Sandra chose Japan for the price as costs have dwindled since the tsunami (top tip for you there) and the destination had always been on her hit list.

Here our are quick-fire questions and Sandra’s answers:

What did you enjoy most about your holiday?
The food, the scenery, the culture, the architecture.  I guess the different culture would be top though.

Was it a family holiday? Couple break? On your own getaway?
Own getaway.

Did you go on any day trips/ excursions?
Everyday but not an organised excursion.

What do you do to make your journey more fun (or in some cases bearable)? A transfer to my accommodation  would have made it more bearable!  (luckily for you we now offer Japan transfers through our Tailormade service!)

Would you go to the same place again? If not, what are you doing next time? No.  Dublin and Halkidiki

What one thing would you most hate to leave at home by mistake? A) Mobile phone B) Camera C) Painkillers
Mobile phone.

Xcaret

Mexico is soaring in popularity as a holiday destination this year thanks to cheap deals on 4* and 5* luxury being widely available. Now we all know that Mexico means hot sun, great beaches, tequila and fajitas- probably those are enough reasons to go on their own- but if you want even more from your holiday here are some of the hundreds of fun activities you can enjoy in Mexico!

Hidden Worlds Adventure Park- located in the Mayan jungle, this adventure park offers an exhilarating mix of fear-inducing ziplines through the treetops and caves, the world’s first rollercoaster zipline, skycycles, followed by a calming snorkel in the cenotes.

Swimming with dolphins- there are Dolphin Discovery sites around Mexico where you can swim with dolphins and play games with them, whatever your age! The dolphins will hug and kiss you, show off their dancing and singing and even offer you a handshake!

Boat trip- there are lots of different boat trips and cruises you can do in the sea surrounding Cancun, one particularly fun one to consider is the ‘Caribbean Cruise’ on a double-decker party boat from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. When you get to the island there’s live music, Caribbean dancers, dinner and a free bar!

Snorkeling- you’ll find loads of places to snorkel on the Mexican coast and chances to see amazing sea life from anemones to sea turtles, manta rays and whale sharks

Trip to Chichen Itza- the El Castillo structure here is one of the seven wonders of the world, so if you’ve always said you’d like to see them all before you die, take the chance for a day trip to this ancient Mayan village, dominated by the majestic El Castillo pyramid.

Trip to Xcaret- fun for all ages, Xcaret is an eco-archaelogical park in Cancun with stuff to see and do that will keep you awestruck all day long! The attractions, to name a few, include underground rivers, tropical jungle trail, rotating scenic tower, coral reef aquarium, butterfly pavilion, marine turtles area, swimming and snorkelling, even wine tasting! In the evening there is a spectacular musical show exploring the history of Mexico.

Horseback riding- it is possible to book a two-hour horseback adventure in the jungle of the Mayan Riviera. You’ll be matched up with a friendly horse that suits your skill level, whether complete beginner or experienced, and ride through tropical surroundings spotting wildlife

Last but not least don’t forget our pre-bookable taxis that will help you get around during your trip- from the moment you land in Mexico our driver can taek you to resort and you can book taxis to get you around on days out too.

Shuttles from Cancun airport to Cancun hotels start from £6.84. However, just comment on this blog telling us what YOU would like to do on your next trip to Mexico, and we’ll give you an exclusive 15% discount code you can use on your next Mexico transfer booking.

Sounds good in theory- but with the potential to be quite a disaster. I remember one holiday with a friend a few years ago, when we both had boyfriends back home. Hers was a new thing where she was still besotted, and she spent the whole time sneaking off for long phone calls with her man, leaving me bored and alone! It damaged our friendship rather than strengthened it.

However, there are some definite plus points to mates breaks- e.g. much less chance of heated arguments or bickering spoiling the fun;  freedom to let off some steam and be the person you are without worrying about offending your partner; on nights out you can have a good old gossip about your lives and lots to talk about since you don’t see your friends every day; you can ride around the pool on an inflatable dolphin without worrying your partner will be turned off you for life…

On the negative side, your partner back home might be getting quite lonely without you and maybe a little paranoid, and if you don’t take enough care to reassure them and give them reason to trust you and feel that you will miss them, you could be in for rollicking and a big fight when you get home. Un-doing all the stress relief that the holiday was supposed to bring!  Also, you might be settled into a more domestic routine where, you don’t want to admit it, but you’re not used to the kind of frivolous fun and heavy drinking hanging out with your mates might involve anymore. Yep, you’re getting old. You might find yourself craving a bit of peace and quiet and a civilized meal! This holiday might not suit the new older you.

So before you make this trip with your friends, think about whether it is right for you and your partner. If both of you like the idea of doing this kind of holiday- perfect. If only one of you is up for it, you must make sure you can afford another holiday just with your partner as they will likely to be deeply offended if you choose your mates over them and they end up stuck in rainy old England all year!

Psst- if you do go on holiday with your pals we have great rates on minibuses, limos etc in resort!

Crete is one of the best Greek islands for a dream holiday, what with its spectacular scenery, traditional villages to explore, amazing beaches and gorgeous fresh food. Do you need some help choosing which resort? Here’s our overview of some of the most popular:

Malia: Very popular with Brits and especially the younger crowd. A long main street lined with bars, clubs, restaurants and entertainment runs towards the beach. Find some great hotel deals here, both in the thick of the action and in quieter more family-friendly parts of town.

Chania: For this interesting city you’ll need to fly into Crete Chania airport instead of Heraklion. It appeals to those who like variety as it has two distinctive areas- a vibrant new part where you’ll find shops and bars, and the Old Town with ancient buildings, alleyways and friendly locals. Great variety of nightlife, and also lots of fantastic routes for walking and cycling if you’re a sporty type.

Aghios Nikolaos: Perfect for couples, Aghios Nikolaos has upmarket boutiques and lively markets. Plenty of Greek tavernas and a nice selection of bars and discos. There’s a lake in the centre of town with a small canal leading to the sea, and restaurants and cafes line the shore.

Stalis: Is great for family holidays as it does not have the huge amount of nightlife found in Malia and Hersonnisos. However there are plenty of beach bars and tavernas for relaxing in! The beach is beautiful . It is easy to get to neighbouring Hersonnisos for a day or night out and there are lots of organised day trips and watersports available.

Hersonnissos- very popular and lively resort and where the island’s waterpark is based. There is a small aquarium, a sightseeing train and an open-air museum. It also has an attractive fishing harbour and a great beach. Nightlife is just as big here as in Malia and there are lots of clubs and bars and a party atmosphere into the early hours!

Patatas Bravas

A quarter of holidaymakers are wary of trying local foods when travelling abroad, according to a recent survey by HomeAway.co.uk. One in five even pack their favourite foods such as baked beans and bacon in their suitcase. The most popular dishes for Brits to eat when they are on holiday are pasta, full English Breakfasts, cheese sandwiches and stir-fries.

However, if you’re in Spain, the Balearic Islands or the Canaries and you fancy trying something new, then these are the delicious dishes to look out for!

Paella- this is originally from Valencia, but widely available across Spain now too. Can be meat or seafood based and is a tasty, satisfying rice dish filled with rice cooked in simmering stock and lots of vegetables and hunks of meat, or prawns and other seafood. It’s bright colour comes from the precious herb, saffron.

Tapas- makes for a fun eating experience as you order lots of different mini dishes and try everything. There is always something for everyone- typical options include cheese and ham croquetas, meatballs, crispy squid,  Catalan-style stew,  chorizo sausage. There’s usually lots of vegetarian-friendly options too.

Manchego cheese- made from sheep’s milk, a slightly salty cheese which is really tasty and mild. Try with some rustic bread and jamon iberico (cured ham)

Patatas Bravas- deliciously crispy mini fried potato cubes served with a slightly spicy tomato sauce- essential accompaniment to a tapas based meal! Can also based with a garlic sauce (aioli)

Garlic prawns- if you don’t eat seafood when you’re by the sea in Spain you’re missing an opportunity. Try ordering some delicious fresh prawns fried in garlic and butter.

Spanish omelette- a classic that can be served hot or cold, cut into slices, with or without cheese on top. It’s a thick potato and onion based omelette, very subtle but makes a tasty and filling lunch.

Mad May prices start…. NOW!

We’re really heading into summer holiday season now as thousands of you couples will be jetting off in June to get some cheap sun before the school holidays, and those of you with families will be getting your plans into shape

Lets face it, if the weather the last couple of weeks has been anything to go by, you’re going to be in serious need of some sunshine ASAP

So we’re offering 10% off all transfers, be they shuttles or taxis, in 15 top European destinations. This offer is valid until 31st May 2012.

The featured destinations are:

Majorca
Menorca
Alicante
Faro
Tenerife
Malaga
Lanzarote
Gran Canaria
Dalaman
Barcelona
Malta
Antalya
Crete (Heraklion)
Bodrum
Corfu

So join the hordes of Brits escaping our unpredictable weather- and use one of these deals to help!

Simon Cowell in Barbados

Celebs have teams of people to help them with decisions and so they KNOW how to make the most of their time away from the limelight- can you imagine them ending up on holiday somewhere rubbish? It just wouldn’t happen! So we can safely use celebrity holiday behaviour to help us choose our own holidays…

DUBAI: Abbey Clancy, the WAG wife of England footballer Peter Crouch, holidayed in the glamorous resort of Dubai last month with baby daughter Sophia. They stayed in the 5* luxury Grosvenor House hotel, while they enjoyed the lifestyle of the rich and famous, that, incidentally, everyone can lap up in Dubai as everything is upmarket and super cool- the word ‘moderation’ doesn’t feature! There are many affordable deals to be had. Lisa Scott-Lee from Steps loves Dubai so much that she now lives there with her young family full time. Kim Kardashian even did some camel riding there.

BARBADOS: singer Rihanna was born here and still joins in with her friends at the colourful Kadooment Day parade! Mel C has been known to go swimming in the glistening sea here, and Myleene Klass is a fan too. Of course there’s the heady mix of cocktails and sun to be had here in no short supply, so Simon Cowell adores it and loves going out on his jet ski.

IBIZA: Katie Price loves Ibiza’s laidback vibes and hot weather, and party princess Paris Hilton naturally frequents its world-class clubs and parties! Coleen Rooney and the Merseyside lot love partying over there too, and it’s not hard to understand why. Ibiza gets all the most amazing current acts in the dance music world. Yet for those who don’t really go out clubbing, it is still a beautiful island with great beaches and lots to do and see- Sienna Miller’s been there to Ibiza to do a spot of snorkelling!

Coleen Rooney in Ibiza

Both Maltese and foreign firework companies will be putting on breathtaking pyrotechnic displays to a musical background!

You’re not too late to see the main events on Valetta seafront this weekend- from Friday to Monday night.

Sunday is the night not to miss if you want to support the UK team, from Phoenix fireworks , in a competition against teams from Canada, Austria, Malta, Croatia and Poland. The winners will be announced next Tuesday in a prizegiving and final show.

Good luck to the UK team! If you happen to be free or able to take a last minute long weekend, you could fly out and see the spectacle. We’ve done a quick check and there are still loads of flights to Malta this weekend from £65. Have a look on Skyscanner for what is leaving from an airport near you! Then book the airport transfers with us- Malta airport to Valetta costs from £5.68 per person on a shuttle transfer.

It’s easy to book just follow this link to our site, where the promo code ‘SocGeorge10’ has been pre-filled for you. Whether it’s a shuttle or private taxi you’re after, you will save loads on what are ALREADY the cheapest transfers in the business 

Kids have been back at school a week now meaning last minute holiday prices are back to normal- so if you’re a couple, this discount is the perfect excuse  to book a cheeky getaway now, don’t you think?

Visit HolidayTransfers.com now!

Reasons to stay

1. It’s going to be street party central with lots of tasty food, bunting and drinking to get you in the  spirit

2. You might not have tickets, but outdoor screens will mean you can soak up the atmosphere while you watch!

3. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event for the country, that your future grandchildren may just want to know your stories about

4. Don’t forget it’s Euro 2012 this summer as well, so the pubs and bars will be alive with cheering and booing, and you can spend quality time enjoying it with your mates

Reasons to go

1. The beer- for sipping while watching the action on TV- is likely to be cheaper..

2. Sunshine guaranteed so you’ll be feeling happy hormones however the UK athletes perform

3. Getting around London on the trains or underground is bound to be a nightmare

4. If you’re not into sport, Britain’s not going to be much fun for you. Just think of the messed up TV schedules with all your favourite shows missing. You might as well be reading by a pool getting a tan!

5. We all know how easy it is to spend a fortune on one weekend of socializing in the UK. That street party could work out more costly than a week on the Costa del Sol. A sickening thought, no?