Santa Barbara Holidays

When it comes to a Santa Barbara holidays, the first things that comes to mind are its gorgeous beaches and soaking up in the sun. However, the so-called “America Riviera” has more to offer. Santa Barbara is situated at the foot of the Santa Ynez Mountains and California’s coastline. The city boasts several historic landmarks, picturesque hiking trails, miles of sandy coastline, and upscale boutiques. Unfortunately, many visitors mistake the Mediterranean-style town to revolve around the sea and sand. However, there is so much the city has to offer to people of all interests.

Here are some things to do during Santa Barbara Holidays.
Take a Hike to Inspiration Point
One of the most popular activities to enjoy as a family in Santa Barbara is hiking. Enjoy a hike with the whole family to Inspiration Point for a breathtaking encounter with nature. There are two different hike trails to choose from to reach the Inspiration point. The shorter trail is about 3.5 miles to and fro and starts on an easily paved road for almost a mile before reaching the steeper point. Jesusita Trail is a longer trail and stretches for about 7 miles with steep points in some parts. Hiking to Inspiration point makes for an exciting family adventure in Santa Barbara.

Buy Fresh Seafood at the Stearns Wharf
Buying fresh fish at the Stearns Wharf is one of the exciting things to do as a family during the Santa Barbara Holidays. So, if you feel like relishing some fresh homemade seafood, go to Stearns Wharf early in the morning and wait for fishing boats to unload their catch. Have fun with the family choosing and buying fresh fish straight from the boat. It is cheaper, and you get to enjoy choosing your food. There is also wine tasting, an aquarium for kids, and plenty of other activities around the harbor. We do not recommend staying past mid-morning since it tends to get crowded with tourists.

Go for Santa Barbara Classic Wine Tours
One of the surprising things about Santa Barbara is the number of wineries based in the town. Although there are many tours available, we suggest that you go for the Santa Barbara classic wine tours. Both locals and tourists tend to commend the tours guides, food, and wine. It usually takes up to 11 participants and goes through at least three different vineyards for wine tastings, and when there is time to spare, an extra of olive tasting. In addition, the tour includes a picnic lunch at one of the vineyards. Some of the vineyards you should expect to visit include; The Brander Vineyard and Roblar Winery and Vineyards. You can book your tour any day of the week. Tip; There are different Santa Barbara Wine Tours, and each tour offers a different take on what makes Santa Barbara vino outstanding.

Enjoy Seafood at East Beach Grill Restaurant
If you have been considering what beaches to visit in California with the least crowds, then you probably know that East beach is perhaps the least likely to be crowded. We recommend enjoying a family meal at the East Beach Grill after spending the afternoon swimming, playing beach games, and soaking in the California sun. The East Beach grill is a remarkably family-friendly restaurant with generations of regular customers. Sample some of the restaurant’s seafood and other delectable dishes on the menu.

Top 5 Things to Do in Santa Monica

Relax in the great outdoors with a holiday trip to Santa Monica. Dubbed California’s Boho beach city, Santa Monica is notorious for its sandy beaches, bustling city scene, vibrant nightlife, and sunny tourist attractions.

Santa Monica’s beach was once voted amongst the best globally by National Geographic. In addition, the city boasts over 400 restaurants and an overwhelming number of bars on the night scene, making it one of the significant holiday stopovers in California.

Santa Monica is a beehive for family holiday fun activities like soaking up the sun at the beach, swimming, setting up picnics, enjoying a meal at family-friendly restaurants, and learning new things. Here are the top activities you can do in Santa Monica during the holidays.

Top Things to Do in Santa Monica

Go to Santa Monica State Beach
In 3.5 miles of shoreline, you get to enjoy a fun holiday enjoying the countless fun activities Santa Monica State Beach has to offer for the family. One of the top activities to do in Santa Monica is going to the State Beach with family and spending the day enjoying water sports, strolling around the beach, building sandcastles, and relaxing in the sun.

Find some unique amenities like the Original Muscle Beach, a beach park with old-fashioned gym equipment from the early 20th century.

 

Ride a Bike on the Marvin Braude Beach Trail
Santa Monica’s sunny weather and wealth of trails make it an all-year-round dream destination for cycling enthusiasts. Discover the Marvin Braude Trail, also known as “The Strand,” amongst the locals at the heart of Santa Monica and enjoy a bike ride through the city’s picturesque streets.

Some of the streets you might encounter include Main Street and San Vincente Boulevard.

Visit the Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is the city’s most famous landmark. If you are moved with the children, the Pier is one of the destinations we recommend. The Pier offers a wide range of fun activities to do with families, like enjoying a ride at the roller coaster, perhaps the Ferris wheel in Pacific park, exciting games, shopping, street music, and bike riding.

Pick up a souvenir for each family at one of the beach shops or souvenir shops to have something to remind you of your fun experiences at this destination. The Pier also has a rich history that you can learn about and a world-famous boardwalk where you can all enjoy a walk with the family and do some people-watching.

 

Visit the Pacific Park and the Heal the Bay Aquarium
Take the kids to the Pacific Park and enjoy the different rides, including the roller coaster and the colorful Ferris wheel. Pacific Park is an amusement park fronting the ocean.

Circle around the Pier on the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world, play one of the classic games like Whac-A-Mole and enjoy the day. Learn about the aquatic life in Santa Monica Bay at Heal the Bay Aquarium and see exhibits of over 100 local species. In addition, their aquarium offers daily educational programs like discussions with aquarium scientists and animal feedings.

Shop at Third Street Promenade
Take a stroll downtown with family and have fun shopping at this uniquely California shopping hub in a traffic-free part of the city. The Third Street Promenade is an open-air shopping, dining, and doing some urban sightseeing space. It offers three blocks of shops, eateries, and stores where you will encounter familiar retail outlets, chain restaurants, and local businesses in an outdoorsy shopping space.

San Francisco Holidays

Known as the “City of Bay,” San Francisco is a popular tourist destination. It is a cultural, financial, and commercial center in Northern California. The city is known for its hills, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, Alcatraz Island, and other attractions and landmarks.

San Francisco boasts a great many attractions for all kinds of people. There is something for everyone in the city, from curious wanderers to food enthusiasts and outdoorsy people.

Top Things to Do During San Francisco Holidays

Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge

Existing as one of the wonders of the modern world, the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge is a must-see. When the bridge was commissioned in 1937, it was the longest suspension bridge ever created.

It is said to be the most photographed bridge globally, with six lanes of traffic. See and cross over this historic bridge during your San Francisco Holiday.

The bridge replaced the Golden State Ferry Company that used to transport people between the two places built. The company was once the largest ferry company worldwide.

Visiting the Fisherman’s Wharf

Head to San Francisco’s waterfront at the Fisherman’s Wharf, the city’s most waterfront community. Enjoy some of the finest dinings the world has to offer, coupled with some unforgettable dishes.

San Francisco is known for its restaurants and being home to some of the best chefs in the country. Purchase some fresh Dungeness crab or enjoy the freshest fish from the day’s catch at one of the countless gourmet restaurants. Enjoy a walk or a boat ride after your meal and explore the rest of the waterfront.

Exploring Alcatraz Island

Initially developed as a military fort, prison, and Federal prison, Alcatraz Island is fascinating. It is most famously known as a federal prison where they would take prisoners that were always making trouble and lock them up. The prison has housed some infamous prisoners, including Robert Franklin Stroud and Al Capone. It was turned into a tourist allure, and millions of people now visit the Island to explore the depths of the fortification.

Hiking to the Top of the Twin Peaks

The Twin Peaks of Francisco is a popular tourist attraction because of the remarkable views of the Bay Area that can be witnessed from the top. Enjoy a hike to the top of the Twin Peaks. Enjoy a view of what San Francisco may have looked like before all the development it has gone through.

The Peaks were initially called “Los Pechos de la Choca,” which meant Breasts of the Maiden. They stand in line with each other at 922 feet. There is plenty of flora and fauna as you hike to the top of the Peaks.

Greek Island Holidays

Greece holidays offer such an iconic landscape full of rolling cliffs, turquoise blue waters, historic ruins, dramatic volcanic landscapes and lovely locals. There are many Greek Islands to visit, and many visitors love to combine multiple islands and ‘hop’ around to make the most of their Greek get-away! The mainland, Mykonos, Santorini, Zakynthos (Zante), Corfu, Crete and Kos are some of the most popular destinations within the Greek Islands and offer so much beauty and culture that you’ll find something new and amazing to do on each island. 

What to expect in Greece / the Greek Islands:

• The Greek islands offer a very laid back and relaxing lifestyle/ culture with plenty of amazing food and sights to soak up.
• Locals in the touristy areas of the island’s will likely speak English, though if you choose to hire and car and travel inland to some of the amazing idyllic local villages (which we really recommend you do) then learning a few Greek phrases may come in handy. 

Getting around Greece / the Greek Islands

• Many of the Greek Islands will have their own airports that accept international / internal flights with Corfu being one of the largest with in the Greek Islands.
• Travelling between the islands may not be most economical by flight and those who want to hire a car, and those who don’t, can travel between the islands via ferry.
• Tip: Scheduling these flights/ ferry journeys can get confusing and that is where booking with our expert consultants here at Charter Travel will become essential. We will be able to navigate the flights/ ferry journeys and their scheduling for you and craft an amazing itinerary so your holiday to Greece is hassle free! 

Best bits of the Greek Islands:

• Best beaches: Naxos and Paros
• Best natural beauty and dramatic landscapes: Crete
• Best romantic setting: Santorini
• Best nightlife: Mykonos and Ios
• Best known and most iconic accommodation: Santorini
• Best place for a luxurious stay: Corfu
• Best for culture and historic finds: Rhodes, Crete and Kos, Athens (Mainland) 

Navigating the Greek Islands, of which there are over 600, can be difficult on your own and knowing which island is best for what you are looking for can be a challenge. That is where our Travel experts here at Charter Travel come in: our travel team can help to narrow down your choices based on your budget, expectations and requirements. Our consultants will plan you your perfect itinerary based on your requirements creating you a fabulous, hassle free, holiday to Greece.

 

Paris Holidays

Paris Holidays offer so much to see and do, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the city of love! No trip to Paris would be complete without a trip to the iconic Eiffel Tower – whether you choose to go up or admire the Eiffel Tower from afar stopping by this amazing monument is the best way to kick-off your Paris city break! France holiday lovers will want to visit the Louvre Museum – with a variety of art works (including the Mona Lisa), sculptures and installations this Museum is full of wonders just waiting for you to marvel at! Be sure to also snap a picture outside the iconic Louvre glass Pyramid! 

If you’re wanting to get out of the city for a bit, we recommend hopping on Paris’ amazing Metro to the Palace of Versailles where you can see the amazing architecture of the French royal residence from 1682! The Palace of Versailles is an architectural wonder with fabulous rooms, gardens and macaroons to sample whilst you walk around! Be sure to get the audio guide to truly soak up all the history and information about the palace! Paris is an amazing city to walk around, but they also have a unique travel feature that is perfect for zipping around the smaller streets and square – the electric scooter!! Download the app and whizz around Paris – we recommend taking the scooter up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe to avoid the traffic but take in the surrounding beauty of Parisian architecture! The best thing about the electric scooters is you can hop on and off – meaning you can hop-off whilst on the Champs-Élysées and enjoy a day of amazing shopping and food! Speaking of food, foodies will adore Paris – even the simplest of bakeries will be producing out-of-this-world bread, baguettes and pastries! 

When in Paris, it’s vital to live like the Parisians and lounge in cafés sipping coffee and dining on mid-day croissants! We recommend trying a new café each day to find your favourite as no two will be the same! Paris is the city of love, shopping, culture, food and so much more – there is truly something for everyone to enjoy in Paris. Contact us today and see how we have help you plan your next city break to Paris!

Florida holidays 2023 - Orlando Villas – Rental and Vacation Villa Homes

 

Waking up and starting your day with a swim in the pool at your own Orlando Villa will allow you to start your day with peace and quiet, enjoy a yummy breakfast in your own kitchen before packing up and heading out for an action-packed day at Disney or Universal. When you return to your own Orlando Villa home you will be able to cook, relax and watch T.V together as a family and enjoy the peace and quiet of your evenings before heading out to enjoy all Orlando has to offer again the next day! 

Our Orlando Villa Holidays are situated in ideal Orlando locations! Emerald Island Resort contains amazing Villa’s that are located just minutes away from Walt Disney World. Champions Gate Resort contains the ultimate club house for you to visit whilst you stay in your Orlando Villa- the resort also features a huge resort-style pool with water slides, lazy river, splash park, state-of-the-art fitness centre, tiki bar and movie theatre along with a playground and volleyball courts. The luxurious cabanas are air-conditioned and are perfect for spending the entire day at the pool. Windsor at Westside Resort has an extraordinary clubhouse as its centrepiece and includes a huge resort-style pool complete with a water slide – perfect for families to enjoy for hours. Windsor at Westside Resort has luxurious and spacious Orlando Villa’s for you to rent whilst on holiday! 

Many Orlando Villas are located on gated communities that also include golf courses! Golf enthusiasts will love this aspect of renting an Orlando Villa as it provides them with the convenience and access to amazing golf courses right at their doorstep! 

Our Florida holidays 2023 staying in an Orlando villa provide a base for many day trips you wish to take! Recently, our Orlando villas were fully booked due to many guests visiting Tampa for the Superbowl! Orlando Villas also allow you to hire multiple cars and park them outside your rental home! Day trips to cape Canaveral, Coco Beach, NASA, Tampa and many more locations are ideal when staying in an Orlando Villa as you are able to come and go as you please! Set your own pace when staying in an Orlando Villa; relax by the pool, visit Disney, drive to Tampa, visit the Orlando Premium outlets and shop till you drop!

Perfect time to start planning that 2022 trip of a lifetime

 

The New Year might be the perfect time to start planning that trip of a lifetime you have always been meaning to take your family on. 2020 proved very difficult for most of us and what we are seeing is a growth in families booking that most desired trip, whether as a special treat, something to look forward to or just a celebration of exploration and family time together, but not within your own walls. We hear it every day a special birthday, a graduation trip, an anniversary that could not take place in 2020 so we are looking to go bigger and better in 2021 and 2022. With an ever increasing pent up demand for international travel in 2021 and 2022 having that countdown clock ticking gives you something to plan and aspire towards over the coming months.

 

A few of our top destinations :

Florida holidays 2022 is on every families wish list, to see the sparkle and delight of the children as they make smiles with Mickey, Minnie and their friends at Walt Disney World Orlando is a pure tearful moment, hop across to Universal and Harry Potter is a sure must do, seeking thrills and adrenaline then Busch Gardens needs to be covered and if your travelling during school holidays can also provide a day away from the usual crowds, always quieter and queuing for rides is often no on the days agenda, for the younger children there are some amazing climbing areas and general fun places for the children to play and run around with parents keeping a close eye. Our Twin centre holidays are really popular for October 2021 and beyond see the sights of New York or Boston in the fall before heading down to the sunshine state of Florida.

 

The Maldives holidays 2022 what more do we need to say other than, seeing is truly believing, picture perfect in every way, often considered as the dream honeymoon destination yet has now become the ideal beach location for families. The Maldives has to be on everyone’s bucket list and now is the perfect time to tick that destination off your list. Whether couples or families the islands cater for both but choosing the right island is a key consideration, most islands now offer all-inclusive which is perfect for the families and usually with a choice of restaurants, for families we think its important to look at the facilities the island has to offer, such as water sports and the house reefs (every island is unique), the snorkelling around the islands and on the house reefs is some of the best in the world, the days will be spent on the water or on the beach – most children’s dream holiday.

 

The Caribbean holidays 2022 the home of the all-inclusive holiday, the Caribbean islands have opened their doors and opened their routes due to the extended demand for that all so important family holiday, whether choosing a base for your beach holiday or choosing a 5 star luxury hotel you will not be disappointed, beautiful beaches, warm seas and entertainment for the family. Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines are some of the most popular all of which from the UK you can fly on direct flights which maybe for families is a preference.

 

If your thinking of closer to home then the beautiful Greek Islands and the Island of Cyprus have some stunning beaches and resorts and blue azure waters, also offering all-inclusive resort options, the islands are dotted with quaint fishing villages full of history and intrigue from the past. Satorini a spectacular island along with Crete and Corfu are all often considered the most picturesque with stunning beaches and scenery, Crete also rich in culture and ancient myths, Naxos and Samos all blessed with ancient and natural wonders. Fun loving and sun worshipping then Mykonos is the island for you with lively tavernas and often famed for its beach clubs plentiful choices of accommodations to suit all requirements. Truly unforgettable holidays in the Greek Islands your only thoughts will be which island to choose.

 

In need of some inspiration, we are here to help and to talk through and narrow down your choices for you next adventure, every holiday is your very own adventure no matter where you choose to take your well-deserved holiday.

Walt Disney World Holidays 2022

 

Walt Disney World Holidays 2022 and 2021 have new news from EPCOT for all our Disney fans, over the next several years Epcot at Walt Disney Resort Theme park in Orlando Florida continues to enhance your families experience with their plans to bring to life the immersive world via storytelling and imagination. Epcot will offer four outstanding worlds of the next generation in theme park fun with World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery taking you where you have never been before.

 

What to expect from our Florida holidays 2022, world Showcase to bring together the various destinations of culture, cuisine and traditions much as World Showcase does now but with enhanced and added experiences. France will bring you the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure where guests will shrink in size to that of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau’s restaurant during their adventure, coupled with a new restaurant for the whole family to enjoy both table and quick service options with the menu from celebrity chef Jerome Bocuse, La Creperie de Paris should be a real winner for the whole family. The American adventure pavilion also offers a new fast and casual restaurant serving classic American barbecue and craft brews named the Regal Eagle Smokehouse

 

The France Pavillion and the Impressions de France film also now offers “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along”.  “Harmonious” will be world renowned for one of the largest night time spectaculars ever created for a Disney Park, featuring gloating set pieces, LED panels, dancing choreographed fountains, lights to dazzle you, pyrotechnics to wow you, lasers to amaze you and so much more.

 

World Celebration is aimed at connecting guests to each other and the world around them with a new statue honouring the legacy of Walt Disney, featuring the EPCOT fountains, fountains to story tell the Disney magic, new pathways and open spaces to emphasise the need for wide open green spaces within our own lives, and a new fountain at the base of Spaceship Earth, and a renovated festival area that will be the base for changing and new events.

 

World Nature features the “Journey of Water” the whole area is dedicated to showcasing the need to understand, preserve and maintain the balance of the natural world, including the Land and the Seas with Nemo & friends. The Journey of Water which is inspired by the film Moana an experience to encourage guests to meet and enjoy “magical” living water. The Land’s newest film “Awesome Planet” engages with its audience showing the beauty and diversity of Earth.

 

World Discovery and the Guardians of the Galaxy, Cosmic Rewind tells the story of science, technology and intergalactic adventure bringing them all to life. Guests adventure will begin in the Galaxarium, a planetarium-like experience that explores and looks at the similarities and mysteries of Earth’s galaxy and that of Xandar, and their formation. Guests will learn more about the treasures of Xandar and what there is to share until the moment when Guardians of the Galaxy arrive. The new attraction will feature a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees and including the first reverse launch on a Disney Coaster.

 

Epcot has always been a fun day or two for the family and with all the new enhancements coming its journey is set to change once more, we cannot wait to return to the magic to experience all the enhancements.

Florida holidays 2022 - Let your holiday countdown begin!

 

Orlando villa holidays giving space, and flexibility to explore and plan your own Orlando adventure or relaxation in the sunshine state. Our villa holidays have sky rocketed in popularity, families are looking for the home comforts and space for the family to enjoy the accommodation in a surrounding of comforts and easy pace. With the multigenerational groups of family or friends that are planning their get together and to re connect, the villa holiday gives the perfect retreat in style.

 

Orlando is well known as the capital of theme parks, but also renowned for world class shopping and bargains, and only a short distance from some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, a twin centre holiday packed with the thrills of Orlando followed by relaxation on the mesmerising Gulf Coast is a popular choice. Villas in Orlando are in abundance and choosing the right one for you and your family can seem daunting, how do you choose, each being unique in style, furnishings and location.

 

Florida holidays 2022 villa capital of the world where you can create and share memories with family and friends whilst enjoying the comforts of your own villa. Villas are available in a wide variety of sizes and price points, ranging from 2 bed town-homes upto large luxurious 10 bedroom villas. Locations vary but all are within easy drive of the main central theme park attractions whether that be Walt Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld and or Busch Gardens, seeking out those thrills by day and relaxing by your own pool by night, spacious, luxurious and family friendly are all part of your dream Orlando Villa holiday. Whether you choose Emerald Island, Highlands Reserve, Champions Gate, Windsor Hills, Windsor Palms, Solara or Solterra we can help to guide you through the choices based around your own specific requirements and those of your travelling party.

 

Imagine your children splashing in your own pool as the sunsets on the Sunshine state, or catching a movie as you read your book by your pool under the warm rays of the Florida sunshine or the stars! Live your holiday to the full in dream style in one of our Orlando villas chosen by you for your family, complete with our exclusive pricing on Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines and British Airways flights you can book your holiday with complete confidence covered by ABTA and ATOL  - Let your holiday countdown begin!

 

Our top three destinations for weddings and honeymoons are Florida, Hawaii and the Maldives.

 We were recently asked to comment on our top three destinations for weddings and honeymoons, a tall order to isolate just three as there are so many beautiful and unique destinations we could list for that special occasion, but based on the volume of passengers we book to our top selling destinations we had to choose, Florida, Hawaii and the Maldives.

 

Florida for our couples whether tying the knot in the land of magic or taking their honeymoon with Mickey and Minnie, we have found in recent years that Florida holidays have become not only that trip of a lifetime for couple with children but also a popular destination to begin your lives together. When asking some of our special couples the all-important question why choose Florida over so many other beautiful destinations there seems to be a reoccurring reply. “We want to be able to show our children where we went on our honeymoon and to take them there so we can all share in our special beginning”. Families are at the heart of Florida and a beautiful beginning to the start of your family journey can become a reality in Florida.

 

Hawaii honeymoons have always been regarded as one of the top honeymoon destinations, and rightly so for the explorer, the adventurer and those seeking beautiful beaches in abundance. Our Hawaii specialist has a passion and love of the islands having been many times can offer advice of the ways in which you too can visit Hawaii and her islands maximising time and seeing as much as possible, from waterfalls to beaches, to scenery like no other to the best restaurants to visit while spending time on the islands, a personal favourite being Mama’s Fish House after exploring the Road to Hana trip on the island of Maui finishing in this beautiful restaurant offers some of the best food and atmosphere. Each of the Hawaiian Islands is different with a different vibe and suited to different tastes, we will take time to understand your wishes and plan your trip from start to finish and more in-between.

 

For those seeking for their wedding or honeymoon solitude and blissful relaxation, with picture perfect backdrop of sea, sand and blue skies then the Maldives may be your dream destination. Maldives holidays are known for their pearl drop islands spread across the Indian Ocean, each island has its own characteristics but they all bring the beauty and tranquillity of relaxation and escaping to a paradise like no other. The Maldives is an incredibly beautiful romantic destination for you to begin your lives together