dictatorship, Mexico’s post-independence period was turbulent to say the least. In 1910, the Mexican people revolted against the dictatorship, resulting in a new constitution and the emergence of the political system they use today. Sadly however, the country has remained in a furious drug war since 2006, which has so far claimed over 70,000 lives.

Mexican Culture

Even though Mexico GDP is the 13^th largest in the world, nearly 20 per cent of its people continue to live below the poverty line. Furthermore, over 46 per cent of the nation is living in extreme poverty. Surpassing Canada, Mexico is the largest producing country in North America, and one of the biggest industries to operate within the country is broadcasting.

Mexico ranks number 23 out of the world’s top 25 countries with the highest tourism-based income, also ranking number 1 in Latin America. The majority of tourists that visit Mexico are either from the USA or Canada, however in recent years there has been an influx of Spanish, and other European nationals of Latin-American decent holidaying on its beautiful shores. It’s an especially tempting destination in light of the low costing flight fares; you can find cheap flights to Cancun at Cheapflights.com.

Holidaying In Mexico

Mexico is one of the best places to holiday if you’re on a tight budget, and if you’re travelling from America, then your dollar is going to go a long way. In order to make your trip to Mexico economical, and without blowing all your cash in Cancun in your first week, here’s a few tips to help you budget and save money.

Firstly, when it comes to your appetite, make sure you eat at street restaurants. Meals can be found for as cheap as $5, and that’s including a starter! Furthermore, eating in street diners will allow you to experience the real culture of Mexico, from burritos to tortillas.

Secondly, if you’re thinking of taking back souvenirs of your time in Mexico, don’t shop in the tourist districts. Not only will these places bump up the prices of souvenirs, but the market stalls will be limited to the stereotypical key chains and Mexican hats that most tourists find appealing. Try taking a walk out into the suburbs, where you’ll find the real Mexican market districts, offering souvenirs at great prices.

Finally, Mexico is a great city, and if you want to save some money whilst travelling there, make sure you take the public transport instead of taxi cabs. Not only will cab drivers hike up the prices for tourists, but public transport will allow you to experience the city at your own pace!

Lloyd is a freelance travel writer; he documents his travel experiences on his own website as well as various other blogs.

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Summer holidays are what memories are made of, and one family favourite is the sunshine island of Majorca. With a number of fantastic resorts to choose from, Majorca is hugely popular in peak season, especially the north coast resort of Alcudia.

Due to its popularity, there are many flights heading to the Balearics, with fantastic prices on offer. These days, it’s all about saving money wherever possible, so I’d recommend doing some serious research into airport extras; fantastic services which enhance your travel experience, whilst often saving you hard-earned pennies too. I rarely travel without airport parking these days, having found the convenience far too hard to leave behind, and the price doesn’t hurt either! There are facilities available from most major UK airports, including Manchester Airport parking from Holiday Extras, for flights from the north.

Saving money before you land, means more Euros to spend whilst you’re there, which is never a bad thing! Alcudia offers plenty for everyone, be it golfing for enthusiasts, water-sports for those that love a day’s splashing, history, shopping, or just good old beach time.

I’d recommend getting out and about, to really explore your surroundings. Buses aren’t the greatest, but Alcudia is small enough to explore on foot, however if you want to go further afield, I’d suggest heading to Palma - the cathedral is really impressive, and there are many shopping opportunities too.

Back in Alcudia, the Old Town is a must visit, with its quaint winding streets and beautiful Baroque church. If you’re like me, you’ll love shopping, and this is the perfect opportunity to use those saved Euros from pre-booking great value airport extras, such as Holiday Extras offers on Gatwick parking or Heathrow parking. The main shopping action in terms of high street stores is over in Palma, however I’d highly recommend heading to the market in the Old Town for a spot of souvenir shopping. The market takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and is a great place to grab a bargain or two. 

Of course, summer holidays are about the beach, and Alcudia has plenty of sand space to choose from! The beaches are safe for children and there are plenty of water-sports on offer. I’d really recommend heading out and sampling some water-sports fun, as it’s a fantastic way to cool down in the intense heat. There are also sun-beds and cafes to make beach time a relaxing experience.

When the sun goes down, and those long summer days come to an end, the moon brings about the evening’s entertainment. Nobody will go hungry in Alcudia, as there’s plenty of restaurants offering international menus. If you’re into traditional cuisine, which I’d suggest you try, then head to the Old Town or the back streets, where you’ll find more Majorican-style restaurants. The seafood around this part of town is particularly good.

For good old summer holiday fun, Alcudia is a fantastic choice, and with many great-value deals on offer this summer, why not head to Majorca for your annual two weeks in the sun?

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Venice

No surprise that the City of Canals find its way onto this list, but it’s true that you’d have to do something really stupid to mess up a proposal in Venice.

Starting the evening off with a gondola ride, before a dinner at sunset may sound cliché, but it’s almost guaranteed to work out. After soaking up the sunset, take a walk along the narrow streets of Venice to the Accademia Bridge. This is perhaps Venice’s most impressive bridge and is the perfect spot to see the waters of the Grand Canal passing by and to ask that question.

The Eiffel Tower

There are few cities more suited to a wedding proposal than the City of Love – Paris! The French capital is full of lovely restaurants, breathtaking views and gorgeous walkways, making it another top spot to pop the question.

The Eiffel Tower is, of course, the most obvious place to head to and it may seem unoriginal, but there’s a reason why the tower has been the location for so many proposals in the past and that’s because it’s the perfect spot. From the top of the tower you’ll be able to enjoy the best view of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. If you can find a more original Paris location, with a view to rival that from the tower, then well done to you. If not, then consider the Eiffel Tower your perfect Plan B.

Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo

Florence is a city full of art and architecture on every corner, but is also not as busy and touristy as Venice or Paris. That makes a break in Florence a great idea for a quiet trip with your partner and just like in Venice and Paris, there is no shortage of great views.

Perhaps the best view of Florence is the one from the Piazzale Michelangelo, a square above the city with stunning panoramic views of the Tuscan city. No matter when you visit the square you’ll see a view worthy of a postcard picture and that is why this should be on your list of places to consider getting down on one knee.

Barcelona 

The Catalan city of Barcelona really does have it all. You could quite easily come up with a separate list of romantic places to propose in Barcelona alone! The only difficulty would be cutting it down to just five. From the beach to Tibidabo hill, which overlooks the whole city, there are many great spots to ask that question. The Catalan cuisine is among the finest in Europe so a meal at a top restaurant is bound to get your evening off to a great start before you head off to that perfect little corner of the city where you’ll ask the most important question of your trip.

Dublin

You may not expect to see Dublin on a list of romantic places to propose, but the city is actually another great place to do so. Dublin is a charming city and although it has few major landmarks, and you can’t be guaranteed the sun necessary for a sunset, if the answer is “yes” then there are few better places to celebrate than in the Irish capital.

No matter where you propose in Dublin, whether in the street or a restaurant, the Irish will be as happy as you will be when the answer is “yes.” They’ll party with you both and any thoughts of a couple of minutes of privacy will go out the window as the Irish share your joy with you as you share a drink with them. A proposal in Dublin would certainly be one to remember. 

No matter where and when you decide it’s time to get down on one knee, a great way to share some privacy on your weekend away together is to rent an apartment. Unlike in a hotel, you’ll be very much on your own and luckily enough, Go with Oh has apartments for rent in all five of the cities above, as well as in seven more. Take a look today and begin planning that special night!

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