With the whole world to choose from, deciding where to go on your only summer holiday can feel impossible – how do you decide between Morocco, Majorca, Malmö or Miami? This is especially true if you have a strict budget, but don’t fancy heading to Lanzarote.

With this in mind, we’ve rounded up three of the best value holiday spots for summer and autumn 2013, focusing on destinations that offer sunshine and sand without high costs and crowds. There are plenty of cheap holiday deals to these fabulous destinations, whether you’re looking for a last minute getaway or a well-planned autumn sunshine jaunt… so have a look online, and start planning!

Montenegro

When you’re trying to stick to a strict financial plan, it’s best to avoid the most well-known places. Montenegro was almost totally unknown as a holiday spot until recently, and 2013 is looking to be its breakout year – so go before the prices jump next year.

Just south of Croatia on the Adriatic coast, Montenegro boasts fantastic weather during the summer months, with highs of around 30°C. With a mix of rock, pebble and sand beaches spread over 73km of coastline, you’ll be hard pressed not to find something to your liking. The beach at Kotor, towards the north of the country, is a beautifully secluded spot that plays host to the deepest fjord in the Mediterranean. There are two small islands a short way from the bay, Sveti Djordje and Gospa od Skrpijela, that are well worth seeing – if you want a break from the beach, hire a boat and head out to explore. Fly into Tivat airport and take a taxi to Kotor for around €7, and accommodation near the beach costs between €7 and €15 per night per person. Now that the secret is getting out, prices won’t stay so reasonable for long.

Croatia

North of Montenegro, Split, Croatia is also home to some daydream-worthy beaches. Split is slightly bigger and cheaper than the capital Dubrovnik, with loads to explore besides the incredible Adriatic coastline. History buffs shouldn’t miss the Roman ruins in the city centre; the Bronze Gate is also a must-see, with exhibitions and craft stalls at this stunning heritage site. There are a number of museums, and restaurants serving delicious Croatian specialities with fairly reasonable price tags. The fish here is a particular treat.

The Azores

If you want to get as far away as possible without blowing your budget on flights, head to Santa Maria Island in the Atlantic. Located in the Azores, about 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon, this Portuguese archipelago is an absolute haven for both adventure types and those looking to get away from it all. With a population of just 6,000 people, Santa Maria is also known as the Island of the Sun, thanks to its dry climate and yellow wildflowers. Formosa Beach is intensely sunny, with bright white sands and crystalline waters, and there are a number of nature reserves around the island with hiking trails. Incredible Giant’s Causeway-style rock formations (complete with a waterfall) and red earth are great outings, and a powerful reminder of the island’s volcanic past.

Where is Seville?

Seville is the capital of Andalusia and is the stereotypical Spain with flamencos, bullfights, Moorish palaces and gorgeous hilltop villages. Other than Seville, the two other principal centres include Granada and Cordoba.

Seville is a great city with its colour and is as alive at night as it is during the day (but what Spanish city isn’t?). There are plenty of beds in hostels and hotels to base yourself to see the sights. Seville contains three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Alcázar palace complex, the Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. It is also the only river port in Spain and lies in the fertile valley of the Guadalquivir River.

Other not to miss attractions include the Plaza de Espana and the nearby parks offer a romantic setting for an evening stroll. Behind the Cathedral is the picturesque old Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz.

Frommer’s Seville Day By Day

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Seville

One Great Reason to Visit Seville

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to experience the stereotypical Spain!

Come to Seville

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Official Seville Website

As far as Northern Ireland goes, there is so much to see beyond the city limits of its Belfast capital. The second largest city in Ireland, Derry (or Londonderry, as it’s also known) is spread across both sides of the River Foyle and its position lends itself to being an excellent base for exploring the country (including nearby County Antrim) as well as the Republic of Ireland – namely Donegal and Inishowen. A city steeped in history as well as modern amenities, Derry is a quintessentially Irish town that is well worth a visit.

Staying in Derry can be an affordable prospect – you can find a hotel in Derry that is well within a reasonable budget, and places you in the heart of the city ready to explore.

In 2010, Derry was shortlisted for the prominent accolade of City of Culture 2013 and is proud to be the inaugural holder of the award next year. It’s easy to see why the city achieved the honour as well, as it provides a myriad of cultural offerings to its visitors.

The Workhouse Museum is a museum over two floors, which offers insight into workhouse life during the 19^th century and is also home to the Atlantic Memorial exhibition which covers Derry’s activity during the Battle of the Atlantic in World War 2.

The Tower Museum that opened in 1992 is home to two permanent exhibitions as well as visiting exhibitions throughout the year. The ‘Story of Derry’ does exactly what it says on the tin, and you can also enjoy the ‘An Armada Shipwreck’ exhibition that holds artefacts found in Kinnagoe Bay, back in the 70s, that belonged to a 16^th century shipwreck.

If you’re interested in local history, be sure to pay your respects to the Bloody Sunday Memorial in Glenfada Park that pays tribute to those who lost their lives during the plight of Bloody Sunday in 1972. There is also some archive space and an exhibition for you to peruse directly opposite the plinth.

A hankering for a spot of retail therapy can be satiated with the handful of shopping centres in the area, including Foyleside, Lisnagelvin and Quayside, whilst there are also a huge number of independent stores and shops, catering for any requirement, strewn across this vibrant city.

For a meal out, La Sosta provides some fine Italian cuisine, whilst if a gastropub is what you’re after, look no further than Badger’s Place for some top quality hearty grub. There are also plenty of traditional Irish establishments that are nestled on the banks of the River Foyle for you to sample if something a little more rustic is what you’re looking for.

Venture out of the city and head for the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. With Derry being in close proximity to the borders, you can appreciate the natural beauty of Donegal during your trip. The Glenveagh National Park is simply breathtaking and just north of Derry; you can find the Inishowen Peninsula which offers a 100-mile scenic drive that comes highly recommended.

Book your hotel in Derry today and look forward to exploring another corner of Northern Ireland.

Family Holidays to Spain: 7 Days in Benidorm

When you book Benidorm holidays, it is only the start of the excitement you are about to experience.

As one of the top holidays to Spain among British holidaymakers, it comes as no surprise that Benidorm is kitted out with tons of family friendly attractions. You’ll be spoilt for choice with how to spend your week.

Day 1: Terra Natura is an educational wildlife park split off into the seven continents of the world, each zone with its own ecosystem and native animals.

Day 2: After a day relaxing on Benidorm’s best beaches, head to Benidorm Circus. Impressive acrobatic displays and trapeze acts keep tourists flocking back year after year.

Day 3: Terra Mitica is jam packed with traditional thrill rides. Although more of a fairground than a theme park, the rides here pack plenty of punch. Best for older children due to the minimum height restriction of 140cm.

Day 4: What family holiday is complete without some waterpark action? Aqualandia has chutes, flumes and slides in abundance for adrenaline junkies. Adults can relax on the loungers watching youngsters in the splash pools.

Day 5: Swim with dolphins and watch breathtaking sealife shows at Mundomar, one of Benidorm’s finest attractions.

Day 6: Take a trip away from the hustle and bustle of Benidorm and book a Jeep Safari. Teens and adults will love the midnight tours, while those with tots have the option of exploring the island by daylight.

Day 7: Aqua Natura is a family orientated waterpark alternative to Aqualandia. Wind the pace down on your last day in the sun and cool off at this calm child friendly attraction. Complete with slides, loungers, pools and more.

Secure your spot in the sun for a fantastic price. Book Benidorm holidays online now for the best deals on 2013 holidays to Spain.