For many, travel to China is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. To explore the Forbidden City, home to Chinese emperors over the centuries; to gaze in awe at an entire army of Terracotta Warriors; and to walk proudly on a Great Wall that stretches for over 4,000 miles. For others, it is the allure of the adorable pandas that is the main attraction to China. Yet these amazing experiences are only the first steps in discovering this fascinating land.
China is a land of beauty with its poetic landscapes around Guilin, dramatic gorges along the Yangtze and the striking alpine scenery in Nine Villages Valley. The physical contrasts are great, from vast mountain ranges to forest wildernesses and arid deserts. There is man-made beauty too, in the traditional Chinese gardens of Suzhou, the picturesque West Lake in Hangzhou and the numerous exquisite temples scattered across the country.
For the more adventurous, there is the opportunity to travel along the ancient Silk Road or venture overland into mystical Tibet and explore parts of China rarely visited by westerners. In these remote places, the people and their culture are a world away from the rest of China.
Following a proud history spanning 5,000 years, China’s importance in the world continues to grow as it emerges as an economic superpower of the 21st century. Nowhere can this be better witnessed than in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. With its towering skyscrapers, designer shops and vibrant nightlife, it represents the pinnacle of modern China.
China is a land with endless opportunities to offer the enthusiastic traveller. It is a destination that inspires and fascinates with its historic sights, diverse landscapes and rich culture. Yet beyond these great wonders, the most enduring memory is often the charm of the Chinese themselves.
China is surely a country that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit. We can also offer a wide range of fully inclusive escorted tours to Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos. See for yourself the spectacular scenery, ancient monuments, amazing history and colourful culture offered by these remarkable lands.
Why not plan something extraordinary today?
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Thursday, 24 September 2009
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
City Break Festivals
City Break - Festivals
Sightseeing is all well and good, but there is nothing like a festival to make a city come alive. Visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Munich for the beer festival, or to Hong Kong for Chinese New Year and you will guarantee sights and sounds that are as authentic as they are unforgettable.
Here are a few of the world’s best festivals that are perfect to build a city break around.
Venice Carnival – 06-16 February 2010
Venice is an atmospheric city at any time of the year, but there is nothing more likely to induce a delicious thrill down the spine of any visitor than the sight of an ornately-costumed figure, their face obscured by a mask, disappearing over one of the city’s curved bridges.
The Venice Carnival became a massive draw in the 17th century, but it was banned when the Venetian Republic fell in 1797. Revived in the 1980s, it has once again become a spectacular sight for visitors.
The streets are filled with parades of costumed characters wearing the famous Venetian masks and in the evening there are masked balls to attend. There is a programme of free events in St Mark’s Square and the surrounding area. Visitors are welcome to dress up, or they can simply spectate.
Chinese New Year, Hong Kong – 14 February 2010
Though many cities such as San Francisco, Vancouver and London hold vigorous celebrations ringing in the Lunar New Year, there is nothing like being in Hong Kong.
Visitors can see the famous lion dances, where drums, gongs and cymbals accompany acrobats as they leap around in the large, brightly coloured costumes.
Locals pick up sprays of peach blossom, narcissi and peonies (symbolising good luck and prosperity) at the huge flower market in Victoria Park and crowds gather to watch the massive fireworks display from the east Tsim Shat sui waterfront and on The Peak.
In 2010, the Lunar New Year falls on Valentine’s Day.
New Orleans Mardi Gras – 16 February 2010
Fat Tuesday is the time for The Big Easy’s biggest party. New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebrations are famed the world over, with colourful parades and hedonistic late night partying. The last five days running up to Fat Tuesday is when the celebrations hit a climax.
The parades are organised by carnival krewes, who ride on the floats in incredible costumes throwing gifts into the crowd. Many tourists head for the famous French Quarter and Bourbon Street, but remember none of the parades pass through this area any more due to the narrow streets. Major parades pass along St Charles Avenue and Canal Street.
St Patrick’s Day in Dublin – 17 March 2010
The home of the craic is the place to be for St Patrick’s Day and for the five days preceding it, when Dublin comes alive with events that are all part of the festival.
Many visitors are more than happy to spend most of their time quaffing Guinness in Temple Bar, or celeb spotting in The Clarence, the hotel owned by Bono. But this is just a fraction of what’s on offer. There is a parade, comedy, dance and drama performances and a huge funfair.
Calgary Stampede – 9-18 July 2010
Any budding John Waynes should go to Alberta’s largest city for the most famous rodeo on earth. The Calgary Stampede is a 10-day celebration of traditional cowboy skills, with a rodeo and wagon races, plus fairground stalls, shows, concerts and First Nation exhibitions.
The rodeo consists of six major events: bareback, bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and tie-down roping. Most tourists who attend get in the mood by dressing up, like the local attendees, in full western attire. What better excuse for anyone who has ever wanted to don a 10 gallon hat and boots with spurs?
La Tomatina, Bunyol, Spain – 25 August 2010
This is a food festival with a difference; well, more of a food fight than a gourmet experience. For most of the year, Bunyol is just a small, industrial town 25 miles outside Valencia, but on the last Wednesday in August it is literally painted red – with tomatoes.
Nearly 140 tons of tomatoes are trucked into the centre of town at the Plaza del Pueblo, and vast crowds of Spaniards and tourists gather to hurl tomatoes at one another in the streets.
In the days surrounding the tomato throwing, there are parades, music, dancing and fireworks.
Visitors should stay in Valencia – there are regular trains to Bunyol, so it easy to take a day trip to La Tomatina while enjoying a city break in Valencia.
Munich Oktoberfest – 19 September to 04 October
A sure-fire winner with any hop-loving person is a trip to the beautiful baroque city of Munich during the annual beer festival, known locally as Wiesn.
The tents serve beer in litre glasses, accompanies by traditional Bavarian food and traditional oom-pah brass band music. The German costumes of Dirndl for ladies and Lederhosen for gents are widely worn and are sold in many shops. There are also rides, roundabouts and sweet stands. Most clubs and bars open late and run after Wiesn parties.
Christmas at Tivoli, Copenhagen – 20 November to 30 December
For Christmas nostalgia you can’t beat the Danish capital and its old-world pleasure gardens. Tivoli Gardens is full of fairground rides, from old-fashioned carousels and dragon boats on the lake, to heart-stopping roller coasters and drop towers. There is also a pantomime theatre and concert hall.
In the festive season, the whole park comes alive with trees full of fairy lights, skating on the lake and a miniature village with market stalls.
While in Copenhagen check out the fairytale like castle Rosenborg Slot and take a harbour tour so you can see the best of the city by boat.
Post your comments below:
Sightseeing is all well and good, but there is nothing like a festival to make a city come alive. Visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Munich for the beer festival, or to Hong Kong for Chinese New Year and you will guarantee sights and sounds that are as authentic as they are unforgettable.
Here are a few of the world’s best festivals that are perfect to build a city break around.
Venice Carnival – 06-16 February 2010
Venice is an atmospheric city at any time of the year, but there is nothing more likely to induce a delicious thrill down the spine of any visitor than the sight of an ornately-costumed figure, their face obscured by a mask, disappearing over one of the city’s curved bridges.
The Venice Carnival became a massive draw in the 17th century, but it was banned when the Venetian Republic fell in 1797. Revived in the 1980s, it has once again become a spectacular sight for visitors.
The streets are filled with parades of costumed characters wearing the famous Venetian masks and in the evening there are masked balls to attend. There is a programme of free events in St Mark’s Square and the surrounding area. Visitors are welcome to dress up, or they can simply spectate.
Chinese New Year, Hong Kong – 14 February 2010
Though many cities such as San Francisco, Vancouver and London hold vigorous celebrations ringing in the Lunar New Year, there is nothing like being in Hong Kong.
Visitors can see the famous lion dances, where drums, gongs and cymbals accompany acrobats as they leap around in the large, brightly coloured costumes.
Locals pick up sprays of peach blossom, narcissi and peonies (symbolising good luck and prosperity) at the huge flower market in Victoria Park and crowds gather to watch the massive fireworks display from the east Tsim Shat sui waterfront and on The Peak.
In 2010, the Lunar New Year falls on Valentine’s Day.
New Orleans Mardi Gras – 16 February 2010
Fat Tuesday is the time for The Big Easy’s biggest party. New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebrations are famed the world over, with colourful parades and hedonistic late night partying. The last five days running up to Fat Tuesday is when the celebrations hit a climax.
The parades are organised by carnival krewes, who ride on the floats in incredible costumes throwing gifts into the crowd. Many tourists head for the famous French Quarter and Bourbon Street, but remember none of the parades pass through this area any more due to the narrow streets. Major parades pass along St Charles Avenue and Canal Street.
St Patrick’s Day in Dublin – 17 March 2010
The home of the craic is the place to be for St Patrick’s Day and for the five days preceding it, when Dublin comes alive with events that are all part of the festival.
Many visitors are more than happy to spend most of their time quaffing Guinness in Temple Bar, or celeb spotting in The Clarence, the hotel owned by Bono. But this is just a fraction of what’s on offer. There is a parade, comedy, dance and drama performances and a huge funfair.
Calgary Stampede – 9-18 July 2010
Any budding John Waynes should go to Alberta’s largest city for the most famous rodeo on earth. The Calgary Stampede is a 10-day celebration of traditional cowboy skills, with a rodeo and wagon races, plus fairground stalls, shows, concerts and First Nation exhibitions.
The rodeo consists of six major events: bareback, bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and tie-down roping. Most tourists who attend get in the mood by dressing up, like the local attendees, in full western attire. What better excuse for anyone who has ever wanted to don a 10 gallon hat and boots with spurs?
La Tomatina, Bunyol, Spain – 25 August 2010
This is a food festival with a difference; well, more of a food fight than a gourmet experience. For most of the year, Bunyol is just a small, industrial town 25 miles outside Valencia, but on the last Wednesday in August it is literally painted red – with tomatoes.
Nearly 140 tons of tomatoes are trucked into the centre of town at the Plaza del Pueblo, and vast crowds of Spaniards and tourists gather to hurl tomatoes at one another in the streets.
In the days surrounding the tomato throwing, there are parades, music, dancing and fireworks.
Visitors should stay in Valencia – there are regular trains to Bunyol, so it easy to take a day trip to La Tomatina while enjoying a city break in Valencia.
Munich Oktoberfest – 19 September to 04 October
A sure-fire winner with any hop-loving person is a trip to the beautiful baroque city of Munich during the annual beer festival, known locally as Wiesn.
The tents serve beer in litre glasses, accompanies by traditional Bavarian food and traditional oom-pah brass band music. The German costumes of Dirndl for ladies and Lederhosen for gents are widely worn and are sold in many shops. There are also rides, roundabouts and sweet stands. Most clubs and bars open late and run after Wiesn parties.
Christmas at Tivoli, Copenhagen – 20 November to 30 December
For Christmas nostalgia you can’t beat the Danish capital and its old-world pleasure gardens. Tivoli Gardens is full of fairground rides, from old-fashioned carousels and dragon boats on the lake, to heart-stopping roller coasters and drop towers. There is also a pantomime theatre and concert hall.
In the festive season, the whole park comes alive with trees full of fairy lights, skating on the lake and a miniature village with market stalls.
While in Copenhagen check out the fairytale like castle Rosenborg Slot and take a harbour tour so you can see the best of the city by boat.
Post your comments below:
Friday, 4 September 2009
Restricted Mobility Passengers
Various bits of legislation introduced in Britain and the EU over the last two years has improved the way airlines and airports handle passengers with special needs.
Airlines are not allowed to deny disabled passengers the right to fly unless they have demonstrable logistical issues with the type of aircraft, configuration and crew available, for example an airline is allowed to refuse bookings on a narrow-bodied aircraft for someone requiring wheelchair assistance if they already had ten such passengers on the same flight.
Assistance through the airport and the door of the aircraft is now the responsibility of the airport operator, not the airline. Generally speaking, airlines send automated messages to the airports with details of all their special needs passengers 24 hours before the flight. For this reason, airlines require passengers who need assistance to make themselves known 48 hours in advance of travel. They can make arrangements for last-minute travel but simply turning up at the airport and demanding a wheelchair absolves the airline and airport of any responsibility.
This seems an eminently sensible piece of legislation because it resolves the issue of who arranges the wheelchair assistance and it puts the onus on the passenger to ensure they give their airline proper notification.
When you book a flight on nearly any airline website, you will see a box asking if you require assistance. Obviously, it is best that the request is made when you book because you will then have a record and the airline should have no excuse for not passing on the information.
Unfortunately, there have been problems with some inclusive tour operators either not gathering the information in the first place or not passing it on in the correct way. ABTA has been forced to remind its members to amend their booking systems to allow for this.
Post your comments below:
Airlines are not allowed to deny disabled passengers the right to fly unless they have demonstrable logistical issues with the type of aircraft, configuration and crew available, for example an airline is allowed to refuse bookings on a narrow-bodied aircraft for someone requiring wheelchair assistance if they already had ten such passengers on the same flight.
Assistance through the airport and the door of the aircraft is now the responsibility of the airport operator, not the airline. Generally speaking, airlines send automated messages to the airports with details of all their special needs passengers 24 hours before the flight. For this reason, airlines require passengers who need assistance to make themselves known 48 hours in advance of travel. They can make arrangements for last-minute travel but simply turning up at the airport and demanding a wheelchair absolves the airline and airport of any responsibility.
This seems an eminently sensible piece of legislation because it resolves the issue of who arranges the wheelchair assistance and it puts the onus on the passenger to ensure they give their airline proper notification.
When you book a flight on nearly any airline website, you will see a box asking if you require assistance. Obviously, it is best that the request is made when you book because you will then have a record and the airline should have no excuse for not passing on the information.
Unfortunately, there have been problems with some inclusive tour operators either not gathering the information in the first place or not passing it on in the correct way. ABTA has been forced to remind its members to amend their booking systems to allow for this.
Post your comments below:
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Cards and Foreign Currency
Charges made by banks for using credit cards overseas for both purchases and cash withdrawals have been increasing for some time. We have long recommended the Caxton FX pre-paid currency cards, which are a much more economical way of spending cash abroad.
They have just become rather better value because the company no longer makes any charge for using ATMs. You load your card at the best possible rate (always better than rates obtainable from other exchange organisations) and spend it without any further charge.
A client inadvertently discovered just how competitive Caxton cards are when he was in Paris and, by mistake, used his Caxton Dollar card to withdraw Euros from a machine. This is definitely not how to use the cards, because you end up paying to convert into dollars and then from Dollars to Euros – plus, if you use the card in a different currency, an exchange fee is levied. While he was annoyed at his mistake, he later discovered the whole process had cost slightly less than all the extras Barclays added to a similar transaction on his sterling Visa debit card!
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They have just become rather better value because the company no longer makes any charge for using ATMs. You load your card at the best possible rate (always better than rates obtainable from other exchange organisations) and spend it without any further charge.
A client inadvertently discovered just how competitive Caxton cards are when he was in Paris and, by mistake, used his Caxton Dollar card to withdraw Euros from a machine. This is definitely not how to use the cards, because you end up paying to convert into dollars and then from Dollars to Euros – plus, if you use the card in a different currency, an exchange fee is levied. While he was annoyed at his mistake, he later discovered the whole process had cost slightly less than all the extras Barclays added to a similar transaction on his sterling Visa debit card!
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