Seven sneaky tips for booking a late deal holiday

Sophie JohnsonBy Sophie Johnsonposted 19 June 2013

Grab a late deal for a quick escape

You can book your holiday far in advance and pay in instalments, if you like. Or, you can grab a late deal if you can’t wait and need some instant sunshine. Sophie Johnson’s guide to booking a late deal gives you insider hints on how to save money on your trip abroad. 

Advice includes how to get around the school holiday problem, that you don’t need to leave booking to the very last minute and how to prepare for grabbing the very best price.

» Leave a comment» Read more
Categorised: Destinations

Turkey update: situation still volatile but safe for holidaymakers; new e-visas help travellers

Gareth ScurlockBy Gareth Scurlockposted 18 June 2013
Taksim Square, Istanbul. Copyright: Evren Kalinbacak/Shutterstock.com

Taksim Square, Istanbul. Evren Kalinbacak/Shutterstock.com

Protests are ongoing in cities across Turkey, with more forceful measures being taken by police to clear protesters. There was also a strike called by unions yesterday. Holiday resorts remain unaffected however – find out the latest FCO travel advice here.

Last week we reported that despite mass protests, Turkey was still open for business and the FCO travel advice confirmed that it was safe to visit, but that British nationals should avoid demonstrations.

» Leave a comment» Read more
Categorised: Destinations

The five best hidden beaches around the Mediterranean

Liz MageeBy Liz Mageeposted 17 June 2013

Where Hvar meets the Adriatic sea in Croatia

The British summer is really trying to grace the UK with its presence, so maybe it’s time to pack up the old bathing suit and a toothbrush, then head off the the beach for a relaxing holiday. But forget any of the usual old beaches – it’s time lose the crowds and to head off to unknown shores to a new, less busy beach. Finding the perfect beach to kick back and relax can be quite stressful, so Liz Magee has compiled a list of the five best beaches around the Mediterranean to make the decision easy.

So while most are heading off to Spain to catch the rays on packed beaches, here are some different beaches from around the Med that aren’t on quite as beaten a track.

» Leave a comment» Read more
Categorised: Expert views

Young Brits take a gamble on travel insurance

Sophie JohnsonBy Sophie Johnsonposted 14 June 2013

Make sure you're covered for holiday activities

As we come to the end of exam season, many school leavers will be celebrating with a holiday abroad. A lot of them will be taking part in activities but only 45% will check they are covered by their travel insurance. Perhaps more shockingly, almost a quarter of Brits travelling to another country don’t bother getting insurance at all. 

If you’re a young holidaymaker (or the parent of one), check, check and check again that you have the right travel insurance. Sophie Johnson tells you why, with help from a travel insurance infographic from the FCO. 

» Leave a comment» Read more
Categorised: News and Comment

May reviews competition – Kindle Fire HD winner. Plus, win a £250 voucher in our new competition

Gareth ScurlockBy Gareth Scurlockposted 13 June 2013

Last month we asked you to leave reviews or questions about some destinations on our Holidays site. We can now reveal the winner of the competition.

Read on to find out how to enter the new competition and be entered into the draw for a £250 Directline Holidays voucher.

» Leave a comment» Read more
Categorised: Destinations

Top destinations for al fresco dining

Julie NewmanBy Julie Newmanposted 12 June 2013

Take a tour of the senses with a loved one.

Sick of eating lunch al-desko? Swap for al fresco. One for the foodies, this blog is a culinary tour of top holiday destinations. Julie Newman will get your taste buds tingling with her inspiring recommendations of where to eat outside in the sunshine. From the Mediterranean to Africa and Orlando, these choices make buffet restaurants quiver with fear.

Did we miss somewhere vital for vino? Let us know in the comments where you’ve had the best food and drink. We’d love to know your thoughts.

» Leave a comment» Read more
Categorised: While you are away

Summer playlists – 50 songs chosen by Directline Holidays’ staff

Gareth ScurlockBy Gareth Scurlockposted 11 June 2013

Woman on beach listening to music through headphonesSo far we’ve had a superb response to our song for summer competition. There’s still 10 days to enter for a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. In the meantime, here are 50 songs chosen by staff, five top 10s to be precise, to help you start compiling your own top 10.

Last month we revealed the Youtube videos for ten summer classics and asked you to choose your favourite summer song. You can still win a £100 Amazon voucher by entering, the competition closes on 21 June.

Last week, we listed 10 Europop favourites chosen by team member Ervin. Those cheesey anthems followed up on our article selecting the 10 best and 10 worst Eurovision entries.

» Leave a comment» Read more
Categorised: Destinations

10 things you need to know about travel insurance

Sophie JohnsonBy Sophie Johnsonposted 6 June 2013

The right travel insurance could stop holiday headaches

Sand, palm trees, beaches… wait, where’s my phone gone? To really let go and get away from it all you need peace of mind. And a lot of that will come from good travel insurance.

Here’s our guide to buying the right travel insurance, including pitfalls to be aware of and some interesting hypotheticals.

Let’s say you’ve booked a week in Kos with your best friend Barry. But Barry falls terribly ill and is unable to come on holiday. You want to stay by his side and mop his brow. Are you insured to cancel the trip?

Our guide to travel insurance will explain these worries through a nifty top 10 of things you need to know. It will hopefully make this niggling admin task less of a hassle. Even if your best friend isn’t called Barry.

» Leave a comment» Read more
Categorised: News and Comment

Top 10 Mediterranean songs for your summer holiday

Ervin CenmuratiBy Ervin Cenmuratiposted 6 June 2013
Young people dancing on the beach

Will Ervin's selection make you want to dance on the beach?

Ervin Cenmurati has provided the first Directline Holidays staff top 10 for our summer song countdown with a very unusual and funny multi-lingual Mediterranean medley. Check out the selection, with Youtube videos to view, below.

Next week we’ll publish some lists of staff favourites that are more orthodox, in the meantime tell us your favourite summer song for the chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher.

Ervin isn’t from these shores, he’s from the Balkans and that is reflected in his top 10 – a folk and pop bonanza from around the shores of the Mediterranean. Close your ears if you prefer The Proms to Eurovision…

» Leave a comment» Read more
Categorised: Summer sun

Top 5 places for all-inclusive deals during the summer high season

Ross HogbenBy Ross Hogbenposted 5 June 2013
The Duden Waterfalls in Antalya, Turkey

The spectacular Duden Waterfalls in Antalya, Turkey

With the weather hotting up across the Continent, it’s time to think of booking some much-deserved relaxation time if you’ve not done so already. All-inclusive packages are the ultimate stress-free holidays and, as Ross Hogben explains, they can also work out being far more cost-effective than you may expect. 

» Leave a comment» Read more
Categorised: Destinations

  • About this Blog

    About this Blog

    Thanks for visiting us. Here, our team of travel experts and guest writers share their knowledge to help you plan your next holiday.

    You'll find destination guides, travel news and comment, fun articles and photo galleries.

  • Find your Perfect Holiday

    Find your Perfect Holiday

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • Latest from DLholidays

    Latest from DLholidays

  • Get the Local Knowledge

    Get the Local Knowledge

    Sol Pelicanos Ocas – the hotel where Benidorm is filmed

    By Tom Bourlet, 04 Jun 2013

    Filming for the sixth season of the ITV show Benidorm has almost finished and British audiences will be able to watch the hilarious show from late summer 2013. You too could stay in the Benidorm hotel, known as the Solana in the TV series – there’s still availability for holidays in summer 2013.

    » More Local Knowledge

  • Archive