February 19th, 2010
Antigua holiday companies bang on and on about the 365 beaches that there are in Antigua. One for every day of the year etc..
However when you want to go on holiday to Antigua (or anywhere else for that matter) do you really just want to go on the beach all week?
I don’t so I visited a few weeks ago with the mission to do everything in Antigua, apart from sit on the beach.
If you would like to see what I got up to including flying through the sail of a catamaran and helicoptering (is that a verb?) around an active volcano then just visit my report at Things to do in Antigua
Tags: antigua holidays, antigua things to do, things to do in antigua
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February 16th, 2010
I always knew that low cost airlines try and get you on the credit/debit card charges but I have noticed they are going up at an alarming rate. A debit card used to be a few pounds but I have just booked BMI Baby to Spain and the debit card charge was £12!!
They know that you have gone through so many steps to get to the final checkout (flight time, flight date, name, address, passenger names, hand luggage, no skis, no golf clubs, no scuba kit, no fencing foils, no illegal immigrants etc..) you can’t be bothered to do it all again.
Working for a holiday company myself I know what debit cards usually cost around 10-15 pence to process for the airline.
So let’s say it costs 15 pence to process a transaction. By my basis school maths I think £12 works out at a 7900% mark up. That has to be a record! Can anyone beat that?
The question is can anyone be bothered to get a VISA electron card which I think only Abbey, Bank of Baroda (who?),
Bank of Scotland and Halifax do. In fact I hear that some low cost airlines are now stopping electron cards being free as so many people are switching. One is now only allowing pre-paid Mastercards for free.
I can’t wait until 2050 when we are booking Ryanair intergalatic trip to the Sun (literally) and we are all desperately trying to get the card to save the £10k booking fee by opening an account with the bank of Nambia (provided its on their their pre-pay cash ISA card for people between the ages of 75 and 76 …. living at home with both parents).
But then that’s tiny little voice inside you that whispers …. but the card charge was less than the cost of the flight so can I really complain?
Tags: credit card charges, debit card charges, low cost airlines
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January 20th, 2010
You know a holiday destination is hot stuff when celebrities head there for their R&R. So if you’re looking for the top of the line in luxury for your 2010 holiday then check out some of these celeb fav get-a-ways.
Hawaii
Loved by the American first family and the first family of British Rock. Just as the Obama’s headed back to Washington DC Ozzy and the family hit the beach for some surf Hawaii style. Beautiful beaches, extreme sports and the chance to celeb spot, what more do you need?
St Lucia
St Lucia’s deep Caribbean seas, soft sand beaches and swinging jazz beats make it one of the most romantic spots on Earth. It’s charms certainly have a strong pull for headline couple Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil who are rumoured to be re-marring there in the coming months.
Barbados
Another dream Caribbean destination that’s full of romance. Jude Law and Sienna Miller have been spotted enjoying the heavenly luxury that makes this island so amazing.
With all the celebrity attention these holiday destinations get might make you think that you’ll never be able to afford to a get-away. Don’t be silly! We wouldn’t tease you like that, just check out our holiday deals. You never know who you might end up rubbing shoulders with!
Posted in 2010 Holidays, Caribbean, Hawaii, St Lucia | No Comments »
December 22nd, 2009
The high light of the St Lucia calendar is a mere five months away. On the 1st May 2010 this Caribbean island will begin ten days celebrating all things cool, smooth and jazz.
Entering its 19th year the St Lucia Jazz Festival brings together jazz, calypso and mainstream music in a fabulous event that really does have something for everyone. The confirmed line up and events schedule are due to be released early in January 2010, but already this is looking to be an amazing Jazz Festival. Some of the artists expected to play this year are Earl Klugh, Jean-Luc Ponty, Maxi Priest, Steel Pluse and Foreigner.
The music giants will take to the main stage during the last four days of the festival. The first days of the event are dedicated to the fringe events, street parties and beach gatherings celebrating local bands and artists. The entire island of St Lucia is stage for the festival, visitors will find “Teatime Jazz” at La Place Carenage duty free shopping centre, “Fond D’Or Jazz” in the spectacular views of Heritage Park and “Jazz in the South” at Rudy John Beach.
St Lucia hotels will of course book up quickly for festival time, but if you contact one of our travel experts now they can help you find the perfect location at the very best price.
Posted in 2010 Holidays, St Lucia, St Lucia Jazz Festival 2010 | No Comments »
December 6th, 2009
This past Saturday saw the draw for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Personally I found it all a bit underwhelming, but I’m assured that the group draw for England was very important. As my more informed friends explained, we have to play matches against the USA, Algeria and Slovenia. In my footie ignorance I ventured the opinion that this should be an easy task. To my surprise I was shouted down; “We mustn’t get complacent!” “We can’t go in all cocky, thinking it’ll be a walk over!” “There’s a lot of work to be done to win the group!” were just some of the words of wisdom from these bar room coaches.
All of this excitement about South Africa got me thinking that I should put something up here on the blog. I’m not going to go in to all of the footie stats that where bandied about on Saturday. There’s no doubt a million site on the web explaining all the ins and outs.
I’m going to share with you the thought that occurred to me; anyone wanting a South Africa Holiday in 2010 had better know when the World Cup matches are on. If you’re passionate about football this’ll be a huge bonus. You can enjoy the thrills of an amazing holiday in one of the most diverse countries in the world and be closer to the action for some of the World Cup matches. If you’re not a follower of the beautiful game then you might want to consider looking up the match dates so your dream holiday doesn’t coincide with one of the most popular sporting events on Earth. Either way call us on 08453656565 or fill in a South Africa holiday enquiry form and one of the team will be able to help you plan that perfect 2010 holiday.
Tags: 2010 Holidays, South Africa Holidays, World Cup 2010
Posted in 2010 Holidays, Africa, Safari, south africa | No Comments »
November 11th, 2009
Hawaii has some amazing luxury resorts. One of our favourites the Westin Maui Resort. With its huge range of relaxing and invigorating diversions, we can understand that you’ll be content to relax in the resort. But, by staying in the resort you’ll be missing out on some of the amazing sights Hawaii has to offer.
On Big Island you can experience the raw power of nature at the Volcano National Park. There are three active volcanoes on Big Island. The most active is Kilauea, which has been erupting since 1983. Enough lava is released in 24 hours to resurface a 20 mile long road. The majority of this lava flows into the sea via lava tubes. These lava tubes are a great reason for leaving the comfort of the resort and experiencing something different.
This is the science bit. Lava tubes form when the outside edges of a lava flow cools and crusts over. The crust on the tube keeps the lava’s intense heat, meaning the lava can flow for many miles. The heat of the flow carves out an ever deepening tunnel which ends up much larger than the lava flow. The ecosystem in side the tubes is a unique experience. Words feel dry and empty when trying to describe the stunning beauty of these tubes.
We’d suggest taking a guided tour of the tubes. As you will be standing inside a natural feature created by an active lava flow, please pay attention to the rangers!
If you want some spiritual protection from the power of Kilauea you’d be wise to take some pork and gin with you. This isn’t to fortify your nerves, but should be wrapped in ti leaves and left as an offering for Pele, the volcano goddess of Hawaii. Pele is celebrated in local art and the tear drop lava forms are called “Pele’s tears”. Her presence is strongly felt in the National Park. When you are so close to a volcano that has been erupting for 26 years there’s no harm in keeping the local goddess sweet.
The Volcano National Park is just one of the places on the islands where you can experience the deep culture and heritage of this paradise on earth. So on your Hawaii holiday soak up something more than just sun, sand and surf.
Tags: Hawaii Holidays, Volcano National PArk, Westin Maui Resort
Posted in Hawaii, Uncategorized | No Comments »
October 26th, 2009
For a couple looking for an all inclusive Caribbean holiday the Rendezvous St Lucia has always been at the top of the list. Earlier this month the resort opened its doors again after a huge renovation and upgrade. For repeat visitors there is always a slight feeling of trepidation when a favoured resort undergoes a revamp. You can breathe easy as the Rendezvous has lost none of its beautiful boutique charm.
While retaining all of the features that we love, the Rendezvous renovation has been enhanced with the addition of new and luxurious facilities. You’ll find that the new reception area boasts a chic new look while retaining all of the charm and elegance that is this resort hallmark.
To add to its already highly rated facilities, Rendezvous now can boast its own luxury spa. Housed in a classical West Indian colonial building these new spa facilities rival those of the resort’s sister hotel The Body Holiday Lesport. The range of treatments here offers a full body treatment of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Just next to the spa is a lovely free form pool. The word “pool” doesn’t do justice to the sweeping sculptured river which flows along through rockery gardens and is dotted with little islands. Couples can find romantic seclusion in the smooth stoned gardens and top up their tan by sunbathing on one of the islands. To compliment the popular beach-waiter service the hotel now also offers a water-waiter service. So your relaxation in the new pool area is not interrupted by trips to the bar for fruity cocktails.
We think that returning travellers will find that Rendezvous St Lucia is still a dream Caribbean holiday destination. If you’ve never tried this slice of paradise before we are certain it will become a favourite after your very first visit.
Posted in Caribbean, Rendezvous, Romantic Holidays, St Lucia | No Comments »
October 22nd, 2009
The Maldives is world famous for the stunning secluded island resorts, but there is so much more to this beautiful country. We always suggest that you spend a few days of your Maldives holiday in the capital Male. Thanks to the newest hotel in the Holiday Inn family you can stay in style and comfort at the heart of the Maldives capital.
Holiday Inn Male opened its doors to guests last month. As Male’s newest and tallest hotel it is already proving highly popular with holiday makers who want to see the cultural and historical sites that Male has to offer. A gentle stroll through the markets will bring you face to face with the Presidential Palace, the Old Friday Mosque and Sultan Park. A visit to these wondrous places is highly recommended.
Located by the harbour front the Holiday Inn Male is right in the heart of the hustle and bustle that defines any capital city. By stepping through the hotel’s doors you leave all that behind you and enter an oasis of peaceful tranquillity. At the stylish reception desk you’ll find friendly and welcoming staff, whose high level of customer care training shows in their easy manners and attention to detail.
The elegant reception decor of creams and dark woods is continued throughout the hotel. This gives the rooms and suites a comforting and soothing ambience that aids your relaxation. In the dining rooms and lounges this decor has a chic modern edge that reflects the Holiday Inn Male’s air of easy elegance. The dining options have a cosmopolitan feel. Ranging from an international breakfast buffet and all day Asian dining in the Lime restaurant to the European and Japanese fusion found in the Azur Rooftop Restaurant. For a light snack try the Panini Lobby Cafe, which has a fantastic range of sandwiches and serves a great latte.
As with most new hotels the Holiday Inn Male boasts an infinity edge pool and as seasoned travellers these are something we have become accustomed too. However, this rooftop infinity edge pool will take your breath away. As the tallest building in Male the Holiday Inn offers unrivalled views over the surrounding Indian Ocean. Taking a dip in the infinity edge pool immerses you in the jaw dropping beauty of these views in a way that has to be experienced to be believed.
So whether you take a few days in Male at the start or at the end of your Maldives holiday the Holiday Inn provides the perfect setting for you to enjoy this island capital.
Posted in Indian Ocean Isles, Maldives | No Comments »
August 27th, 2009
How would you like the chance to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles? The mass migration of some of the best known animals on the planet crosses the plains of Tanzania each year, making this an amazing safari holiday destination.
A holiday above the rest in your own treehouse!
If the idea of a safari strikes you as roughing it, worry not Tanzania boasts some of the best luxury safaris on the market. You get to see herds of giraffe, impala, buffalo and elephant from the comfort of a Land Cruiser as they make the 2000 mile trek across the national park. Guides and drivers are with you every mile so you are in safe hands and have expert knowledge on tap to make the most of your safari adventure.
If the safari itself is enough of an extraordinary experience then why not stay in some of the most extraordinary lodges?
Recently we visited a couple of superb lodges in Tanzania. Firstly we stayed at the Lake Manyara Tree Lodge . Here you can stay in one of ten tree lodges that sit on stills! They are incredible and have a great decked viewing area. We also had out own Maasai warrior on hand to dissuade any overly curious and dangerous wildlife!
We then stayed at the Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp. If you have bad memories of camping as a child, prepare to be very impressed. This amazing tented camp is so different from the damp plastic contraptions of childhood you will be speachless with joy. It is nothing like anything else you have ever seen. For a start each tent contains a simply massive bed and an en suite bathroom! You can embrace the raw nature of safari, while enjoying a little civilized comfort. It was the safari of a lifetime.
Would you like some expert travel advice for your safari holiday? Our travel team is passionate about Tanzania safaris and will help you find the best offers on the market.
Tags: Africa, luxury holidays, Safari, safaris, tanzania
Posted in Africa, Safari | No Comments »
August 20th, 2009
The average holidaymaker takes over 8 hours to search for a holiday. Part of this can be fun as you look at pretty pictures but most of it is quite stressful as you have to research sunshine, rainfall and temperatures for the time you want to travel. You don’t want to spend a fortune on a holiday only to turn up to find it is pouring with rain. If you are travelling with a partner and you booked the holiday then it can also be the first holiday argument!
So how you you get some great holiday ideas without having to thumb through lots of brochures or spend hours and hours surfing online? Let me introduce you to the world’s easiest holiday finder…
Our new tool allows you to select the weather, your max flight time and it shows you the best countries and hotels in the world that fit your holiday requirements. To use this amazing new tool just click on:-
holiday ideas
Tags: holiday ideas, holiday search, holiday search engine, ideas for holiday
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