Algarve

It will come as no surprise that the Algarve is the primary contender. Year round sunshine will guarantee some toasty temperatures, perfect for relaxing on the beach yet cool enough to enjoy more strenuous outdoor activities like walking, hiking, horse riding and more. Seaside towns and inland villages provide the perfect blend for holidaymakers and the many attractions ensure all ages will have a memorable trip here.

Spend your Easter holiday on a sandy beach on a sunny day in the Algarve, southern Portugal.

Turkey

Turkey is proving popular this year, with Thomas Cook recently ranking it as one of the top destinations for 2013; if you can’t beat them, join them and plan a holiday here this Easter! Fascinating cities like Izmir, Antalya and Bodrum await you as well as gorgeous beaches, fascinating ancient ruins, fantastic cultural attractions and of course an upbeat night life!

UK

If you don’t fancy pushing the boat out but still want a change of scenery, the UK really is a fantastic option. You won’t be guaranteed sunshine, that’s a given, but there really is so much to see and do right on your doorstep. Perhaps visit a local beauty spot or two, travel to your nearest coastal resort or even venture to some of the countries beautiful national parks such as the Lake District or Peak District. You could also explore Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland!

Malta

You may not have considered the Mediterranean haven of Malta. A small island found just off the coast of Italy, it’s a perfect choice for a spot of sun, sea and sand with gorgeous azure waters at every turn. Often described as an open air museum, it has plenty to offer those with a keen interest in both history and culture with plenty of interesting and attractive places to fill your time.

Malta makes for a relaxing destination to enjoy an Easter holiday with your family.

Morocco

Spice up your Easter holiday and travel to Morocco. In northern Africa, it’s not as far to travel as you might imagine and a holiday here will be packed with exciting things to see and do. Uncover the fascinating cities of Casablanca, Fez and Marrakech before venturing into the stunning Sahara desert on a camel trek, or explore the towering Atlas Mountains on four wheels.

Cyprus

Cyprus is a fabulous choice for an Easter break, celebrated for its great weather and even better beaches. Paphos and Larnaca prove to be popular bases for holidays here but there is also North Cyprus to consider which is often overlooked as a destination with unspoilt landscapes and a relaxed pace of life.

Madeira

Break away from the crowded shores of Portugal and venture to the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira, floating in the Atlantic Ocean! Volcanic and varied, it’s offers black sand instead of golden but is fascinating to visit with plenty of natural beauty and loads to see and do.

The Portuguese island of Madeira is a beautiful escape!

Spain

Spain offers something for everyone and has suitable options for all budgets, whether you are after top class luxury or a cheap beach break at an all-inclusive resort. Whichever area of the country you visit you’ll find a city packed with attractions, and with stunning beaches, delicious food and an excellent nightlife, not to mention beautifully varied countryside, you won’t be disappointed with an Easter holiday in Spain.

Egypt

Head off to exotic Egypt for a healthy dose of sunshine and culture. If you are looking for a stress free break, head in the direction of the Red Sea coast where there are plenty of all-inclusive resorts to choose from; the toughest decision you’ll have to make will be which cocktail to order. Alternatively, continue the kids learning; hire a car and uncover ancient Egypt with a trip to the Tomb of the Kings and the Pyramids of Giza, then enjoy a cruise on the River Nile.

France

France is a fantastic choice, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or as a family. Hop on the Eurotunnel, on a ferry or nab a cheap flight and you’ll be there in no time with everything from classic chateaux to cosmopolitan cities to entertain and enthral. Disneyland Paris has also extended its 20th anniversary celebrations so that means you can enjoy an extra special trip here this Easter!

Enjoy a blissful escape to a beautiful French Chateau this Easter!

Are you going on holiday this Easter? Where are you headed? Or where would you choose from these ideas?

By Kerri Ware from Economy Car Hire

Click HERE to book car hire now!

The post 10 Ideas for an Easter Break appeared first on On The Road with Economy Car Hire.

The Garden Route stretches from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, allowing you to begin and end in two of South Africa’s most exciting cities with the added benefit of a beautiful scenic drive in between. The drive is normally undertaken over a good few days with stop overs in towns including Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield and more. Featuring the semi deserts of Taroo and the forests of Tsitsikamma, the road meanders along the coastline presenting picturesque scenery and unique landscapes which will have your camera battery life wavering in no time at all. There are plenty of activities to enjoy along the drive too, one of the most popular of which is whale watching. If you are planning on hiring a car in South Africa, the Garden Route should most definitely feature on your itinerary.

High Atlas Mountains – Morocco

A drive to the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco isn’t necessarily a world famous route, but it is definitely outstanding and a drive you should seriously consider embarking upon. It is best enjoyed over a few days. Departing from Marrakech, you will pass wheat fields, cacti and palm trees whilst the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains encroach on the horizon. Before you know it, the landscape will change and you will suddenly be surrounded by dessert for a short while before encountering a desolate, lunar like landscape. Soon you will begin to pass weird and wonderful rock formations, rusty coloured gorges and luminous green expanses broken up by small villages; at this point you will know you have reached the Dades Valley. The entire journey will be sure to take your breath away but with much more to see and do from there on, you probably won’t want to stop driving.

Chapman’s Peak Drive – South Africa

Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the best ways to experience the Western Cape and it runs along the south west coast of South Africa from Noordhoek to Hout Bay. Although only 9km long, the route contains an impressive 114 curves. The tarmac embraces Chapman’s Peak at a height of 593m, with sheer drops into the ocean below. With 180° views of the stunning coastline and plenty of places to stop and drink in the view, this is a treat for all and is renowned as one of the most spectacular marine drives in all five continents.

Have you driven any of these roads or think there’s a route more worthy of featuring here? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Cover Each Continent in Your Car – 3 Must See Scenic Roads in Africa appeared first on On The Road with Economy Car Hire.

Lunchtime marks the main meal of the day starting with a selection of hot and cold salads made up of raw and cooked ingredients. The next course will be a tagine full of tender meat and vegetables.

You’ll need to loosen your belt after the tagine if it is a formal meal in order to make room for a meat dish. The meal is then rounded off with a course of cous cous topped with meat and vegetables. A top tip worth remembering is that bread acts as an eatable utensil in Morocco, so forget a knife and fork; you’ll be eating with your hands here!

In terms of drinks, bear in mind that Morocco is a Muslim country so you may not always be offered a glass of vino to compliment your meal. If alcohol isn’t available a cup of sweet mint tea will be sure to make up for it.

There are countless fine restaurants to choose from in Morocco suitable for all tastes and budgets. Highly acclaimed recommendations include Libzar Restaurant, Riad Bab Firdaus or The Comptoir Darna in Marrakech and The Riad Maison Bleue in Fes. If you want some tasty grub on the run in Morocco, there are plenty of delicious options on offer in the streets too.

Be sure to visit the local markets, referred to locally as Medinas, found in all of the cities and towns. You will spy innumerable stalls overflowing with fresh vegetables, fruits and such a large, colourful selection of spices that you probably won’t know where to begin!

Food is a truly important part of Moroccan culture and delicious offerings in Morocco are lovingly prepared. So, if you are a foodie fanatic, and enjoy a spattering of culture too, Morocco is definitely worth considering for your next meal-grimage!

The post Top 5 Spots for Flavoursome Food – Morocco appeared first on On The Road with Economy Car Hire.

We have compiled 5 suggestions to whet your appetite.

• Spend a long weekend in Marrakech, Morocco. Wander around the country’s largest souk and marvel at the traditional fare. Explore the old city and sample some local cuisine.

• Head to Riga, Latvia for a weekend away with a twist. Climb to the top of St Peters Church and enjoy the panoramic views over the city. Traverse along the cobbled streets and appreciate the local architecture.

• Journey to Dubrovnik, Croatia, walk along the old city walls, relax on the beach and taste some local wine. Visit Trsteno Arboretum and see the two trees that are over 50 years old and indulge in a spot of retail therapy.

• Walk through the War Tunnels in Jersey; visit one of the local Conservation Parks and travel to aMaizin, a maze and adventure park. There is something for all the family to enjoy here.

• If the sun is not what you seek, book a skiing break over Easter at Bansko, Bulgaria. Whether skiing or snowboarding is for you, or even if it’s the après ski you wish to enjoy, Bankso has a myriad of facilities to cater for all.

Whatever you decide to do over Easter, remember that Easter car hire is selling out fast so make sure you book sooner rather than later!

The post Top 5 Unusual Easter Getaways appeared first on On The Road with Economy Car Hire.