Air New Zealand unveiled their new design in enhanced economy seating when they launched the ‘Skycouch’ last week.
The ‘Skycouch’ is a specially designed row of three seats that gives passengers a lie-flat space to relax and grab some quality sleep.
6 things you need to know about the Skycouch
The Skycouch seats will only be in the first 11 window rows in economy, giving a total of 22 Skycouches per aircraft
Passengers will be able to buy three adjoining economy seats at a discounted price and then turn them into one fully flat bed/couch
Obviously, this will be more cost effective if you’re travelling as 2 adults or a family. Pricing is still be to be announced, but Air New Zealand say that for two adults, purchasing the Skycouch will be based on buying two seats at standard prices with the third seat at approximately half price
You’ll be able to buy Skycouch seats from April 2010, when flights on the B777-300ERs go on sale for the first time
The first routes will be selected services between Auckland and Los Angeles from December 2010
Further routes will include the through service to London from Auckland via Los Angeles (from April 2011) and then all Asian, North American and UK services to have the new product by around 2012.
Zakynthos, or Zante as it is more commonly known, is the most southerly of the Ionian Islands. Its beautiful scenery and excellent sandy beaches make it an ideal holiday destination.
But while the 18-30s brigade head to Laganas, the biggest and busiest resort, I was in search of a more natural Zakynthos, somewhere where my children could see for themselves the importance of travelling responsibly.
As one of the last nesting sites of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Carreta-carreta, the Gerakas Peninsula is the first protected Marine Park in the Mediterranean. Google ‘relaxing holidays’ and you’ll find a group of villas, cottages and studios in the peaceful, south-eastern tip of Zakynthos.
Managed by Yannis Vardakastanis, an ardent conservationist who grew up on Gerakas, Ionian Eco Villagers provides a quieter, more tranquil alternative, away from the mass tourist resorts.
The verdict: a simple and relaxing break in an enchanting part of Zakynthos.
Ionian Eco Villagers is ideal for families and couples seeking a ‘get away from it all’ holiday with a difference.
With the picture-perfect beach, a few tavernas and a mini market only a 200m stroll away from your accommodation, there’s no real need to go anywhere else if you’re after the simplest of holidays.
Accommodation: We stayed in one of the four 2-bedroom apartments in Gerakas House. Our upstairs apartment was simply, but comfortably furnished. A double bedroom, a twin bedroom, 2 shower rooms and a kitchen, it’s ideal for a family of four. Each bedroom is air conditioned and both have a balcony with table and chairs where you could sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The kitchen is equipped with a twin hotplate, toaster/sandwich maker, a fridge, an electric kettle and enough utensils and pans to make a simple meal. The garden with olive and citrus trees offers a relaxing alternative to the beach, with its sun-loungers, hammocks and even swings for the more energetic.
Places to Eat/Shops: The 3 tavernas/bars and mini market are a short stroll from the villas and apartments. The tavernas offer excellent, traditional Greek food and the mini market was surprisingly well stocked; as well as food provisions, it was a useful place to get ice creams and inflatables!
Leisure Activities: Gerakas Beach is a stunning, natural beach. With clear waters and soft sand, this shallow beach is ideal for young families.
Away from the beach, the spectacular scenery and rural charm makes Gerakas the perfect place for mountain biking and walking whether you are a serious walker or just fancy a relaxing stroll.
A highlight is to join one of the eco-tourism catamaran cruises (bookable though the Earth Sea & Sky Information Centre) and enjoy a day cruising in the southern waters of Zakynthos, visiting stunning snorkelling sites. There is a chance to spot the turtles, but, as a ‘sensitive’ tour, the crew makes sure that the rules of the National Marine Park are adhered to eg. stay for a maximum of 10 minutes if a turtle is spotted.
The Information Centre, set up by Yannis, was a great place for us and the children to learn about the Loggerhead Turtles and their plight to survive. Guests and tourists are encouraged to find out more about the turtles and other endangered species.
Service: Yannis is always on hand to help you with any aspect of your stay. One big plus is that your booking with Ionian Eco Villagers includes transfers on arrival/departure, so there really isn’t a need to hire a car. As the tavernas and mini market are family run, the welcome we received was wonderfully warm.
Best time to go: May, June or September, outside the turtle egg hatching months, when the weather is warm (25°C) and there are less crowds. The hottest, busy summer months of July/August are peak season for visitors and daytrippers. Although the National Marine Park limits your stay on the beach to 3 hours in Summer to protect the buried turtle eggs, it’s probably best to avoid this time altogether.
Why choosing this holiday makes a difference:
By choosing to stay in these locally-owned, small, individual villas and apartments, you are helping local families to make a living. With mass tourism all too evident in Zakynthos, the temptation to sell their land to developers is never too far away, further endangering the survival of the Caretta-caretta.
Many of the villas and apartments are solar- or wind- powered and use energy-efficient lightbulbs.
£10 from your booking is donated to Earth Sea & Sky to support their impressive work in protecting the nesting beaches of the Loggerhead turtles.
Your further donations will also help the current development of a Sea Turtle Hospital in Zakynthos, which will drastically cut the transport time for injured turtles.
The Earth Sea & Sky Information Centre is a great education for visitors, adults and children alike, on why we should think more responsibly when making travel choices.
Gerakas was week 1 of a two week trip in Summer 2009, part holiday, part research, to explore how feasible and enjoyable a green family summer holiday could be. More on the rest of this trip, including how to get to and from Zakynthos, to follow.
I was recently reminded of how impressive the transit facilities are at Hong Kong airport and thought that Your Travel Planner readers might like some ideas for things to do in transit at the world’s best airports.
First up, the ever popular Singapore Changi:
Singapore Changi was voted third best airport in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2009. So, if you have 5 hours to kill, what can Singapore Changi offer passengers in transit?
Head to the Free Singapore Tour Booths and join a 2-hour FREE sightseeing tour of Singapore. Registration is based on first-come-first-serve basis and you can choose between the Colonial or Cultural Tour.
Take a refreshing dip at the rooftop open air swimming pool, or a leisurely stroll in the Cactus, Heliconia and Sunflower gardens
Catch up on sleep in a choice of sleeping lounges or in the transit hotel. Rates from S$10 per person per hour
Visit the Entertainment Deck for free gaming (PC, Xbox and Playstation) or relax in the music area, MTV booth or cinema
If you have the energy, work your way through more than 300 shops and places to eat
More transit facilities in Hong Kong and Seoul Incheon airports soon. Meanwhile, do you have any transit experiences or recommendations at these or other airports?
Did all those Christmas cards remind you that another year has gone by and something must be done to see more of your friends and family?
Renting a large cottage for groups in Winter is a fantastic way to do this…and it doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, January and February is an ideal time; our weekends aren’t yet booked up and those lovely large houses with play rooms, snooker tables and even hot tubs are a fraction of what they would be in the summer.
Most properties offer 3-night short breaks in Winter and some are flexible enough to offer 2 nights.
So why not contact a few old friends and arrange a weekend. Here are some of the properties you could be visiting:
Devon Farmhouse, 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12
Stunning converted farmhouse with 5 bedrooms (sleeps 12) in Devon’s River Country. Described as ‘gorgeous, practical and very 21st century’, the house comes with a children’s den with games/TV/DVD as well as an open-fronted barn with table tennis and darts. Good availability in Jan - Mar: a 2 night stay on 29-31 Jan 2010 is £302, from Helpful Holidays, ref J22.
Victorian House in Devon, 6 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12
Spacious, recently refurbished Victorian house with 6 bedrooms (sleeps 12) in Devon. It has a large garden with trampoline and play equipment for the children, as well as a games room/snug. Offer weekend prices from £893 (22 Jan 2010), from Sleeps12.com, Culmbridge House.
Originally a 17th century coaching inn, this restored property now provides high quality, contemporary style accommodation for 15 people in 5 bedrooms and fabulous views of the Peak District National Park. Children can enjoy the pool table, table tennis and table football, while adults can soak in the hot tub! Special Offer price of £750 for weekends between 5 Feb to 5 Mar, from Holiday Lettings, property 403251.
Skyscanner, the flight comparison site, has revealed its most searched for destinations from UK airports for travel in 2010.
Spain takes the top three positions, with Malaga in the top spot, followed by Tenerife and Alicante.
Dalaman holds its position as the 5th most searched for destination for a second year in a row, whilst Orlando and New York break into the top ten.
Brand new entries to the top 50 are Johannesburg and Cape Town, which will be welcoming the World Cup in 2010.
Overall Spain is yet again the most popular country for Brits to visit, with 11 Spanish destinations within the Top 50, five of which are in the top ten.
Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and business director, says, “These early indications show that Spain is still by far the most popular destination for British travellers. Medium and long haul locations also seem to be on the rise compared to last year, suggesting that holiday budgets may be growing after a tough financial year.”
Top 10 Most Searched for destinations for 2010, from UK airports
1. Malaga, (Spain) [+1]
2. Tenerife (Spain) [+2]
3. Alicante (Spain)[0]
4. Orlando (USA) [+12]
5. Dalaman (Turkey) [0]
6. Faro (Portugal) [0]
7. New York (USA) [+5]
8. Palma (Spain) [-1]
9. Lanzarote (Spain) [+4]
10. Geneva (Switzerland) [-2]
New Entries to Top 50
1. Johannesburg (South Africa)
2. Cape Town (South Africa)
3. Melbourne (Australia)
4. Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
5. Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
6. Perth (Australia)
7. Munich (Germany)
8. Brisbane (Australia)
Going Up: Highest Climbers
1. Las Vegas (USA) [+13]
2. Orlando (USA) [+12]
3. Bangkok (Thailand) [+11]
4. Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) [+11]
5. Auckland (New Zealand) [+11]
Looking for ideas for what to do in London this Christmas has only one problem; there’s so much to choose from! Here are Your Travel Planner’s Top 3 Picks to help you plan a visit to London:
Carol Singing in Trafalgar Square
Seeing the Christmas tree and carol singing in Trafalgar Square is a favourite thing to do for many. Each year since 1947, a Christmas tree has been given to the people of London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain’s support for Norway during World War II. It’s lovely to be in Trafalgar Square to listen to and join in the programme of traditional carol singing.
This free event takes place in the evenings, generally from 5pm to 9pm, from Monday 7 to Tuesday 22 December 2009.
See a Show
London really excels in adding to the already fantastic list of shows at Christmas time. A classic family favourite is is The Snowman at Holborn’s Peacock Theatre (to 10 Jan). Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at Sadler’s Wells (10 Dec to 24 Jan) and Annie Get Your Gun at the Young Vic (to 9 Jan) have also been recommended by YTP friends.
Catch a FREE event at the Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre regularly hosts free events, performances and exhibitions and this Christmas is no exception. Highlights from their free events programme include:
World Press Photo 2009 (to 13 Dec), with 196 award-winning photographs from across the globe capturing the most powerful, moving and at times disturbing images of the year
Christmas Slow Food Market (19-22 Dec), the perfect place to browse and buy delicious Christmas fare; 40 specially selected traders tempt you with produce from known and sustainable sources
The Magnets (23 Dec); who needs instruments when you’ve got a six-man a cappella group creating infectious tunes and rhythms just with their voices? (I saw this group in the Summer and they’re fantastic!)
Have your own favourites? Add them by posting a comment for YTP readers to enjoy.
For more ideas, travel tips, reviews and personal travel recommendations, subscribe to our Email Club. Our email updates are short and quick to read. They won’t fill up your Inbox.
One of the travel industry’s largest exhibitions, World Travel Market, is taking place in London this week. But to find authentic holiday ideas, it was the Fringe RT Network event last night that was the place to be.
The work being done by this global community of grass roots, responsible tourism organisations and individuals is truly inspiring. Their offerings give the traveller or holidaymaker more choices when it comes to searching for authentic holiday ideas, ideas that have a positive impact on the community and environment.
Here are just some of the offerings highlighted by Your Travel Planner:
Based on the idea of ‘Your Friend at the Other End’, Tripbod is a global network of trusted local travel advisors and planners. They can help provide local insight and create personal and unique ideas for your trip before you go.
This site is a great way to search and make an online booking for destinations, accommodation, tours and activities from local providers and operators, mainly from the developing world.
A unique feature of the WHL network is that each destination booking site is owned and operated by locals. You deal directly with local people in the destination you are travelling to and they say that “unlike other global booking sites, the people you book with will be there when you get there.”
The Blue Yonder provides responsible travel experiences in India. It was originally set up to raise funds for the Nila Foundation, to revive and regenerate one of the longest and sadly neglected rivers in South India called Nila (Bharatapuzha).
socialtours is a specialist tour and trekking company based in Kathmandu, with a difference. Their tours are run with tourism for the future in mind, so that local communities benefit and risks of environmental damage and the erosion of culture are minimised.
If you would like help planning a more authentic holiday, please contact me at Go2 Holiday Research. As a member of the Fringe RT Network, I can help put you in contact with other members who provide responsible, sustainable or eco-friendly travel.
For a short break this Autumn, how about watching the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall?
During 2009 in Berlin, there’s a series of special events and exhibitions to celebrate this moment in history and the ‘peaceful revolution’ that lead to the reunification of Germany and a divided Berlin.
Exhibitions include an open-air exhibition on Alexanderplatz, telling the story of the Peaceful Revolution in 1989/90 leading to the wall’s eventual demise and the ‘Moments in Time’ exhibition, featuring films, photographs and recollections from private individuals and those involved in events.
November 9 will see the climax of the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Wall at the city’s world-famous landmark, the Brandenburg Gate. At the ‘Festival of Freedom’, some 1000 dominos measuring 2.5 metres in height will be used to create a ‘domino effect’ as a symbolic fall of the Wall.
As someone who helps people to research and plan their holidays, I use a variety of resources to keep up with what’s going on in travel. In the last 6 months, Twitter has become a main part of the mix.
The growth in the number of travel companies using Twitter has been rapid and a few months ago, I started sending a round up of the travel offers that appeared on Twitter to the YTP Email Club members.
What’s interesting is how both large and small companies alike are using this social networking and micro-blogging site to get their news out quickly. There’s everything from offers and late availability to latest news and announcements. Here’s a taste of the travel tweets this morning:
@British_Airways: For our team up with Qantas at the Ashes, we have 425 tickets at £215 inc taxes, LHR to SYD! Available to book from 10am UK time on 21 July!
@thehideaway: Just had a cancellation 2 weeks in Apartment 1 at thehideaway from 23rd Aug 2009 so get in touch if you fancy a trip to LeMarche, Italy
@Smithhotels: Introducing our thrilling new blog feature: Hotel of the Week. This week, we’ve got a gorgeous farmhouse in Portugal: http://bit.ly/14OnXT
So if you’re planning a holiday, Twitter is definitely a resource worth considering.
Alternatively, sign up to the Your Travel Planner Email Club for regular round-ups of Twitter travel tweets. You can also follow me on Twitter here: @HolidayPlanner
As one of the last nesting sites of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Carreta-carreta, the Gerakas Peninsula is the first protected Marine Park in the Mediterranean. Google ‘relaxing holidays’ and you’ll find a group of villas, cottages and studios in the peaceful, south-eastern tip of Zakynthos.
Accommodation: We stayed in one of the four 2-bedroom apartments in Gerakas House. Our upstairs apartment was simply, but comfortably furnished. A double bedroom, a twin bedroom, 2 shower rooms and a kitchen, it’s ideal for a family of four. Each bedroom is air conditioned and both have a balcony with table and chairs where you could sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The kitchen is equipped with a twin hotplate, toaster/sandwich maker, a fridge, an electric kettle and enough utensils and pans to make a simple meal. The garden with olive and citrus trees offers a relaxing alternative to the beach, with its sun-loungers, hammocks and even swings for the more energetic.
Leisure Activities: Gerakas Beach is a stunning, natural beach. With clear waters and soft sand, this shallow beach is ideal for young families.
Stunning converted farmhouse with 5 bedrooms (sleeps 12) in Devon’s River Country. Described as ‘gorgeous, practical and very 21st century’, the house comes with a children’s den with games/TV/DVD as well as an open-fronted barn with table tennis and darts. Good availability in Jan - Mar: a 2 night stay on 29-31 Jan 2010 is £302, from 
