Earlier this year the predictions for the travel industry's 2008 fortunes included that holiday prices would rise steeply. And the predictions have been right...

Vacation island Menorca has worked hard to cultivate her image of a serene, peaceful destination over the years, and appeals to parents with toddlers, couples in their thirties and forties, and the older generation - and of all the holiday islands the take up of villa holidays is most likely in Menorca as opposed to hotel based ones.

Many dream of a Mediterranean vacation. This does not have to remain a dream. Complicating factors come into play when families are large or otherwise require room. For those circumstances, renting a villa becomes attractive. That leaves the location. For this, there is much to say for Menorca.

Mankind's never-ending race to find the fountain of youth may never be over, but the more we learn about the human body, the healthier we are for it. Each country with a high life expectancy claims a certain amount of responsibility for the level of longevity experienced by its citizens. While we may not yet know the secret to longevity, we are certainly familiar with the basic building blocks for it.

Weekend breaks are very much in vogue in Europe, and a visit to the capital of Menorca - Mahon - can make for a great few days away.

There's plenty of tour companies in Menorca who will show you the island by bus. But if you're up for it, you can see much more on a mountain bike guided tour...

Barcelona is one of the favourite destinations for weekend getaways for Europeans, and UK tourists could increase as flights become cheaper.

Gone are the days when a flight and a hotel were the only holiday options - in today's travel market villa holidays are an increasingly popular alternative.

If you're looking for an ideal family holiday, where everything is walking distance and you don't need a car - Cala en Porter in Menorca could fit the bill.

If you're considering a holiday in Menorca, a trip out of season sees the island peaceful and at her best.