Leisure Travel e-Newsletter - April 2008

We are delighted to announce the completion this month of our first Fifteen Years of operation!

Wellbeing Holidays was created in response to increasing demand from our customers for luxury holidays with specialist Spa facilities. Established in 1997, Pegasus Luxury Travel has merged its tour operation into Medway Travel to create Wellbeing Holidays. Building on its ten years of experience in offering luxury holidays to discerning clients, the Wellbeing Holidays staff and management have over 75 years experience in tour operating and is superbly placed to deliver the best deals available. Conceived on the basis that "only the best is good enough" we are proud to offer you a rich tapestry of locations, superb accommodation and the finest spa facilities available.

Our extensive programme covers The Caribbean, The Far East, The Middle East, The Indian Ocean, North America and The South Pacific. Many of our featured properties offer spectacular value added deals such as free nights, free accommodation upgrades, free meals and special inclusions for honeymoons and anniversaries. We have also negotiated free introductory massages and wellbeing packages at some of our hotels.

We specialize in tailor making your holiday arrangements to your exact specifications. Wellbeing Holidays creates worldwide luxury holidays and tailor-made holidays using only the very best luxury hotels with the finest Spa facilities. Our individually designed luxury holidays include private transfers in local resorts, FREE use of UK airport lounges and FREE private car transfers to your UK airport when you upgrade your flights to premium economy, business class or first class on most airlines.

Enter the world of "Wellbeing" now and select the destination or special programme you want, to get the best experience from our luxury hotel holidays.

Please click here to explore our dedicated website and call our specialist Wellbeing Holidays line on 01622 608275 between 0830 and 1730, Monday to Friday and 1100 to 1700 on Saturdays.

 

  

Medway Leisure Travel and the Marriott Tudor Park Hotel, Bearsted (Nr Maidstone)

invite you to attend their Luxury Travel Fair
on Thursday 15th May 2008 at 6.30pm.

Come and meet some of our exclusive specialist travel partners to learn more about the wonderful and exciting areas of the world for which we can tailor-make your ideal holiday.

A complimentary glass of wine and buffet is included and there will be a prize draw with some very special prizes.

Entry will be by complimentary ticket only. There will be limited availability so please

contact us on 01622 608265 or email astra@medwaytravel.co.uk to claim your free tickets now.

  

  

  

  

 

Tampa Bay - St. Petersburg and Clearwater & Busch Garden

When to go

St. Petersburg/Clearwater, located on the west coast of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, is a 90 minute drive from Orlando. It is the perfect year round holiday destination due to the temperate climate. Average temperatures in the winter range from a low of 13°C to a high 21°C with summer months ranging from a low of 24°C to a high of 32°C. The spring and autumn seasons are ideal weather conditions with an average temperature of 27°C. Busch Gardens is open 365 days a year!

The area is on a beautiful peninsula located on Florida's west coast, the area is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and by Tampa Bay to the east. It offers 35 miles of white sand beaches, not just in St. Petersburg & Clearwater, but along the entire coastline in between which includes Treasure Island, Madeira Beach and Indian Shores as well as 8 major barrier Islands including Fort De Soto Park (America's No. 1- rated beach in 2005) and Caladesi Island State Park (America's No. 2-rated beach in 2006 and 2007).

St. Petersburg & Clearwater comprise 26 communities that have a unique charm, feel and heritage. From the Greek influence in Tarpon Springs to the Scottish heritage of Dunedin, the area boasts fascinating culture, which is just waiting to be explored.

What to see

For the family, the area can offer a wonderful family holiday offering not only fantastic beaches but also many activities including water sports, pirate cruises (with water games, face painting and treasure hunts), interactive sea life safari cruises, biking, kayaking, entertainment on Pier 60, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and just 30 minutes away is Busch Gardens© Tampa Bay.

For couples, it can be as busy or as relaxing as you want, with fine dining and nightlife, beach bars, beach activities, shopping, pampering, art galleries and museums, festivals and concerts! Eat worldwide cuisine; experience the festivals, beach side dance floors, live music and bars of every genre; take in glass art, copper work, stained glass and fine art at the local galleries; see classical concerts, attend a tea dance or see a range of performances from opera, jazz and cabaret to pop, rock, punk or ska!

If shopping is what you enjoy, there is a wide range of speciality shops, local stores, shopping malls, villages/markets and quaint boutiques selling everything from beachwear to antiques.

If you are looking for Spa treatments,  there are two historic spa retreats - Safety Harbour Resort and Spa and Don CeSar Beach Resort a Loews Hotel, which is currently expanding. There is also a new spa at Sandpearl Resort. As well as these, there is a number of all day spas in the region giving visitors a fantastic choice of elite and luxurious pampering options.

The nightlife at St. Petersburg/Clearwater, offers everything from nightclubs & discos to pubs and cigar bars. Drink exotic beer, watch the drama at the region’s theatres, listen to live music, watch the big match, play a game of pool, darts or shuffleboard, go to a street party, hunt down 80’s disco or sip a martini, the choice is endless!

For nature lovers, there are dozens of outdoor adventures waiting to be discovered! Why not ride, walk run or skate the Pinellas Trail taking in county parks, rivers, creeks and see local nature in its natural habitat. Hike Brooker Creek, which boasts 8,500 acres of swamps, woods and an array of native flora and fauna or canoe Weedon Island with its miles of mangrove-lined waterways offering fishing and bird watching opportunities to name just a few!

Please contact our leisure consultants for more details of these very special holiday opportunities, or indeed any other ideas you may have. They will enjoy discussing your ideas and creating that unforgettable experience for you.

Continuing our series on top diving destinations for a great and memorable holiday for enthusiasts, here are two more possibilities:

Maldives 

Velavaru Island

Velavaru Island Resort feels like that last lost corner of the world where no one will find you. It is one of only two resorts in the Dhaalu Atoll, a chain of 1,190 coral islets. Consider these waters your own exclusive playground as you head out for daily morning and afternoon dives with a choice from four to eight dives a day.
In fact, you can go for almost a week of unlimited diving without visiting the same site twice.

Traditional Maldivian dhoni-style boats are used for all excursions, to destinations such as Kuda Giri (a wonderland of red sponges and white fan coral) and Madivaru Kandu (a narrow channel crossing filled with sharks and eagle rays).

Bungalows are just steps from the beach, and offer courses from the Banyantree Marine Center including open water, dive master and PADI adventure dives.

Republic of Palau

Koror

Palau Pacific Resort  has an appealing old school vibe. Rather than trying to heighten the tropical atmosphere with a sleek designer interpretation of island living, it offers the casual South Pacific-style made famous during the first half of the 20th century.

Relaxation is paired with Splash, a PADI dive centre offering guided diving tours on its dedicated dive boat, and a variety of certification courses.

The waters here boast visibility up to 150 feet, more than 1,500 types of fish and 700 types of hard and soft coral. You can also work on your WWII history by diving to the wrecks of the Amatsu, Maru, Goxan Maru, Iro or Helmet.

Those divers who want to capture their experiences at the Blue Corner or Ngemelis Drop-off on film, can get advice at the in-house underwater digital video and photo centre.

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If you are considering a diving holiday then do contact our consultants who will be able to create just the right holiday for you, having access to the details of hundreds of possible locations for divers of all standards and tastes.

Of interest to those wishing to buy a property in a great holiday location, Sunny View Central apartments enjoy an elevated view of the coastline and beach that can be reached in less than 5 minutes walk. The apartments will be fitted to a high specification to satisfy the most discerning of purchasers. Award-winning architects have designed the apartments and each unit has at least one balcony or terrace.

Sunny View Central apartments offer excellent prospects for capital growth and rental return.

The apartments come with 5% rental yield guarantee per annum for the first four years. This is a true window of opportunity for those with vision that have identified Bulgaria as a country where property will show extra-ordinary capital growth in the build-up to EU accession and beyond.

Specifications:

· Fitted kitchen
· Stainless steel oven, hob and hood
· Pottery to bathrooms, en-suites and cloaks from selected range
· Mixer taps to baths
· Selected tiling to bathroom
· TV aerial point to lounge and master bedroom
· Smoke detectors
· Plastered ceilings and walls
· Internal walls given 2 coats of emulsion paint
· Internal woodwork primed and gloss painted
· Chrome internal door furniture
· Electric heating
· Air-conditioning

Amazingly, Studios start from €22,293, One Bedroom Apartments from €45,540 and Two Bedroom Apartments from €71,115

There is the option of a 5% rental guarantee for the first four years (20% in total)!

Contact us for the contact details of the professional property consultant who will be pleased to tell you all about this opportunity.

Are you a global tourist spending your holidays at the most-sought-after tourist hotspots? Have the pyramids of Egypt, the Great wall of China, the Taj Mahal of India and the Grand Canyon of Colorado – all been seen on your previous holidays? Are you in search of something new and stimulating? Why not try “voluntourism”? It’s new, stimulating and at the same time beneficiary for society at large.

Actually, voluntourism is the latest buzzword in the lexicon of global tourism. Voluntourism promotes working holidays. Many non-profit organizations promote such vacations where tourists without professional and academic experience enjoy travel and at the same time contribute to the society by participating in various archaeological excavations. Some times, the excavations relate to pottery, at times to recovery of shipwrecked warships and at the same time can bring to light fossils a few thousand years old.  Sounds Interesting?

Let’s begin with a trip to Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. Enjoy the beauty of Tanzanian landscape along with an exciting venture to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. The most stimulating part is spending time in the Leaky camp, in the footsteps of Louis and Mary Leaky. Being part of the camp, you will search for artefacts of early hominids and later Stone Age eras. This excavation effort is very much essential to protect archaeological remains from succumbing to erosion.

If Tanzania doesn’t attract you, why not consider Spain? A trip to Cueva Victoria, Murcia Province, Spain, promises a lot of excitement. The trip usually takes place between July to mid-September. The meat of the trip is digging at Cueva Victoria, a six-room cave near the Mediterranean Sea. The digging explores the lives of early Europeans and their relation to today’s European natives. This far, excavators have unearthed human remains, and several pre-historic arteacts generating museum interests. 

Then there is Mexico. If you are thrilled with fossils, an expedition to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is the one you should be on the watch out. It is believed that in pre-historic times, North and South America were connected by what is now known as Panama. Prehistoric mammals used to migrate north and south through Panama. This migratory activity has resulted in a large fossil belt in Mexico. In this trip you will be thrilled to unearth petrified remains of pre-historic mammals, including the giant armadillo-like glyptodont. At the end of the trip you will feel proud to contribute to the biological history of this region.

Alternatively, there is Mount Zion, Jerusalem. Here you can contribute to the already enriched history of the city. You join hand in hand with archaeologists who are excavating Roman-era homes. The excavation site is not very far from the city’s Ottoman-era walls. You can get in there between June-July and August- September.

These are not all. There are several other excellent trips that you might consider. Among them, unearthing the African-American History at Montpelier Station, Virginia; exploring the Mammoth Graveyard at Hot Springs, South Dakota and participating in Pambamarca Archeology Project, Cayambe, Ecuador are notable.  

For these and a host of other interestinig and enjoyable ways to help others while also having a great and satisfying holiday, contact our specialist leisure consultants, who will be oly too pleased to advise you. 

Airlines are over charging passengers for check-in baggage, according to an investigation by the Trading Standards Institute.

It said tests, requested by BAA after complaints about their accuracy at one airport, found check-in scales were faulty, so customers were charged wrongly for ‘excess’ weight.

On testing 18 sets of scales, officials found 10 were showing a weight on the machine even before the customer’s baggage was lifted on.

The significance of these errors is compounded by the fact that all check-in staff at every airport in the UK can easily correct the indication on the scales by pushing a button, which sets the scale indication to zero, before the consumer is asked to put their baggage on.

The investigation suggests that a number of airlines are finding new ways to add extra charges to flight prices.

The investigation also found:

1. - Increasing confusion with baggage limits and extra charges levied by airlines when luggage is checked in at the airport, rather than online when the booking is made.
2. - A bewildering use of ‘tick boxes’ on websites. One required customers to put a tick in a box to avoid extra charges – while on the same site they were required to remove the tick to avoid extra charges
3. - Families with children and people with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, cannot check in baggage online, resulting in extra charges at the airport.

“The findings of the investigation show that, despite the spotlight being on them, airlines are still not being up front about the true cost of flights. It seems that unsuspecting passengers are being taken advantage of.

A spokeswoman for ABTA added: "Transparent pricing is very important to ABTA, its members and the credibility of the industry.

“Non-optional extras have to be included in headline prices, but where other costs maybe incurred - such as baggage charges - companies must do their utmost not to mislead."

It all points to some of the advantages of using professional travel consultants to book your flight arrangements and provide sound advice, so do contact us rather than be taken for a ride in addition to your intended flight!

Travel by ferry is seeing a revival due to chaos at airports, new figures show.

Nearly 43 million passenger ferry journeys were taken between British ports and the continent, Ireland and British islands last year – a rise of 419,000 over 2006.

UK to Ireland routes performed strongly with numbers up from 5.3 million to 5.5 million – a 4.3% increase. Traffic to the continent increased by 1% from 20 million to nearly 20.2 million passenger ferry journeys. UK domestic figures were stable at 16.9 million.

Between 2006 and 2007 total journeys with cars, increased by 3.8% from 9 to 9.3 million. 

Journeys with cars between the UK and Ireland saw a 7.4% increase, while continental crossings with a car increased by 3.7% from 4.1 to 4.3 million. 

The ongoing chaos at airports, continued strike threats, missing luggage and increasingly miserly charges made by airlines is so frustating, that travellers vote with their feet and switch to ferry travel only to find a radically different experience.

They can take their own car, as much luggage as they like, enjoy shorter check-in times and can stroll around ferry ships which have seen multi-million pound investments making them equal to modern cruise ships.

Our consultants will be pleased to research ferry and rail alternatives for your trips, and make your selected arrangements for you.

Silversea reveals name of all-suite ship

Silversea Cruises has named its newest all-suite ship Silver Spirit. Currently under construction at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard, the 540-guest vessel is scheduled to join the fleet in late 2009.

Silver Spirit will have 270 all ocean-view suites, with all but 12 coming with verandas, and there will also be one of the new “Spa at Silversea” complexes, which premiered aboard Silver Shadow's World Cruise last year.

Meanwhile, Silversea has announced major dry-dock refurbishments for its 296-guest sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind to bring their interiors in line with the Silver Spirit.

Plans for both ships call for major suite upgrades, including new bathrooms, carpets, flat screen TVs and other appointments.

Verandas will also be spruced up and most public spaces and corridors will see substantial enhancements of furnishings and carpets.

Cruising is for ever changing and the variety of types of cruise and on-board facilities of the hundreds of cruise ships is simply mind-blowing, so it pays to discuss your ideas with a professional independent consultant, to ensure your selected cruise provides you with an outstandingly enjoyable and memorable experience. So why not contact Stephen or Astra and pick their brains?

Hebridean issues new winter itineraries

New itineraries around Africa and the Indian Ocean have been unveiled by Hebridean International Cruises.

Winter 2008-09 sailings on 98-passenger Hebridean Spirit include voyages taking in Madagascar, the Seychelles and Namibia.

Shore excursions include 4x4 trips across the Namibian desert, a Big Five game drive, visits to a lemur conservation programme in Madagascar.

The ship also calls at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra Atoll, north of Madagascar, home to giant tortoise, endangered birds and exotic fish. Marine wildlife lecturer Tim Earl will accompany these cruises.

UK preview for new HAL ship

Holland America Line’s new 2,104-passenger ship MS Eurodam is to previewed in Southampton before being named by Queen Beatrix of Holland in Rotterdam on July 1.

The $450 million new vessel will sail into the UK port for a series of inaugural events over two days prior to the formal naming.

Eurodam will feature several alternative dining venues, including a stunning pan-Asian restaurant with panoramic Ocean views.

The popular Explorations Café – powered by The New York Times – will be integrated into the traditional Crow’s Nest. 

Other additions include an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a new specialty restaurant adjacent to the Lido offering traditional Italian food, a new atrium bar area, and an enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theatre-style seating.

Cabins and suites will include new exclusive, spa-themed and scalloped veranda categories.  Cabins also will feature flat panel televisions, DVD players, make-up mirrors, massage shower heads, professional grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit baskets. 

Following its maiden voyage to the Baltic and inaugural Europe season, the ship will sail its first transatlantic cruise, followed by a series of Canada/New England sailings in the autumn before being deployed on Caribbean itineraries for the remainder of 2008.

The Most Child-Friendly Cruises Of The World

Perhaps in the past, you have not enjoy your cruise to the fullest, as you had a baby and your little angel needed to be cared for. The cruise possibly provided a cot but nothing more. Well! Here is something to cheer you up. These selected cruises offer special care for your children and even arrange special activities for the parents as well as the young ones.

If you have a baby to be taken care of specially, Carnival Cruise Line will be a very good choice as there are counsellors who will even change your baby’s nappies when required. Kids of age above two years can take part in the various programs in the cruise line. Carnival’s ships also offer group babysitting after 10 o’clock for babies below the age group of two years. Guests can even rent single or double strollers.

The Holland America Line allows children above the age of three years and encourages both the children and the parents to play together in groups at scheduled hours. You can arrange private babysitting for your child at a nominal cost. You can also order wipes, baby food and nappies on request. The cruise line provides all your necessities in your cabin along with a mini fridge for your convenience (for an additional charge).

The Disney Cruise Line can take care of your darling from the age of twelve weeks and up to three years. The Disney’s Magic and Wonder suites have pools with separate filtration system that permits babies to swim. For this facility, the Disney Cruise Line stands apart from any other cruise line. You can also reserve some hours in the nursery for your little one. 

For the kids between three and seven years, the Royal Caribbean International can be a good choice as the cruise line offers a program called the Adventure Ocean. This provides art projects, science experiments and drama classes to different age groups. The Carnival Cruise Line has a kids’ talent show and you can also take advantage of group babysitting services up to 3 A.M. The Disney Cruise Line offers a Disney theme park setting and your kids will love to enjoy their meals with Disney characters like Captain Hook and Snow White. It is also a great choice for teenagers.

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For details of these and other cruise holidays, or even if you are just wondering about a cruise holiday and don't know where to begin, please do contact Astra or Stephen - our cruise specialists - they will be pleased to advise you. Why not also take a look at the cruise section on our website?

Some readers may already know that we have on our website a page entitled "Worldwide Leisure Events", to give surfers information about some of the most famous, interesting and fun events happening in the coming 6 to 9 months, one or more of which you may wish to incorporate into your next holiday.

We have extracted the following examples to give you a flavour, but strongly suggest you click here to see much more!

May Day Breakfasts, Rhode Island          1st May 

Is this a destination on your holiday hit list? Include May Day in your stay, and you will experience the area’s unique breakfast celebrations. Early morning feasts can be found everywhere, from churches to schools to local yacht clubs, as well as in the more traditional restaurants.

Gourmet Festival, Capetown        15th –17th May

Attracting over 50,000 food and wine enthusiasts, and hosting a selection of celebrity chefs, this event is Africa’s premier celebration of food, and a must if you are a visitor to Capetown.

27TH Annual Steamboat Marathon, Colorado          1st June 

Looking for a run with a difference? This annual event in Steamboat Springs has been voted one of the most scenic, winding through the beauty of the Rockies. For the less energetic, it also offers a Half Marathon and Fun Run. 

San Diego Restaurant Week         22nd – 27th June

For the second time this year, San Diego’s top 130 restaurants open their doors, offering 3 course meals at greatly reduced prices. What better time to visit!

Ommegang Pageant, Brussels       3rd and 5th July

Started in 1549 as a religious ritual, this event today focuses on local folklore and heritage, showcasing representatives from the various crafts and trades of the city, and includes the colour of traditional dress. New for this year, medieval jousting matches will also be taking place. The Grand Place will be alive with visitors, including the Royal Family, and it is well worth noting that numbers are limited to 3000 – so best to book ahead!

Calgary Stampede, Canada        4th – 13th July

For 10 days every summer, Calgary comes alive with the excitement of the Old West. From the world famous Chuckwagon Races to the Rodeo, from bull riding to barrel racing, and from pancake breakfasts to glittering fireworks. And what a setting! – The ideal excuse to visit the beautiful Rockies of Western Canada.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo        1st – 23rd August

Why not treat yourself to a short break in this beautiful Scottish city. Include the Tattoo during your stay and enjoy the atmosphere of this amazing display. Set against the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this famous event features pipes and drums, massed military bands, together with acts from around the world.

Rip Curl Pro, Hossegor, France        15th – 24th August 

Home to some of the best surfing in the world, Hossegor, on the French West Coast, hosts the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Qualifying Series. This is the place to be to see the highest rated surfers as they compete for a share of the US$ 150,000 prize money.

Prague Autumn Festival, Czech Republic        1st September – 31st October

(Dates to be confirmed)  
Always popular for a short break, Prague offers an additional reason to visit at this time of year. This Autumn Festival brings to a close the European Festival season, attracting artists from around the world. An ideal time to visit – between the summer crowds and the rush of the Festive season!

Oktoberfest, Munich        20th September – 5th October 

Dating from 1810, this celebration has become an annual German tradition, with the start brought forward to include – hopefully – some better weather! Must see events start prior to the main festival on the 19th with the Costume and Rifleman’s Parade, with further highlights throughout the event including the Parade of Oktoberfest Landlords and Breweries, the Official Tapping of the Keg, and this year, an Agricultural Festival. With budget flights operating to Germany, why not pay a visit!

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We have not listed travel arrangements, as there are often countless options available, and of course, we can build them in to a longer holiday for you, if you wish. So, Please contact us about any events in which you are interested, and we will research the most best itinerary to match your requirements.

An irate woman was caught in a long queue at Perth airport during a pilots’ strike in Australia.

Flights were cancelled, passengers were being bussed to destinations – there was chaos all around. Finally after a long, long wait she arrived at the counter in a foul mood and said “I've simply got to get to Brisbane. How do I get to Brisbane? – you’ve got to get me there”.

She went on and on, not listening to what she was being told, sorely trying the patience and good manners of the airline staff.

Finally after the umpteenth question “How are you going to get me to Brisbane? ” the check-in agent looked at her and said “Madam, may I suggest you buy a broomstick”.

She left, never to be seen again.