Easter Break in London

It's nearly Easter. The kids are becoming restless and you're waking up in the middle of the night with cold sweats as you still haven't sorted out a well-oiled inventory of things to do over the half-term.

It seems that every year the Easter half-term gets a little longer, meaning more time with your kids - a blessing many would say, but keeping them entertained for such a long time can be a daunting prospect.

So, why not de-camp to our glorious capital for a few days and try out this quick-fire list of things to do in and around London to keep your kids entertained so you don't have to.

Head to Ripley's Believe it or Not for the strangest museum in the UK! Here you will discover all manner of strange sights and artefacts from around the world and they are currently offering a 2 for 1 offer on adult and child tickets. If Ripley's is a little too strange, take your kids to Madame Tussauds. The famous Waxworks have recently unveiled their latest draw - a Justin Bieber doppelgänger - guaranteed to put a smile on the face of all teenage daughters.

For slightly more adventurous children, you could treat them to a ride on one of London's most awe-inspiring attractions - The Eye. The London Eye is perfect for gaining a sense of the vast scale of the city and your kids will gasp in delight as the attraction soars higher into the sky. Failing the London Eye, why not try the capital's theme park of choice - Thorpe Park. The range of rides widens every year giving you and your children even more choice of excitement.

In preparation for the forthcoming royal wedding, you could take a tour of Buckingham Palace? Ticket prices start at £17.50, a small price to pay to view the interior of one of the most glorious palatial residencies in the whole of Europe! If Buckingham doesn't entice the kids, you could pick one from The Tower of London, Hampton Court or Kensington Palace!

Barcelona for Europe's Finest Architecture

Looking for a city break that encompasses the very best of European architecture whilst providing you with an enviable tan?

Then visit Barcelona to discover the work of Antoni Gaudi

A flight to Barcelona takes just two hours and once there you can savour a wide range of cultural curiosities. First and foremost on your hit-list should be the architectural work of Mr Antoni Gaudi. The influence of Gaudi seems to permeate every street and tiny back-road as you discover this fine city.

Chief amongst this genius' work is La Sagrada Familia - a huge temple dedicated to the holy family. Gaudi's vision is so grand that work is still being carried out to complete the building today.

Next up you should visit Gaudi's municipal garden - Park Guell. Here you will discover an array of strange architectural elements situated within a park setting. You can see how Gaudi exploits natural surroundings to create an atmosphere of peace and calm for those who enter.

For something quintessentially Guadi, have a look at Casa Battlo, situated in Eixample district of Barcelona. As well as this, you could hop over to Casa Mila for more astonishing Gaudi work.

If you're still hankering for more Gaudi, you could visit Barcelona's very own shrine to Gauid - The Gaudi House Museum.

Charming Prague

Looking for a weekend away offering culture in spades along with Euro-busting prices?

Then look no further than 'The City Of A Hundred Spires' - Prague.

Prague is no longer just the city of choice for UK Stag parties. Yes, the bars are stocked full of award-winning ales with all the attributes of a classic continental beer at great prices, but spend a couple of days in this glorious city and you will discover a city filled with whimsical charm and architecture from a bygone era.

The Vitava river dominates the city and winds through the streets, reflecting back the city-scape on its pearlescent surface. Ancient bridges attach the old quarters of the town and the city is ripe for strolling, giving you chance to admire the cobbled back streets and independent shops. The city contains a number of splendid sites, amongst which the churches and Prague castle should be top of your list.

For peace and quiet you can escape to the leafy grounds of Vysehard or take the funicular railway to the top of Petrin hill for some of the most amazing views in the whole of Europe.

Of course, Prague's nightlife is amongst the best in Europe and you will find alcohol and food prices are amongst the lowest in the whole of the continent. But, don't visit Prague just for these reasons; go to be enchanted by the most amazing architecture in Europe and the charm that seems to permeate the air!

Holidays to Prague can be found for extremely reasonable prices. You can purchase from reputable online firms such as directline-holidays to guarantee yourself the best possible deal. Two days will suffice if you're willing to really put some effort into seeing all of the sights, but for a more relaxing trip I advise three.

Soaring Flight Taxes Expected to Continue

I heard a startling fact today about the cost of the UK's aviation taxes. Whilst many countries are actively lowering their flying taxes, it seems that taxes for UK flyers are forever on the up.

In the last two decades, air passenger duty in the UK has increased by a huge 2600% with travellers paying more than any other country in the world. Rather than encouraging people to travel and holiday, it's as if we are being penalised and prevented from travelling to our favourite destinations.

Anyway, in an attempt to counter the Government's incessant misuse of air taxes, industry leaders are joining with The Association of British Travel Agents to prevent more increases.

This year the treasury is expected to pocket £2.2billion of travellers money with further increases predicted over the next few years. To put the taxes into perspective, it would cost a family of four flying to Australia £340 in flight tax. Compare this to another country in the EU- such as France - and the same family would expect to pay just £15. With such huge differences you can really see how unfair the UK system is.

Head to Marrakesh for a city break with a difference!

Exhausted all destinations for city breaks in Europe?

Why not go a little further afield and try Marrakesh? Its a surprisingly short three hour flight and there's plenty to see and do, and along with its economical currency, you'll really be getting bang for your buck!

We stayed at a charming Riad in the centre of the city near the fascinating communal square of Djemaa El-Fna. Throught the day, the square is packed full of orange juice sellers, snake charmers and gymnasts. If you're looking for cheap eats, head to the square as evening falls and you can grab a hearty meal from one of the many temporary food stalls. Just opposite the square is Koutoubia Mosque which is surrounded by peaceful green gardens and comes alive during the call to prayer.

To sample some of Marrakesh's history, head to the ruins of The El Badi palace or stroll to The Saadian tombs for elaborate tiling and stories of ancient Kings.

For something a little different, but nonetheless still riveting, head to Yves Saint Lauren's gift to the city, The Majorelle gardens. Visit at midday when the sun is at its highest so you can tantalise your eyes with the shades of green, blue and yellow.

Flights to Marrakesh are also extremely cheap at the moment with Ryanair quoting at just £53 from many cities. You can also get very reasonable accommodation prices with websites such as direct-lineholidays.co.uk offering weekend deals at around £100.