Leisure Travel e-Newsletter - Feb 2008

Every quarter we draw a winning name. The odds are miles better than winning the lottery (and cost you nothing!), so anyone who has not already done so, now is the time to subscribed to our free e-Newsletter, and be in with a chance of winning the subscribers' prize draw for the 1st quarter 2008!

 

Congratulations to Sue Jemmett of Planit Holdings plc, Ashford, who was winner of this valuable prize, generously provided by Classic Collection Holidays. We are sure she will thoroughly enjoy her holiday, once she has selected it from the great range of possibilities.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is on the same latitude as New England, but is more temperate and Mediterranean in climate.
It's beautiful in the summer in Bulgaria, and now it's even a great ski destination in winter. If you want to go without crowds, try the end of ski season, around mid-March, and consider the resorts in Vitosha, Bansko and Pamporovo.

Vitosha has long been a getaway for urban Bulgarians from Sofia and overlooks the city. Reasonable prices and accessibility make this resort shine. Stay for a week at the new Scotty's Boutique Hotel in Sofia, and a standard double is about £45 per night

Bansko is known as a luxury ski resort, with millions of euros having been invested in recent years to make this place a top skiing destination. Although categorised as luxury, Bansko's prices are quite reasonable: A modest 3-bedroom apartment at the Snow House Apartments is about £55 in the winter. Also, since Bansko is popular with British tourists, several restaurants, hotels and street signs are in English.

Pamporovo is an older resort area, but the price is right. For about £25 per night per person, skiers can stay at the Orlovetz, widely considered to be the finest hotel in Pamporovo. For about £35 per person per night, skiers can stay at the Panorama Hotel at the base of the slopes, with breakfast and dinner included.

If you’re not into skiing, September is a beautiful off-peak time to go. Either way, contact our consultants for more details.

Argentina

This is where the weak U.S. dollar is still king. And you can live like a lord on very little!  Remember, when it’s winter here, it’s summer in Argentina.

In January and February it’s pretty hot, but March and September are ideal and are the peak season for visiting the country.

Hotel prices are quite reasonable. The Sheraton Buenos Aires in March starts at around £100 a night. The Marriott is also under £100 a night. But there are many other interesting places to visit including Mendoza, Cordoba and Patagonia.

 

Click here to read more about the fascinating range of things to do and see in this diverse country, as written up by Stephen, our Manager of Leisure Travel, when he visited recently.

 

The Top Lesser Known Sexiest Beaches Of The World

The special quality of a beach is often as much about the people who frequent them, as it is about the aquamarine waters, pristine shores, the sun and the sand.

The tiny island beaches of the Caribbean or the South Pacific, attract an adventurous crowd captivated by the cultural trappings of the island paradise and the beauty of a perfect sunset. A lot has been talked about Bondi and Copacabana but here are some of the best of the unspoilt sexiest beaches:

 The Punta Cana is situated on the easternmost tip of the island of Dominican Republic and has gained the nickname of “the new Cancun” as a large number of celebrities flock to its shores. Some luxury resorts are growing up to help the visitors to enjoy their vacations to the full in the cosy resorts.

Along the south shore of the island of Saint Barthelemy, is the celebrated Saline Beach where free-spirited beachcombers flaunt their glitz and glamour in its lavish villas and restaurants. Among the colourful umbrellas and reclining lounge chairs is the Shoal Bay in Anquilla where placid waters, glittering sand, gentle breezes and an average temperature of 80 degrees are maintained.

The Caprera Island, one of the seven islands in the Maddalena archipelago is now a national park. The beaches here are gently bathed by the cobalt Tyrrhenian Sea and you can share nature with numerous seabirds. Fifteen minutes ride from the Caprera Island is Costa Smeralda, where you can indulge in some exquisite Italian cuisine at hotel Cala di Volpe or play tennis courts and golf.

Originally a slave port city in the northeast of Brazil, Salvador lies between green tropical hills and broad beaches along the bay of Todos os Santos. Here, African and Brazilian cultures intermingle to capture the mind of a sensual traveller.

 

The Caves – Jamaica - A heady mix of nature and luxury

A sense of spirituality and romance permeates the grounds of the caves at Negril in Jamaica. These are the volcanic formed caves, overlooking the pristine blue waves, inviting guests to savour the natural charm of their surroundings.

“The Caves” comprises 10 handcrafted cottages and bedroom suites, planted in the garden, close to the sea. Each of the cottages exudes serenity and peace, but with modern facilities to meet the convenience of the guests. The green stretch in the front conceals nooks and sundecks and even grottos in the cliff. One of the grottos is exclusively decorated for dining where you are served authentic Jamaican cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The cottages are the perfect place to chill out and relax. Step inside the rooms and you are exposed to a world of luxury and facilities to meet your highest expectations. Each of the cottages offers one or two bedrooms, ocean views, verandas, mini bars, CD players and CD libraries, TVs and VCRs (on request), coffeemakers and other necessary utensils, wireless Internet connection, daily newspapers (on request), mosquito nets, garden baths or showers, et al. The price tag is high on the suites, but you are guaranteed lavish comfort supported by all the amenities required for modern living.

Apart from the host of amenities arranged in the rooms, there are arrangements for spa treatments to care for your skin. These treatments incorporate self-renewal face and body treatment, detoxifying body wrap, sea salt glow, body polish, essential refining back treatment, eye zone treatment, stress relieving treatment and foot reflexology.

The famous seven-mile beach is only 15 minutes drive from the caves. Here you can enjoy an array of energetic activities: Banana boat riding, parasailing, wave running, deep sea fishing, island picnic tripping, full day cruising, snorkelling, scuba diving and many others that will take your breath away. Revel in the sauna experience designed to warm and relax your body muscles, increase circulation and eliminate toxins.
 “The Caves” offers a heady “back to nature” experience, in the lap of luxury and comfort.

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If you would like to know more about any of the above destinations or are considering breaking new ground for your next holiday, but are uncertain where bst to go, please contact our specialist leisure travel consultants and they will be pleased to help you create the dream holiday for you, from thousands of wonderful possibilities.

Continuing our short series on great diving destinations, here are two more you may like to consider.

Indonesia

 

Onemobaa Island - Wakatobi Dive Resort 

There's something especially appealing about a resort with its own "house reef." Especially when that reef features a trio of habitats—sand, sea grass and coral—and a dramatic panorama of marine life: turtles, rays, clownfish, ghost pipe fish, porcelain crabs, nudibranches, blue-ringed octopuses and pygmy seahorses.

Located in a National Marine Park in the Wakatobi archipelago in the Banda Sea, this eco-friendly resort also offers easy access to several dozen outlying sites with three boat dives a day. Miles of drop-offs, slopes, caverns, caves and seamounts will give you plenty to dream about as you lie in bed each night in your rustic, romantic wooden bungalow.

 
Elba   

Hotel Ilio 

There's no denying it. Being under the Tuscan Sun has run its course and many believe it has somewhat lost its novelty. Yes, we adore the graciously shabby villas, ruby wines, velvety olive oils and fields of sunflowers, but we also appreciate Tuscany for its ability to surprise.

In the Tuscan Archipelago National Park off the west coast of Italy, Elba—best known as the place of Napoleon's exile — is a reminder of the region's great diversity. Make yourself at home at the pretty Hotel Ilio, adjacent to a PADI dive centre, and use it as a base for underwater explorations of Cape St. Andrea. 

In the shallows, fields of Posidonia seaweed shelter local fish varieties, while further out, intriguing dives can be found near le Formiche della Zanca rocks. Along with gorgonia, lobster and sunfish in the summer, you can hunt for the remains of two Roman merchant ships.

So, without having to bear with a long haul flight, you can enjoy some great diving experiences in superb surroundings.

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If neither of the above fits with your ideal, contact us and our consultants will be pleased to discuss exactly what you are seeking and research the very best short list to meet your requirements,.

More than half of people say that airport processes are the worst aspect of travelling overseas. The 55% figure rises consistently with age and reaches 70% for those 65 years or more.

When asked what would make the biggest improvement to their airport experience, the top choices were:

1. quicker check-in facilities (63%)
2. faster processing through security (54%) and
3. being able to escape the crowds in an airline lounge (36%). 

A larger baggage allowance was only popular with 33% of travellers (37% of women). Twenty two per cent of 1,000 air travellers polled said that flight delays are their top anxiety, with 20% being concerned about potential lost luggage. 

The results of the poll came in the week some UK airports were given permission to relax the single carry on bag restriction imposed following a terrorist alert in 2006. Clearly the priority for airport management to improve customer satisfaction, is cut waiting times. They must not lose sight of that whilst relaxing restrictions on hand luggage.

There has been an issue with secure parking at airports which has caused a problem to consumers and legitimate business before they have even got to the airport.

Some of the less professional companies make little effort to keep cars secure from vandals and there are reports of their staff using customers’ cars for their personal journeys.

Delays and cancellations….

If the airline doesn't want to pay compensation, it has to show the flight is cancelled because of 'extraordinary circumstances'. This time of year delays and cancellations do occur, so it's worth being aware of your rights, keep copies of any vouchers you are given and the names of the airline staff you discuss your prolems with. Medway Travel consultants will then help to put your case to the travel provider, should it not comply with European standards of compensation.

Lost luggage….

So the holiday may have been to an idyllic destination and the flight wasn't delayed, but when arriving back in the country, did the luggage come back as well?

For these sorts of problems, the International Convention for flights (the Montreal Convention) applies but consumers must remember that they must fill out a Product Irregularity Form at the airport, or their claim will be affected in any future action.

So, what is our advice

1  When making a holiday booking; check…. 

• Whether you have bought a package holiday?' If it is then you will be protected if the business collapses or there is a problem abroad.
• whether the headline price includes all the mandatory extra charges, like taxes' If it does, then you can compare like for like.

2.  Identify what the baggage allowance is BEFORE you reach the airport, and check whether you pay more to check in at the airport.

3.  Make sure the baggage weighing machine at the airport is at zero, before you put your baggage on the conveyor belt! Bear in mind that if you are as little as 1Kg (2.2lbs) over the airlines baggage limit; you may have to pay as much as £6 excess.

4.  If you are delayed at the airport then the airline must look after your welfare. You will get NO compensation unless the flight is cancelled and there aren't any extraordinary circumstances.

5.  If your luggage gets lost at the airport, you must fill out a Product Irregularity Form at the airport otherwise there may be problems when you claim.

 

The number of Piccadilly line trains serving Heathrow Terminal 4 has been cut by 50 per cent, so allow more time for your journey, if you go this way.

Terminal 5’s opening in March will lead to a reorganisation of trains serving Heathrow, and T4 is set to lose out in favour of the other terminals. 

The new timings came into effect in January and mean that:

• Six of the 12 per hour Piccadilly trains which run between central London and Heathrow Central (serving Terminals 1, 2 and 3) will no longer call at T4.
• The other six trains per hour will call at T4 and then continue to Heathrow Central. But these trains are set to wait for up to eight minutes at T4 so journey times to Heathrow Central will be extended.

When T5 opens on March 27, it’s expected that the latter services will continue beyond Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to cover T5.

British Airways is currently the main operator at T4, but after it moves across to the new T5, then T4 will become the home of carriers linked to the Skyteam alliance.

 

Ryanair has increased checked-in baggage and airport check-in fees for all new bookings. It said the move is part of its "continued drive to encourage passengers to travel without checked in bags and avail of Ryanair's free of charge online check in on-line".

From yesterday, Ryanair's checked in baggage fee increased from £5 to £6 per bag and the airport check-in fee will increase from £2 to £3.

Ryanair's Peter Sherrard said: "These will not be the last increases in Ryanair's checked in baggage or airport check in fees, which will continue to increase over time until we reach our objective of persuading at least 50% of all Ryanair passengers to travel with hand luggage only, use our free web check-in service and avoid airport check-in queues.

"This will in turn allow us to reduce the number airport check-in desks that we rent and the handling staff we employ, so that we can continue to pass on these handling savings in the form of Europe's guaranteed lowest fares."

(It causes us to wonder whether Ryanair has invested in a company developing disposable clothing, which it expects its passengers to buy on arrival at their destination, and bin before returning home – unless of course it is aiming at the Naturist market sector!- Editor)

Common Myths about cruising

Nearly a third of cruise 'virgins' (people who are thinking about a cruise holiday but have not yet been on one) would be prompted by a special deal to take a cruise, according to a recent survey, whilst 16% of cruise virgins said they would book a cruise for a special milestone celebration and 13% when they can afford it.

When asked "what most puts you off the idea of a cruise holiday, 21% expected that you "can't escape people you might not like," 19% were afraid of being "stuck on the ship with nothing to do," and 16% cited the cost of a cruise holiday as likely to be too expensive.

Another 7.5% said they were put off most by the thought of "too many old people, and 1.8% said "too many young people".

But the biggest worry among cruise virgins about taking a holiday on the high seas is the fear of sickness.

A correctly selected cruise would readily ensure that none of these concerns would be born out in practice, with there being such a wide selection, catering for every conceivable taste and preference.So do contact our cruise specialists, Stephen or Astra, and they will be delighted to help you select the cruise ideally suited to your wishes.

Silversea named best cruise line

For the fourth year running, Silversea Cruises has been named 'Best Cruise Line' in a major luxury travel survey. All four Silversea vessels were recognized in the top ten for the 'Best Small Cruise Ship' category, with the Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow ranked first and second place.

Steve Odell, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific for Silversea, commented: "We are delighted once again to receive such positive recognition. These accolades reaffirm our position as the world's leading ultra-luxury cruise line and underline our dedication to providing guests with the ultimate cruising experience."

Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.

There are so many cruise lines, each with a variety of ships, styles, routes and culture, that we strongly advise asking our expert Cruise consultants to help to guide your selection of the one which will suit you best. We will be pleased to consider your preferred wish-list of cruise holiday objectives and then research a shortlist to discuss in detail with you.

Crystal Cruises outlines 2009 itineraries

Crystal Cruises has outlined its 2009 itineraries, covering 185 ports in 57 countries on 57 voyages. The luxury line's programme for next year has a focus on more port intensive itineraries with overnight stays on most cruises. Itineraries range from seven to 106 days, with five voyages starting or finishing in the UK.

Highlights include a return to the Amazon for the first time in three years, a new autumn cruise to Egypt and Israel, overnight stays in Dubai, two ships sailing in Asia, and new ports of call including Kotor, Montenegro; Lipari, Italy; Patmos, Greece; Sinop, Turkey; Alesund, Norway and Kiel, Germany.

From this cruise line alone, there are hundreds of options and there are many other cruise companies with fabulous holidays to offer. It really does take a cruise specialist to guide holiday makers in the selection of the one most suited to them and their party, so if you are interested in taking a cruise, do contact our trained cruise specialist consultants, Stephen or Astra, before making a choice you might otherwise regret.

 

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!

Museum Night, Rotterdam          1st March

Visit now and get the most out of your stay. Spend the daytime sightseeing, and enjoy some culture in the evening. This annual event sees more than 40 galleries and museums staying open into the night, with guided tours and exhibitions taking place. 

Los Angeles Marathon        2nd March       

Take part or just enjoy the entertainment – this Marathon will offer something for everyone. Runners will pass through the areas of Crenshaw, Miracle Mile and Koreatown before finishing in downtown Los Angeles. Bands and performers are traditionally present en route, all adding to the atmosphere. 

Tin Pan South, Nashville        1st – 5th April

Come to the home of music and join the celebrations. Named after Tin Pan Alley, New York’s renowned area for music and song, this event presents 5 days of songs and songwriting, including rock, pop, country and more, and traditionally features a range of entertainers.

Antigua Sailing Week          27th April – 3rd May 

Combine famous Antiguan hospitality with some of the best sailing conditions in the world, and you have here in the Caribbean, one of the world’s premier sailing regattas. 

May Day Music Festival, Rome          1st May

Held in Piazza San Giovanni, this annual event heralds the beginning of Spring, with a celebration of music, welcoming musicians from around the world.

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.

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!

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular        4th July

This annual extravaganza is back again! With around 14,000 shells being set off from barges along the east side of Manhattan, and the display synchronized to music, this event is renowned as the best Independence celebration in the city, and rated by some as one of the best in the USA. Don’t miss it!
 

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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.

Egypt is set to be an increasingly popular area for overseas property investors in 2008. As the Red Sea's beaches become more fashionable and property developers raise their game with quality and due-diligence, you should this year explore the Egyptian market for your investments.

We are pleased to announce that Simple World, to whom we direct many of our overseas property enquiries, is in collaboration with the developer who has acquired a private beach in central Hurghada.  This first class facility will be made available to all their clients and guests when staying in Hurghada Village and Marlion Residences.

Restaurants, bars, water sports and diving facilities are available to all.  We are also delighted to confirm that the Marlion Residences project will be run as an Apart Hotel with full 4/5 star hotel facilities with a guaranteed return to all investors.

Please contact us now, to beat the price increases

Hurghada Village Apartments, Egypt

Prices From: £15,950
Bedrooms:   Studio, 1, 2 & 3
Payments:   30% initial stage payment
Completion: Summer 2008

Rental Guarantees on selected apartments

Hurghada Village is now 75% SOLD

Description: It is situated away from any other buildings and is not overlooked by other apartments. The site is adjacent to open land to the west, and a road separates it from several small buildings to the east.

· 104 apartments on 5 floors, ground floor plus floors 1 to 4
· Spa, Turkish bath and treatment areas
· 4th floor apartments have secluded rooftop terraces, terrace furniture will be provided
· Restaurant, cafe/bar, gym, supermarket, swimming pool, gardens
· Community development, gated and walled for privacy
· Reception area, fully maintained development
· West-facing apartments have views of the desert and mountains
· East-facing apartments have views of the swimming pool, town, mosque and sea (from 3rd  floor)

Marlion Residences, Hurghada, Egypt

Prices From: £32,500
Bedrooms:    Studio, 1, 2 & 3
Payments:    35% initial stage payment
Completion:  Spring 2010

Aparthotel is offering rental guarantees on all apartments*

Hurghada presents a rather unique investment opportunity for buyers at present. Whilst the property market is still developing, it is clear that capital growth will remain steady for some time. The preliminary figures for 2007 indicate a growth rate of 20%. Sahl-Hasheesh on Hurghada's southern boundary is currently selling property at prices nearly four times those found in neighbouring developments.

*Purchase a Studio, 1 bed, 2 bed or 3 bed apartment within this stunning beach front development in Hurghada and be one of the first to cash in on a unique 'Buy 2 Sell' exclusive.

· A total of 256 apartments on 4 floors.
· Prices from £700 per sqm - Discounted by approx 15%. Prices of similar projects are selling at over £825 per sqm.
· Only £2,000 reservation fee plus 35% upfront payment required for the first 50 investors - no further payments until completion (March 2010).
· Further investors will be required to pay £2,000 reservation fee plus a stage payment of 35% followed by 15% in 6 months. The remaining balance will be due upon completion.
· First phase price increase of 10% already scheduled for April 2008
· All Top floor apartments have roof terraces
· Up to 65% finance available upon completion (STS) for investors wishing to complete.
· All properties are freehold and complete in March 2010.

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 If you are interested in buying a property overseas, please contact us and we will be pleased to put you in touch with our preferred specialists who have a wide range of properties available across the World

A elderly gentleman telephoned the BA airline office in London and, having explained that he hadn’t been abroad for years, asked, "How long does it take to fly to Moscow?"

 The receptionist said, "Just a minute..................."

"Great Scott!" exclaimed the caller, "your aircraft must be fantastic! Thank you." and he hung up.