When going on holiday, the lure of the traditional getaway heavyweights, such as the Caribbean or Egypt, often proves too tempting to resist. It is well worth remembering, though, just how much Europe has to offer for the perfect break. With a bigger than ever range of cheap flights available, getting out to the continent has never been easier or more rewarding.

More often than not, people simply want a bit of sun, sea and sand on holiday, and many European destinations offer beaches to rival anywhere in the world; be it somewhere in the Iberian sands or the south of France; simply find your cheapest flights and off you go.

For a beach bum, few places in Europe can rival Portugal. Faro, the capital of the Algarve, has a justified reputation for possessing one of the most scenic coastlines anywhere in the world. Long sand beaches stretch out beyond the horizon, framed by rocks on either side. The city itself has a gentle charm and an air of tranquillity among its cobbled streets and leafy parks.

With its own range of restaurants and bars and several newer, more vibrant towns close by, Faro is the perfect base for a round trip. While you may go for the beach, its collection of fascinating old churches and museums make for a great cultural visit.

Alternatively, you can head for the sands of Alicante. Widely thought of as the friendliest city in Spain, Alicante has long been a staple in the holiday buffet, and with good reason. A city that never sleeps, the mix of cultural history, modern business and varied nightlife make Alicante the perfect holiday destination.

Set against a stunning backdrop of shattered mountains, Alicante's bay houses a vibrant city populated by a diverse range of nationalities. The number of bars and nightclubs around will satisfy any nocturnal holidaymakers, while the many blue flag-winning beaches promise the relaxation holidays are for.

Away from the mainstream, previously unchartered areas of Eastern Europe are becoming increasingly popular as slightly leftfield holiday hotspots. Nowhere is this more evident than in Dubrovnik, Croatia. An up and coming nation, Croatia has become one of the latest ‘go to’ places, and it's easy to see why.

Dubrovnik pulses with life all year round. The spotless beaches and crystal clear waters charm visitors, while the stunning beauty of the marble-clad Old Town, astonish. Frequently packed with revellers, Dubrovnik is very much a place to see, (ideally from the summit of Mount Srd), and be seen.

In the quest for new and exciting holiday destinations, old favourites are often forgotten. The frequency of cheap flights to London mean now is a better time than ever to explore one of the most diverse cities in the world. Unrivalled eating facilities, as broad a range of night-time entertainment as you could possibly wish for and several buildings of great cultural and historical importance make London a place like no other on the globe. You could be there for weeks and still only scratch the surface.

It’s easy to take relatively close cities for granted and forget their own unique charms and attractions. While Paris may not be as exotic as Mogadishu, it has a level of sophistication and elegance unlike any other city on Earth. With architectural marvels on every corner and France’s epic history in abundance, just walking around Paris is enough even without the Tour Eiffel, the Louvre or the Arc de Triomphe.

Europe is an incredible continent, with an unrivalled history, a variety of landscapes from mountains to beaches and diverse cultures; there is, quite simply, something and somewhere perfect for everyone. And it's affordable. Why holiday anywhere else?