The spa break market is becoming increasingly popular as stressed holidaymakers seek comfort in holistic havens around the world.
High spending customers want a more sensitive approach on holiday – it’s not enough that they are treated well, it’s also important that the staff in the hotel are treated well. People are looking for a totally holistic approach – not just getting a wonderful massage then going back to a stressful job – it’s about looking at your whole well-being to see how you can improve yourself.
Have you taken a Spa Break or thinking about trying one? Post your comments below.
Monday, 15 December 2008
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Only four travel firms have applied for authorisation by the Financial Services Authority to sell travel insurance from January 2 2009 and there is no indication how many may stop selling insurance as a result. The FSA will regulate all travel insurance sales from the start of next year, replacing the existing regime that allows travel association ABTA to oversee its members’ sales of insurance.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Latin America - Something for everyone!
Latin America is a hugely diverse continent, with a huge array of destinations and experiences to offer the first-time or returning traveller. The long flight times from the UK to Latin America means travellers are usually prepared to spend a longer period of time there. Indeed, most tour operators advise clients to go for a minimum of 14 days.
The distances within and between many of the countries can be massive – Argentina alone is 10 times the size of Great Britain. Travellers need to be realistic about what they can achieve in the time they have and travel between certain destinations can be difficult.
However, other destinations combine very well, with some well-trodden routes offering a good taste of what the continent has to offer.
Tour Central America
Brazil’s best-known beaches might be Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, but for the most secluded and beautiful beaches people need to travel further north to Bahia and the Coconut Coast. Fly into Salvador, capital of Bahia state, and head to Costa do Sauipe, Praia do Forte, or Ilha de Tinhare, which boasts one of the prettiest shores in Brazil.
Multi-Centre in Mexico
Mexico is probably most famous for its beach resorts around Cancun and the nearby Mayan ruins on the Yucatan peninsula. But there’s far more to discover around the rest of Mexico, great scenery and fascinating cities to explore. One popular activity is the spectacular train journey through the Copper Canyon – which rivals the Grand Canyon for jaw-dropping scenery. Urban experiences include the bustling capital of Mexico City where sights include the Anthropological Museum and the nearby ruins of Teotihuacan.
Combine Peru and the Galapagos
For a holiday of great contrasts, you could combine an adventure in the high Andean mountains with the nature lovers’ haven of Ecuador’s Galapagos islands, which lie off the west coast of South America.
You can hike along the Inca Trail to the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru as well as taking in other attractions such as colourful markets, the spectacular scenery of the Amazon Sacred Valley and relaxing at Lake Titicaca on the border of Peru and Bolivia.
The Galapagos archipelago of volcanic islands offers a huge array of wildlife such as iguanas, sea lions, penguins, albatrosses and most famously, giant tortoises. The islands are a dream destination for anybody who loves wildlife.
The Mayan Trail
The Mayans are probably the most fascinating of Latin America’s ancient cultures, not only for their love of astronomy and bloodthirsty rituals, but also for the abrupt ending of their advanced civilisation.
The easiest way to experience their ruined cities is from Cancun or the Mayan Riviera in Mexico, or day trips or longer to Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Tulum.
But the Mayan civilisation spread throughout Central America, and some of the most impressive sites can be found in the countries neighbouring Mexico. Guatemala has a remarkable site at Tikal, deep in the rainforest, and the country has developed quality accommodation to rival that in Mexico. Honduras has the ancient city of Copan.
Amazon Cruising
The Amazon is the world’s longest river at more than 4000 miles, and some large cruise ships make it as far as the Brazilian city of Manaus, 1200 miles inland from the coast.
The journey is possible on public riverboats, sleeping in a hammock on deck, but most tourists take shorter cruises out of Manaus for up to five nights, such as those offered by Amazon Clipper Cruises.
The trouble with most Amazon cruises is that standards are basic, though most tourist boats have private facilities and air-conditioning. But this year, a luxury cruise experience became available for the first time, with the launch of the Aqua. It sails from the Peruvian city of Iquitos, which has regular flights from Lima – the flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Machu Picchu
The “Lost City of the Incas”, high up in the Peruvian Andes, is a mystical place for many travellers, but also one of South America’s most visited tourist sites.
Some visitors follow in the Incas’ footsteps – literally – by taking one of the ancient routes through the mountains known as the Inca Trail. Tourists with less time and energy take the train from the city of Cusco, as there is no road access to Machu Picchu.
The main Inca Trail has become over-crowded, with limits on numbers in high season. Travellers will need a permit (issued by UK operators) and will need to book far in advance, with the dry season (April to October) having better availability.
Patagonia
At the extreme southern tip of South America, Patagonia is a wild and beautiful region covering parts of Chile and Argentina. A trip here is truly a journey to the end of the earth: all that lies beyond is Antarctica – which travellers can visit on a cruise.
Activities available in Patagonia vary according to time and ability, but usually include the Torres del Paine national park for viewing or trekking to glaciers and lakes. Another great experience is to cruise the Beagle Channel out of Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world, seeing many species of birds.
Lost Land of the Jaguar
The highly successful BBC TV programme Lost Land of the Jaguar shown in August put the spotlight on the little visited country of Guyana and its wonderful array of rainforest-dwelling wildlife. This small country in the tropical north of South America – the only country in the continent where English is the main language – is now attracting much more interest as a result.
Any journey into the interior could be described as epic, but of particular interest is the world’s tallest “single drop” waterfall – the Kaieteur Falls. A five-day overland trek is available with camping in the forest, and as you enter the gorge, mountains rise 2000ft on either side of the Potaro River. The falls are five times higher than Niagara and to reach them involves a steep climb.
Have you travelled Latin America? Tell us about your experience. Post your comments below.
The distances within and between many of the countries can be massive – Argentina alone is 10 times the size of Great Britain. Travellers need to be realistic about what they can achieve in the time they have and travel between certain destinations can be difficult.
However, other destinations combine very well, with some well-trodden routes offering a good taste of what the continent has to offer.
Tour Central America
One of the big selling points of Central America is the ability to include ancient cultures and historic Mayan sites. This provides a good educational focus for families alongside local wildlife, colourful culture and the scenery of rainforests, ruins and reefs. Combining Guatemala and Belize allows you to take in Guatemala’s ancient pyramids at Tikal, the colonial city of Antigua and the hidden Mayan ruins of Caracol and Xunantunich in Belize. For wildlife there’s snorkelling with marine life in the Caribbean Sea. If you have more time, add Mexico to the itinerary. Including this destination means travellers can explore more ancient ruins, visit vibrant markets and take part in activities such as diving among coral reefs, climbing active volcanoes and simply relaxing on the stunning Caribbean beaches.
Multi-Centre Options within BrazilBrazil’s best-known beaches might be Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, but for the most secluded and beautiful beaches people need to travel further north to Bahia and the Coconut Coast. Fly into Salvador, capital of Bahia state, and head to Costa do Sauipe, Praia do Forte, or Ilha de Tinhare, which boasts one of the prettiest shores in Brazil.
Multi-Centre in Mexico
Mexico is probably most famous for its beach resorts around Cancun and the nearby Mayan ruins on the Yucatan peninsula. But there’s far more to discover around the rest of Mexico, great scenery and fascinating cities to explore. One popular activity is the spectacular train journey through the Copper Canyon – which rivals the Grand Canyon for jaw-dropping scenery. Urban experiences include the bustling capital of Mexico City where sights include the Anthropological Museum and the nearby ruins of Teotihuacan.
Combine Peru and the Galapagos
For a holiday of great contrasts, you could combine an adventure in the high Andean mountains with the nature lovers’ haven of Ecuador’s Galapagos islands, which lie off the west coast of South America.
You can hike along the Inca Trail to the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru as well as taking in other attractions such as colourful markets, the spectacular scenery of the Amazon Sacred Valley and relaxing at Lake Titicaca on the border of Peru and Bolivia.
The Galapagos archipelago of volcanic islands offers a huge array of wildlife such as iguanas, sea lions, penguins, albatrosses and most famously, giant tortoises. The islands are a dream destination for anybody who loves wildlife.
The Mayan Trail
The Mayans are probably the most fascinating of Latin America’s ancient cultures, not only for their love of astronomy and bloodthirsty rituals, but also for the abrupt ending of their advanced civilisation.
The easiest way to experience their ruined cities is from Cancun or the Mayan Riviera in Mexico, or day trips or longer to Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Tulum.
But the Mayan civilisation spread throughout Central America, and some of the most impressive sites can be found in the countries neighbouring Mexico. Guatemala has a remarkable site at Tikal, deep in the rainforest, and the country has developed quality accommodation to rival that in Mexico. Honduras has the ancient city of Copan.
Amazon Cruising
The Amazon is the world’s longest river at more than 4000 miles, and some large cruise ships make it as far as the Brazilian city of Manaus, 1200 miles inland from the coast.
The journey is possible on public riverboats, sleeping in a hammock on deck, but most tourists take shorter cruises out of Manaus for up to five nights, such as those offered by Amazon Clipper Cruises.
The trouble with most Amazon cruises is that standards are basic, though most tourist boats have private facilities and air-conditioning. But this year, a luxury cruise experience became available for the first time, with the launch of the Aqua. It sails from the Peruvian city of Iquitos, which has regular flights from Lima – the flight takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Machu Picchu
The “Lost City of the Incas”, high up in the Peruvian Andes, is a mystical place for many travellers, but also one of South America’s most visited tourist sites.
Some visitors follow in the Incas’ footsteps – literally – by taking one of the ancient routes through the mountains known as the Inca Trail. Tourists with less time and energy take the train from the city of Cusco, as there is no road access to Machu Picchu.
The main Inca Trail has become over-crowded, with limits on numbers in high season. Travellers will need a permit (issued by UK operators) and will need to book far in advance, with the dry season (April to October) having better availability.
Patagonia
At the extreme southern tip of South America, Patagonia is a wild and beautiful region covering parts of Chile and Argentina. A trip here is truly a journey to the end of the earth: all that lies beyond is Antarctica – which travellers can visit on a cruise.
Activities available in Patagonia vary according to time and ability, but usually include the Torres del Paine national park for viewing or trekking to glaciers and lakes. Another great experience is to cruise the Beagle Channel out of Ushuaia, the southernmost town in the world, seeing many species of birds.
Lost Land of the Jaguar
The highly successful BBC TV programme Lost Land of the Jaguar shown in August put the spotlight on the little visited country of Guyana and its wonderful array of rainforest-dwelling wildlife. This small country in the tropical north of South America – the only country in the continent where English is the main language – is now attracting much more interest as a result.
Any journey into the interior could be described as epic, but of particular interest is the world’s tallest “single drop” waterfall – the Kaieteur Falls. A five-day overland trek is available with camping in the forest, and as you enter the gorge, mountains rise 2000ft on either side of the Potaro River. The falls are five times higher than Niagara and to reach them involves a steep climb.
Have you travelled Latin America? Tell us about your experience. Post your comments below.
Monday, 1 December 2008
WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS ABROAD
Whether the recession is biting and you need to rein in your spending, or you’re one of the lucky ones with pots of cash to splash on your big day, we have a range of packages to make your wedding special.
Your big day needn’t suffer just because of the credit crunch. There are plenty of glamorous options that won’t break the bank. The picturesque island of Rhodes is the perfect location for a sun kissed ceremony and we can offer a wedding package for just £299, where you can say “I do” in front of a white-washed Greek chapel by the crystal clear sea of St Paul’s Bay.
Legend has it that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, arose from the sea off the southwest coast of Cyprus, and the island’s mix of sandy beaches, dramatic mountains and fascinating history makes it the perfect location for romance. Seven nights at the four-star Hotel Laura Beach in Paphos costs £595 per person all inclusive and a civil wedding costs £399. This can take place in the hotel gardens, with cake, sparkling wine and a massage included.
Those who love bright lights and a little bit of kitsch can make like Joan Collins, Judy Garland or the late, great Paul Newman and get hitched at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, where weddings start at £205. They can even arrange for Elvis (or at least a man who looks like him) to make a guest appearance. We can also offer the bride and groom seven nights at the four-star Luxor and flights from Heathrow for £728 each. While in Vegas, the happy couple will be able to give the roulette wheel a whirl or visit the Grand Canyon.
If you play your cards right, you might not have to pay anything for your wedding at all – providing, of course, you spend enough on your honeymoon. Couples who spend 13 nights or more in a beachfront Cabana at the Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, get a wedding ceremony thrown in. You can feel the sand between your toes as you say your vows by getting wed on the beach, or say “I do” on a terrace overlooking the pristine coast. The resort is set in a 52-acre estate, so you’ll have plenty of privacy. 14 nights at Long Bay from £1961 per person, including flights, transfers and the wedding.
Singing diva Mariah Carey married TV actor Nick Cannon in the Bahamas after a whirlwind one-month romance. They tied the knot on the seven-mile long Windermere Island, which sits off the mainland of Eleuthera. Golf legend Greg Norman and tennis star Chris Evert also wed on the islands in a sunset ceremony. Swim with the Dolphins on Paradise Island or off Nassau and Grand Bahama Island or recharge your batteries on the sleepy and secluded Out Islands, of which there are over 300. Snorkelers will love its fish-rich clear waters while divers can explore the wreck sites off the coasts of San Salvador.
RnB star Beyonce Knowles exchanged vows with rapper Jay-Z at his apartment in the Big Apple in April. New York wows tourists with its top shopping and lively nightlife plus top sights such as the shimmering Chrysler Building and the Statue of Liberty. There are a huge number of wedding venues to choose from. Think Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the iconic Grand Central Terminal or 55 floors up in the Empire State Building.
Are you considering getting married abroad? Post your comments below.
Your big day needn’t suffer just because of the credit crunch. There are plenty of glamorous options that won’t break the bank. The picturesque island of Rhodes is the perfect location for a sun kissed ceremony and we can offer a wedding package for just £299, where you can say “I do” in front of a white-washed Greek chapel by the crystal clear sea of St Paul’s Bay.
Legend has it that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, arose from the sea off the southwest coast of Cyprus, and the island’s mix of sandy beaches, dramatic mountains and fascinating history makes it the perfect location for romance. Seven nights at the four-star Hotel Laura Beach in Paphos costs £595 per person all inclusive and a civil wedding costs £399. This can take place in the hotel gardens, with cake, sparkling wine and a massage included.
Those who love bright lights and a little bit of kitsch can make like Joan Collins, Judy Garland or the late, great Paul Newman and get hitched at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, where weddings start at £205. They can even arrange for Elvis (or at least a man who looks like him) to make a guest appearance. We can also offer the bride and groom seven nights at the four-star Luxor and flights from Heathrow for £728 each. While in Vegas, the happy couple will be able to give the roulette wheel a whirl or visit the Grand Canyon.
If you play your cards right, you might not have to pay anything for your wedding at all – providing, of course, you spend enough on your honeymoon. Couples who spend 13 nights or more in a beachfront Cabana at the Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, get a wedding ceremony thrown in. You can feel the sand between your toes as you say your vows by getting wed on the beach, or say “I do” on a terrace overlooking the pristine coast. The resort is set in a 52-acre estate, so you’ll have plenty of privacy. 14 nights at Long Bay from £1961 per person, including flights, transfers and the wedding.
Singing diva Mariah Carey married TV actor Nick Cannon in the Bahamas after a whirlwind one-month romance. They tied the knot on the seven-mile long Windermere Island, which sits off the mainland of Eleuthera. Golf legend Greg Norman and tennis star Chris Evert also wed on the islands in a sunset ceremony. Swim with the Dolphins on Paradise Island or off Nassau and Grand Bahama Island or recharge your batteries on the sleepy and secluded Out Islands, of which there are over 300. Snorkelers will love its fish-rich clear waters while divers can explore the wreck sites off the coasts of San Salvador.
RnB star Beyonce Knowles exchanged vows with rapper Jay-Z at his apartment in the Big Apple in April. New York wows tourists with its top shopping and lively nightlife plus top sights such as the shimmering Chrysler Building and the Statue of Liberty. There are a huge number of wedding venues to choose from. Think Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the iconic Grand Central Terminal or 55 floors up in the Empire State Building.
Are you considering getting married abroad? Post your comments below.
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