If your holidays this year take you to a country with a hotter climate than you are used to, you will find the heat gets overwhelming at times. The eight tips which follow are a selection of tried and tested ideas which will help you to reduce your body temperature and refresh your senses.

1. Drink Plenty of Water

When temperatures rise, staying hydrated is vital. There are a number of ways to know if you are dehydrated - one of the easiest is to note the colour of your urine - it should be a light straw-like colour. To stay hydrated, drink at least a glass of water every hour, and if you are out and about, take a bottle of water with you and remember to take regular sips. Cool water, rather than iced water, will aid your body in all its functions and go a long way towards preventing heat stroke.

2. Have a Tepid Shower

Relaxing in an icy cold shower may seem like the perfect way to rejuvenate yourself on a scorching hot day, but a tepid shower will decrease your body temperature more efficiently! Chill out when the heat gets too much by showering for around 20 minutes, which will lower your body temperature and leave you feeling fresh and renewed.

3. Chill Your Body Lotion

If you are staying self catering, you are sure to have access to a fridge - and you can use it to store more than just food. Pop your body lotion or after-sun gel into the fridge for a deliciously chilly sensation on application - perfect after a shower.

4. Wear Loose Fitting, Natural Fabric Clothing

When packing for your holiday, be inspired by the loose fitting robes of the nomadic tribes who live in the deserts of Africa, and pack garments which allow air to circulate around your skin. You have probably heard advice suggesting that it is better to wear light colours, but recent studies have shown that what is more important is a loose fit. Another point to consider is choosing materials which let your skin breathe - such as cotton and bamboo. The only exception to this is high-performance technical fabrics such as Supplex (usually found in active wear) which wick perspiration away from the skin.

5. Get Sweaty

Sweating is the bodies natural system for reducing temperature and can help you to feel cooler. Eat spicy food or drink a hot drink to stimulate the sweat glands and you’ll quickly notice the difference.

6. Dip Your Feet In Water

When you are out on a walk and come across a tempting spot to sit and dip your feet in a river, a lake or the sea - go ahead. Submerging your feet in water helps to reduce the temperature of your blood as it circulates around your body.

7. Eat Cooling Foods

If you can’t face eating spicy dishes like curry to cool yourself down, choose foods which create a cool mouth sensation. Salads, yoghurt, sorbets and chilled soups all slip down smoothly and will make it easier to stop thinking about the heat!

8. Rest During the Hottest Times

In most hot climates, you’ll notice that the locals have a rest during the hottest hours in the middle of the day. Take a tip and follow their schedule - trying to make it through the heat will just be uncomfortable, so have a sleep, or just lounge around for a few hours when its too hot to be out of doors.

The summer holidays are nearly here, and you might be thinking about booking a last minute deal for this years break. Or perhaps you are looking ahead to a vacation in the autumn or even the festive season. Two of the options that you will come across are self catering and all inclusive packages, both of which have their pros and cons. We look at both types of holiday package, to help you decide which is the best for you.

It would be useful to first understand what exactly self catering and all inclusive actually mean. Self catering is when you book accommodation only - it may be a villa, apartment, caravan or even yurt - and are responsible for arranging your meals and drinks. All inclusive holidays are usually based in hotels and include all meals and drinks.

Self catering may seem like the instant answer for anyone looking for a holiday on a budget,                but remember that you will have to add your food costs onto the holiday price - which may get  expensive if you choose to eat in restaurants or cook with expensive ingredients. All Inclusive on the other hand includes at your costs at booking - but be aware that drinks included in the deal are usually local brands, you are unlikely to find labels such as Gordons, Budweiser and Bailey’s gracing the shelves of an all inclusive bar.

At an all inclusive hotel, you may feel “tied” to stay close to your accommodation, as when you go elsewhere you have pay for drinks and meals. Some chains of hotels will allow you to use facilities in other locations in the area, but this is not always the case. If you go self catering, you have free to plan your day (or not) as you see fit - no need to set an alarm to get to breakfast in the morning if you are cooking it yourself!

All inclusive accommodation usually includes lots of facilities and entertainment as part of the package. This might not be your cup of tea if you are looking for a tranquil escape, but is fabulous for mums and dads who want to chill out while a kid’s club keeps the little ones busy! In-house entertainment in all inclusive hotels is usually of a fairly high quality, with a packed schedule, which means you don’t need to go out and explore the local area if it doesn’t appeal.

Self catering accommodation gives you to opportunity to sample local delicacies as well as enjoying preparing and cooking your own meals. If you want a real “flavour” of an area, this is one of the best ways to get it - bustling markets and even supermarkets seem to have more atmosphere when you are abroad than back at home. All inclusive meals may be a bit hit and miss - if you choose accommodation that caters mainly for Brits, you might find versions of UK food being served up and not get the chance to sample traditional food from the country you are visiting. However, most hotels will at least offer a speciality night or two, when typical dishes are served.

At Christmas, New Year and other special occasions, most all inclusive hotels will offer spectacular gala meals, which really bring a party vibe to the occasion. If you are self-catering, then you can celebrate as you wish - or perhaps escape the festivities altogether, if that’s what you are aiming for!

To conclude - self catering accommodation is great if you want a peaceful break and a chance to explore the local area without being tied to a meal schedule - ideal for couples and those of a more adventurous nature. All inclusive deals work well for people who want a real break from the daily responsibilities of cooking and cleaning, and are great for families with kids, who need plenty going on to keep them entertained.

Leaving your beloved family pet in a kennel or with a pet-sitter while you go on holiday may bring up mixed feelings for many of you. Not only can it be costly(from £10 per night), but it is common to have concerns with regards to the treatment of your dog while you are away. A solution to this is to let your dog join you on vacation, as many self-catering accommodations throughout the United Kingdom and Europe welcome pets.

Taking your pet on holiday is a fun idea, but needs a certain amount forward planning to make sure that everything runs smoothly. If you want to take your canine companion on holiday, the following tips should help.

The introduction of the Pet Travel Scheme, known as PETS,  has seen a huge rise in the number of families choosing to take their dog on holiday to Europe. The scheme was created to allow people from the UK to take their pet on holiday and return without the need for quarantine.
If you are travelling to Europe and taking your dog, following the PETS guidelines, which are set by DEFRA is essential. Your dog will need to be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, as well as passing a blood test to enter the UK after your holiday. For full, step by step details of how to prepare your pet, check out DEFRA’s information page http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/pet-owners/, or ask your veterinarian. This stage of planning is time consuming, and it is advisable to complete these arrangements before you book your break. Remember to pack all relevant documentation when you depart.
Double check that your chosen accommodation does accept pets, as there is nothing worse than getting to your destination and discovering that you’ve made a mistake.
Planning your route is important - you need to be sure that your dog will be accepted at all stages journey, particularly before entering the UK. Car ferries are the most common form of transport for those travelling with pets, so do your research and book ahead. Remember, dogs will only be allowed to enter on authorised routes, so get this right, or your pet may end up in quarantine.
Buy a roomy crate or pet-carrier, or a seatbelt harness which will keep your dog secure.
It pays to take your dog on a few practice trips of a shorter duration, before you go on holiday. Get him used to the motion of the car, so that he will settle and relax on longer journeys.    The journey itself can be a stressful experience for your dog, especially if he is not used to being in new settings. Take his bed/blanket and favourite toys to offer a little extra comfort during the trip. Nervous pets may benefit from a few drops of Bach Rescue Remedy in their water, or in severe cases, a sedative from the vet.
Resolve any behavioural problems before you take your dog on holiday with you - a barking dog which damages people’s property and makes a mess isn’t nice for anyone, and you may end up losing any security deposit paid for accommodation.
It goes without saying, but as a reminder - pack a good supply of doggy doo bags and clean up after your pet.
Do your research about local rules and regulations regarding dogs. In some areas of Spain and France, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, with hefty fines for those who do not obey.
Remember that dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion in the same way that humans can. Never, ever, leave your dog unattended in the car during a hot day - sadly many pets die each year this way. Refresh your dog’s water frequently and make sure that he or she has a shady spot to rest in. Be aware of the signs of heat stroke - rapid pulse, restlessness, vomiting, dull eyes and lack of co-ordination and seek assistance immediately if required.
Other nasties which your pet may encounter in Europe include sand-flies and mosquitoes. Buy a Scalibor brand collar, which will last for six months, to protect from diseases such as heart-worm and leishmanasis.

Going on a self catering holiday is quite different from taking a half board or all inclusive hotel break. Self catering can be easier on your family budget than a hotel holiday and has the distinct advantage of giving you complete freedom to choose when and where you eat, allowing you to sample local delicacies and get a real taste of the country you are visiting. However, going self catering also means you need to arrange your own meals (that’s 21 meals for a week long vacation, presuming you eat three times a day!) - and this needs some forethought.

Planning for your holiday cookery should start even before you finalise your booking. It would be a mistake to assume that all self catering apartments, villas and cottages are close to a decent selection of facilities. Make heavy use of your favourite search engine and find out for yourself whether your chosen location has everything you need close by. Look for local supermarkets and find out whether you’ll be able to visit street markets(for food bargains), and if you plan to eat out at some stage during your holiday, read restaurant reviews. One worst case scenario, if you don’t do your research, is to find yourself staying in a remote area, with no shops or restaurants within walking distance. Obviously, if you plan ahead, you can arrange a hire car if you’ll need it, or you can rethink and choose an alternative location to stay at.

If at all possible, it will also help to find out what cooking facilities you will find in your accommodation. In most of the popular European tourist resorts, budget self catering accommodation is basic and not what you are used to at home - think minimal cooking utensils and a two ring cooker! If it isn’t possible for you to get your hands on this information, you can still prepare yourself by packing a few common essentials in your suitcase.

Probably the most valuable of these is a travel-sized kettle with a European adapter plug. These can be purchased at a reasonable price and will save you from having to boil pans of water each and every time you fancy a cuppa. Other useful tools to pack include a bottle-opener, small knife which can be used for peeling and preparing vegetables, and a can-opener for tinned products. Remember, to fit in with airline safety regulations, the sharp items must be carried in your suitcase. A good tip is to wrap these bits and pieces in a couple of tea-towels, as these are something else you may not find in your self catering accommodation.

Another aspect to bear in mind is the time of day, and date that you’ll be arriving at your accommodation. While arriving in the early hours of the morning might not be too bad in a tourist resort which caters for 24 hour lifestyles, getting to your destination at 3am on a Sunday in a mountain village could see you without shopping facilities for more than 24 hours… You should also find out about local festivals and feast-days, as these can also signal a complete close down on shops- leaving you without supplies! As a back-up plan, you might want to slip a few packet convenience foods into your luggage - look out for those which only need water added, such as pasta with sauce, Chinese noodles and dehydrated potato dishes. If you and your family enjoy dried fruit and nuts, add a few of those to your bag too, for a high energy snack.  And, if you are taking a travel kettle as suggested, remember a few tea-bags or coffee sachets, some milk-powder and sugar, if you take it - there is nothing more comforting after the stress of travel to be able to settle down in your holiday accommodation with a nice hot drink!

The funny thing about humans is wherever we go, we seem to need to cart a load of belongings around with us. This (usually) practical need is not a new one, and since the early days of travel, we’ve found ways to make sure wherever we go, everything we need is close at hand. Over the centuries, baggage has developed to suit our needs and fit in to modern travel situations.

During the Victorian era, as travel became more widespread amongst the rich upper classes, baggage came in the form of magnificent trunks and elegant hand-luggage. Victorians were known for travelling well equipped, even on the shortest of journeys and would prepare for almost any circumstance. On longer overseas voyages which were often quite social events, with balls and gala dinners taking place, women would pack dozens of fancy garments, jewellery and books into heavy wooden or leather covered trunks. It would be considered normal for these trunks to weigh so much that would need two men to lift them. In addition to these hefty trunks, Victorian ladies would carry a lighter case made from Morocco leather or crocodile skin, containing personal belongings and cosmetics. Luggage during this era was ostentatious and a way of flaunting wealth.

In the early 20^th century, travelling with unwieldy trunks lost its attraction and travellers started packing the first suitcases. Early suitcases were often made of wool or linen over a frame, or wood covered in leather. These suitcases were the forerunner of the bags we all drag out for our annual holiday, and were usually a rectangular shape with a handle on top. Over the years, all kinds of materials have been introduced to make baggage easier to handle and lighter including polycarbonate and ABS plastic. The development of wheeled suitcases was a great move towards better manoeuvrability, although the first of these did not appear until the 1970s.

In 2011, the trends for luggage are focused on innovation for practicality and style. Anyone who travels frequently will be well aware of airline restrictions for baggage sizes and weights and understand the need for a suit-case which doesn’t weigh a ton, especially if they want to avoid extra costs. Prestige baggage manufacturers such as Samsonite have set out to tackle the problem by offering extremely light-weight cases which are also durable enough to withstand rough handling. More and more designers are choosing to go with the sleek, futuristic look which seems popular with business travellers and frequent flyers.

Many high street retailers are now in on the luggage act and offer some well priced budget bags which are perfect for family holidays. Gone are the dull coloured bags of yesteryear, replaced with eye-catching neons and graphic prints. Bright baggage which stands out from the crowd helps to avoid those tense moments of stooping over trying to read luggage labels as they spin past on the baggage conveyor - and saves the embarrassment of you lunging for someone else’s bag.

Backpackers have not been forgotten and the modern rucksack is designed to be carried in comfort. High-specification materials which suck moisture away from the skin are incorporated in shoulder straps to eliminate chafing and blistering, and ergonomic principals are used to reduce strain and promote better balance. These expensive bags are made to cope with more extreme conditions that the typical sun, sea and sand holiday and are aimed at the committed adventure traveller.

And what about when the worst happens and your luggage goes missing? Global Bag Tag and Trace Me Tag are just two companies which can help - but only if you plan ahead. Travellers who sign up with these companies receive tags which can be used by airport officials, local transport or the police to reunite luggage with it’s rightful owner. OK, so it might add a few extra pounds onto your holiday budget, but potentially save hours of stress when you should be enjoying your holiday.

Choosing self catering accommodation for your holidays in the Highlands of Scotland is a great way to ensure you have the freedom and flexibility to see the wide range of attractions which can be found in the area. It is recommended that you hire a car for the duration of your holiday as the public transport system is fairly limited, particularly in the more rural areas.

From the bustling capital city of the Highlands, Inverness, to the mesmerising wilderness of John O Groats, the Scottish Highlands are rich in culture, with rugged landscapes and fascinating flora and fauna.  It would be impossible to see everything in one vacation, so selected some of the best places to visit to give you a taste of real Scotland.

Inverness is an excellent place to set up your base camp. Many different types of self catering accommodation are available in the area from basic, backpacker type hostels, to luxury farmhouses with all mod-cons. Keen shoppers will be pleased to know that there are several shopping centres in the city, with many UK top brands to choose from as well as an abundance of restaurants, from the ever present McDonalds to more refined eateries where local specialities and fresh ingredients are the focus. While visiting the city, be sure not to miss out on a visit to the tiny pub known as “The Market Bar”. Always popular with locals, with regular live music, the bar was one of The Proclaimers favourite hang-outs before they got famous.

Of course, no visit to the Highlands would be complete without an attempt to spot the world famous Loch Ness Monster. Take a drive along the banks of the loch to the picturesque village of Drumnadrochit  which is 22km south of Inverness and home to several exhibitions dedicated to “Nessie”, just in case you don’t have any luck in spotting her yourself.

Include a visit to The National Trust-owned Urquhart Castle during your visit to Drumnadrochit. The medieval ruins are located on a headland, with majestic views over the legendary loch and its surrounding mountains.

Those who want to learn more about Scotland’s turbulent history will enjoy a visit to the Timespan Museum, a Four Star Scottish Tourist Board rated attraction. Located in the sparsely populated Sutherland,  the fascinating museum with its recreated croft, smithy, byre and shop, will appeal to all ages. The museum also features a Gallery of art from local artists and craftspeople, a perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a unique souvenir.

Scottish Highlands are home to one of the few surviving areas of ancient Caledonian Pine Forests. Visitors who would like to get closer to nature and wander in these wild woods should be sure not  to miss out on a trip to Glen Affric, near Cannich. The mixed woodlands contain fine examples of Birch and Pine Trees which provide a natural habitat for indigenous species including deer, red squirrels, foxes and Scottish wildcats as well as abundant bird life. If walking is a little too sedate for your tastes, there are many other outdoor activities that you could try during your break : how about white water rafting on the River Findhorn, snow-boarding on the Cairngorm Mountains or sea-kayaking from Skye.

The Highlands are a great place for a family holiday, simply because there is so much to do. Treat the little ones to a trip to a zoo with a difference- the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie. The park is dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered mountain species from around the world, and the animals live in natural open habitats. The unique park is home to wolf, lynx, tiger and even polar bear.

While the kids may be satisfied with animals, adults may prefer a trip to one of the Highland’s famous whisky distilleries. Visit “the Glen of Tranquillity” at the Glenmorangie Distillery where visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the facility, learn how the so-called water of life is made at the modern Visitors Centre and of course, sample the whisky.

However you choose to spend your vacation, it is almost guaranteed, that like many visitors before you, you’ll fall in love with the mysterious and beautiful Scottish Highlands. With so much to see and do, it is likely you’ll find yourself planning to visit again and again.

Spending your Christmas holiday in self catering accommodation needs some special planning to ensure that your break is memorable for all the right reasons. The problem with choosing to spend Christmas away from home is that it can become more difficult to carry out your usual traditions such as a roasted Christmas Dinner or decorating the tree on Christmas Eve. We look at a selection of ideas to ensure that you don’t miss out on any of your favourite parts of the festive vacation.

Food:
Cooking facilities in self catering apartments are often limited, both in space and equipment available. What this means in practice is that cooking a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings becomes rather tricky and stressful, even for the most experienced of chefs.

One way of tackling this problem is to plan ahead and book a meal in a restaurant for Christmas Day to ensure that you and your family get to eat all the usual favourites.  Some restaurants even do a takeaway service, although there is no guarantee that the food will be as good as Mum used to make and meals like these tend to be pricey, which is not so good if you are working to a tight budget.

If your self catering break finds you in a sunny climate, take a leaf out of the Aussie’s book and make your Christmas meal a festive picnic in the park or at a local beauty spot. Pack cold cuts of meat, seafood and any other easy to prepare and eat goodies. If you can get your hands on a portable BBQ you could even grill food to order - some people do this in the UK, but be prepared to wrap up in lots of warm clothing!

If your family really can’t bear to be without the traditional Christmas banquet, you could  try simplifying the menu. Think turkey or chicken breasts rather than a whole bird, which could take hours to cook, and  ready chopped vegetables if you have only a small preparation space to work within. Most ingredients can be bought prepared, so you save time and space as you only need to heat the food through and serve.

Decorations and Gifts:
You probably won’t want to heave your entire Christmas tree and all your decorations to your holiday destination, but there is no reason why your  self catering accommodation should be drab and dreary. Bring a little Christmas cheer to the room by making a elegant table decoration by filling a glass bowl with baubles, pine cones and mandarin oranges- with the addition of a few candles this could be used as a cheerful centrepiece for your dinner table.

If you find yourself in the countryside, take some inspiration from foliage, plants and berries which you find locally and make a creative arrangement or wreath. You could even make a mini Christmas tree to put your gifts under, using a small tree branch and a few colourful decorations.

Those who are travelling by air to their holiday destination will need to think through gifts carefully. Luggage weight limits, and restrictions on what can be carried should be consulted to ensure you do not end up having to abandon a special gift.

Entertainment:
An  important aspect of Christmas for many families is relaxing together and watching some classic Christmas movies on the television. Check ahead as to whether your accommodation includes a television and/or DVD player- if not you may want to pack a portable DVD player or laptop and some of your favourite films.

Those taking their break with children in tow might want to consider taking some extra “quiet time” activities to keep the kids busy- board games, cards or even a few favourite books will help to keep them occupied when you need peace and quiet!

If possible, research the area which you’ll be visiting before your vacation. Local newspapers and websites are a good source of information for what is going on in the region, and you’re sure to find events like carol singing, Santa’s Grotto and church services. You may even discover a new traditions to incorporate into your family’s annual festivities.