Saving money on holiday plans takes time, patience, and a little tenacity. It’s also worthwhile to know the tricks of the trade too, because that way you can get around them and find money saving options where you didn’t know they existed! There are plenty of ways to save cold, hard cash on your travel plans, and if you’re looking to grab a bargain this summer, or even on a winter jaunt, don’t discount the idea of flying indirect.

Before you roll your eyes and say ‘no way’, let me explain.

Yes, you will add a bit of time onto your travel day, but if you only book a flight that doesn’t add hours and hours onto your day, and if it saves you massively, then what is the problem?

The way I look at it is this – your travel day is practically a day lost on your holiday anyway, because even if you arrive in time for a bit of the evening, you’re too tired to go and do too much anyway, so what’s a couple more hours if it saves you money?

Cutting out the time you’re spending at the airport before you fly is also a good idea, and by that I am talking about looking at how you get from home to the airport. Early flights can be the devil when it comes to staying calm and not being overly tired during your travel. To combat this, I always book a night in an airport hotel if I’m leaving early or flying long-haul. I regularly use the Glasgow Airport hotels, but this is a service that is available at most large UK airports, and if you combine your airport parking needs with a hotel, you can save even more – check out Airparks for bundles such as this.

Adding extras such as these onto your travel plans enhance the whole palaver no end, and will mean you are in a much better frame of mind. In this case, adding a couple of hours extra with an indirect flight won’t be a problem.

It’s a case of weighing up the pros and cons basically – I wouldn’t go for this idea if there was more than a three hours’ wait for a flight, because you’ll just be getting agitated and fidgety, but if it’s a short lay over, I don’t see the problem. If you book with the same company for your entire flight, using Skyscanner is always a good idea here, then you generally don’t need to check in again, and you generally won’t need to collect your luggage at the stop-over; do check this out with the company in question, but I’ve recently flown with Delta and Turkish Airlines, and I checked in for both flights at the initial check in, got both boarding cards, and didn’t have to pick up my luggage. The whole thing was surprisingly easy.

So, the next time you see a major bargain that flies indirect, and you’re umming and ahhing, don’t discount it completely – think it through.

Spain is no doubt one of the hot spots to visit while planning a trip to Europe, and it doesn’t take any smarts to see why. Amazing cultural experiences, exquisite art and architecture, incredible food, and beautiful beaches. Does one need anymore of a reason? While it could take days discussing everything that’s a must-see, these top city destinations are a good start for anyone embarking on a trip to this major-European holiday destination. Grab your Thomas Cook flights and soon find yourself immersed in the wonderful Spanish vibes.

Barcelona

No surprises here for this being on the list. It could take you weeks to really see all that this magical city has to offer, but one of its main attractions is its magnificent architecture. Gaudi’s work here has made its mark on this city and makes you feel like you’re in another world. The perplexing looking SagrdaFamilia will amaze you, and when wander around Guell Park, you feel in a fantasyland. Gingerbread-looking houses scattered about and colorful tiles adorning benches, walls, and everything else, it’s magical. The history, culture, and street life here blows away its visitors every time.

Seville

This is home to some of the most wonderful and interesting things Spain has to offer. The beautiful flamenco dance, dangerous bullfighting, and the incredible Moorish architecture that is showcased throughout the city making for an interesting visit. Wander around the alleyways and find the intriguing buildings and monuments. The Seville Cathedral is the largest church in Europe and third in the world. The late 1300 royal residence, the Real Alcazar, is very impressive to check out as well.

Valencia

The third largest city in the country and known for its liveness and spunk, is Valencia. While its neighbors might be known for the impressive historical buildings, Valencia, which having some of this, also showcases many modern buildings. The Ciutat de les Arts complex is one of these impressive futuristic collections of buildings. When you’re done with the city life, beautiful beaches are only a stones throw away. If you’re hungry, lucky for you, you happen to be in the birthplace of paella, so your dinner choice should be very easy.

Toledo

This is one of the melting pot cities that are in Spain. A mix of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, you will be sure to find plenty of interesting architecture and culture to relish in while you’re wandering around this city. St. Thomas is the most popular churches of interest in Toledo, it’s a stunning cathedral with magnificence monuments. This masterpiece is thanks to El Greco and it can be found set on the hill.

Madrid

There are so many reason why this city should be on your list of places to go. It’s not only one of the fashion capitals, but known for its world-class museums. After wandering around the incredible shopping centers and admiring the true beautiful the city offers both in and outside museums, get ready for some of the best nightlife the country has to offer in the bustling squares.

Do you love to work up a sweat? How about seeing the world? Then it may be time to combine your two passions together. How? By taking a vacation that incorporates a little bit of healthy living! Yes, even while you are off seeing the sights in Paris or Peru, there are places that you can go to run, swim, hike, bike, and so much more. It is the perfect way to create the ultimate getaway.

These destinations for the healthy traveller are sure to inspire your next trip!

Running In San Jose

One way to stay in shape on your next vacation is to make a run for it. Major cities all over the world host running events like marathons or half marathons each and every year. One memorable place to go for a jog? San Jose. That’s right – the San Jose half marathon takes place this October when the city hosts their annual Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon. Running enthusiasts from all over will flock to the Northern California city this fall…. and you could be part of the excitement!

Mountain Climbing in Scotland

Another destination for the healthy traveller is Scotland. Known for its lush scenery (and rainy weather!) there are plenty of places to climb. The Scottish Highlands boast Ben Nevis – also referred to as “The Ben.” Climbers who visit this spot can enjoy 2300ft deep cliff sides that make for a challenging excursion! The best time of year to scale this mountain is during the warmer summer months. Start planning now for a vacation you are sure to remember.

Bike Ride Along the Coast of Croatia

There is something special about going for a bike ride. It allows you to soak up the sunshine and check out the sights. One place to do just that is in Croatia. There are many different areas to bike through, including paths that run along the Adriatic cost and through Brinjuni National Park. With lush scenery and picturesque views, getting fit has never been so fun.

Live healthy while you travel. Just head to one of these thrilling destinations. They are sure to keep your heart pumping – and give you all of the adventure you crave.

Anyone with a passion for skiing can spend some time on the slopes by arranging a vacation to a winter resort. While adventure fans may want to seek out some big thrills, others will be more interested in simply relaxing, enjoying the surroundings, and having some fun. Those that place themselves in the latter category can find some great places.

Places to Visit

There are many ski resorts that cater to visitors looking to just have a relaxing time. Some of those to consider include Alpe-dhuez in France, Livigno in Italy, and Tremblant in Canada. However, many others exist to choose from so that any skier should be able to find the perfect spot for your winter vacation.

Getting started

The best way to get started with skiing is to take some lessons and most resorts have instructors offering classes. These will generally teach the basics such as the correct stance to maintain balance, the best way to get up after a fall, and how to change direction, slow down, and stop. Learning can be challenging to begin with although lessons and some patience will pave the way to improvement.

Different slopes for different folks

Most resorts will have a variety of slopes and in most cases these will be color coded according to their difficulty. Generally, this is green for beginner slopes, through to black for advanced/expert slopes. It is worth checking the color code system for the resort you plan to visit, so you can stick to slopes that are suitable for your level of skill and experience.

Après ski

If your intention is to relax and have fun on a skiing vacation, then you will definitely want to find a destination that is big on après ski. This is the name given to the social side of skiing and involves the drinking, dining, and dancing to be enjoyed after a day on the slopes. It’s a great way to relax, meet up with friends, and just enjoy the beautiful views.

Skiing does not need to be all about the thrills and there are plenty of resorts offering the chance to just relax and have some fun. Finding one should not present too many problems and once the tickets are booked, it is a case of packing your skis, making the trip and enjoying all that a relaxing ski holiday offers.