This new wave of stadiums – from Munich’s Allianz Arena to Beijing’s Bird’s Nest – is certainly impressive. Then again, they still rely on a basic form that’s remained unchanged since ancient times.

The word ‘stadium’ comes from the Ancient Greek measurement of a ‘stadion’, which was 600 human feet. Ancient Romans adopted the term – but tinkered with the measurement, making it roughly equivalent to 607ft – and it also began to describe the tiered structure surrounding a running track of that length.

If you find this bit of the history a bit dry, there’s nothing dull about the sporting feats played out in ancient stadiums down the years. And because Roman culture spread far and wide in the days of the Empire, you’ll find examples of ancient stadiums from Tunisia to Syria and from Egypt to the UK. Here are three of the most legendary and the best to visit:

The Wembley of its Day – Stadium at Aphrodisias, Turkey

With 30 tiers of seating to accommodate 30,000 athletics fans, this stadium was one of the largest in the ancient world. Aphrodisias itself was home to only 15,000 people, so this was definitely a destination stadium to which crowds would travel for big sporting events – so not much has changed, then! It’s also one of the best preserved ancient stadiums – making it a prime place to visit if you want to imagine the atmosphere of the ancient games whilst in Turkey.

The Home of the Olympics – Stadium at Olympia, Greece

Want to see where it all began? This stadium was holy ground for the ancient Greeks – as anyone who loves their club would understand! It was dedicated to the ancient Greek god Zeus, in whose honour the games began. Like today, athletes came from afar to compete and go down in history as the champions in these original Olympic Games – records list victors of many origins, including Sicilians and North Africans. But the crowds then were made up of men only, with one exception – the priestess of the goddess Demeter.

The Super-Sized stadium – Circus Maximus, Rome

This was Rome’s speedway, and ancient chariot racers were the F1 stars of their day. You’ll get an idea of their immense popularity when you consider that Rome’s Circus Maximus, a stadium custom-made for chariot racing, was built to fit 250,000 spectators. It’s a little harder to sense the excitement now that the Circus Maximus is a big public park. But it’s still a free, must-see pilgrimage for anyone visiting Rome.

If you love sport, why not visit one of the world’s legendary stadiums on your next holiday? Rely on Thomas Cook to get you there – watch out for our great value package holidays and last-minute deals to your favourite destinations.

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Antalya

Antalya has become known as the ‘Turkish Riviera’ and has been popular with the Turks for generations – if the local people go there, you know it’s good. The city itself is the third most popular to visit in the world after London and Paris. Lots of tourism means healthy competition, which means good prices for you.

The number of watersports available at Antalya’s top beaches would be enough to keep you busy for a week, but if you want to get off the beaten track a little, head to the amazing Taurus Mountains. Here you can enjoy breath-taking views on a cable car trip, explore the terrain on quad bikes, or take a jeep safari to some of the local lakes and waterfalls. Düden waterfalls are a must-see. Here you can also haggle for trinkets, spices, shisha and of course, Turkish delight.

Bodrum

Bodrum, to the west, boasts some of the best dive sites in Turkey. The crystal-clear, calm waters of the Aegean coast are teeming with marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Beginners can enjoy getting to grips with the activity in one of the many sheltered bays, while more experienced divers can explore the fascinating systems of funnels, caves and grottos.

One of the most natural ways to explore the beautiful Bodrum landscape is on horseback. Horses are part of Turkey’s history so there are plenty of reputable schools that can help the whole family take part in a lovely horse ride. Take your time to explore the tranquillity of local beaches, picturesque villages and pine-scented forests.

Dalaman

The Dalaman Coast features one of the most-photographed beaches in the world, Olu Deniz. Known as the Blue Lagoon, this stretch of sand and shingle bordered by pine-studded hills is a national park and a world heritage site. There are areas marked for swimming and you may even see the odd seal come into the bay. There’s a huge range of accommodation around neighbouring Hisaronu and port-town Fethiye, so you’re bound to find something that suits your budget.

If your family are keen walkers, the world-famous Lycian Way trekking path starts in Fethiye. You may not be able to get through the whole 311 miles in a week but the easiest portion of the trek is around Olu Deniz. Butterfly Valley is a must for nature lovers, and the spooky abandoned ‘ghost’ village of Kayakoy is definitely worth a visit. For a truly unforgettable holiday experience, consider taking in the views from 2000m up on a paragliding trip. We’re not sure what’s more exhilarating – the gliding itself, or the hair-raising jeep trip up to the starting point on Mount Babadag!

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1 Budgie smugglers and thongs

Some people just want to stand out on holiday. There are good ways to do this and bad ways to do this. Men wearing minuscule swimwear definitely fit into the second category!

2 Football shirts

As Brits abroad, we don’t exactly have the best reputation. We know how proud you are of your team because you’ve taken time out of your holiday to watch them in action – the shirt’s not needed!

3 Bum bags

Yes we know they’re really convenient and you can have all of your day trip essentials in one place, but there are two problems with bum bags. One, having all your essentials in one place means it’s very easy to end up without any at all thanks to an opportunistic thief, or a momentary lapse of concentration in a taxi. And two, nothing screams tourist more than a bum bag. You’re certainly not going to be paying local prices…

4 Socks and sandals

This combination has been a fashion crime for generations, but it never seems to completely die out. Technology has advanced and people who are after warmth and breathable shoes have a whole host of other options to explore – somebody please tell them!

5 Braided hair

Fine for small children, but that’s where it ends…

6 Crocs

Again, a bright rubber pair of clogs can look endearing on a cute toddler, but adults should avoid them at all costs. It looks like you’re wearing some kind of protective clothing because you’re scared of sand!

7 Keep your shirt on! 

Another dodgy look that reminds foreigners of the bad apples in the bunch. Please respect the local customs and keep covered up…

8 High heels with swimwear

Unless you’re auditioning for the next season of TOWIE, avoid wearing bikinis and heels. They’re a nightmare to walk in anyway!

9 The local t-shirt

The generic local t-shirt is never a good look. You don’t want to be like everybody else do you? If you really want to pick up one for the folks back home, keep it packed in the suitcase.

10 The big backpack

Huge backpacks are fine for gap year travellers – that’s all they have for three months! But blocking up buses and promenades with a wide load when you’re just going to the beach is just plain annoying.

Direct Holidays offers incredible late holiday deals to the most popular sun-drenched destinations including Tenerife, Majorca and Gran Canaria.

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But in all the excitement of race day, it’s easy to forget the true stars of the show – the horses themselves. From the first winner of the first ever Grand National back in 1839, Lottery (funnily enough, a favourite!), to last year’s victor – the more exotically named Neptune Collonges – it’s the horses who battle it out year after year to win fame and glory for their owners.

Below we pay tribute to some of the greatest racehorses of all time:

Red Rum

Red Rum is probably the greatest, most famous racehorse the world has ever seen. Even those who have only the most occasional flutter on the Grand National know his name and with good reason. Red Rum won the 1973, 1974 and 1977 Grand Nationals and was runner up in 1975 and 1976. A true race horsing legend.

Man O’War

Across the pond, the fighting spirit of the American racehorse Man O’War was legendary, leading him to win over 99% of his races.

Seabiscuit

Proof that everyone loves an underdog, Seabiscuit, a straggly and awkward creature, won the hearts of a nation back in 1939, when he was featured in an article by publishing chief Walter Winchell. Despite his ungainly appearance, Seabiscuit managed a reputable career in horseracing, with several wins under his belt.

Foinavon

One of the greatest quirks of the Grand National is that the best horses only very occasionally win, but never has the racing world been more surprised than when outsider Foinavon leapt his way to victory in 1967. With odds of 100-1, Foinavon finally got his big break when a stray horse brought down just about every other horse in the race!

Devon Loch

You don’t have to be a winner to be great, and perhaps the most famous loser of all time was this horse, owned by the Queen Mother and ridden by novelist Dick Francis. A firm favourite to win the Grand National that year, Devon Loch was several lengths clear and heading for victory in 1956 when he collapsed. Conspiracy theories abound about one of racing’s biggest mysteries.

Direct Holidays can’t pick you a winning thoroughbred but we can help you choose a winning package holiday. From the ancient sights of Greece to the modern hedonism of Ibiza, we offer great value holidays that will always be a whinnying choice.

The post Not Just Horsing Around appeared first on Direct Holidays Blog.

Reading to children makes them more likely to read earlier and learn faster, so with today being International Children’s Book Day (2nd April), we take a look at five classics you may want to consider for your kids.

Where the Wild Things Are

This story by Maurice Sendak stars a young boy named Max. After being sent upstairs to bed without dinner for being naughty, he enters a fantasy world full of bizarre creatures – The Wild Things. He’s wearing his favourite wolf play suit so the friendly monsters take him in as (almost) one of their own.

Children will love it just for the amazing illustrations, let alone all the action and suspense!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

This award-winning book has been popular with children and adults alike for generations. The heart-warming story of a caterpillar’s transformation into a beautiful butterfly truly stands the test of time. With an introduction to counting and the days of the week, it’s a great learning experience wrapped up in an enticing adventure.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Originally rejected by a whole host of publishers, this book by Beatrix Potter went on to sell 45 million copies in 36 different languages. The family favourite follows rebellious Peter Rabbit during his adventures in Mr. McGregor’s garden.

Goodnight Moon

Getting kids off to sleep can be a testing time, particularly on holiday in strange new surroundings. What better way to help them settle in than a calming, comforting bedtime story about…a calming, comforting bedtime. The words are written in entertaining rhyming verse so they’re easy to memorize, even for younger children.

Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone

If you’ve had children growing up in the last decade, Harry Potter will have been impossible to ignore. J.K. Rowling’s tale of a magician in the making was published in 1997 and won hearts the world over. One for slightly older children, it shows how key decisions can influence people’s future and even looks at complex social issues. Just don’t try to read it all to the kids in one night!

Don’t stop at our suggestions, have a think about the books that inspired you when you were a child. Perhaps you’ve even got them somewhere in a dusty attic?

The post From Harry Potter to Beatrix Potter appeared first on Direct Holidays Blog.

Family Holiday Feast

The patron saint of Cyprus is St.Barnabas and he is celebrated with a great feast on the 11th June. The celebration is fitting because Cypriot food happens to be some of the best in the Mediterranean. Succulent meat dishes are prepared with onions, tomatoes and fragrant herbs and usually prepared over a barbecue style grill.

As Cyprus is an island, there’s also an abundance of fresh seafood. There’s nothing better than some light, crispy calamari to accompany a chilled glass of wine at sunset. Cyprus has no shortage of enchanting churches and historical architecture too. There’s an amazing range of places to visit and with glorious beaches boasting over 300 hours of sunshine a year, it’s not hard to see why so many travellers head back to Cyprus time and time again.

Greece – The Land of Plenty

There are countless charming attractions in Greece besides the fantastic weather and breath-taking bright landscapes. The stunning ruins dotted all across the islands are enough to transport you back to another time. It seems that the number of incredible holiday destinations in Greece is matched by the number of patron saints.

Along with festivities for St.Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos), Andrew the Apostle (Andreas) and Paul the Apostle (Paulos), there are celebrations that can last for up to three days on April 23rd when the Greeks celebrate St.George’s Day (Aghios Yeorghios) now that’s letting your hair down!

Blazing Saddles

No one does festivals like the Spanish. If you thought running with the bulls in Pamplona was crazy, you won’t believe what they do to celebrate St. Anthony (San Antonio), the patron saint of animals – horse riding through fire!

On the 13th of June as part of the Luminarias festival, rave riders mount up and jump through huge flames to the sound of drumming and Spanish bagpipes. The smoke is supposed to purify the animals and protect them for the years ahead. After midnight, the festivities turn to bustling barbeques where attendees can gobble up delicious black pudding and some of the best chorizo sausage in Spain.

Watersports in Mexico

Mexico is amazing for watersports. Beginners and experts alike can try their hand at waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing and scuba diving. You can even swim with dolphins. However, on June 24th, watersports takes on a very different meaning for St. John the Baptist Day (Fiesta de San Juan Bautista). It’s a major holiday in Mexico with huge fairs springing up all across the country. As St.John is associated with water, there are lots of practical jokes that end up with someone getting dunked- it’s like those old water fights on the grass in summer!

The post Patron Saints from Around the World appeared first on Direct Holidays Blog.

Taking it Easy on the Beach

The golden sandy beaches of Mexico are some of the best in the world and remain largely unspoilt. There are miles of beautiful, natural coastline if you want to get some peace and quiet. Or, if you prefer a little people watching on a bustling beach, there are plenty of modern developments that will make you think you’ve landed in a futuristic beach paradise!

There’s also a huge range of hotels available with excellent facilities to suit every taste and budget.

Thrills and Spills on the Water

Those who want a little adrenaline-fuelled fun will be spoilt for choice when it comes to watersports in Mexico. The crystal clear waters of Cancun are perfect for windsurfing, jet-skiing and sailing. If you fancied taking a look under the waves, Mexico also has some incredible dive and snorkelling sites teeming with marine life.

Cancun is one of the few places that you can swim with dolphins on a cheap package holiday. You can learn all about these wonderful creatures before enjoying half an hour in the water with them. It’s an unforgettable experience for adults and children alike.

Mouth-Watering Mexican Food

Delicious traditional dishes are another big draw for last minute holidays to Mexico. There’s nothing better than a spicy little spread to go with those delicious pina coladas. You can venture a little further afield to get a real taste of Mexico, or just go for an international option at one of the many resort restaurants. If you do fancy letting your hair down, you know there’ll be plenty of buzzing bars open for Spring Break!

So Much to See…

Mexico’s so packed with attractions that there’s something different for every day of your holiday. This also means plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied! There are ancient ruins and picturesque villages for you to explore, or you could barter for a bargain at one of the many local craft markets. The Hummer Jungle Tour is a massive hit with budding nature-buffs, and the little ones will also love an amphibious vehicle trip around Xplor Adventure Park.

If this all sounds too much like hard work, there’s nothing wrong with chilling around the hotel pool if you just want to unwind and relax while you’re away. You can do as little or as much as you like on a family holiday to Mexico.

The post An Easter Break with a Difference appeared first on Direct Holidays Blog.

Majorca

With such as long history of tourism, Majorca is a firm favourite for a family holiday. Beautiful Balearic beaches, a wide range of accommodation and plenty of activities make Majorca a great place to take the kids. You can laze on the golden sands, enjoy a dip in the warm waters or even soak in the glitz and glamour of Palma Nova Harbour with a bit of yacht spotting.

Escape to a magical world of action, thrills, comedy and fun with a visit to the Pirates Adventure Show – a swashbuckling mix of world-class acrobatics, thrilling gymnastics and breathtaking dancing that you’ll never forget.

A trip to the popular Western Waterpark or the Palma Aquarium is sure to keep you high in the popular parent stakes too…

Ibiza

Ibiza is much more than a party goer’s paradise. It’s one of the most beautiful Balearic Islands and is massively family friendly. With around 300 days of sunshine a year, you certainly won’t have to worry about the weather either. The only thing you’ll need to worry about is how you’re going to fit everything in. There are watersports,  golf courses, boat trips and quad safaris a plenty – enough to keep you and your family entertained all week long.

Turkey

If you’re after a family break with a difference, a trip to Turkey might be right up your street. From the breath-taking natural beauty, to the strange scents of the bustling bazaars, Turkey really is a land of wonder. You can visit castles with the kids if you want to explore your cultural side, or simply let the other half take them to one of the brilliant amusement parks – while you spoil yourself at a Hammam spa.

The Canary Islands

If guaranteed sun is at the top of your family holiday wish-list, look no further than the Canaries. The amazing sand dunes of Gran Canaria are a must-see if you’ve never visited a desert, and you can grab loads of great value late holiday deals to resorts with family-friendly facilities right next door in the bustling resort of Maspalomas. There’s stunning mountainous scenery on Tenerife if you fancy more of an active holiday, and you could even enjoy an unforgettable experience by paragliding over mount Teide.

Greece 

Greece has something for everyone with its bright sunshine, superb beaches and amazing history. There’s a huge range of wallet-friendly hotels, and you can sample delicious fresh seafood almost anywhere you go. The sandy beaches are perfect for swimming and also safe for young children. Seeing the coastline from the sea on a boat trip is a wonderful way to spend a family day out.

The post Top 5 Family Holidays for Easter appeared first on Direct Holidays Blog.

By the end of a fortnight at home with the kids you can end up feeling in need of another break!

But with great-value, last-minute deals on family holidays to Spain this Easter – flying a couple of hours to Benidorm is a great way to keep the children entertained. Plus, it means you can escape for a relaxing holiday in the sun without breaking the bank.

Sun, Sand and Sea

Benidorm has something to offer all ages, with a busy nightlife for those who like to party, and four miles of golden beaches for sun-worshippers looking for a place to unwind.

If you’re an adrenalin junkie then why not try a spot of waterskiing or scuba diving in the rocky coves? If walking is more you’re style then the Canfali hills – which surround the town – offer some amazing panoramic views of the area.

As for the kids, if playing on the beach or swimming in the pool isn’t enough to entertain them, there are plenty of local theme parks they can visit. So whether it is finding the highest water slide to rush head-first down at Aqualandia, or watching dolphin displays at Mundomar, there should be something to satisfy them!

With a huge choice of hotels and apartments to stay in, there is something to suit all budgets: seven nights self-catering apartment at the 3* Levante Club Apartments, Costa Blanca, costing from £342pp departing Manchester on March 26, or seven nights all-inclusive at 4* Dynastic Hotel costing from £450pp departing Manchester on March 26. *

Visit Valencia

For fans of Spanish football, paella and sightseeing, Benidorm is in the perfect location to visit Spain’s third largest city Valencia.

Only an hour-and-a-half drive up the coast, this vibrant city has something for everyone. There are regular tours around Valencia Football Club’s Estadio de Mestralla and as the birthplace of paella, sampling the dish in one of the many restaurants in the city is a must.

The City of Arts and Sciences has plenty to keep young, enquiring minds occupied, with an IMAX theatre, science museum and an aquarium to visit. If you’re looking to soak up some Spanish culture and history, then you can explore the Old Town with its many squares, plazas and famous Cathedral – which is said to be the home of the Holy Grail!

 *Prices correct as of 7th March 2013

The post Benidorm: The Ultimate Family Destination this Easter appeared first on Direct Holidays Blog.

Whether you send her off on her own, with granddad, or just want to travel with her, there are plenty of last minute holidays to varied destinations which make an ideal Mother’s Day gift.

Going All-In

If this sounds like something mum would like then you should consider going all-inclusive. This covers everything your mum could need during her holiday.

All-inclusive holidays generally cover all flights, food, entertainment and hotel costs, so you’ll never have to worry about unforeseen bills. As your mum spends most of her life looking after other people, this is the perfect way to show her how much you appreciate her efforts, allowing her to put her feet up and get some much needed R&R.

Cheap Destinations

Of course, you’ll need to make sure the destination you choose is just right for mum. If you’re looking for a varied holiday, you want somewhere that’s cheap but packed full of activities and attractions.

Greece

Greece is well-known for its weather, scenic views and exotic food. Wherever you go in Greece, you’re bound to have an entertaining and memorable time. Resorts like Agia Marina make the most of the island of Crete, giving you access to traditional Greek entertainment and beautiful coastlines.

Meanwhile, islands like Corfu offer more variation. Southern resorts, such as those in Kavos, are usually livelier with the emphasis on nightlife, whilst those in the north, like the beautiful Corfu Town, are more suited for easy-going Greece holidays. You’ll find plenty of hotels that will give mum access to all the comforts she wants but within walking range of beautiful Corfu Town – an area rich in exotic buildings and architecture.

Cyprus

Cyprus holidays are perfect for those who like their hot weather, exotic atmosphere and beautiful island scenery. From the inland countryside to the traditional towns and long stretches of endless coastline, Cyprus has plenty to recommend it for great value family holidays.

Popular hotels include the likes of Cypria Maris and Aquasol Village. Both offer plenty of services and all-inclusive facilities, such as food and a swimming pool – the perfect way to relax in the sun. Likewise, both are within easy reach of the beach; ensuring that you don’t need to walk too far to enjoy yourself.

Cypria Maris is more suited for adult-only holidays whilst Aquasol Village is family friendly, with more children orientated facilities to take care of the young ones, so mum can really enjoy her time off.

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