Top 5 Alternative Holiday destinations and must-see's abroad!

With holidays abroad more meaningful than ever, of course each one needs to be unique. With many amazing places to choose from, it can be hard to figure out those that are thriving in popularity at the moment.

Below we have favourited some of our most alternative, unique and up and coming holiday destinations and sight to be seen of 2013, that are sure to give you both a cultural, exciting and memorable experience time away.

North Africa After suffering with political unrest for many years, North Africa's most loved holiday resorts are more than safe, and a welcoming, friendly place to spend a holiday. Morocco is now proving to be more and more popular with intrigued travellers, hosting Marrakech as one of the most cultural and bustling holiday destinations there is. Agadir in Morocco is especially spectacular, holding beaches and historical sites. The country is full of flavour and fast paced activities, offering a perfect mix of both Arabia and Africa. Red sea holidays such as Egypt are also as hot as ever, being a great all rounder and a paradise for divers and snorkelling beginners. North Africa is also lucky enough to host the stunning country of Tunisia, home to many filming locations and celebrity hotspots. Without spending a fortune here, you'll get to taste theTunisian cuisine, as well as visit its world renowned ancient ruins such as Amphitheatres, cathedrals and religious sites.

Dominican Republic 

With the Dominican increasing its tourism visitors in 2012 by over 8%, we have seen more airlines jump on the bandwagon, offering flights here at lower prices than ever before. Not only is this a dream like and affordable destination to relax on, the Dominican Republic's coastlines are some of the most beautiful in the world. Usually destined as a place to get married or to spend a honeymoon, resorts such as Punta Cana and Puerto Plata can now be enjoyed by everybody. Here you will find extremely tranquil beaches, lagoons and private coves to swim in and take boat rides out of, as well as its secluded walking routes. Aside form its coastal culture, open valleys and fields are also wide open for you to enjoy, being home to lots of natural production. With a mix of the Maldives and France's countryside, there no better place to unwind. The Dominican Republic will always be a splurge and a treat, but a well deserved and memorable one.

Malta. Even though Malta is one of the smallest EU nations in population and in size, it holds stable and loveable Mediterranean climates. The country hosts a full hub of all things arty, great food and harbours which have slowly helped Malta on its way up the holiday ladder for educational yet stunning places to visit. With its Maltese culture surrounding newcomers everywhere they look, architecture and exhibitions reflect the early renaissance. With young students and couples after an informative break away, The Traditional Museum of Fine Arts located here should go down a treat, with spectacular seas and sands to go with it.

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Aspros Potamos, Crete

Aspros Potamos, situated in a stunning valley in Crete, Greece is a secret destination offering peace and tranquility. A place without traffic, mobile phones, or lights, it’s the perfect place to spend some quality time in a faraway place. Aspros Potamos is designed to create simplicity, and here will lead you to the historical village of Pefki, a place used in the Vietnam War times. The village was originally used to prepare wheat and barley and keep animals. The village is surrounded by stacked cottages, perfect for a romantic break alone. They are made of local stone, and each consisted of only two rooms. The miniature houses are drenched in an authentic atmosphere, and although you have no chance of drying your hair or having a shave, you’re bound to have an extraordinary break exploring the depth of a well-kept historical landmark together.

Lake Vinuela
We all know Costa Del Sol is famous for it's sandy beaches, but little do people know, it also offers a beautiful romantic attraction, Lake Vinuela. It has enticed holiday makers for many years, with a capacity of 170,000,000 cubic meters of water, the lake was created when the rivers Velez, Guaro, and Seco were dammed together. The lake thrives in a sense of hush as the public are left to discover what the lake has to offer. Scattered around the lake are paths that lead to dainty and delightful little villages, such as Canillas de Aceituno, Alcaucin, Periana, and. Riogordo. It is located fifteen minutes from the local town of Torre del Mar. Visit Lake Vinuala where the tiny romantic villages are perfect for couples to explore, and feel a real sense of adventure in an unexpected location.

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The stunning bridges of Venice

Bridge of Sighs.
This infamous bridge connects the Doge's palace with Prigioni. It's often looked at and thought to be romantic, situated in a wonderfully beautiful part of the city. It's Italian name is the Ponte Dei Sospiri made in limestone.

Rialto Bridge.
This photogenic bridge is situated across the main pedestrian bridge of the Grand Canal. The bridge is close by to many shops and authentic markets, making it extremely accessible and popular. 

Scalzi Bridge. Literally meaning 'The bridge of Barefoot Monks'; It connects Santa Croce, Cannaregio and the Santa Lucia Rail Station together. Completed in the early 30's, its stone structure still remains in tact and gives beautiful views down the Grand Canal. 

Calatrava Bridge. This is not your typical Italian bridge, as it's Venice's newest. Smoothly using its curve edges to span the Grand Canal. Made from glass steel , it was completed in 2008 and adds a modern touch to the city. 

Acadamy Bridge. Crossing both the Grand Cnal and the recommended Venice museum 'The Galleria dell Acadamia' it's name makes sense. First built in the 19th century and re-erected in the 30's it offers an interesting yet huge piece of art to look at, all made out of pure wood. 

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Treating Mum 'Abroad Style' this year- Give her something to really smile about

On the odd years, when Mother's Day tends to get a little repetitive, I find myself thinking of something that will really show my appreciation for my Mum. I think most hard working Mums out there really do deserve a nice break away, or at least the opportunity to feel free from the daily banes of life for a few days.  Treating Mum 'Abroad Style' this year- Give her something to really smile about

That's why I have come up with a few interesting ways on how to turn that tired smile into a shining grin this Mother's Day.

Spa Weekend

Would a back massage in Italy or a simple Spa day at your local hotel go down a treat with your Mum? I think this must be most women's dream, having a full day of pampering to themselves. With in-Spa Jacuzzis, swimming pools saunas, and a personal masseuse at the ring of a bell, what more could a hard working Mum of three want? Not only has been relaxed proved to help our mental and emotion selves, it's a great way to show your appreciation for your Mum, and is way better than turning up to the house with just a card, a surprise won't hurt! 

Take her with you!

Okay, so maybe not for your main summers party holiday with your friends, but been able to bond with your Mum in some of the greatest shopping malls in the world and treating yourselves to a new hair do will prove just how close you bot really are. The chances are your Mum will be flattered that you want to take her away and spend some quality time together. So surprise your Mum and offer to take her on your text holiday with you. Even suggesting that  she 'needs a break' will show her how much you care, and how much you have thought about how to giver her an ultimate break from reality. 

Plan a holiday

We all know that the perfect getaway from day to day life is the best thing in the world. And having deals from under £100pp on site, you wouldn't even need to spend hundreds. You could even start to talk about the idea of a perfect holiday, and help your Mum come up with a plan on how and when she'd go. Giving your Mum that little something and idea on having a break from it all will give her something to look forward to- and will love you for it. By giving her a little towards a deposit could really allow her to believe that in just a few months she could be jetting off somewhere exotic. 

Turkish Bath

The chances are if you have ever experienced a Turkish bath you'll want to do it again, and was more than likely taken out whilst abroad. But did you know? That not only can you re-live this memory again whilst on holiday, there are now several spas and leisure facilities that offer this service around the UK. It has said to be the ultimate relaxer, as you'll get to experience being pampered to high heaven. It's also known to leave both men and women in a complete trance after not experiencing something so tranquil ever before! You could even suggest this for their next holiday, and show them reviews and pictures of just how stylish and worthy a Turkish bath and Spa really is. 

Tapas Style

If being able to offer your Mum a holiday is impossible for you, then create a theme at home! Try venturing your Mum out to try some authentic cuisine, or even cook for her at home. You could try a traditional Moroccan tagine cooked stew, or even take her out to a Tapas bar where drinks and meze are all foreign and yummy. Flavours can go down a treat when done right, so treat her to something unique that she's never done before. 

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How to Make Your Favourite Holiday Cocktails!

How to make your favourite holiday cocktails!

We all know that what makes an all inclusive holiday that bit more special is the unlimited drinks we are able to take advantage of.

This is why we have shortlisted a few of your favourite drinks to show you exactly how to make them so you can re-live that dream holiday drinking experience in your garden whenever you like!

Crucial Cocktail Tackle

Cocktail Shaker

Cocktail Strainer

Cocktail Muddler

Mixing Spoon

1 x 25ml Measure

1 x 50ml Measure
1 x Sleek Cocktail Glass

You may also want to get a hold of a cocktail strainer to ensure that your drink will pour out perfectly into your favourite cocktail glass.

Cosmopolitan

What you'll need:

1 oz Vodka

1/2 oz Cointreau or Grand Marnier

1/2 oz Lime juice

1/2 oz Cranberry juice

How to do it:

Pour all of your ingredients into your cocktail shaker, and skae like crazy! Once your wrists start to hurt you can then pour the delicious mixture into your cocktail glass glass. Adding Crushed Ice and an umbrella to your drink will transfer this red happy juice into a real surprise to serve to your friends.

To serve: 

Add crushed iced to make this into a tasty long drink!

 

Pina Colada Recipe

What you'll need:

3 oz Rum/ Malibu

3 tbsp of Coconut milk

3 tbsp crushed pineapples

How to do it:

First pour in your crushed pineapple into the shaker, and make sure they're as small as you can get them. Then add in your Malibu and coconut milk to make sure all is creamy and consistent. Once you've done so, take your strainer to ensure no bits fall into your glass, and HEY PRESTO!

To Serve:

Try adding a few ice cubes into this swirl of yumminess. You could even top it off with squirty cream to make sure it looks and tasted just like the ones you've had on holiday.

Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe

What you'll need:

2 oz Tequila

3/4 oz Grenadine

4 oz Orange Juice

How to do it:

Depending on how much alcohol and alcohol you' require, pur in the above mesurments to taste. (More Grenadine for stronger, More orange for weaker.) And mix it all up. Pour straight into your glass.

How to serve: 

Take a cocktail stick and on a glacier cherry and a slice of orange. Best tasted with a little something savoury!

Sex on the Beach Cocktail Recipe 

What you'll need:

1 oz Vodka

3/4 oz Peach Schnapps

2 oz Cranberry juice

2 oz Grape Fruit juice

How to do it:

Mix all of the above ingredients in your cocktail maker and again, stir. Simply as that.

How to serve:

Use lemon juice t created a frosted look on the sides of your glass, and no-one will ever know you've only just started to make your professional looking summer cocktail drinks.

Bloody Mary Cocktail Recipe 

What you'll need:

90ml of Tomato Juice or V8 juice

45ml of Vodka

2 drops of Tabasco Sauce

½ teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce

A dash of lemon juices

A wedge of lime

A celery Stick

Freshly ground Black pepper

Ice cubes

How to do it:

Make sure that your glass is chilled before serving and start to place your tomato juice, vodka, worcestershire sauce, black pepper, lemon juice and ice cubs into your cocktail shaker. The strain these ingredients into your chilled cocktail glass. Add in your tabasco sauce to taste and give it one final stir with your plastic cocktail stick.

To serve:

Use a stick of celery or slice of lime to rest above the mixture, serving right away will make it extra yummy also.

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Top 5 beauty must haves for your 2013 summer holiday!

At icelollyholyday.blogspot.com we know how important it is that we look great, and most importantly FEEL great about ourselves.

When preparing for a holiday there's nothing better than grabbing some bargains that you know will come in handy. There's just something about owning a few items that you've specifically bought for your holiday that makes use even more exciting too, and if you're anything like me you won't let yourself wear it until you go. 

1. Bold and beautiful Bikini

If you're daring to bare all this year then make sure your bikini is bright and beautiful to make sure you stand out. There are hundreds of choices to choose from this year, especially neon coloured pieces and animal prints that are already proving to be popular so far this year.

2. Ray-Bans

Protect your eyes in style this summer. When shopping for your holiday items this year you'll see that almost every shop in the country are selling ray-ban type sunglasses. Now in many shapes and colours there's now a style to suit everybody with different patterns suiting all hair types and eye colours around them. The great thing is that you can pick up a pair of these starting from just £1.00 in some high street stores.

3. Large Beach Bag

Since 2006 we've seen large bags on the catwalk, and they soon made their way onto the beach. The saying goes for 'the bigger the better' for a beach bag this year, as as a nation we like to take more and more things out with us, and let's face it if you're the type that loves a big beach towel you're going to need one. Loved for covering up the body and making our frames look smaller, a beach bag is perfect for those who may feel slightly self conscious whilst walking around as they can surprisingly hide a lot, y'know!

4. Fitted Cocktail Dress

Are you going to Malia with your friends this year? Or Turkey with your boyfriend? Either way you'll be in need of one stunning drop-dead gorgeous dress that everyone's gonna turn they're heads at once you're wearing it. Imagine you're getting ready to go to BCM nightclub or out for an A La Carte meal, hang your fitted dress up whilst you're getting ready and just imagine how hot you're gonna look once you slip into it.

5.) Vintage Floral Swimsuit

We've seen Lana Del Ray, Taylor Swift and Elie Goulding looking fantastic in these already this year, and so can you! The shape of these swimsuits are wonderful, and many stores such as ASDA are now offering these with tummy controllers fitted inside too. Vintage is sometimes pretty tough to pull off whilst abroad but with a floral printed costume you're bound to get your personality across.

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