If you’re heading off on your Mediterranean family holidays, Turkey is more than likely to be one of your first choices. The ubiquitous trio of sun, sea and sand are obviously the biggest draw cards, but Turkey has a lot more to offer than that. Not only is Turkey steeped in a fascinating history (the remnants of which are some of the most important archaeological signposts in the world), it also has a proud and colourful culture. It’s not hard to shop, eat and drink like a local on your family holidays; Turkey has some of the most wonderful shops and bazaars you will ever see. If you’re visiting Istanbul, whether you’re looking for food, souvenirs, spices or art you will find a market tucked around every corner.

The Grand Bazaar Istanbul

The Big Daddy of all markets, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is home to over 5000 shops and stalls. If you can’t find it in the Grand Bazaar, it simply doesn’t exist. Gold and silver jewellery, fabulously exotic antiques, metal and copper object d’art, leather goods and hand painted ceramics are just a selection of the treasures you can find. When you are travelling with children on your family holidays, Turkey’s biggest undercover bazaar is a fascinating and exciting attraction for kids of all ages. They will love the smells and sounds of the bustling bazaar. The Turkish people love children, so they will be entertained and embraced by the locals. While it is a good idea to stay close and keep tabs on the family, the Grand Bazaar has a safe and friendly atmosphere and is an ideal day out in Istanbul.

The Spice Market Istanbul

Whilst not strictly for the children, an excursion to the wonderfully aromatic Spice Market in Istanbul should still be included in the itinerary of your family holidays. Turkey is renowned for its exotic spices, fruits and nuts and these markets will have your head spinning and your mouth salivating with the selection on display. The first thing that hits you is obviously the smell, which permeates every nook and cranny of the markets creating a delightful, if at times overpowering, scent. Row upon row of jewel coloured spices line the stalls in huge baskets and the aisles are crowded with locals jostling for the lowest prices. As with any market in Turkey, the first price is never the last price and haggling is a way of life, so don’t be shy to ask for a discount. Why not involve the children in the fun of purchasing some precious spices to take home as a souvenir – you may find they get a better price than you!

Tahtakale Market District

Situated in between the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Markets, the Tahtakale Market District is the most authentic taste of Turkey you will find. Almost exclusively patronised by locals, the streets of the district are lined with shops and stalls selling everything from handkerchiefs, beads, food stuffs, luggage, clothing, kitchen utensils, wooden furniture and toys, to mosque decorations and even firearms. A fabulous place to visit on your family holidays, Turkey’s genuine way of life is on display through the sights, sounds and colours of the Tahtakale Market District

The city of Grenoble is located in south eastern France. You will be able to find this city at the foot of the French Alps where the Isère River meets up with the Drac River. The city can be found in the Rhône Alps region. The city of Grenoble is the capital city of the department of Isère. As a result of the mountains being so close to the city, Grenoble has been named as the “Capital of Alps”.

While this city is thoroughly modern you should know that Grenoble’s history is more than 2,000 years old. The city has been the capital of Dauphiné since the 11th Century. The city of Grenoble is surrounded by mountains. To the north of the city you will see the Chartreuse Mountains, to the east you will see the Belledonne range and to the west of Grenoble you have the Vercors Mountains. As part of its culture if you are in the city during the Tour de France you will be able to see the race as it passes through the city.

The city of Grenoble has been built on the alluvial plain of the Isère River and the Drac River. The city can be found at an altitude of 214 meters. Lovers of winter sports will enjoy coming to Grenoble as there are about 20 ski stations surrounding the city. The nearest of these resorts is that of le Sappey en Chartreuse. This resort is about 15 minutes drive from the city of Grenoble. In addition to winter sports you will find there are other attractions to be found in this city.

These attractions will include a trip to Vieille Ville. This was the site of a fortified Roman town. You will find that the pedestrian old city which is found with this location has been in existence from the time of the Middle Ages. A famous inventor named Vaucanson who lived from 1709 to 1782 was born in the Vieille Ville region. For lovers of Gothic style architecture you will find the Palais de Justice a must see building in Grenoble. Here you will find that the Palais de Justice was built in 1847 utilizing the Gothic style. This building is noted for its columned façade. In this building you will find the Court of Appeals ad the Court of Assizes.

Yet another worthwhile sight to see in Grenoble is that of the Eglise St. Andre. This is a beautiful Romanesque church which was built in the 12th Century. This church can be found in the heart of the city’s old centre. As you wander around the church you will see the magnificent façade which depicts Jesus and the Twelve Apostles. Another great church that you should think about visiting is that of the Cathedrale Notre Dame et Ancien Évèché.

This church which was a former bishop’s palace can be found adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is now a museum which chronicles the regional history of the area from the prehistoric times to the present day. Under the cathedral you will be able to see a baptistery which has been in existence from the time of the Christian origins here in Grenoble. As well as the baptistery you will also be able to look at the remnants of the city’s walls.

These various sights that you will see here in Grenoble will help you to enjoy the best possible holiday that you can. So the next time you are thinking about where to go for a great holiday think Grenoble.

South East England is home to a number of exciting theme parks which cater for all the family. Here is a breakdown of what the top eight have to offer.

Thorpe Park

Based in Surrey, this theme park offers a variety of rides and prides itself on catering for everyone from adrenaline junkies to families with very young children. Open mid March to the end of October, prices are cheaper if you buy online. Children who are shorter than one meter get in free. Prices are more expensive if you buy them at the gates or on the day you attend.

Chessington World of Adventures

Named after the Surrey town it s based in, the traditional roller coasters aren t the only attraction on offer here. The park also contains a sea life Center and a zoo. When guests tire of the rides, they can spend the rest of the day viewing stingrays, sharks, gorillas, lions and tigers. Although Chessington World of Adventures closes for the winter, the animal attractions are still open at the weekends from January to March, and the prices are cheaper because they don t include access to the rides. There is no difference between online tickets and those purchased at the gates. Prices are more expensive when the entire site is open, because the ticket includes access to the animal attractions as well as all the rides.

LEGOLAND

The theme of this amusement park is the colorful building brick toys so beloved by children across the world. Rides, building workshops, live entertainment and go karting are all given the Lego treatment at the park in Windsor, Berkshire. Although one of the newer theme parks in England it was opened in 1996 it has quickly become one of the most visited attractions in the UK. LEGOLAND is closed for the winter but opens to the public on March 20, 2010. Prices are more expensive if you don t purchase them online.

Go Ape!

Release your inner monkey! There are 22 locations of this unusual theme park, which features obstacle courses in forests, including one in Cranbrook, Kent. Guests must be over ten to enjoy the high wire adventure, if you want friends or family to watch you from the forest floor they can do so for free. A parent or responsible adult must accompany the under 18s around the course. Instructors are on hand at each obstacle for safety reasons.

Harbour Park

This quaint theme park is situated next to a working harbour on the bank of the River Arun in Littlehampton, West Sussex. Don t expect huge roller coasters, but there are indoor and outdoor rides so whatever the weather, families should have fun here. Favorites include an arcade and gaming area, a water chute, and the bumper cars. It s free to get into the park, but once inside you must buy tokens to go on each ride one token costs 50p, and rides cost three to five tokens each.

Diggerland

This Kent theme park is one of the UK s quirkier attractions, and it s ideal for kids obsessed with building site machinery. There are rides designed like mechanical diggers, and guests even have the opportunity to operate a full size diggers, dumpers and construction machinery themselves.

Paultons Park

Even the biggest rides at this Hampshire theme park are family friendly and children aged six and over are allowed on the Edge roller coaster as long as they are accompanied by an adult. There are also smaller rides for children and some animal attractions, such as penguins, birds of prey, meerkats and wallabies. The park is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday after March 26, 1010. Tickets are 50p cheaper if you buy them online and children under a meter get in absolutely free.

Gulliver s Land

Aimed at children aged between two and 12 years old, this Milton Keynes theme park is based on the story of Gulliver s travels to the miniature land of Lilliput. Rides include the log flume and ferris wheel and there are entertainment shows throughout the day.

When it comes to your annual family holidays, one of the best things about getting away from everyday life is the fact that you won’t have to spend half the day thinking about and preparing meals. If you’re lucky enough to be heading off on Majorca family holidays, you’re in for even more of a treat. The Spanish know how to live and they know how to eat. Mealtime is more than just about the food, it’s a true social and family event and whilst you are on this sun soaked Balearic island, you can tuck in and dine like a local.

Taste Test Some Tapas

The Spanish love their Tapas and once you’ve tried some of these little morsels you’ll know why! Although they are, in theory, bite size nibbles to whet your appetite for the main course, Tapas is often so delicious you will find yourself over indulging. Beautifully presented and mouth wateringly flavoursome, Tapas comes in many forms: grilled vegetables, tortillas, olives, prawns, meats, beans and various breads, in fact anything that can be miniaturised, marinated or served in a creative way! A Tapas night is perfect after a long day on the beach on your Majorca family holidays, and even the fussiest of children will find something to satisfy.

A Perfect Paella

Ah paella; who doesn’t love it? But if you’ve never tried genuine Spanish paella then you can’t truly call yourself an aficionado. Whether you stay in for a night on your Majorca family holidays and make your own paella from local ingredients, or go out and treat yourself to a local restaurant version, once you’ve tried the Spanish olive oil, seafood and rice, you’ll know what we mean. The Spanish pack their paella full of chicken, chorizo, prawns, fish and, of course, it’s all simmered in some lovely Spanish wine. Perhaps it’s the setting and perhaps it’s the juicy seafood; but there’s just something special about eating paella with your family in a restaurant on the beach as the sun sets over the Mediterranean…

Meat Eaters Feast

A lot of traditional Majorcan dishes are quite heavily meat based, using mainly pork which is the island’s staple. Pork lends itself well to the rich, spicy flavours of Spanish cooking and is also used to make varieties of sausages, like chorizo and sobrasada. While the children will find plenty they want to eat on your Majorca family holidays, for adults there’s even more of a delectable choice. Some of the stronger game meats may appeal, as will the stews and dishes flavoured with pungent cayenne pepper and paprika.

Fishy Tales

A clue to what’s the absolute best on offer in Majorcan cuisine lies in its location. The seafood is both abundant and out of this world delicious, and you will find yourself going back for seconds and thirds of prawns, mussels, fish and lobster. Even if the kids aren’t adventurous enough to try some of the more exotic seafood delights, they’ll definitely be tempted by fish and chips with a difference on their Majorca family holidays.