Sometimes your most dreamed about holiday destination may seem almost impossible to reach. But the earlier you book, the more time you’ll have to pay off your holiday, making those intimidating payments far more manageable and that holiday you’ve always wanted within your grasp. And that’s just one of the benefits – there are plenty! If you’re already thinking about your 2019 holiday or perhaps you prefer to book last-minute, take a look at our reasons for booking early. In our eyes it’s always a winner. YOU WON’T HAVE TO SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST What’s great about booking early, is you get the pick of it all. If there’s a specific villa or Sea-View Room you have your eye on, you’ll have a better chance than most of getting it. There’s nothing worse than turning up late to a party and finding out the buffets almost finished – it’s the same with your holiday. The sooner you book, the more hotels and rooms you have to choose from. You’ll have the pick of flights too, meaning you can travel on your preferred dates.  

  Whether you didn’t quite get around to booking your summer holiday or you can’t get enough of jetting off somewhere new, a winter holiday is the perfect time to get away – whether it’s to get that extra dose of vitamin D or to soak up the winter festivities.  But where do you go? We’ve listed our favourite winter breaks, from winter sun, skiing and Christmas markets, there’s plenty to choose from. DUBAI Dubai only experiences two seasons, hot and hotter. Visit in the winter and enjoy the most comfortable temperatures the destination experiences year-round, with late afternoons still reaching a glorious 25 degrees. The perfect beach weather, we think!   Whichever traveller you are, there’s something for everyone in Dubai. From an array of luxury beach resorts for couples or honeymooners, family-friendly hotels and apartments to central accommodation for those craving a city experience, we’re certain you’ll struggle to make your choice! And we haven’t started on excursions and activities yet. If flopping and dropping is your style, then you’ve come to the right place. The hotels and resorts are made for those seeking relaxation, quality cuisine and delicious cocktails by the pool – or if you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip to one of the many incredible water parks, they’re great fun for the whole family.    For a cultural experience, take an organised day trip to the desert for an insight into the rural surrounds. Oh, and don’t forget to visit Dubai Mall – but be sure to leave extra space in your suitcase!

You simply cannot beat a beach holiday in the Med, they have something for everyone, beaches, villas, the opportunity to explore local culture and taste local cuisine as well as getting active with water sports and much more. Most people probably think of Spain, Portugal and Greece as the destinations to book for Mediterranean sunshine, however it is always worth looking further afield, Turkey is making a welcome return and Croatia grows in popularity each year. Turkey makes a welcome return Mark Warner returned to Turkey in May 2018 with their new Phokaia Beach Resort, situated 60 miles north of Izmir airport in the northern part of Turkey’s Aegean region and near to the laidback local town of Foca. Foca’s harbour and narrow streets boast some lovely old restored stone buildings and inviting restaurants. There are six small islands facing Foca and among these are Orak and Incir, known as the Sirens’ Rocks mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Two of the region’s major historic sites, Pergamon and Ephesus, around 60 miles south and 90 miles north from Foca respectively, are absolutely worth a visit and on Mark Warner’s excursion programme. Phokaia is an ideal spot, fronted by a beach arcing around a quiet bay, part sheltered by an offshore island, the near constant offshore breeze is great for water sports, from windsurfing and sailing to wakeboarding and water skiing. Other activities available include a cycling programme with both mountain and road bikes, tennis, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, a full programme of classes from morning yoga to the light heartedly leftfield Zumba Bollywood and fun events such as social tennis and beach volleyball played whilst holding beers! For those looking to relax, unwind and pampering there is a wellness area, including sauna, small gym, Turkish hammam, indoor heated pool and spa with five treatment rooms (please note massages and treatments are not included in packages). Families will be well looked after, and childcare is a pillar of the Mark Warner brand, backed by qualified British nannies. Young ones from four months to 17 years are catered for, with childcare complimentary for those aged two to 17 but chargeable for toddlers aged four months to two years. Activity-focused day clubs range from Baby Club and Toddler Club to Indy Club for the oldest, with free evening care and entertainment for older kids and a supervised evening listening service for younger ones. Dining options are good, with two restaurants and adjacent bars or head into nearby Foca for local cuisine. The reflection of the presence of ethnic communities in Izmir is reflected in the amazing seafood on offer, with mezes of prawns, scallops, crab and squid, accompanied with the most important condiments; garlic and olive oil. A charming feature of Izmir is the tradition of a flower for every season; artichoke for spring, zucchini blossoms for summer and figs for autumn, which are incorporated into the seasonal dishes. Why not take a look at the Phokaia beach resort to find out more?