Leisure e-Newsletter – October 2008

This month we would like to congratulate Celine Thiboeuf of Hachette Partworks in London, who has won the 3rd Quarter eNews Subscribers' Prize Draw.

Every quarter we draw a winning name from the list of all subscribers to both the Corporate and Leisure eNewsletters. The winner receives a £100 voucher, redeemable against any form of holiday booking (combination of travel and accommodation) made through us to the value of £500 or more, and is valid for a period of 18 months from the date of issue. It will be transferable, providing the winner advises Medway Travel of the name of the eventual recipient.

From a City break to a Cruise, from an all-inclusive package to a tailored holiday, the choice is yours. Just take a look at the Leisure section of our website to see the massive range of outstanding holidays on offer. Our team of consultants is highly qualified to research and advise on all aspects of your trip.

Free to enter, the odds are far better than winning the lottery, so anyone who has not already done so should subscribe to our free e-Newsletter, and be in with a chance of winning the draw for the 4th quarter 2008!

For anybody who believes in Santa, Savalen is the perfect winter destination.

Situated 330km north of Oslo, Savalen enjoys an enviable lakeside setting some 17km from the nearest town. Accommodation ranges from a spa hotel to log cabins and apartments on "Santa Street". They are all cosy retreats after a day in the great outdoors making good use of Savalen's numerous activities. You can combine all the nordic activities with downhill skiing on 7 slopes, there's a floodlit cross-country skiing arena with international standard trails, an ice skating rink, Santa's house and workshop and a spa and well-being centre for unwinding and relaxation.

The snow arrives in November and lies until late April, and with a great range of accommodation and activities as well as a fabulous Santa experience, this is a truly memorable trip for the whole family.

Day One: On arrival at Oslo you will be met by one of Santa’s elves who will take you to your transfer vehicle. Once in Savalen you’ll be shown to your accommodation where your cold weather clothing will be waiting for you.When you are ready to brave the winter cold, it’s time to make your way to the restaurant for an introductory meeting and dinner.

Day Two: There’s no point in keeping the kids (young and old) waiting so this morning you’ll walk along the street to Santa’s House. In his workshop, where wishes are turned into presents, Santa will tell everybody a fairy tale before taking the children to meet and feed his animals including Rudolf the reindeer. This is not a "stopwatch Santa experience" - each family gets a private audience with Santa lasting a minimum of ten minutes and you are welcome to stay at his house and workshop all morning. After lunch is a fun "winter Olympics” competition, using a combination of three or four activities from the likes of snowshoeing, kick sledding, triple ski, skating and Santa’s obstacle course.

Day Three: After full tuition and a safety briefing, you will take a snowmobile safari around the lake. This is an easy-paced safari with two adults per machine and children riding in a sleigh behind the guide’s skidoo. As the day draws to a close you will go out on a one hour winter sleigh ride in sleds pulled by horses. The safari is all about Christmas with tinkling bells and torches.

Day Four: Another huge family favourite is the morning’s husky safari. There will be plenty of time to pet the excited and eager dogs before you set off on a 5km husky safari. Along the way you’ll get the chance to try some ice fishing with the help of an instructor. With some free time after lunch to take advantage of Savalen’s many active facilities, don’t forget the ski slopes!

To round off a fabulous family holiday your farewell meal is a traditional Norwegian Christmas dinner followed by a "magical hour" in the candle-lit Aqua Wellbeing Centre.

Day Five: Your kids will hate you for this but all good things must come to an end.

Accommodation

Santa Street Apartments: Santa Claus’ Street is located in the centre of Savalen and aptly enough, Santa’s House and workshop occupy pride of place at the very top of it. These apartments offer sleeping space for either 5 or 9 people with an open plan kitchen and living room with TV and wood burning stove as well as a bathroom and WC.

All meals will be at the Savalen Fell Hotel and Spa, where you will also have access to the spa facilities.

Savalen Fell Hotel and Spa: The hotel started life as a mountain lodge but has evolved into a modern hotel with spa facilities. The hotel is family run and has earned a glowing reputation with its many repeat clients. There are 81 standard rooms all of which have an en-suite shower and WC, a seating area with table and chairs, tv, telephone and wardrobe. The hotel also has a range of suites ranging from 1 bedroom and living area as well as some with their own fireplace, jacuzzi and sauna.

Facilities include the spa and wellness centre which features: a swimming pool, massage seats, showers, beds and waterfall, 2 jacuzzis, steam grotto, sauna and treatment rooms.  

Contact Medway Travel now to find out more about this fantastic 4-day trip, which is being offered through our partnership with a specialist Tour Operator. Departure dates are in December only. Prices start at £975 for adults, £725 for children aged 4 –11 and £345 for under 4s.

Maine comprises of eight tourism areas: Aroostook County, Downeast & Acadia, Greater Portland & Casco Bay, Kennebec & Moose River Valleys, Maine Lakes & Mountains, Mid-Coast, The Maine Beaches and The Maine Highlands

The state includes 6,000 lakes, 32,000 miles of rivers, 5,000 miles of coast and 17 million acres of forestland so there's plenty to see.

Aroostook County: is Maine's largest and most northern county. With over 2,000 lakes, it's great for hiking, canoeing and fishing, whilst the area also offers great snow-mobiling opportunities. Check out the Market Square area and well preserved Victorian mansions in Houlton and the Tante Blanche Museum in Madawaska, where French is still spoken.

Downeast & Acadia: The coast offers whale watching, puffin watching and sea-kayaking, while the lakes play host to canoeing, fishing and hunting. Visit Acadia National Park to see the glacial activity in the area and do try the wonderful lobster fresh off the boat. Adjacent to Acadia National Park is Bar Harbor, with mountains, lakes, and sea cliffs. Visit the Abbe Museum for the history of the Wabenaki Indians - Maine's early settlers.

The peaceful east coast is home to the Downeast Heritage Center in Calais, offering interactive exhibits to learn about the early settlements whilst close by the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to spot moose, deer, bear, eagles, beaver, mink, geese and woodcock. Take the ferry between Eastport and Deer Island and see Old Sow - considered to be the biggest whirlpool in the western hemisphere – or visit the Waponahki Museum for the history of the Passamaquoddy Indian tribe.

Greater Portland & Casco Bay: A truly four season destination full of classic New England villages and vast sandy beaches. Cape Elizabeth is home to the 94-acre Fort Williams Park with the famous Portland Headlight lighthouse whilst Two Lights State Park has great views of Casco Bay.

Whilst Freeport is a shoppers’ paradise, don't miss Wolfe’s Neck Woods - great for birdwatching - and Desert of Maine - once a fertile farm but the topsoil became engulfed in sand. Maine’s largest city, Portland, is considered to be the cultural heart of the state with a symphony orchestra, opera company and many museums including a children's museum. Ferries leave here for Nova Scotia and Amtrak offers 4 round trips a day to Boston.

Kennebec & Moose River Valleys: Ideal for the outdoor lover, this area offers hiking, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and fall foliage viewing. Augusta is home to the State House with its 180 foot dome made of granite, The Maine State Museum which highlights the history of the pilgrims when they arrived in the area in 1625, and Augusta’s Fort Western, the oldest surviving wooden fort in New England, built in 1754. The Forks is the centre of whitewater rafting in Maine on the 12-mile Kennebec River.

Maine Lakes & Mountains: This area of western Maine is a perfect vacation spot at any time of the year with a riot of colour in the fall and land covered with brilliant wildflowers in the spring. It's a great area for water sports of all kinds. Situated close to the White Mountain National Forest is Bethel, offering year round outdoor activities for the whole family with Grafton Notch State Park popular with ice climbers. Naples between Long Lake and Brandy Pond is great for water sport activities whilst the downtown area is home to many antique shops and restaurants plus art galleries and gift shops.

Mid-Coast: This region is full of seaside resorts and quaint villages. It is great for the antique-hunter with its many stores and country auctions and popular for winter sports, water sports and ferry hopping to the islands.
Bath/Brunswick has miles of coastline and an active arts scene whilst the downtowns offer many museums and art galleries. Belfast was named by USA Today as one of the top ten culturally cool towns in the country. For the active there's kayaking, rowing, sail boat rides, hiking and biking trails and for the culturally minded there are many museums and art galleries. Boothbay Harbor is a fishing and shipbuilding village and has much rustic charm. A starting point for whale watching cruises and puffin tours. The small towns of Georgetown, Arrowsic and Phippsburg enjoy views of the salt marshes, the Kennebec River and pine woods. Go hiking in Josephine Newman Wildlife Sanctuary and visit the beautiful coast at Reid State Park. Rockland is home to many art galleries and trendy shops. Ferries leave from here to the islands.

The Maine Beaches: This area has beautiful beaches with fine white sand and typical New England villages. A year round location for swimming and sailing, sea kayaking and fishing. And great lobster! Kennebunk and Kennebunkport began life as shipbuilding centres and are now home to many accommodation options and restaurants. Ogunquit is one of Maine’s most-visited resort towns and is very "family friendly". Great for deep-sea fishing, whale watching, sailing, sea kayaking, and hiking and a round of golf. Old Orchard Beach boasts 7 miles of sandy beach and The Palace Playland Park has nightly entertainment. Wells is quiet and peaceful with miles of beach in a nature reserve.

The Maine Highlands: With its mountains, lakes and parkland, this area is great for the outdoor lover, offering canoeing, kayaking, camping, snowmobiling, skiing and snowshoeing, hunting and fishing. Bangor was home to over 300 sawmills in the 1830s and the mansions built during the period still stand. Greenville is close to the rugged North Woods and there are guides available ready to escort you to the area. Millinocket is close to the Baxter State Park. Cross-country skiing is popular and there are many snowmobile trails.

When she launches in late 2009, Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. She will span 16 decks, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,700 staterooms.

Pool and Sports Zone

Stretching the length of the ship, the Pool and Sports Zone will include an adults-only Solarium and Sports Deck that will awe even the most seasoned cruiser. The first Beach Pool at sea will have a sloped entry enabling guests to wade into the water or relax in beach chairs under an umbrella as the water rolls gently beneath. Two whirlpools will flank either side of the "beach" for guests who prefer warmer waters whilst the Main Pool offers two side-by-side whirlpools, ideal for rest and relaxation in the sun. Overlooking both pools will be private cabanas, complete with a dedicated attendant.

Families looking for fun in the sun will easily spot Royal Caribbean’s signature H2O Zone, marked by a giant octopus with its slides and water-spraying tentacles and surrounded by fellow water-spouting ocean creatures. Separate wading and current pools, as well as a dedicated infant and toddler pool, will be set in the interactive aquatic playground and surrounded by adult and child-sized lounge chairs.

For the more competitive, the Sports Pool will host afternoon water team sports while morning hours will be dedicated to lap swimming. The Sports Deck in the Pool and Sports Zone will also boast new innovations, including the first zipline at sea, and two of the popular FlowRider surf simulators, flanking either side of the elevated back deck. Royal Caribbean favourites such as the nine-hole miniature golf course, Oasis Dunes, will challenge golfers of different abilities, and the Sports Court, will allow for friendly games of basketball and volleyball. Spectators will be able to cheer flowboarding guests from the Wipe Out Bar or enjoying casual dining at the Wipe Out Café.

Adults looking for a retreat from the bustle of every day life will find solace in the open-air Solarium, offering a tranquil swimming pool, two serene whirlpools, and four cantilevered whirlpools suspended 136 feet above the ocean. The mezzanine level of the adult-dedicated area will overlook the pool deck below, offering additional chaise lounges and seating.

The new Solarium Bistro will offer casual fare from the Vitality spa menu during the day, and in the evenings, transform into a romantic and intimate setting for specialty dining and dancing under the stars. It is also the perfect venue for a unique late night dance club experience – Club 20 – made popular on the line’s Freedom-class ships.

The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Centre

The new Vitality at Sea Spa will include a Thermal Suite, featuring heated tile loungers, saunas and steam rooms; three couples massage suites and seven individual treatment rooms - the largest collection at sea. Kids and teen guests also will find their own dedicated Spa in which to enjoy specially catered services.

The Fitness Centre will offer a selection of the latest cardio and resistance equipment for working out alone or for joining one of the several classes, including spinning, kickboxing, Pilates and yoga. Whether after a satisfying workout or a soothing spa session, the Vitality Café will be a convenient stop for healthy snacks, light meals and refreshing juices.

The ship will sail from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

 

Medway Leisure Travel can offer you many different cruise ideas. To find out more about this featured cruise, or indeed any other cruise from the wide range available, contact us now.

Stay at Laguna and enjoy every bit of life!

Located at the South Male Atoll, just 12km from the International airport at Maldives, Laguna offers a host of luxury accommodation, satisfying the superior tastes of its clientele.

The spacious superior rooms of Laguna, with either a veranda or balcony, are tastefully decorated and offer amenities such as air conditioning, a mini fridge, coffee and tea making facilities, hairdryer, in-room safe, IDD telephone and attached bathrooms.

Laguna also offers deluxe bungalows, which are designed like cottages with verandas at the entrances. At the back of the sitting area there is a raised area with an extremely comfy four-poster bed. The cottages also offer a small private tropical garden.

The over water suites of Laguna come with a contemporary interior design and thatched roof generating a sense of naturalness. The rooms are spacious and a large picture window inside the bathroom gives a distinct view of the crystal clear turquoise lagoon.

Leisure and activities at Laguna: No matter what you are looking for – lazy holidays on sunny beaches or active days at the paradise – Laguna offers it all, with facilities for snorkelling, canoeing, windsurfing, night fishing, island hopping, sunset cruising, big game fishing, glass bottom boating and scuba diving. You may also choose to relax on one of Laguna's catamarans and the staff of the hotel will even escort you to some of the most outstanding reefs in the vicinity.

Dining at Laguna:Laguna has been blessed with a host of restaurants where you are sure to find food and drink to satisfy all tastes and appetites.

 

Highlights of China Guided Tour

If you wish to see China before the dramatic changes of recent years go too far, Medway Travel will be delighted to arrange a Highlights on China Guided Tour with a well-trusted Tour Operator about whom we get excellent reports.

The tour begins in the bustling capital city of Beijing, where you’ll visit such landmarks as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Dine on a delicious local specialty, Peking duck, and make a lifelong memory walking along the colossal Great Wall. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Peking opera show and visit the Summer Palace where you can take in one of the most noted classical gardens in the world. After seeing the elegant Temple of Heaven, ride a rickshaw through the Hutongs, the narrow streets of old Beijing, and stop in at a local home for a traditional lunch.

In historic Xi’an, visit one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, the Wild Goose Pagoda. Other highlights include a Xi’an dumpling feast and a visit to the excavation site of the incredible Terracotta Warriors.

If you would like to find out more about this wonderful trip please contact our Consultants. You will return home with priceless memories and a deep respect for the history and culture of China.

 

Israel

Located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon, the conflict on the Palestinian-controlled Gaza Strip dominates media coverage - but that is just a tiny part of this wonderful country.

In May this year, Israel celebrated their 60th anniversary of independence, with celebrations in Jewish communities across the world.

Below are some of the highlights Israel has to offer:

Jerusalem: With more than 3,000 years of history, Israel's capital, largest city and spiritual centre to Judaism, Christianity and Islam is an amazing destination. The first stop should be the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view before exploration of the maze of streets that make up the three distinctive religious quarters - all leading to the Western or Wailing Wall, Jerusalem's holiest site.

Dead Sea: A highlight of any trip is the salty Dead Sea, the lowest geographic point on Earth at 416 metres below sea level. Who can resist floating on the water reading a newspaper or smothering themselves in gloopy mud? Must-see sights include Qumran, where the ancient Dead Sea scrolls were found, and Masada, the impressive ruins of King Herod's mountaintop fortress.

Galilee: With stunning sunsets over the Sea of Galilee, this beautiful area with its strong biblical links is one of the country's most popular destinations. Nazareth, said to be the childhood home of Jesus, and Israel's largest Arab city, is bustling. Israel is the world's oldest wine-growing region and Galilee is famous for its vineyards.

Tel Aviv: A vibrant 24-hour city, with a fantastic nightlife. Sheinkin Street has wall-to-wall cafes and funky boutiques whilst quieter Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv's first Jewish quarter, is a trendy district and at the end of the 10-mile golden beach is the ancient Arab port of Jaffa, a charming labyrinth of winding streets and artists' galleries.

Eilat: The cosmopolitan Red Sea resort, between Egypt and Jordan and cut off from the rest of Israel by the Negev desert, is a total contrast to the country's historic and spiritual sites. With a warm climate year-round, the holiday playground boasts luxury hotels and spas, with excursions for those who want to head to the desert and surrounding hills.

 

 

With no-frills flights from the UK, fascinating history and majestic religious ruins, Israel has it all and more. Contact Medway Travel now to find out more about this and other wonderful destinations.

 

See the Northern Lights

In many parts of Lapland the Northern lights are known as the Firefox. Legend has it that the tail of a running fox brushing against the powder snow causes the sparks in the sky. It is also said that the Arctic Sea contains so many fish that the sun’s light is reflected off their scales and creates the patterns in the sky.

Today’s science means that we now know that the Aurora Borealis displays we see are caused by electrically charged particles in space hitting the earth’s atmosphere. When they collide with oxygen and nitrogen particles they emit excess energy as light.

Although the Aurora Borealis can be seen from northerly parts of the United Kingdom the occurrences are rare and the intensity of the displays tend to be low. The Aurora Borealis is a purely natural phenomenon and therefore cannot be guaranteed, however, the further north you travel and the further away from man-made light you are, the better your chance to see the Northern lights. The intensity of the displays can vary and may start with a small stationary glow or arch in the night sky before building into a spectacular show.

The optimum time to see the Northern lights is between 9pm and 1am in the morning so be careful not to go to bed too early or you may miss out!

Lying on a reindeer skin in deep snow, watching the sky shimmer and drinking hot berry juice is an excellent way to spend part of your holiday! Whatever you believe about the Aurora Borealis there is no more spectacular experience on Earth than sitting in a winter wonderland watching the lights dancing across the sky. It is truly magical!

Contact Medway Travel to arrange a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the Northern lights, with many destinations offered through our partner Tour Operator offering night time and overnight safaris that will give you the perfect opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis.

Emirates Hotels and Resorts has planted more than 1,000 indigenous trees in New South Wales in preparation for its luxury conservation resort, the Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa.

It will be Emirates’ first major resort outside the UAE and is due to open late next year, located in a 4,000 acre site, of which only 2% will be developed for the resort, with the rest given over to conservation projects.

The first step in a major habitat regeneration project saw international volunteers plant trees to regenerate ecologically sensitive areas in what has been labelled the Emirates Wolgan Valley Reserve. A range of native tree species are being planted to ensure a stable habitat which can support local wildlife.

Set in Australia's Great Dividing Range with unbeatable views of the mystical Blue Mountains, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa promises guests a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the wilderness.

Features of the resort include:

• Private decks and individual temperature-controlled swimming pools
• Set next to a World Heritage Site and surrounded by three National Parks
• Extensive wine cellar
• Exclusive Timeless Luxury Spa
• Outstanding local and international cuisine
• Large outdoor swimming pool
• The ultimate historic and cultural experience of Australia
• Conservation area access exclusive only to in-house guests

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 on the above link to see much more!

NOVEMBER

1st – Battersea Park Fireworks Display, London
One of the most famous and spectacular firework displays in London takes place in Battersea Park every year. Around 55,000 warmly dressed folk stare skywards and drink mulled wine as the spectacular fireworks go off accompanied by music and lights. The theme for 2008 is "paint the whole world with a rainbow".

7th – 11th - Diwali, India
Five continuous days of celebration across the country mark this most important Hindu Festival. The Festival of Lights, taking place on the third day, is the major day, when presents are given, local people light their houses with candles, and fireworks abound.

20th - Cancún Revolution Day
On 20th November the whole of Mexico reaches fever pitch with Revolution Day celebrations, Aniversario de la Revolución Mexicana. Cancún is no exception with the traditional grand parade locally known as desfile cívico-deportivo. The parade begins in the morning and travels down the main Avenida Tulum, passing in front of the Municipal Palace. The city's students and members of the various armed forces and emergency services are dressed in their uniforms or sports gear and perform astonishing gymnastic feats for the surrounding crowds, such as human pyramids and the favourite "tiger jump" - a hair-raising leap through a ring of flames.

DECEMBER

7th - Bandol Wine Festival, France
Each year on the first Sunday in December, this Mediterranean port is invaded with thousands of wine enthusiasts. A Festive atmosphere is in the air as both consumers and professionals make the annual pilgrimage to the town to savour the new wines of the season.

12th – 14th – Night of the Horse, Paris
The equestrian spectacle Night of the Horse forms part of the Salon du Cheval at the Porte de Versailles expo centre in Paris. This traditional pageant features trick riding, stunts, a circus, carousels, team-riding and more, all carried off in colourful costumes with exciting lighting effects.

Niagara Falls Festival of Lights
If you visit Niagara Falls during December, you will also be treated to Canada’s largest lighting festival, the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights. All along the famed Niagara Parkway is a winter wonderland of dancing and shimmering light displays. Two of the most visited sections of displays at Niagara Falls are the Disney area – where lights burst from Mickey’s wand in a rendition of Fantasia, and Cinderella spins in her ball gown as her glass slippers twinkle – and the Duffering Islands Wildlife area – where long extinct animals are brought back to life.

Fira de Santa Llucia, Barcelona
Dating from 1786, this Christmas fair outside Barcelona Cathedral has 300 stalls selling all manner of seasonal goodies. A nativity scene contest, musical parades and exhibitions and the popular life-size nativity scene in Plaça Sant Jaume add to the fun. Kids line up for a go on the giant caga tió, a huge, smiley-faced "log" that drops out presents when beaten with a stick (smaller versions are on sale in the market). The caga tió is a character in Catalan mythology relating to Christmas tradition and many families keep one in their homes during the festive season. Beginning with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December, children give the tió something to "eat" every day and cover him with a blanket to keep him warm at night. On Christmas day the log is put in the fireplace and children beat it with sticks while singing traditional songs. Much like a Mexican piñanta, the log then drops out sweets, nuts, dried figs and Turrón (a Spanish nougat). When nothing is left, the exhausted caga tió drops a salt herring to indicate it has finished bearing gifts.

European Christmas Markets
Why not celebrate the Christmas season with a short break to one of our European cities. From Basle to Berlin, Paris to Prague, there are destinations galore to explore at this Festive time of year. With countless options available, if you are interested in visiting any of the European Christmas Markets, please contact us on 01622 608265 and we will research the most suitable for your requirements.

JANUARY 2009

Sydney Festival, Australia
Summer is the season for the great Sydney Festival with a programme packed with activities, shows and thrills for all ages! Sydney Opera House is the main stage for the many theatre performances that take place during the festival, with other participating venues including Sydney Theatre in Walsh Bay and the Customs House Square. Sydney Harbour features catamaran races and a touring old Chinese junk boat. Visitors to the great celebration can also see a fantastic fireworks display on January 26th, better known as Australia Day!

Beijing Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival
The Chinese turn winter into a poetic and colourful fiesta of ice and light. 80km outside of Beijing is the majestic Longqing Gorge, the scene for fireworks, ice sculptures and ice fishing. If you're lucky you'll even see the famous ice lanterns, which are made of ice and hold in their centre a glowing orb of light, which catches the glint of the figures from afar.

Gasparilla Pirate Fest, Tampa USA
Originating in 1904, The Gasparilla Pirate Fest draws crowds of over 500,000 for each spectacular event. The festival includes the "invasion" of Tampa by the world's only fully-working pirate ship, the 164-foot tall Jose Gasparilla, which leads a flotilla of boats from the south end of Hillborough Bay. The Mayor of the town surrenders to the pirates, who then celebrate with a parade through the city and other festivities.

FEBRUARY 2009

6th – 8th - Chiang Mai Flower Festival
During the fragrant Chiang Mai Flower Festival, sculptures of temples, animals and scenes from the Ramayana (the Hindu stories of the Gods) are made from flowers and paraded through the streets of the beautiful northern city. It's a real treat to watch, since more than 3,000 species of orchid are in bloom and many of these are on display. Apart from the parades themselves, there are endless floral displays, local handicrafts sales and beauty pageants.

13th – 24th - The Venice Carnival
For the 10 days leading up to lent, Venice is transformed into a theatrical feast. Participants, disguised in rather sinister looking masks and often in full flamboyantly colourful regalia, turn the islands into a wonderful and mystical performance. Whilst the main action happens around St. Mark’s Square, with ritual performances wowing the crowds, the seemingly innocuous passageways and alleys are the perfect settings for some performance - usually musical or theatrical.

The dingily lit Venice is the perfect setting for this most mystical and fantastic of events. And February- a time of year where the city is not over flowing with tourists and the weather is cooler than in the sweltering summer months- is a perfect time to experience it to its full

 

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.
 

For travellers not offered an inclusive executive lounge facility by the airline they are travelling with, Medway Travel can offer pre-bookable Airport Lounge access. This is available at both the outward and homeward ends of your journey, providing a tranquil environment where you can relax before you fly or freshen up at the end of your trip, for a small fee.

With an airport lounge, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the airport for up to 3 hours before your flight whilst enjoying:

• Complimentary drinks and snacks
• TV, Fax, Email and Internet Access
• Screens showing up to date flight information
• Local and International Newspapers and Magazines
• A quiet area to relax before your flight

With 128 airport VIP lounges worldwide at almost 100 airports, including 18 in the UK, you can add an extra touch of luxury to your next trip and make the travel experience far less stressful.

You don’t have to travel Business Class to enjoy first-class relaxation ahead of your flight. Prices start from as little as £ 13.50 per person and average around £17 or £18. Whether you want to work or just escape the crowds, airport lounges offer you space and comfort at value-for-money prices.

Ask your Consultant for details when you book your next trip.

ABTA has added its voice to demands that the government urgently reviews the system of financial protection following the collapse of XL Leisure Group. The association has long been in favour of a universal form of protection, something the government rejected amid vociferous opposition from scheduled and low-cost carriers.

But ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said the collapse had highlighted the need for a fairer form of protection that covered all travellers.

“The failure of XL demonstrates the virtue of financial protection, and the hazards of travelling without it,” he said.

“We shall renew our call on government to address this issue as a matter of the utmost urgency.

“Until the situation is reformed and made consistent, we recommend that travellers buy package holidays from ABTA members, as these provide full repatriation and refund protection.”

 

We would like to assure our readers that Medway Travel are ABTA bonded.