If you’re looking for that perfect Algarve destination this February half-term, then rent a holiday villa in Loule, where you’ll be able to experience the best the Algarve has to offer.

Loule is an ideal destination from which to explore the Algarve as it’s within spitting distance of all the main resorts and towns in the area as well as Faro airport which is only 17 kilometres away. In particular this charming market town is only 11 kilometres from the stunning beaches of Quarteira, Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo in addition to the many championship standard golf courses that flood the Algarve. Loule is a large town with plenty of amenities and services to make your holiday as care-free as possible, it’s also a fairly quiet town compared to other resorts and its tranquil atmosphere is the perfect place to get away from it all this half-term.

Perfect Getaways have three stunning holiday villas in Loule, Caso do Forno Cottage, Orange Cottage and Lemon & Carob Apartment Cottage, that would make your holiday in Loule one to remember. These properties are in beautiful, peaceful surroundings popular with walkers and bird watchers and are only a stone’s throw away from Loule town centre where you can explore its dazzling markets or fascinating historical relics such as the 13th century castle and the Arab Cemetery. However that’s not the only advantage when you rent these beautiful holiday homes in Loule this half-term, as February is carnival time in town.

Known as one of the largest, brightest and one of the most popular carnivals in the Algarve, Loule Carnival is a massive celebration bursting with music, colour, dancing and laughter. Taking place from the 19th to the 21st of February, the carnival is a time where the locals really let their hair down and stage a raucous event that can be enjoyed by all. Celebrating its 106th anniversary, the carnival has evolved to a grand scale where thousands of revelers celebrate in the streets of the Avenida Jose Da Costa Mealha. Each year the carnival has a designated theme and always features huge parades with elaborate floats that are adorned with massive political figures like Nicolas Sarkozy and the Portuguese prime minister as well as iconic sporting figures and national celebrities. Carnival is a great time to visit Loule with a real feel good atmosphere in the air, be prepared though, it’s tradition at carnival time for revelers to throw water bombs and eggs at each other, so watch out!

If you wan to treat the kids to a fun-filled half term break but can’t quite stretch your pennies far enough for a foreign fling, then why not stay closer to home and rent a holiday home in Chester, home to one of England’s best zoo’s. 

With over 8000 animals and 400 different species Chester Zoo attracts 1.4 million visitors a year, it is one of the country’s leading zoo’s with an impressive reputation for conservation and has recently celebrated a record high of annual visitors. There’s never been a better time to visit the zoo than this February half term after the zoo has seen a string of new arrivals and unveils it brand new exhibits.

The first £250,000 development is the UK’s first ever underwater viewing zone for Giant Otters. The Giant Otter Centre is one of the few places in Europe where you can see these charming and intriguing animals dive for food as well as swimming and frolicking underwater. The exhibit features an undercover seating area, crawl-in viewing dome and state-of-the-art cubbing dens to provide the very best in both animal welfare and visitor experience.

Also opening this half term is the revamped Spirit of the Jaguar display which has undergone a £250,000 facelift. The new exhibition provides an outstandingly authentic South American theme with a whole host of endemic flora and fauna making the jaguars, sloths, agouti’s and leaf-cutter ants feel right at home and the visitor as if they were in the heart of the Amazon jungle. There’s also an aquarium with a vast array of fish to feast your eyes on as well as a cattle ranch cinema that promotes the zoo’s fieldwork conservation in Brazil.  

If you get down to Chester Zoo this half-term you’ll also have the chance to see some of the Zoo’s newest additions. Just after the New Year, a rare Brazilian Tapir named Talia made her first appearance at the tender age of 13 days old, whilst in mid-January two Babirusa piglets, said to be the rarest pig species in the world, were born at Chester Zoo. The Babirusa who are native to Indonesia are in serious decline and the latest additions to the Chester Zoo family are sure to play a vital part in the international breeding programme to help safeguard the future of the species.

So rent a holiday apartment in Chester this half-term for a dazzling day out at Chester Zoo, which provides fun for the whole family with its dazzling exhibits, beautiful gardens and exotic and endangered animals. You can even visit our Micro Site Apartment Breaks.Co.Uk which has a vast array of holiday apartments throughout the UK.

Luxor is universally known as the world’s largest open-air museum that hosts one third of the world’s ancient monuments and antiquities, providing visitors with an unrivalled glimpse into one of the world’s most fascinating ancient cilvilisations. Rent a holiday villa in Luxor whilst the winter temperatures make tomb-hunting and temple-exploring a breeze.

Aside from a whirlwind of ancient temples, tombs and monuments you expect to see in Luxor you can also expect to be blown away by the fantastically mesmerising street life. Contemporary Luxor is an eccentric hive of activity bursting with bustling bazaars and markets as well as an enchanting blend of ancient and modern splendour. The East Bank of the Nile is the epicentre of the city which itself is centred around the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor, the West Bank meanwhile is little more than mysterious rugged desert that holds over a millennia of history.

The Nile splits Luxor in half and is a very popular way to see some of the city’s astonishing monuments from afar, whilst enjoying the serenity and beauty of the area as well as its colourful history. But if you plan on getting a front row seat be sure to rent a holiday home in Luxor between October and March as the Egyptian summer can be grueling on tomb-roaming tourists as temperatures consistently hit the 40 degrees Celsius mark.

Amongst the top attractions in Luxor, the Temple of Karnak is one of the most popular. This massive ancient complex of temples is the largest in the world and features a variety of stunning structures including an avenue of ram headed sphinxes and the imperious Hypostyle Hall as well as an array of pylons obelisks and kiosks. The Valley of the Kings may not be the most lavish of attractions in Luxor but that hasn’t stopped it from being one of the most visited. Situated in the desert of the West Bank The Valley of the Kings is an extensive network of tombs for ancient pharaohs that can range from simple pits to lavish tombs with multiple chambers and corridors. The Valley of the Queens can be found further on and also provide an eerie insight into Ancient Egyptian’s belief about death.

There are so many attractions to see in Luxor that it’s impossible to mention them all and even see them all on a visit to this enthralling city which seemingly has one at every turn, why don’t you rent a holiday apartment in Luxor and see how many you can conquer.

Thinking of going on a ski holiday with the kids this half term? Then rent a ski chalet in Bansko, Bulgaria’s biggest and best ski resort. Bulgaria is a fantastic alternative skiing destination to the pricier resorts in the Alps, that doesn’t cut corners on quality making it a fabulous family break.

Bansko is an ancient town that was hurled into the 21st century by the installation of several modern lifts that have seen it become Bulgaria’s most popular ski resort. Combining unique Bulgarian traditions with contemporary and forward thinking style, there’s an enchanting atmosphere in Bankso, particularly in the old town where cobblestone streets bisect hotel complexes and traditional mehana’s embrace international cultures.

Bansko is also home to Bulgaria’s longest ski season, spanning December right through until mid-May and with a network that has 75 km of meticulously prepared slopes, it’s the perfect place to for beginners or seasoned pros. There’s also the regions largest ski and snowboard school with plenty of well-served nursery slopes and little through traffic in Bansko, so if the kids are first timers it’s the perfect place to start. However for the more adventurous skier in the family there are many more advanced runs that come straight down the face of Mount Vihren.

If you need a break from the slopes then you could always explore the mighty Pirin National Park just south of Bansko. This stunning national park encompasses 100,000 acres and features some of the regions highest peaks as well as over 180 lakes that make up half of Bulgaria’s flora and fauna. The majestic sheer faces and thick forests make it an excellent area for trekking and mountaineering with some truly breathtaking views along the way.

Rent a ski apartment in Bansko this half term then and experience the stunning peacefulness that emanates from the surrounding mountains and enjoy a luxurious ski holiday that all the family can enjoy.

Do something special this Valentines Day and whisk that special someone away for a magical long weekend in one of the world’s most romantic cities. Perfect Getaways have a fantastic array of holiday accommodation perfect for a romantic break with everything from apartments overlooking the Seine to romantic Riads in Marrakech.

Paris is the ultimate city for lovers with love in the air at any time of the year. Strolls along the Seine, kisses under the Eiffel Tower and sipping coffee on the Champs Elysees are a few of Cupid’s most popular pastimes in Paris, but there is something more elusive in the air that sends lovebirds swooning in this enchanting city, rent a holiday apartment in Paris this Valentines Day and find out what it is.

There aren’t too many sights in the world more impressive than the city of Venice. This fairytale city is a whirlwind of elegance and beauty where you can go on a romantic gondola ride or watch the world go by in a colourful palazzo. There’s plenty of other attractions to see too, like glamorous designer shops, classy restaurants and stunning galleries indoors, but we’re warning you now, you’ll struggle to stop yourself from standing on a bridge and admiring one of the most breathtaking cities ever built time and time again. So visit our micro site Villas Rent Italy.Com and enjoy the view.

Prague’s soaring gothic spires and towers are just begging for a romantic wander along this monumental city’s medieval lanes. The iconic Charles Bridge is the perfect place to watch the sunset amidst the shadows of the gothic statues overlooking the river. It’s so easy to lose yourself in the beauty and romance of this historical city with its striking architecture, cobblestone streets and ancient monuments, it really is a lover’s paradise, so rent a holiday apartment in Prague and let the love flow.

For something different why not rent a holiday villa in Marrakech and awaken your senses by exploring the souks and the world famous Jemaa El Fna square, overflowing with snake charmers and belly dancers. For an alternative break in Italy, rent a holiday home in Florence, where the renaissance ambience creates an enchantingly romantic storybook atmosphere in a fascinating city bursting with culture and sophistication. You could even stay closer to home and rent a holiday apartment in London and treat your loved one to a thrilling West End show or a tour of London’s famous sights.

Most people don’t need too much convincing when it comes to renting a holiday villa in Antigua, it’s sparkling beaches and tropical climate draw in tourists like a magnet. However, when Carnival comes round you can crank that magnet up to full power as thousands flock to the island join in the revelry.

Flooded with vibrant colours, delightful music and the widest smiles you’ll ever see, Antigua Carnival is a great way to see a side of the island that will stay with you forever. When you rent a holiday home in Antigua during Carnival, you’ll be swept up in ten days of colourful costumes, beauty pageants, music competitions and performances as well as all night dancing and raucous parades.

The carnival is over 100 years old and first came about after the emancipation of slaves on the island when people inundated the streets in celebration. Year upon year repetitions of the celebration continued until 1957 when the festival was first formally and officially organised. Since that time, Antigua Carnival has evolved into ten days of dance, music and celebrations with parades, street marches and shows and events that range from beauty pageants to calypso competitions.

This year the Carnival will begin on the 28th July and will, as always be kicked off by the vivacious Opening Parade. The Parade consists of swarms of eclectic and dazzling bands and troupes filling the streets of St.John’s as they make their way to Carnival City (the Antigua Recreation Ground), here the opening ceremony takes place and the first day of Carnival is rounded off with a mesmerising fireworks display.

The events that subsequently take place over the ten days of Carnival include the ultra-popular Party Monarch and Calypso Monarch music competitions, the prestigious Queen of Carnival Show, as well as the Caribbean spanning Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show and the highly anticipated teenage pageant, Teen Splash. Amidst all the festivities there are also a plethora of unofficial events like concerts and food fairs that keep the party spirit going wherever you are. However for the real party save yourself for J’ouvert and Carnival Tuesday, two enormous street parties that wrap up the Carnival with all night dancing, stunning costumes, and lavish floats.

Have a look at this luxurious holiday villa in Antigua that would be perfect for lying on the beach and experiencing Carnival. Seaview Villa 402C is a stunning two bedroom villa in Antigua which is only 800 metres from the beach.

Less than an hour away from Rome, but a million miles away from the traffic and the crowds, when you rent a holiday villa in Lake Bracciano you’ll be drenched in tranquility and sophistication whilst still close enough to visit Rome.

Tenuta San Bernadino is the villa where this fantasy becomes reality. Situated in the chic and historic lakeside town of Trevignano Romano, it’s a beautiful holiday villa perfect for either a summer holiday or a luxuriously languid long weekend at any time of the year.

Despite it’s proximity to Rome, Lake Bracciano has remained relatively untouched by tourism and as such, has been left to grow into a majestic land of vast beauty and serenity. The lake is enveloped by unspoilt countryside where lows hills are blanketed by deep green woods and charming medieval towns sit right at the shoreline. The three towns that fringe the lake, Anguillara, Bracciano and Trevignano Romano are historic little bundles of elegance that have sumptuous cafes and restaurants and a history that dates back to the Etruscan and Roman periods. There’s plenty to do in these towns and they’re all within a stone’s throw of each other however, if the sun’s shining bright enough then you can cool off at the beach and rent a pedalo or learn how to kayak on the lake’s placid waters.

Trevignano Romano is one of the most popular towns on Lake Bracciano, particularly amongst trendy Romans who come to bask in the peace and beauty of the area. With a rich history, there’s plenty to explore from the breathtaking 16th century fresco in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta to the Etruscan necropolis of Olivetello found outside the town, even just wandering along the lake amidst a sea of pastry shops and outdoor cafes is a gorgeous way to spend a day. Bracciano and Anguilarra are intriguing too. Anguillara has mesmerising art and architecture to see, whilst Bracciano is the home of one of the largest and best maintained castles in Italy, Castello Odescalchi. The impressive 15th century castle has a fascinating history with ties to the Renaissance and has even hosted celebrity weddings for the likes of Tom Cruise.

So rent a holiday villa in Lake Bracciano and live the life of luxury whilst still having the wonders of Rome at your doorstep, click here to have a look at Tenuta San Bernadino, a beautiful holiday home in Trevignano Romano, perfect for a holiday on Lake Bracciano. You can also visit our micro site Villas Rent Italy.Com which has a wide array of holiday homes in Italy.

What else can you say about Florida? For decades it’s been the perennial family holiday destination where fantasy is turned into reality and where dreams come true. Every year the major theme parks in Florida have something up their sleeves and this year’s no different, so here’s what you can expect when you rent a holiday villa in Florida this year.

SeaWorld Orlando will unveil a mind-blowing, first-of-its-kind exhibit called Turtle Trek. A 3D/360-degree dome shaped theater will plunge guests into a dazzling underwater world and will take them on a fascinating journey as you trace the life cycle of a sea turtle. The aquatic fun doesn’t end there though, as Discovery Cove will open Freshwater Oasis which features wading adventures and first-hand encounters with otters and marmosets.

Universal Studios Orlando has a variety of things going on in 2012, including a digital renovation of Islands of Adventure’s popular attraction, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman to make it sharper and more realistic than ever. In addition, Universal’s Citywalk has been expanded and will introduce its brand new Hollywood Drive-In Golf courses, however it’s the new 3D Despicable Me attraction that will take centre stage this year. In this brilliant exhibit, guests will have the chance to be trained by Gru, the world’s greatest villain and will be transformed into one of his mischievous minions.

Its set to be a big year for Walt Disney World as the Magic Kingdom will reveal the largest expansion in the resort’s history. The newly developed Fantasyland area will unveil brand new attractions like Under the Sea¬¬-Journey of the Little Mermaid, the Be Our Guest Restaurant and Storybook Circus. To wet your appetite, the Magic Kingdom will also introduce an interactive role-play adventure game where guests become apprentice sorcerers on a quest to defeat an army of Disney villains in January.

The new Legoland Florida is also joining in on the fun by adding a water park to its thrilling rides and amazing attractions. There’ll be wave pools, water slides, a build-a-raft lazy river and even a DUPLO splash safari that the whole family can enjoy.

Rent a holiday home in Florida this year and experience all the astonishing new attractions, exhibitions and expansions that have made Florida undisputedly the best destination in the world for a family holiday in 2012. Visit our micro site Villas Near Disney Florida.Com to have a look at the array of holiday accommodation in Florida available to rent direct from the owner. Click here to have a look at this property which would be perfect for a holiday to Florida’s theme parks.

If you’re fed up of winter and fancy a stint by the sea, then why not hop over the channel and rent a holiday home in Carnac, the charming seaside resort in South Brittany. This quaint little town is home to five delightful beaches on the Atlantic Coast but is above all known as the largest megalithic site in the world.

With over 3,000 granite stones erected and aligned over an area covering forty hectares, Carnac even trumps Stonehenge as the world’s most comprehensive collection of megaliths. The stones, which are no bigger than four metres tall, stretch for as long as four kilometres and were erected around 4,500 B.C. predating Stonehenge by 100 years, make for a terrific twist to an enchanting seaside break. Much like Stonehenge, there is plenty of mystery shrouding Carnac as nobody knows the reason why these granite stones were erected, however this makes them no less intriguing. If you pay a visit to the site, the best place to begin your journey is from the Maison de Megalithes, where you can arrange a guided tour and watch a fascinating film that provides some captivating insights about the tribes believed to have erected the stones.

However the fun doesn’t end there, as in the old town, known and Carnac-Ville, the Museum of Prehistory provides more enthralling revelations about the Neolithic period, with over 6600 artifacts found in the local area on display. The collection is Europe’s finest and gives a detailed description of the lives of settlers during 5,000 and 2,000 B.C. who were though to have lived in wood and clay houses and lived off farming as well as the rearing of livestock.

Once you’ve explored the magical ancient history of the area, you’re entitled to a well earned rest. Carnac-Plage has a variety of beaches to lay your towel on, from the popular family beach of Grande Plage to the tranquil and sheltered Ty Bihan, each is as beautiful as the next and all are supplied with beautiful gardens and tree-lined avenues oozing elegance and sophistication like only the French can. Beaumer and Plages Men Du are two gems that are rarely used and St.Colomban is extremely popular for wind and kite surfers.

So for a beach holiday with a bit of a twist, why not rent a holiday villa in Carnac, where you’ll get stunning beaches and intriguing history in abundance as well as a dose of sophistication that comes as standard with holiday accommodation in France. Click here to have a look at one of our favourite holiday homes in Carnac.

For a fantastic family holiday this summer, why not rent a holiday villa in the Costa Calida, one of Spain’s most authentic and unique holiday destinations. At Perfect Getaways we have a tremendous array of holiday accommodation in the Costa Calida, ranging from rural hillside fincas to holiday villas in traditional fishing villages only a stones throw away from La Manga del Mar Menor, so what are you waiting for?

This fabulous villa, Las Huncos, found in the charming inland town of Los Belones is a great place from which to explore the Costa Calida which has over 170 kilometres of coastline to uncover and a myriad of fascinating cities to lose yourself in. Los Belones itself has a quaint seaside ambience despite being three kilometres from the sea and is well worth at least one day of your trip with some captivating side streets consisting of delightful shops and cafes, whilst the Sunday market is exceptionally popular in the local area. The town has many sumptuous bars and restaurants making it the ideal place to spend your evenings and experience some gorgeous Spanish tapas and seafood.

Nearby you’re lucky enough to have the beautifully ancient city of Cartagena as well as the delights of the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest salt water lagoon. Cartagena, approximately only twenty minutes away from Los Huncos is an ancient port city dating back to Roman times and is stuffed with a multitude of amazing artifacts, architecture and archaeological sites that showcase the city’s rich history. But if it’s sun, sea and sand you’re after you’ll struggle to find anywhere better than the Mar Menor. Cordoned off from the Mediterranean by the La Manga sandbar, the Mar Menor is a giant and placid lake covering 170 square kilometres making bathing and sailing in particular a dream come true. You can even swap the Mar Menor for the Mediterranean by crossing the La Manga sandbar in a matter of minutes which is at it’s greatest only seven metres wide, making it a truly unique location.

Found at the entrance of the La Manga strip, this luxurious holiday home Cabo Villa, is in the perfect spot to enjoy the best beaches of the Costa Calida which are right on your doorstep. Located in the delightful fishing village of Cabo de Palos, Cabo Villa is swarmed by secluded coves and is only a stones throw away from the Mar Menor itself as well as the entertainment on offer at the La Manga Strip. Golf is extremely popular in the area with a variety of world class courses scattered around, whilst Cabo de Palos is widely renowned as the best scuba diving location in the region thanks to its dazzling Marine Reserve, coral reef network and shipwrecks.