Leisure Travel e-Newsletter – November 2008

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!

Medway Travel encourages our Leisure Travel Consultants to have a personal knowledge of as wide a range of worldwide destinations as possible, in order to share first-hand their knowledge and experience with our clients. Here is Sue's report on her most recent familiarisation trip to the Cayman Islands...

 

In May 2008 I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful Cayman Islands. Having taken off from Heathrow, leaving a long queue of aircraft behind us, it felt quite special to lower down from a brilliant blue sky onto a serene Caribbean runway, where our plane seemed to be the largest arrival that day.

We flew with British Airways, making a short stop en route at Nassau, Bahamas. At around 11 hours there is no denying that is was a long flight, but certainly well worth the journey. From the sudden surge of heat as the plane door opened, to the welcome of waving spectators on the terminal balcony, to the laid back attitude of the first locals that we met, we knew that we had arrived somewhere quite different.

It came as quite a surprise then to find ourselves caught in rush hour traffic as our bus took us to our hotel!

Despite this busy time of day, we arrived within around half an hour at our home for the next four nights, the Westin Casuarina. Located on Seven Mile Beach on the West Coast of Grand Cayman, our hotel was in the main tourist area, side by side with many other well known hotel names, and within easy distance of a host of restaurants, shops and entertainment. Although we did visit other fine properties on the Eastern side of the island, I felt, for me, we were in the best area, and would certainly recommend Seven Mile Beach to visitors hoping for more than just a sea and sand holiday.

Like many neighbouring hotels, the grounds of the Westin led directly to the white sands and crystal clear waters of Seven Mile Beach, making it an ideal base for those looking for rest and relaxation, or for the more active to indulge in their favourite water sports. Entertainment and dining also proved plentiful and varied in the area, with a wide choice of restaurants and bars, catering for every budget. On the first evening we enjoyed the Mediterranean flavours of Café Med, followed by a sumptuous breakfast the following morning at Icoa Fine Foods. Appearing at first sight as a small deli within a typical American style outdoor shopping mall, we were taken aback at the array of food we received. Our range of dining grew with a visit to Cayman Traditional Arts, where we enjoyed a cultural meal, with local craft activities, forming part of the entertainment. Another evening was spent at the Wharf, a very popular boardwalk restaurant directly overlooking the sea, where, at the ringing of a bell, guests were given the chance to feed the resident fish!

Activities abound in Grand Cayman, and we were lucky enough to experience may of these. We took a boat trip to Stingray City, one of the islands most popular attractions. Our journey took us to a shallow sandbar where we were able to get in the water with around two dozen ‘tame’ stingrays. I wasn’t keen, but I’m pleased to say I did it, and what an experience. A further stop allowed time for snorkelling among the beautiful coral reefs, an activity along with diving, for which the islands are famous. Other visits included those to Boatswain’s Beach, home of the Cayman Turtle Farm, Pedro St James, a historical highlight in the Islands history, and the beautiful QE2 Botanic Park, home to the island’s native Blue Iguana, and the inspiration for the Cayman Islands exhibit for this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

For me, the highlight of the trip was probably our day trip to the neighbouring island of Little Cayman. Taking off in our 18 seater aircraft was quite an experience, and landing at an airport where the fire engine was almost as large as the terminal building, quite another. We took a taxi to our first visit, Little Cayman Beach Resort – we really didn’t need to though, we could have walked! After touring the complete island within around an hour, we returned to enjoy lunch at the aptly named Hungry Iguana Restaurant. We ate on the restaurant veranda, facing the sea, accompanied by several small iguanas, hoping for a share in our lunch. Though we had to report in good time for our flight back to Grand Cayman, we were able to check-in and then spend the waiting time at our restaurant, enjoying the Cayman sunshine. We were literally just a few steps from the airport. As soon as we heard the whirring propellers of our arriving aircraft, we sauntered over to the runway. The plane stopped, the door opened, and we stepped on board and took our place behind the captain!

The Cayman Islands are made up of three islands, Grand Cayman, and its two smaller neighbours – Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. For any visitor to Grand Cayman, I would certainly recommend a visit to one of the smaller islands, just for the unforgettable experience.

Surrounded by clear waters and the undersea beauty of their coral reefs – which reminds me – we also went down to a depth of over 100 feet in the Atlantis Submarine, another of the island’s major attractions – it is no wonder that the Cayman Islands have become world famous for the diving and snorkelling experiences that they offer. Many tourists visit the islands purely for diving, but for any non swimmers or divers, this is no reason to stay away. On the contrary – as so many guests were out at sea on dive trips, my lasting impression of the hotels was how quiet, empty and relaxing they appeared during each day.

I would certainly recommend the Cayman Islands, I would certainly visit again if I had the chance, and hope I have proved there really is something for everybody in this beautiful part of the Caribbean.

Sun, sand, activities and adventure for those who want it, peace and solitude for those who don’t, excellent dining choices, varied sightseeing, some of the best diving opportunities in the world, and unforgettable memories!

Why not join the ever-increasing numbers of people wanting to escape the busy festive season at home and take an exciting wildlife break instead? To make your choice easier, we have compiled a list of great Christmas tours available through our specialist Wildlife Tour Operator.

So, whether you fancy a short break within Europe, such as watching pods of Orca in Norway’s scenic fjords, or something more exotic – perhaps a trip to India on one of our 100% sightings Tiger tours – Medway Travel can find the ideal trip for you. A sample of the selection available includes:

• India – A Wildlife Photography Tour to Panna
• Ethiopia – Christmas Birds & Mammals
• Just Tigers!
• Christmas in Sri Lanka
• Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour
• Zambia – A Birdwatching & Mammal Tour at Christmas
• France – Provence at Christmas
• Peru – A Mammal Tour
• India – Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
• Norway’s Orcas – A Family Wildlife Adventure
• India – Bharatpur & Chambal
• India – Family Tour: Spices & Elephants
• India – Family Tour: Temples & Wildlife
• India – Wildlife & Cuisine
• Norway’s Orcas – New Year with the Orcas

To find out more about any of these tours, please contact your Medway Travel Consultant now.

Because of its comparatively small size, the 694-passenger Azamara Quest will begin calling at ports in Thailand and Vietnam that are inaccessible to large cruise ships. The Quest starts sailing in the region shortly before New Year's. It will stop at Bangkok's Klong Toey and Ho Chih Minh City's Saigon Port. Large ships typically stop up to two hours away from the city centres.

Specifically designed to be smaller and more sleek than most cruise ships, Quest, like her sister ship, Journey, is filled bow-to-stern with wondrous luxuries and appointments that enhance your voyage of discovery-making it one that you won't soon forget.

Quest boasts two specialty restaurants, concierge amenities, the Spa and Wellness Center, piano bar, Wine Bar, live entertainment, daily enrichment programmes (such as evening lectures), and much more.

To find out more about this, and the many other cruises available through Medway Travel, contact us now. Alternatively, take a look at the Cruises section of our website.

Madagascar

A journey to Madagascar is a visit to a world within the world. The variety of the environments combined with its isolation has produced a diversity in the animal and plant kingdom found nowhere else on earth.

The fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar has a history of isolation. 130 million years ago it split from the mainland of what was Gondwanaland and became a unique wildlife sanctuary encompassing a breathtaking variety of landscapes from highland mountains and coastal rainforests to savannah plains, dry baobab forests, lakes, a unique spiny desert, mangroves and of course beautiful beaches.

Through partnership with our specialist wildlife tour operator, Medway Leisure Travel can arrange an array of fantastic Madagascan tours including: visits to the turtle breeding centre and Sainte Marie Island; opportunity to see many kinds of Lemurs including the famous ring-tailed and dancing Sifakas; National Parks, snorkelling and dive opportunities; remote landscapes of the North, camping under canvas, hotel beach stay at Nosy Be.

 

 

Canadian City Escapes

Canada’s cities present a blend of modern style, timeless colonial elegance and some of the most amazing cityscapes in North America.

Vancouver is the very essence of a Canadian city. Nestling between snow-capped mountains and the sparkling waters of the Georgia Strait, the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver boosts a seemingly endless array of highlights and attractions. From Stanley Park with its totem poles and sea wall, to the cultural delights of Gastown and the city’s waterfront offering many excellent restaurants and museums to explore.

 Toronto: Located on the shores of Lake Ontario and home to the CN Tower, Canada’s largest city is also one of the world’s most ethnically diverse. With a rich mix of cultural influences, one of North America’s largest recreational waterfronts and a range of shops, restaurants, museums, theatres and galleries, Toronto is a city that cannot fail to amuse, delight and educate. Niagara Falls is approx an hour and a half’s drive away, making it an ideal day trip.

 

Montreal and Quebec City reflect the character and eccentricities of Quebec’s colonial charms. In Old Montreal, the historic centre of the province’s largest city, you can find a myriad of cobbled streets and 17th Century architecture perfectly at ease alongside the cafes of its bustling waterfront. Whilst the grandeur of Old Quebec City, a UNESCO heritage site, presents one of the most beautiful city settings on the continent. 

From Summer 2009, Spanish hotel chain, Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts, will manage a five star deluxe hotel in the exclusive region of Agios Nikolaos on the island of Crete. The hotel will be operated under the Gran Meliá hotel brand.

Crete is one of the major Mediterranean islands rich in history and culture that dates back to the Minoan kingdom, one of the earliest civilisations that thrived on the island. Today the Knossos and Phaestos palaces are among the most visited archaeological sites. The island is blessed with sunshine and mild weather throughout most of the year. Its unique combination of culture, modern life, unique cuisine and dramatic sceneries make it an ideal holiday retreat.

The new Gran Meliá hotel will provide a total of 250 rooms and 50 luxury villas, all of them with magnificent sea views. Every single room, suite and villa is designed to meet the needs of the most discerning guests. The room sizes vary from 42 square metres up to 560 square metres for a villa designed to cater for the most demanding seasoned traveller.

The hotel has been carefully designed and combines the cutting-edge flair of the Gran Meliá brand with the welcoming warmth of typical Cretan architecture. All of the rooms have sea views and most of them will also have private heated swimming pools.

The hotel will also offer an area named the Red Level, the most exclusive setting in Gran Meliá hotels in which guests are treated to a truly luxurious hotel experience.

The facilities at the hotel include a grand 2,500 square metre Spa designed to awaken the senses of guests seeking greater balance in their body and soul.

Business travellers will also find an ideal location for their meetings and events. The hotel will provide extensive congress and convention facilities on the incomparable island of Crete guaranteeing the success of the widest range of different types of event.

Great cuisine will also be one of the most outstanding features at the new property - the hotel will provide several different restaurants serving the most exquisite international cuisine, including typical Cretan specialities. The F&B offers will include four restaurants varying from delicious snacks by the pool, to local specialties and unique Asian delicacies. Bar aficionados will indulge in the 3 bars with stunning views designed to provide the appropriate mood at every single moment during the course of the day.

The hotel will also provide exceptional access to the sea through the fabulous Gabi Lounge, a new leisure concept allowing guests to enjoy the sea, music and thrilling drinks.

The ICEHOTEL® is constructed each year from the thick ice of the Torne River. The reception desk, ABSOLUT ICEBAR®, beds, tables and even the glasses are constructed from this pure ice. Only the best artists get the chance to work at the ICEHOTEL® and help create some of the world’s most unique bedrooms and bars. The hotel is a combination of ice engineering and fine art.

The inside temperature of between -5°C and -8°C is constant despite the conditions outside, and is counteracted by your thermal clothing. If you choose to stay overnight then thick reindeer skins and an expedition-grade sleeping bag certainly see off any fears about being chilly. There is also a very cosy sauna if you do get cold. The whole family can stay at the ICEHOTEL®, however, it is not recommended for very young children.

Choose from three cold accommodation choices - Ice Rooms, Design Suite or Art Suite - whichever you choose you will be provided with an expedition grade sleeping bag and be awoken with a cup of hot berry juice before breakfast and a sauna.

If you don’t want to stay overnight at the hotel then a guided tour is a great experience without forgoing the comfort of your warm accommodation. You will hear about the history of the ICEHOTEL®, have plenty of time to explore, ask questions and purchase souvenirs of your visit.

The third Kirkenes SnowHotel will open on 20 December 2008 with 10 SnowSuites. All the planned work should be completed by 7 January 2009. This will include 10 more SnowSuites, a SnowBar and even a SnowChapel.

Overnight stays start with dinner in a traditional restaurant followed by a night in an expedition grade sleeping bag in a SnowSuite. Your experience has been cleverly thought out. Come morning, a Scandinavian sauna and breakfast will soon warm any chilled bones.

Each year it takes around 1,000 truck-loads of snow to create the Lainio Snow Village. This magnificent complex, constructed from ice and snow, changes shape every year but the artistry, handicraft and breathtaking design always leaves a lasting impression.

The Snow Village consists of a restaurant, bar, lobby, hotel rooms and suites. For 2008/09 the plan is to build 20 igloo rooms and 10 ornately decorated suites as well as an ice chapel.

An overnight stay in one of the bedrooms or a suite is an unforgettable experience. Regardless of the weather outside the temperature inside is always between 0 and -5°C. You will sleep on specially insulated mattresses and be provided with expedition grade sleeping bags. And, if that is not enough, you can always retreat to the comfort of the warm safety room.

Driving to the airport? Did you know that your Medway Travel Consultant can pre-book airport parking for you, saving you both time and money?

Most airports promote two parking rates – the turn up rate and the pre-booking rate. Pre-booking rates are payable prior to departure and can be as much as 30% cheaper than the turn up rate and the earlier you book the more likely you are to get a good deal.

There are several different types of airport parking:

• On-Airport Parking: Parking within the airport boundary. Airports, however, are generally big places so your Agent will check the transfer times and distance to the terminal. In general, the closer you are to the terminal the more you pay for the convenience.
  
  
• Off-Airport Parking: Located outside the airport boundary. Ironically, the transfer times for off-airport car parks can sometimes be less than the on-airport times, due to their location.
  
  
• Meet and Greet Parking: The most convenient option for parking at the airport; this service means you are met at the terminal by a driver who will collect your car and take it to one of the on or off-airport car parks leaving you free to check-in. When you return, your car will be delivered back to the terminal for you. This can save around half an hour at each end of your journey and the inconvenience of the transfer bus journey and exposure to the elements!
  
  
• Airport Hotels With Parking: It is possible to get airport parking for up to 15 days when you book an overnight stay at an airport hotel the night before your flight. There are various packages available at airport hotels across the country. In addition, staying overnight the night before your departure allows for a more leisurely morning start free from the stress of the motorways and the unpredictability of morning traffic.

Why pre-book your Airport Parking?

• Cost Savings – you can make huge savings as you wont be charged the turn up rate
• Guaranteed parking space – spaces can be limited during peak times
• Less Hassle - You will receive full directions, arrival and return procedures
  

For more details on Airport Parking, please ask your Consultant when you book your trip. They will research the best option for you.

US Authorities are now operating a system called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). The information required, when you log in to the US Department of Homeland Security to apply, is the same as was required to complete on board the aircraft i.e. the green visa waiver form (I-94W). The authority needs to be applied for at least 72hrs prior to departure. Once applied for you will then be given an immediate response, either giving or denying authority to travel. The electronic authority is then valid for 2 years or until your passport expires if that is sooner.

The system is voluntary until 12th January 2009 after which it will become compulsory, and the green form will be withdrawn.

The details you are asked to complete online are Passport details, Flight number, destination address and questions regarding communicable diseases, arrests and convictions for certain crimes, plus past history of any visa refusal.

This information is in addition to the requirement to submit APIS data that we already request from you prior to travel to the US.

If you wish to apply for the ESTA please visit www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/

Due to the level of personal information required when applying for the ESTA, we do not feel it appropriate for Medway Travel to apply for this on your behalf. However, if you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Some readers may already know that we have a page on our website entitled "Worldwide Leisure Events", which provides 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!

NOVEMBER

15th – 15th – Blue Angels Homecoming Show, Pensacola, USA

World-famous precision air display team, the Blue Angels, gives its last show of the year, at home at Pensacola Naval Air Station. After the Second World War the Chief of Naval Operations ordered that a flight demonstration team was to be set up to showcase naval aviation. On 15 June the newly-named Blue Angels (named after New York's famous nightclub of the same name) gave their first display. Having celebrated their 60th anniversary in 1986, the Blue Angels have delighted audiences all over the world, and it is estimated that they have flown in front of around 393 million people in their history.

20th - Cancún Revolution Day, Mexico

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 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 even 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. Look out for the Damask Rose, a special variety found in Chiang Mai, as well as yellow and white chrysanthemums. Apart from the parades themselves, there are endless floral displays, local handicrafts sales and beauty pageants.

The North of Thailand is famous for an abundance of flowering plants, especially temperate zone species, which burst into full bloom towards the end of the cool season. The city (also known as the "Rose of the North") feels like a beautiful, slow-paced northern town even though it is the second-largest in Thailand. Many visitors stay before visiting the hill tribes and going trekking.

13th – 24th - The Venice Carnival,Italy

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. The main action happens around St. Mark’s Square where ritual performances wow the crowds. However, the labyrinthine layout of Venice allows for seemingly innocuous passageways and alleys to be perfect settings for some performance or other- usually musical or theatrical in some way.

The dingily lit Venice is, in all its malevolent glory, 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.

MARCH 2009

7th – 8th & 14th –15th - Dana Point Festival of The Whales, California USA

Dana Point, California, celebrates the return of the Gray Whales with this fun-filled festival, held over two consecutive weekends in March. Entertainment includes whale watching, art shows and film screenings, and the highlight is the Majestic Migration Parade.

 

Carnival, Cyprus

Carnival in Cyprus means a near two-week period of celebrations with a focus on food, before the 50 days of Easter. Although festivities take place in towns all over the island, Limassol hosts the most famous celebration, while Larnaka and Paphos offer impressive parades and fancy dress balls.

The first week is called the Meat Week (Kreatini), as it is the last week for eating meat before Easter, while the second is known as the cheese week (Tyrini).

Carnival festivities begin on the Thursday of the Meat Week. Highlights include the entrance of King Carnival, the Children's Carnival Parade, the Serenaders' Parade and the Grand Carnival Parade of chariots and groups.

 

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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.

Once again, Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers flying over the festive period will qualify for discounts of up to 70% on the normal price.

The Christmas and New Year period is traditionally a time when business people stay at home so airlines have plenty of empty premium seats, which they can only fill by cutting prices.

Canny travellers may be able to fit in a working trip before Christmas, otherwise these deals are ideal for combining leisure with a spot of business. Or you can simply splash out on your holiday break and enjoy premium class at a bargain price.

The deal covers Virgin Atlantic Upper Class flights departing London Heathrow for most of the carrier’s worldwide destinations. Sydney Australia, a popular destination at any time of the year, and the Caribbean points are the exceptions.

Departures are between 20th November and 31st December. But the African destinations do allow departures into 2009.

Examples of return prices are:

• New York (JFK/Newark) £1,204
• Boston £1,304
• Washington DC £1,354
• Chicago £1,554
• Miami £1,484
• Los Angeles/San Francisco £1,704
• Nairobi £1,671
• Cape Town/Johannesburg £2,117
• Delhi and Mumbai £1,400
• Shanghai £2,000
• Hong Kong £2,003
• Tokyo £2,002

Passengers must book at least 28 days ahead and a minimum stay of a Saturday is required. No chauffeur-driven transfers are provided.

This is just one of a number of special offers available via airlines throughout the year. Your Medway Travel Consultant will consider all special deals available when researching the options for your trip. To book, or find out other available options for your next trip, please contact us now.

Medway Travel managing director, Paul Julius, recently awarded prizes to two Sutton Valence School students for their reports about a 3-week summer adventure holiday in Brunei, arranged by the school in conjunction with our Groups Division.

In July 2008, 15 students and 2 staff from Sutton Valence School’s combined cadet force travelled to Brunei where they stayed on the Army Base in Seria. The holiday included jungle survival training with the British Army and working at a school for mentally and physically handicapped children, as well as enjoying the local sights.

Flights, ground transportation and additional excursions were arranged by Medway Travel, based in Maidstone, Kent. The excursions included: Cinema Trip to The Empire Hotel, Brunei Shell Tour, Water Village with Wildlife Excursion, Sultan’s Birthday Trip, Brunei Heritage Tour and Temburong River Rafting. A final 3 nights’ stay at The Nexus Resort in Koto Kinabalu was also arranged at the end of their army life experience.

As part of Medway Travel’s commitment to engage with the local community and schools, students were encouraged to write an essay about their adventure holiday.

Our senior travel consultant, Astra Beadle, “We thought that encouraging the students to write essays about their time in Brunei would act as a permanent and personal memoir”.

Paul Julius also explained to the students at the prize-giving that “writing up diaries of my own travels has always made me more observant and analytical about my experiences, increasing their long-term impact”, so he encouraged them to adopt this habit too.

The winners – Eleanor van Leeuwen from Kingswood and Josh Dearing from East Sutton – were presented with prizes of book tokens and travel guides. In addition, their essays will be published on our website - www.medwaytravel.co.uk.

For details on the Tour organised on behalf of the school, and on the group travel services in general, please visit the Groups pages on our website by clicking here, or contact us for more information.