In search of more than just hot weather

Another hot summer is predicted for this year in the UK and most folks might be wondering whether they should book a holiday when they can stay at home instead.  Each year millions of Brits go on holiday but is it only to escape the bad weather?

Thomson, the UK's leading travel company, knows that people travel for dozens of reasons other than just catching a few rays.  They go in search of new experiences, new perspectives and a break from the stress of normal life.  As they say, 'A change is as good as a rest' and that is what people are seeking - a break from their usual routine.  Taking time off from work, gardening and the DIY in order to just switch off and get horizontal is the most compelling reason to get away... but there are loads more.

The Basics

Most holiday makers will spend their time outdoors enjoying facilities that are not common in Britain e.g. al fresco dining and outdoor swimming pools.  Just sitting in a café and watching the world go by in the sunshine is a relaxing treat not often on offer back home.  These are some of the holiday basics that everyone enjoys as well as the chance to flop on a golden, sandy beach and then retreat to air-conditioned rooms.   Thomson is offering 3T Hotel Xaloc in Platja D'Aro, Costa Brava which has spacious rooms, air-conditioning, pool and is in a secluded pine forest near the beach.   From £395 per person for summer 2007 and price includes flights, accommodation, fuel supplements and resort transfers.  Visit www.thomson.co.uk.

Explore and Learn

Learning a new sport or studying a new language are popular options for things to do on holiday.  Expanding knowledge of a destination and culture by visiting museums or art galleries is another option and experiencing the culture first hand by learning cookery or indigenous handicrafts is yet another popular choice.  Confidence increases with new skills which can be translated into improved well-being at home.  Stay in Tuscany and enjoy the Puccini Festival on Torre de Lago or visit nearby Florence's amazing art galleries.  A stay at the Villa Madonnina in Radicondoli, Tuscany is £735 per person based on 4 sharing in June on a self catering basis and includes private pool, return flights, fuel supplements and car hire.  To book visit Thomson Villas with Pools on www.thomson.co.uk/villas.

Adventure

A holidaymaker doesn't have to be a survivalist or bush craft expert to get a taste of adventure on holiday.   A Greek island excursion to try, if you are reasonably fit is hiking up the Caldera on the island of Santorini after sailing from the old harbour and enjoying the spectacular views.  Another adventurous choice that takes little physical effort is sailing with Thomson cruises on the 'Fire and Ice' to Iceland.  It also takes in the Norwegian fjords and stops in beautiful Reykjavik.  Prices start from £989 for a 12 night cruise departing from Harwich.  Combining yoga and scuba diving is a hot new trend that divers can try out in Sharm el Sheikh while the really adventurous might want to try horse trekking in the Andes.  The choice is endless.   Thomson is offering hotels and flights to Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt for summer 2007.  Stay at the 5T Renaissance Golden View Beach on a bed and breakfast basis for seven nights for £425 per person departing from London Gatwick on 24 June.  To book visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0870 550 2555.

Shopping, Fashion, Indulgence

Thomson has both hotel accommodation and flights to Paris and Milan so you can indulge your supermodel fantasies at fashion week.  Check www.thomson.co.uk/cities for current offers.  After perusing the runways and various shows, shopping should be on the top of the list of things to do.  And speaking of shopping, the Big Apple is another great option for bargain hunting with the amazing exchange rate doing wonders for the pocketbook.  Shop 'till you drop is taking on a whole new meaning.  Spa breaks which where once an indulgence of the super-rich are now becoming a typical holiday choice.  For those looking for relaxation and pampering the Hotel Bon Sol in Illetas, Majorca offers chocolate facial treatments, dead sea salt body scrubs, Swedish massage and other spa treatments.  Thomson A la Carte is offering the Hotel Bon Sol four nights from £595 per person which includes half board, return flights, fuel supplements and private transfers.  For information and to book visit www.thomson.co.uk/brochures/a-la-carte.

Making a difference

Volunteering to help those less fortunate in other parts of the world is becoming a preferred holiday for many.  The hundreds of volunteers who helped out with rebuilding tsunami hit Asia seemed to highlight this trend and people are now volunteering to teach English in developing countries, spending time helping aids victims in Africa or choosing projects based on their own particular interests.