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 subscribe to our free e-Newsletter, and be in with a chance of winning the subscribers' prize draw for the 3rd quarter 2008!

The voucher certificate will have a value of £100, redeemable against any form of holiday booking (combination of travel and accommodation) made through us to the value of £500 or more, and will be 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.

The chances of your being the lucky winner in the next 12 months are better than 1 in 500, so the very best of luck!

In this regular article, we aim each month to whet your appetite for a destination you may not previously thought of going, but might enjoy an outstanding holiday and have a truly memorable experience.

In this month's selection are; 

Kerala Promises To Offer The Best Wildlife Tours

 

"God’s own country" Kerala has emerged to be one of the best places in India where wildlife tourism counts high importance. Tourists from various parts of the world have been flocking in huge numbers to this South Indian state just to spend hours with the colourful birds and the rarest animals. The wildlife tourism agencies in Kerala offer exquisite tours where you might fall in love with the flora and fauna.

There are six wildlife sanctuaries open for tourists. These are Chimmony,  Chinnar,  Peechi and Thattekad Wildlife Sanctuaries, Silent Valley National Park, and Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Our consultants will be able to create excellent wilderness experiences for you with the help of forest departments and local communities. This enables travellers to experience new environments and fresh cultures whilst being in the safe and informative hands of local experts. For example:

The Chimmony Sanctuary offers some of the finest wildlife destinations of Kerala. The sanctuary houses wonderful species of birds, butterflies as well as a fine display of animals. You can enjoy trekking in the tropical semi evergreen forests and the deciduous jungles. You will come across delectable vegetarian foods along with fine liquors while staying at the camp.

The Peechi Wildlife sanctuary is a wonderful site to explore too. The site provides you with armed park guides ensuring complete safety. The Silent Valley National Park in the Palakkad District is highly populated with the lion tailed macaques and is the natural abode of the King Cobra. The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary with its grand deciduous forests has many spotted deer, tigers, herds of Asiatic elephants, gaur and leopards.

Another exciting wildlife sanctuary is the Thattekad bird sanctuary, where one can see many different species including Indian Swiftlets, Grey-Hornbills, Changeable Hawk-Eagles, Oriental Darters and Grey Herons, for example.

Spices and Sunshine in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, a teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean, just off the south east coast of India offers the visitor an excellent combination of relaxation and sightseeing.

From the commercial hub of Colombo, good beaches are reached in less than two hours, and a three-day tour takes in the key sites. 
  
If time allows a morning hiking up Sigiriya Rock is a must. An early start avoids some of the heat of the day. A quick pace to the foot of the hill avoids uninvited “guides” aiming, for a fee, to give you information which is in any case, clearly explained on panels as you climb up. Half way up erotic cave paintings are still clear, and just after a “mirror wall” is high and shiny.

There is a sting in the tail. Just as you approach the final assent you are asked to carry a brick to the top for use in repairing ancient walls. Cotton shoulder bags are already loaded with a single brick. This is responsible tourism!

Lunch is deserved and comprised, like all meals, of curry and rice, fruit and vegetables. The Sri Lankans curry everything. Meat, fish, pumpkin, mango, and more unusually pineapple, pasta and aubergine. A pleasant alternative to rice is ‘hopper’ - egg and coconut milk made into a thin, bowl-shaped pancake. Curry is served for breakfast, for lunch and for dinner. Given the prevalence of herbs and spices on the island it is no surprise that all food is hot and spicy.

The only thing to drink with the food is either local beer branded Three Coins, or a soft drink from the Elephant range, including the excellent ginger beer.  A word of warning. It is not good to arrive for a meal too hungry. There is a guaranteed half hour wait between ordering food and first sight of it.  

For travellers of any age looking for a destination, which offers a warm welcome, a variety of activities and excellent value, then Sri Lanka is a good bet. Vaccinations are required for Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Polio, together with anti-malaria tablets. Visas are free on arrival.

Medway Travel’s leisure consultants will be pleased to arrange your perfect holiday in Sri Lanka. So please contact us for more information and to discuss your preferences.

 
Vietnam is a wonderful country, not a war.

In 2005, Vietnam came in 7th in the world  for Best Tourism Development. This distinction was conferred by the World Tourism Council, which was drawn to the country’s many hidden charms and warm, friendly people.
 
This incisive proclamation by Le Van Bang, former Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States, sums up the collective psyche of the Vietnamese people and serves as a powerful backdrop for one of the world’s most astounding post-war recovery miracles.
 
From lush jungle terrain to beautiful coastline, cosmopolitan cities to friendly hamlets, or among Vietnam's many ethnic hill tribes, travellers can experience the whole gamut in only a short trip here.
 
Vietnam's more than 2,000 years of history is marred by occupation: the Chinese, French, and Americans all left a brutal imprint on the Vietnamese story, but also left a rich cultural smorgasbord. Chinese and French food, language, and architecture have been assimilated smoothly into the already fascinating Vietnamese fabric of culture. An ancient Confucian university, a Zen monastery, a Buddhist temple built in the Hindu style, a Vietnamese puppet show, French country chalets, and gourmet restaurants -- you'll find them all in Vietnam.
 
Vietnam hosts 54 minority groups, mostly in rural, mountainous areas. The distinct clothing, language, and customs of each indigenous group present another side of the country entirely. The Kingdom of Cham, an Indian- and Khmer-influenced nation, also made what is present-day Vietnam its home from the 2nd through 18th centuries, leaving a stunning legacy of art and architecture.
 
Vietnam is a land of rich natural beauty. From tall mountains and craggy limestone formations to dense jungles, river deltas, and pristine beaches, Vietnam's ecological treasures alone are worth a trip.

Adventure and outdoor travel outfitters abound, and many travellers come to trek, bicycle, and paddle their way to scenic serenity.

By way of contrast, if you want to see the country's past in terms of its wars, you can easily do so. Many sites, like the tunnel city of Vinh Moc, near Hue; crumbling pill-boxes of the DMZ (demilitarized zone); or old Viet Cong hideouts in the Mekong Delta or in the areas outside of Saigon are sombre reminders of the past..

The Vietnamese, though, would rather put their turbulent history behind them; the sentiment is almost a public policy, and you'll hear it like a mantra. You might have a chance to talk about the wars on a casual basis with people, and some might even share their stories, but expect no recrimination.
 
Instead, the Vietnamese are going forward to establish their country as a strong nation at peace. Since the inception of DOI MOI, the Communist Party's policy of loosening stringent economic restrictions and opening trade, Vietnam has enjoyed exponential growth. From the smallest northern village to frantic Saigon in the south, all are rushing for a slice of the pie. National infrastructure is growing, foreign investment flowing, and tourism booming. It is easy to get around; English speakers are many and, though the touts are plenty, you'll have your pick of tour guides, ticket agents, and drivers. Vietnam's relatively good roadways and efficient air system make much of this small country within very easy reach of the leisure traveller, and the country also hosts an ever-expanding collection of affordable, luxury resorts.
 
Be sure to bring your camera: The whole country is a photo op in motion. It's beauty varies from the magnificent limestone peaks in Halong Bay to the rice paddy lined canals of the Mekong Delta.
 
Our leisure specialists will be pleased to advise you on how to make the most of your time in Vietnam, and perhaps combine your visit with a look at other parts of South east Asia.

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There are many other great places mentioned in a similar section  on our website, so if you are still looking for inspiration, please click here.

Do ask our consultants for more details of these venues or any others - world wide - before you decide on your next holiday destination. They will be only too pleased to discuss your ideas and research alternatives for you.

Cruises in French Polynesia

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has announced details of its 2009 schedule of expeditions for the Prince Albert II, calling for the ship's deployment in Papeete from mid-March to late October 2009.  

An exciting collection of new itineraries will feature the less-travelled regions of Polynesia ranging from the southernmost Austral Islands to the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands.  For the balance of the year, the 132-guest luxury expedition ship will offer a series of Antarctic explorations with convenient roundtrip departures from Ushuaia.

The ship's positioning in Tahiti is the result of numerous efforts and successful meetings between Silversea and the French Polynesian government.

"We are delighted to base the Prince Albert II in beautiful Tahiti for a series of explorations next year," said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea's president and CEO. "The South Pacific is home to magnificent natural vistas and some of the world's most intriguing cultures, offering our guests the perfect setting for mind-enriching, authentic adventures."

In the spirit of true adventure, all itineraries are unstructured by design.  Following only a tentative schedule that allows for moment-by-moment flexibility, expeditions stay longer at sites of particular interest, or make slight detours whenever weather, nature or mere curiosity dictate.

Highlights of the 2009 French Polynesia program include:

Austral Island Adventures

Nestled in the Tropic of Capricorn, the remote Austral Islands lie hundreds of miles south of Tahiti and enjoy a slightly cooler climate.

Tubuai, largest of these volcanic islands, is probably best known for the failed landing attempts of the H.M.S. Bounty.  (The island's villagers assaulted the unwelcome ship with a barrage of stones, and ultimately the mutineers sailed off to Pitcairn.)  Prince Albert II  and her fleet of 8 Zodiac boats will explore the unique culture, flora and fauna of Rapa, Raivavae, Tubuai, Rurutu and Rimatara on five 11-day, roundtrip journeys from Papeete. 

Silver Sailing fares start at around £2000 per person, based on double occupancy.

Journeys to the Marquesas

The mountainous islands of the Marquesas are located nearly 900 miles northeast of Tahiti and just south of the equator.  With a lush, vibrant terrain bursting with myriad exotic flowers and fruit trees, it's easy to understand how this tropical paradise captivated the artist Paul Gauguin, who made the Marquesas his adopted home. 

On four roundtrip journeys of 14 days from Papeete, Prince Albert II's expedition team will lead in-depth explorations of Fatu Hiva, Pua Mau, Hiva Oa, Atuona, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva and Tahuata, as well as Manihi and Fakarava Island in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Society Islands of Bora Bora and Tahaa.  

Silver Sailing fares start at around £2500 per person, based on double occupancy.

Tuamoto Expeditions

The isolated Tuamotu Islands, northeast of Tahiti, comprise the world's largest chain of atolls.  Its 78 sparsely populated coral islands span over 900 miles of aquamarine waters.  Dotted with quaint villages, coral churches and an abundance of wildlife -- from bottlenose dolphins and coconut crabs to the rarest of birds, this remote archipelago offers endless possibilities for real Robinson Crusoe-style adventures. 

Departing from Papeete, Prince Albert II will embark on five 10-day expeditions to the Tuamotu islands of Tikihau, Rangiroa, Apataki, Arutua and Fakarava, as well as Raiatea, Maupihaa and Huahine in the Society Islands. 

Silver Sailing fares start at £1750 per person, based on double occupancy.

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The Prince Albert II offers full-scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style.  With the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship, guests will enjoy spacious, ocean-view accommodation (many with French balconies or large private verandas), sumptuous gourmet cuisine, warm hospitality and personalized service (with a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1).

Silversea's generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, bottled water, wines and spirits are served throughout the ship with 24-hour room service, stocked in-suite beverage cabinet and all gratuities. 

Extreme luxury from Crystal Cruises

Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is raising its own sights with new “extreme luxury” tours, designed for a discerning few, incorporating European sports cars, helicopters and private yachts to explore European destinations in extravagantly different ways. 

Crystal guests can navigate Monaco in a Maserati, motor through Umbria in a Ferrari or have a pro. do the driving at the Porsche factory racetrack. They can also fly to Florence, soar over the Cote d’Azur or navigate the Greek islands in a private 50-foot yacht. 

The new tours are priced from $1,000 per person to $19,500 per couple for the ultimate Ferrari plus five-star spa fling in Italy. Available on most Crystal Serenity Mediterranean itineraries from May to October, the “extreme luxury” tours were not designed to attract as many travellers as possible, but rather to offer truly luxurious, singular travel experiences.

The new collection of excursions includes: 

A Need for Speed – Ferraris, Maseratis, Lamborghinis and Porsches…

• Race through Italy in a Private Ferrari – slip behind the wheel and follow your guide through the spectacular Umbrian countryside or the winding roads of Livorno and Tuscany at your leisure, lunching at a five-star restaurant along the way.
• Motor through the French Riviera and the Monaco’s dramatic hills in a Maserati, Lamborghini or a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, one the world’s fastest GT’s.
• Test the Speed Limits in Germany – via a private chartered plane, fly to the Porsche factory in Leipzig and drive a 350-horsepower Porsche Cayenne on the factory's racetrack, or let a professional driver take you on the ride of a lifetime.
• Explore the Birthplace of Speed – at the village of Automobili Lamborghini, explore the assembly line on a private tour and catch a glimpse of new models.
• Extreme Luxury: 2-Day Overland to Florence & Pisa by Private Ferrari – from Civitavecchia, via private sports car, navigate the roads of Lazio and Tuscany, Florence and Pisa and overnight at the five-star Fonteverde Natural Spa resort.

Luxury Yachting and Aerial Tours…

• Sail the Greek Isles by Private Yacht – from Athens’ port of Piraeus, sail a luxury 50-foot yacht to the uninhabited island of Moni and the lively island of Aegina. Or, from Santorini, sail to the “Lost City of Atlantis” for a dip in the natural hot springs.
• Côte d’Azur Helicopter Exploration & Monaco – the breathtaking views of the French Riviera are at their most dramatic when seen from the windows of a helicopter.  Admire the majestic Maritime Alps, spectacular aerial views of the Rock of Monaco and the Neo-Romanesque cathedral where Prince Rainier III married Grace Kelly.
• Fly to Florence in Style – via helicopter. Fly from Livorno to Florence where a private car and driver await you for independent exploration of the city.

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2008 Mediterranean prices start from £2,239 per person based on two sharing a deluxe stateroom with picture window including return scheduled flights, transfers, seven night cruise with all meals and soft drinks onboard, port taxes and basic gratuities. If you want to push the boat out, look no further, but contact us to tailor your arrangements for you, down to every detail.

 

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If some of the above opportunities - or indeed any other cruise type or area of the world - interest you, please contact our cruise specialists for further information and to discuss your particular objectives. They will be pleased to advise on the most suitable and enjoyable options to meet your requirements.

 

Our partner, Classic Collection Holidays, works closely with us to tailor-make your holidays exactly to suit your needs - any airline, any duration, any day of the week.  

As the cradle of civilisation whose history can be traced back six thousand years, Egypt is a fascinating holiday destination. Just over five hours flying time from the UK, it is a land of huge contrasts from the teeming life of Cairo to the vast empty expanses of desert, and from the ancient lifestyle of Bedouin tribes to the palm-fringed beaches of the Sinai peninsular.

Cairo

Cairo is home to the awe-inspiring Pyramids, the Sphinx and the treasures from Tutankhamen’s tomb. It is a vast and extraordinary megalopolis where medieval and modern ways of life collide in a mesmerising streetscape. This extraordinary city is chaotic, hectic and vibrant but tempered by a warm and friendly welcome.  

Luxor

The mesmerising city of Luxor is set against spectacular desert landscapes and is considered to be the greatest outdoor museum in the world. It is home to magnificent temples, tombs and monuments which reflect the greatness and splendour of Ancient Egypt.   

Nile Cruise   

The Nile is the world’s longest river and a luxury cruise on an elegant, intimate and sophisticated ship is surely the most relaxing way to discover Egypt’s cultural landmarks and archaeological sites. Retrace the routes followed by the pharaohs and wonder at the views over Lake Nasser from Aswan’s High Dam.  

Dahab  

The resort of Dahab is beautifully set on a crescent shaped bay in the Gulf of Aqaba between the Red Sea and rugged Sinai Mountains. Once a sleepy Bedouin village it has retained a traditional and slightly bohemian character. Dahab’s crystal clear waters and stunning coral reefs are perfect for shore diving.   

El Gouna  

Marinas and a pristine harbour combine with the secluded and immaculately maintained beaches surrounding El Gouna. Developed in a modern Arabesque style with pastel coloured buildings, El Gouna has been carefully planned to offer everything needed for the perfect holiday - excellent hotels, an 18-hole golf course, an open air cinema, and an aquarium, plus superb watersports facilities. 

Sharm El Sheikh  

Sharm el Sheikh lies at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsular where desert sands meet the Red Sea. Idyllic golden beaches shelve gently into beautiful offshore reefs and colourful tropical fish. Sharm offers world-class diving with spectacular reefs and shipwrecks.  Elegant hotels, beach bars, gourmet restaurants, bars and nightclubs add to the holiday atmosphere.  

 

Hurghada

Originally a small fishing village, Hurghada has become one of the most popular beach resorts on the Red Sea. Traditional ways of life persist in Hurghada’s old town, where the local souk provides opportunities to haggle, and international restaurants mingle with Egyptian café culture. The resort’s main attractions are its luxurious hotels and the numerous coral islands and reefs harbouring colourful fish.    

Marsa Alam & Port Ghalib  

The remote and tranquil area of Marsa Alam boasts some of the most secluded beaches and uncrowded coves surrounded by palm trees, mangroves and unspoilt coral reefs amidst a turquoise sea. The new marina development of Port Ghalib, once completed, will feature sophisticated hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and a traditional Bazaar.     

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Do contact our specialist holiday consultants , who will be pleased to learn what features you are looking for in your ideal holiday, and then tailor a proposal to your specific wishes.  

Easyjet will tap into the winter ski market and the second home owner sector with the launch of services from Manchester to Geneva and Sofia this December.

The Sofia route will start on December 11 and the Geneva route the next day. Both will provide access for skiers to resorts in the French and Swiss Alps including Bansko and Pamporovo in the Pirin mountain range.

While Easyjet hopes the routes will be used by the business community from the north west, the Sofia route should also provide access to the growing number of second home owners who have bought into the Bulgarian market.

The routes brings Easyjet’s tally of routes out of Manchester to seven.

Easyjet UK commercial manager Carly Brear said: “These two new routes from Manchester are further proof that there is demand for direct low-fare services from the north west to Europe.  Geneva has proved an extremely popular destination from all across the UK and it's great that we can now replicate that success from Manchester.  The Bulgarian capital, Sofia, is also expected to be popular as more people discover what the city and its surrounding areas have to offer.”

The US Authorities are introducing a new system called ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation).

This requires authority to enter the USA to be applied for at least 72hrs prior to departure. Once you have applied, you will be given an immediate response, either giving or denying you authority to travel. This electronic authority is then valid for two years  or until your passport expires if that is sooner.
 
The information required when you log in to the US Department of Homeland Security to apply, is the same as you currently complete on board the aircraft - ie the green visa waiver form (I-94W).

The system is voluntary from August 2008 until 11th January 2009. From January 12th 2009 it will become compulsory, which is when the green form will then be withdrawn.
 
The details you are required to complete online include:
· Passport details,
· Flight number,
· Destination address
· Questions regarding communicable diseases
· Information about any arrests and convictions for certain crimes
· Past history of any visa refusal.
 
Please note 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 http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/

A call has been made to end a “two tier” passenger protection situation which allows scheduled airlines to fly passengers without any financial safety net against failure.

The Air Travel Insolvency Protection Advisory Committee (ATIPAC), a body which advises the Civil Aviation Authority, highlighted the failure of UK business class carrier Silverjet and US rivals MAXjet and Eos in the last seven months.

The committee, in its eighth annual report, said the failures demonstrated the “significant financial” loss passengers can be exposed to in the event of an airline going out of business.

"Airlines are not providing suitable protection and advice for their passengers. Information about financial protection is negligible and, in the event of an airline failing, passengers often have no choice but to pay their own repatriation costs. Those yet to travel will often have to pay for replacement flights or face losing the value of any pre-paid element of their holiday.
 
"Passengers travelling with an ATOL-protected tour operator face none of these risks and will be repatriated at no additional cost or receive a full refund if they have yet to travel, should their tour operator cease trading.
 
"This two-tier protection system must not be allowed to continue and the Committee reiterates its call for airlines to be brought into a financial protection scheme."

Medway Travel insures all clients against Airline Failure, for their financial protection. If you would like more details please contact us or see our website by clicking here.
 
 

Guests can now get married at sea by captains onboard Azamara Cruises’ and Celebrity Cruises' ships. The captain-led wedding ceremonies have been launched to complement the existing vow renewal and in-port wedding offerings.

Whilst many guests come onboard seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wedding or vow renewal location, up until very recently Azamara Cruises and Celebrity Cruises have only been able to offer to provide them with in-port weddings led by a local official. However, since the clear preference has been for captains to perform the ceremony, the Lines have arranged to fulfil that wish, while sailing in open waters.

With the recent re-registration of seven of Celebrity Cruise's eight ships in Malta, where Azamara Cruises' two ships are also registered, government regulations have changed to allow Captains to perform legal marriages at sea.

Guests being married at sea by these cruise lines’ captains will be offered a variety of packages that include private receptions in their ship's specialty restaurant. Basic Captain-performed wedding packages cost from $2,500.

Guests who wish to take their celebrations to new heights can also enjoy Celebrity Cruise's unique offering on its cruisetours to Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and The Hotel Alyeska, in Alaska where guests can get married or renew their vows amidst the breathtaking hanging glaciers of the Girdwood Valley, or with stunning views of Mt. McKinley as a backdrop. These ceremonies can take place from June to September as part of a Celebrity Cruises pre- or post-journey cruisetour.

Guests should book their wedding in advance of their sailing in order to allow time for the processing of licenses and other legal documents.

If you would like to consider these options, or indeed, any other overseas wedding or honeymoon arrangements, please contact our wedding specialist – Astra – who will be very pleased to consider with you all aspects of your crucially important event.

 

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!

Chicago World Music Festival        19th – 25th September

Established in 1999, the Chicago World Music festival attracts performers from around the world, providing a variety of music at venues throughout the Windy City. In addition to the concerts, workshops and master classes allow students to learn from the visiting musicians. Lots of late-breaking concerts and jam sessions take place around the fringes of the festival.

Balloon Cup        19th – 26th September

Multicoloured balloons of all shapes and sizes take to the sky for the annual Balloon Cup, set in Kirchberg at the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps. One highlight of the event is the Night Glow, where crowds come to see the balloons illuminated by their gas burners against the night sky. Other attractions include paragliding championships and, of course, the chance to fly in a hot air balloon and see the mountains shrink beneath you.

Hermanus Whale Festival        24th – 28th September

Springtime in South Africa welcomes the return of the Southern Right Whales to Hermanus, near the southernmost tip of Africa. At the heart of the Cape Whale Route, it is renowned as one of the best shore-based whale watching destinations in the world, and celebrates the whales’ arrival with the ‘Welcome the Whales Wave’ – a 5km long human chain of over 5000 people, lining the cliffs of Walker Bay. The experience of viewing these creatures as they cavort and leap within easy view is indescribable, and unmissable. If you're a nature lover it will keep you happy for days.

International Oyster Festival, Galway       25th – 28th September

This seafood-loving celebration has gone from strength to strength with its winning formula of Guinness and oyster trails, shucking contests, Irish music, comedy and, of course, its native oyster successfully draws visitors from all over the globe.
On the Saturday of the festival the Galway oyster undergoes the greatest test of all with The Guinness World Oyster Opening Championship. The competition is based on opening 30 native Irish oysters. Time is the main factor, although opening technique and presentation are also crucial. Other features of the event include dancing on chairs and waving napkins to the clinking of glasses!

Voiles de Saint-Tropez        27th September – 5th October

The Voiles de Saint-Tropez boasts both a classic yacht race and a modern regatta. Saint-Tropez marks the final stage of the European Prada Challenge for Classic Yachts. The antique vessels arrive from Monaco to compete against the clock in the bay of Saint-Tropez while the crews' well-groomed hangers-on lounge in the seafront bars.

National Day Fireworks, Hong Kong        1st October

The celebration to mark the founding of the People’s Republic of China is marked in spectacular style in Hong Kong, with an amazing pyrotechnic display in Victoria Harbour. Complete with display boats and floating launching pads, and set against one of the most famous backdrops in the world, this is a sight to be seen.

Bermuda Music Festival         1st – 4th October

Worldwide stars light up the stage at the eagerly awaited annual Bermuda Music Festival, formerly the Bermuda Jazz Festival. This year's opening night takes place at the Fairmont Southampton Beach Club and thereafter at Bermuda's National Sports Centre. The Whispers, Beyoncé, UB40 and Alicia Keyes are this year's top acts.

Halloween, New York        31st October

31st October is a major event across the USA and nowhere more so than in the Big Apple. A great parade takes place in downtown Manhattan, making it the largest celebration in the world and the only large night parade in the country. 

Berlin Military Music Festival             1st – 2nd November

Berlin's Max-Schmeling-Halle hosts military bands from around the world during the Berlin Military Music Festival, a weekend of brass music, precision marching and dress uniforms. Orchestras from Russia, Hungary, Belgium, Germany, the UK, the USA, Croatia and even Trinidad and Tobago play at this annual event.

Diwali, India        7th – 11th November    

Five continuous days of celebration across the country mark this most important Hindu Festival. The Festival of Lights, taking place on the 3rd day, is the major day, when presents are given, local people light their houses with candles, and fireworks abound.

Ellerslie International Flower Show, Auckland     14th – 18th November

Visitors to New Zealand may be keen to see this event. Inspired by Chelsea, it is the largest plant and flower show in the Southern Hemisphere.

Thanksgiving Parade, Baltimore US          22nd November

Baltimore ushers in the holiday season with the annual Thanksgiving Parade, comprised of marching bands, floats and more. The parade also welcomes Santa and Mrs Claus at their winter home (the Harborplace Amphitheatre near Pratt and Light Streets).

Bandol Wine Festival, France        7th December

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.

Little Market of Miracles, Venice            13th – 14th December

Venice's antiques and second-hand market, offering books, prints and collectors' objects, is held in the campi and campielli close to the Church of the Miracles, one of the most beautiful in the city.

Niagara Falls Festival of Lights         December

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, all meant to dazzle and entertain. 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.

Christmas Markets        December

It’s that time again! Why not celebrate with a short break to one of our European cities. From Basle to Berlin, or from Paris to Prague, there are destinations galore to explore at this Festive time of year.
We have not listed travel arrangements, as there are often countless options available. If you are interested in any of the above events, please contact us and we will research the most suitable for your requirements.

Sydney Festival         January 2009

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!

The Venice Carnival        February 2009

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.

 

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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.

Ryanair is to start two new routes from Leeds/Bradford this winter but is temporarily to shut down operations at seven airports across Europe.

The no-frills airline is to serve Girona, for Barcelona, four times a week from October 1 and Alicante three times a week from October 28.

In a separate move, the carrier is to suspend operations at Basel, Budapest, Krakow, Palma, Rzeszow, Salzburg and Valencia, between November 4 until December 19.

The suspension of flights follows Ryanair’s cutting winter capacity from both Stansted and Dublin.

“With oil at $140 a barrel, flights at expensive airports must be reduced this winter when fares are very low,” the airline said.  “We very much regret temporarily closing our operations at these airports during this November and December period.  However, a combination of high airport charges and the massive increases which we face in fuel prices, makes it more profitable for Ryanair to ground aircraft rather than fly them at these airports during this period.”

“We will continue our discussions with the airport authorities in order to convince them that this type of interruption to our services need not happen in the future if costs are reduced. Hopefully we can develop an agreement on how they can support the year round continuation of our services on a viable basis for the benefit of the airports and the regions they serve.”

Please remember that our leisure consultants will be pleased to research your best air travel options - whether No-Frills or any other category of fares, saving you a lot of time and often identifying better travel opportunities. Why not contact them now?

  
St Pancras International has become the first major London railway station to install free-to-access Wi-Fi throughout the entire station.

Whether you are a Eurostar business traveller in our exclusive Business Premier lounge, a leisure traveller taking a coffee in our departure lounge - or perhaps shopping or dining before checking-in - everyone can benefit from this facility.

Even if you've simply come to St Pancras International to admire the architecture, you can still surf the net!

Please remember that our consultants will be only too pleased to advise you on the best fares and times to travel, not only for your Eurostar, but also for your general Continental and UK rail trips.