Top 5 Water Parks In Europe

Finding it hard to choose a deal when you compare holidays, as there are so many great deals and interesting destinations on offer? To make this process easier you should write down a list of priorities that your holiday should include. If you are after a holiday with adventure, fun and excitement, then near the top of this list should be things to do and see in that area.

Picture this, on a warm and sunny day, can you think of anything better than cooling yourself down than in a cool and refreshing pool? We can’t either and why not do one better and plunge yourself deep into cool waters from exhilarating and thrilling slides? So when you compare holidays make sure a water park is included on your list, especially if you are going away with children (and adults that are big kids of course!).

Below are the top 5 water parks in Europe:

Italy

When we think of Italy, water parks aren’t probably the first thought that comes to mind. However, Caneva World located on the banks of Lake Garda is renowned for being a world class theme and water park! Aqua Paradise has an array of wet rides, some not for the faint hearted, for example on one you plummet feet first down a drop which is around 32 metres!

Open: 8^th May to 19^th September

Price: Adults £12 Children £10

Mallorca

Located on the south coast of the island, Aquacity water park is one of the most popular of its kind in Europe. There are a wide range of rides and slides on offer such as; Polynesia which opened back in 2004 and takes you on a wet ride through a tropical jungle. Whilst there are plenty to do for thrill seekers, there are also plenty of green spaces for visitors to relax on.

Open: 3^rd May to 11^th October

Price: Adults £13 Children £9

Benidorm

Third on the list for you to look into when you compare holidays is Aqualandia in Benidorm. Located on the hills, there are rides and slides for water slide enthusiasts and those who are not so brave. One of the most impressive rides is the spaghetti of brightly coloured tubes which are built in the hills surrounded the park.

Open: 9^th May to 12^th October

Price: Adults £14 Children £10

Crete

No holiday to Crete would be complete without a visit to Star Beach, which is located on the shore of Hersonissos. It is not just a water park, as it is also a beach resort too, as rides range from terrifying banana boat trips to relaxing in large rubber rings on the lazy river. For those of you who need a pamper, there is also a spa, offering a range of treatments.

Open: ALL YEAR ROUND

Price: FREE (Rides and Water Sports cost anywhere between 30 and 50 euros).

Gran Canaria

Last but by no means least on our list of water parks, to take into consideration when you compare holidays is Aquasur in Gran Canaria. There are 33 different water slides for you to choose from, with the newest addition being the Tornado, where you ride in a dinghy for two people around what looks like a big bowl, until you are sucked into the whirlpool below!

Open: ALL YEAR ROUND

Price: Adults £14 Children £10  

 

(Photo courtesy of DegoZU Mac)

From Venice To Dominican Republic; Compare Holidays For The Best Deals

To find the best deal in 2014, it’s simple; compare holidays! Below, we have looked into two destinations that are cheap to visit this year; Venice and Dominican Republic. After exploring why they are the best options we will then put them against each other, to see which is the best holiday choice for you!

Venice

Venice has a lot to offer holiday makers. For example, this destination boasts beautiful Venetian canals, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of a gondola. Good news for those on a budget, as this location is now more affordable than ever! It has been reported that hotel rates on a whole are down a staggering 7%, when compared with last year. So pack that bag and hop on a plane to visit wonderful attractions such as; The Sansovino Library, Piazza San Marco and the Ducal Palace- to name a few. If you are a lover of art then you can get lost in the artwork of Venetian masters and make sure you visit the Peggy Guggenheim museum, which show cases her personal collection. Why not hop on to water transport and visit Murano, where you can see traditional glass blowing, whilst on a guided tour. With so much to do and see, you will definitely be making memories that will last a lifetime.

Dominican Republic

Time to compare holidays to Venice with holidays to the Dominican Republic. There are many all-inclusive resorts on this paradise island, which are actually very affordable! The Dominican Republic is growing in popularity day by day and is known as the location to go to, if you can’t afford Cabo or don’t fancy Tulum. Located in the Samaná province is Las Terrenas, an up and coming former fishing town, great for those on a budget and who love pristine beaches. For only £2 you can rent a kayak and travel through lagoons and mangrove canals, whilst visiting Los Haitises National Park. Here you will be able to enjoy stunning wildlife such as endangered leatherback turtles.

Flying

Let’s now compare holidays and there finer details. Which location is best for you depends on the type of traveller you are. Firstly, if flying makes you nervous, we would suggest Venice as with a direct flight you could be there in 1 hour and 55 minutes. However, with the Dominican Republic you are looking at a flight anywhere between 9 to 12 hours. 

Weather

Weather is an important factor when we compare holidays. The hottest month for Venice is July, where temperatures can reach highs of upto 23°C. Saying this, if you are a sun worshipper and love nothing out topping up your tan, Dominican Republic can reach up to 27.5°C!

Traditional Dishes

We can’t compare holidays without exploring their traditional dishes for those foodies among us. Love Spanish food? Head over to the Dominican Republic, as it used to be a Spanish colony and many traditional Spanish dishes are still eaten on this beautiful island. Most dishes are seasoned with Sofrito, which is a sautéed variety of local herbs and spices. Venetian cuisine is very different and is often divided into three main areas based on geography; coastal, the plains and mountains. In the coastal region seafood is very popular, especially along the cast of the Laguna Veneta. However, in the plains there is a great deal of grilled meat, often served with Polenta (cornmeal made into porridge), potatoes or locally grown vegetables. Food from the mountain areas are influenced by Austrian or Tyrolese tradition such as Casunziei- which is a dish similar to ravioli. Pork and game is also popular here along with mushrooms and cheese.  

 (Photo courtesy of Ian D. Keating)