Archive for February, 2009
Virgin Atlantic’s “Offer of the Week” is a Sale Fare from £225 for London to New York return.
I know I talked about Virgin only yesterday (Virgin Atlantic launches Round the World ticket), but I think this is a great deal. The terms are:
- Applies to departure dates of 26 Feb - 02 Apr 09 and 10 Apr - 31 May 09
- Includes all taxes, fees and surcharges
- Additional credit card charges and weekend travel supplements apply
- Book from 26 February to 10pm on 04 March 09
This offer is part of Virgin’s 25th birthday promotions. There’s a different offer each week until the big birthday on 22nd June. Check their website for regular updates.
If you decide to go and need help planning your trip, please feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to help.
Filed under: Destinations, North America, Saving Money on 2009 Holidays, Travel Tips | New York, New York flight offer, Saving Money on 2009 Holidays, Virgin Atlantic|No Comments
Sir Richard Branson: Launching Virgin Atlantic new Round the World fares
Virgin Atlantic has launched new round-the-world fares from London Heathrow.
I’ve always had a good experience travelling on Virgin and this latest news caught my eye.
Passengers will be offered two ticket options for their round-the-world trip - ‘Virgin Global East’ and ‘Virgin Global West’. The ‘Virgin Global East’ option takes passengers from Heathrow to Hong Kong and then onto Sydney with Virgin Atlantic, from Sydney to Los Angeles with V Australia, returning from Los Angeles to London with Virgin Atlantic. The ‘Virgin Global West’ option takes passengers from London Heathrow to Los Angeles with Virgin Atlantic, then onto Sydney with V Australia, from Sydney to Hong Kong and then back to London with Virgin Atlantic.
The launch of the new fares coincide with Sir Richard Branson’s ‘Round the world in 8 days’ tour, celebrating the 25th birthday of Virgin Atlantic and the launch of V Australia on Friday, 27 February 2009.
The special round the world launch fare of £1239 (including all taxes and charges) is valid for departures from London Heathrow between 25 February and 19 April 2009 and is available for sale until 6 March 2009.
Passengers can book these round the world fares by calling the Virgin Atlantic Contact Centre on 08705 747747. Or visit the Virgin Atlantic website.
Filed under: Travel News | Round the World ticket, Virgin Atlantic|1 Comment
This is the third of my top 3 holiday destination ideas, as a result of visiting the Destinations Holiday and Travel Show in London earlier on this month.
Destinations is the UK’s largest consumer travel show. It’s a great place to get ideas or even book your next trip and I told YTP Email Club members that I would share some of the travel ideas that had inspired me at the show.
The top 2 holiday destination ideas were Belize and the Maldives. The third is the interesting concept of “Pueblo Inglés“.
First some questions:
Are you an outgoing English speaker looking for a Spanish or Italian experience?
Do you like meeting and conversing with people?
Do you want to make a real difference helping someone achieve their goals?
Are you looking for an enriching and rewarding expererience?
If you answer “Yes” to the above, then Pueblo Inglés may be just right for you.
Pueblo Inglés, literally means “English Village”. The Pueblo Inglés - More Than English organisation bring English speakers from around the world to create English speaking villages in the Spanish and Italian countryside. The aim is to provide Spanish/Italian business people with an opportunity to have intensive exposure to raw English and to authentic English conversation.
We all know that, while the class room can teach language theory, it is putting the theory into practice that really makes a difference.
I was really taken by the idea of creating an environment where non-English speakers could be exposed to real (as opposed to text book) English in relaxing countryside. The benefits to the Spanish/Italian business people are obvious, but the personal and cultural experience for the volunteer is equally rewarding.
As an English speaking volunteer, Pueblo Inglés pay for your accommodation and meals during your time at the village. Your costs will be the flights, your accommodation before and after the program and any ancillary expenditure.
Launched in Spain in 2001, Pueblo Inglés now have villages in Italy as well as Spain. They have also introduced a Teen programme for 13-18 years olds.
For more information, visit http://www.morethanenglish.com/.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe | Alternative Holiday Idea, Italy, Spain, Volunteer|1 Comment
Popular with the celebrities and renowned for its glorious sandy beaches and yacht-filled marinas, St Tropez enjoys a spectacular setting on the French Riviera.
The fantastically organised Rona Wheeldon (The Organised PA) sent this review of Villa La Begude, a gorgeous B&B in St Tropez, to share with Your Travel Planner readers.
Villa La Begude (www.villalabegude.com) is a beautiful Bed & Breakfast guesthouse, situated on the outskirts of St Tropez.
There are four rooms in total, all of which are very tastefully decorated. We stayed in a room on the ground floor, which had French doors opening on to a decked area. It was here that we enjoyed our delicious breakfast of fruit, yoghurt, croissants and coffee every morning. The room itself had air conditioning, a modern bathroom and was always kept immaculately clean.
The guest house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has a lovely pool, which is lit at night in rainbow colours. Whilst enjoying the poolside area, drinks for guests are available from a well-stocked fridge….for which a tab is kept.
St Tropez is either a five minute drive or a fifteen minute walk away. Villa La Begude is on the outskirts of the town so it’s very peaceful.
Daniela and her husband Harold, who own the guesthouse, were such friendly and welcoming hosts. Nothing was too much trouble!
So, if you’re thinking of travelling on holiday to the south of France, I would thoroughly recommend Villa La Begude as a charming and perfect place to stay for a relaxing holiday.
If you have a review of your favourite place, why not share it with Your Travel Planner. Please contact me at www.go2research.com/contact_Go2.php.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Reviews: Hotels, Places to Eat, Destinations, Uncategorized | B&B, France, South of France, St Tropez|No Comments
A friend of mine is visiting London this week for the Half Term holiday and she asked me if I could post some “things to do” ideas on Your Travel Planner.
Imagine 09: Children’s Literature Festival, London Southbank Centre, SE1, 12 to 21 Feb
Imagine is the annual festival of readings, storytelling and poetry for children, aged 5-11. Unfortunately, the extra date for James Campbell’s Comedy 4 Kids on Tues, 17 Feb is already sold out, but there are many other performances and events on offer. Some are free, including Spin! (on Thurs, 19 Feb) - an exciting show where poets, rappers and storytellers show you just what words can do. Tickets are still available for author Cathy Cassidy, who reads from her new book Ginger Snaps on Fri, 20 Feb and then answers the questions that you’ve always wanted to ask.
Visit the Southbank Centre’s website for more information.
Globe Exhibition: Romeo & Juliet Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1, 18-20 Feb
The story of Romeo & Juliet is the inspiration for this week’s half term events in the Globe Exhibition. Activities include an art workshop where children can create designs for posy rings and handkerchiefs, the chance to meet the Globe’s musicians and create sound effects, storytelling sessions related to the themes in Romeo And Juliet and costume and stage combat demonstrations.
The ticket price (family ticket £28) includes entry to the permanent exhibition and all extra activities, plus a guided exploration of Shakespeare’s Globe. Sessions are repeated throughout each day, from 10am to 5pm.
See http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/ to find out more.
Half Price Theatre
Catch some half price theatre bargains from the tkts booth in Leicester Square. Check on the noticeboards or displays in front of the booths for available discounted ticket offers or you can visit the What’s on Sale Today page of the tkts website. For example, discounted tickets for Joseph, Grease, Stomp and The Sound of Music were available today (Monday).
A Drawing Tour of the Imperial War Museum
Imperial War Museum, SE1, 16 -20 Feb
A free event where artists and historians will lead a tour around the museum and set drawing tasks along the way. Suitable for all ages.
Entry into the Imperial War Museum itself is free and well worth a visit is The Children’s War, an exhibition looking at the home front in Britain through the eyes of children. It’s also the last chance to see For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond, which is on until 1 March (family ticket £19).
See the Imperial War Museum’s website for further details.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe | Globe Theatre, Half Term ideas London, Imperial War Museum, South Bank Centre|No Comments
Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year and if your budget can stretch to more than chocolates and flowers, how about looking at these last minute gems? They still have availability (at time of posting) and they are either personally recommended or have great online reviews:
Dylan Hotel, Dublin
A gorgeous 5 star Boutique Hotel located in a quiet, residential area of the city, the Dylan hotel is 10-15 minutes walk from the city centre (or a few minutes by bus). I was shown around the Dylan last December and loved the fact that each one of the 44 rooms is different. All are luxurious and stylish, complete with iPod docking stations and plasma TVs with movies on demand.
A luxury double room is still available at €269 EUR per room per night. Return flights from Ryanair from London Gatwick to Dublin are still available at £248 for two.
Guest House Salsalito, Algarve
The Guest House Salsalito in the fishing village of Burgau really is a hidden gem. A mixture of Moroccan and Portuguese décor, it’s been lovingly, designed and built by owners, Ralph and Sally Eveleigh. Private and secluded, breakfast is served on the terrace every morning overlooking the wonderful pool and tropical gardens.
Prices are around £50 B&B per night for 2 people during Jan-Mar. Flights however this weekend cost a little more (!) at £476 for two, return from London Gatwick to Faro. The weather forecast for the Algarve this weekend is SUNNY with temperatures of 15°C…
The Pelham Hotel, London
For something a bit closer to home, how about a night at The Pelham Hotel in South Kensington, London? An elegant and luxurious townhouse, the Pelham Hotel is close to the Victoria & Albert and Natural History Museums, Harrods, Hyde Park, the shops of Knightsbridge and the new Westfield Shopping Centre.
They have a special Valentine’s Day offer of £250 plus VAT per room, per night for a Queen Double room, which includes a bottle of champagne in-room on arrival, rose petals, chocolates, candles in the evening and champagne breakfast in bed.
Spa Finder Gift Vouchers
If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to a weekend away, but could stretch to more than chocolates or flowers, how about some Spa Finder Gift Vouchers? They can be used locally at more than 250 spas in UK or at more than 5,000 spas worldwide. At the moment, buy over £75 of spa vouchers and you’ll receive a box of luxurious chocolates!
See the Plan Your Travel page for more information on Spa Finder. The Plan Your Travel page also has useful websites for car hire and airport parking, if you do decide to go away.
Filed under: Destinations, Europe, Hotels, Reviews: Hotels, Places to Eat, Destinations, UK & Ireland | B&B, luxury hotel|1 Comment
This is the second of my top 3 holiday destinations ideas, as a result of visiting the Destinations Holiday and Travel Show in London last week.
Destinations is the UK’s largest consumer travel show. It’s a great place to get ideas or even book your next trip and I told YTP Email Club members that I would share some of the travel ideas that had inspired me at the show.
The first holiday destination idea was Belize and today, Maldives is the focus.
Maldives
Powder white beaches, turquoise seas, spectacular coral systems - the Maldives are all these things. Having travelled to the Maldives twice, it is a place that I can thoroughly recommend.
Amongst the 1190 coral islands, there are some 90 resorts that vary from the basic to the luxurious. Each has a unique feel and planning a trip can take a bit of research to find the right one for you.
I was very pleased to meet Christine Aldridge at the show. Christine is the owner and manager of No News No Shoes, a specialist travel operator organising holidays to the Maldives and Kerala.
What I liked about No News No Shoes was their first hand knowledge of a large number of resorts. Like me, Christine Aldridge is passionate about travel. It was always a dream to visit the Maldives but when the time came to plan a trip, Christine found that most operators lacked the in-depth knowledge required, particularly for a Family booking. No News No Shoes was established to fill this gap.
As in my business, the emphasis is on personal service and attention to detail. The majority of holidays to the Maldives are booked through an operator, so it’s reassuring to know that there is a personal and knowledgeable company you can turn to, to help organise the your perfect Maldives holiday.
See the No New No Shoes website to find out more.
Filed under: Asia Pacific, Destinations | holiday destination ideas, Maldives, No News No Shoes, Your Travel Planner|No Comments
I visited the Destinations Holiday and Travel Show in London last week and told YTP Email Club members that I would share some of the travel ideas that had inspired me at the show.
Destinations is the UK’s largest consumer travel show. It’s a great place to get ideas or even book your next trip and I came away with so many ideas, not only for my own travel this year, but also to help clients plan and book their holiday.
I’d like to share my top 3 with Your Travel Planner over the next few days and the first holiday destination idea is:
Belize
I really enjoyed the talk on Belize at the show and was really struck by the diversity this country has to offer:
- Belize has the beautiful Caribbean Sea as its coastline on the East and has the second largest barrier reef in the world. So sea-based activities such as diving, snorkeling, sailing and fishing are very popular.
- If your interest is nature and wildlife, the rainforest is home to more than 600 identified species of birds, and there are many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries including the Jaguar Preserve.
- Belize shares a rich Maya heritage with its neighbouring countries of Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. It is considered to have been the heart of ancient Maya civilization and many archaeological sites are open to for public viewing.
- Belize is a country of diverse cultures, languages, and ethnic groups including Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and East Indian. English remains the most common language spoken followed closely by Creole, but Spanish is becoming more widely spoken.
Belize is a 2 hour flight from the US and getting there from the UK does involve an overnight stay because of the connections. In terms of safety, the travel advice on Belize from the UK Foreign Office website says, “Around 10,225 British Tourists visited Belize in 2007 (Source: Belize Tourist Board). Most visits to Belize are trouble-free. However, you should be on your guard and exercise caution, as there have been occasional violent incidents against tourists.”
Want to find out more? See the official website of the Belize Tourism Board: http://www.travelbelize.org. If you like what you see, please feel free to contact me to research and plan your holiday to Belize.
Filed under: Destinations, South & Central America | Belize, holiday destination ideas, Your Travel Planner|2 Comments
Following on from my post on How to Save Money on Travel Insurance, I thought I would share with you an article that Nolan Mortimer, who heads the Travel and Tourism Department at Colemans-CTTS Solicitors, wrote on why you need travel insurance.
He writes:
“It is estimated that about 10 million UK travellers fail to get insured. The reasons given for not getting insured are varied, from “I’m only visiting family, I will be okay” to “I don’t need it, I’m only going on a short break”.
This can be a very costly mistake.
A recent study suggests that many people have to change or cancel their holiday plans. Often your holiday company will charge you for this, or you may forfeit the whole holiday cost.
It is thought that in the UK as much as £6 billion per year could be saved if people took out travel insurance when they first booked their holiday, or perhaps if they had an annual policy. If they did, they would be able to recover some or all of the costs of a cancelled holiday.
It becomes much more expensive when you are already on holiday and something goes wrong.”
Click here to read Nolan’s article in full.
Filed under: Travel Tips | travel insurance|No Comments
Last December, I talked about an alternative way to spend Christmas (see UK family friendly hotels at Christmas time and Hotel Review: The Grove Hotel, Hertfordshire).
Of course, another alternative is to go abroad for Christmas and that’s what Annie Armitage and her family did. The holiday in Phuket, Thailand sounded amazing and I asked Annie, a wonderful photographer, to share her review of the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa with Your Travel Planner.
Annie’s verdict: A real gem - the JW Marriott was probably one of the best hotels I have stayed at.
I only ventured out of the resort once as we wanted a complete rest. Yes, the hotel is expensive, but so is Christmas and this is a fabulous alternative to Christmas at home.
Bedroom: Our room was beautiful and the bed-linen was divine. Every single detail had been thought through.
Restaurants: We had some of the best meals of our lives! New Year’s Eve was an incredible buffet on the beach with ice carvings.
Leisure Activities: The pools were clean and imaginative; the blue pool area was contemporary and funky with a swim up bar complete with waterfall. The other pool had slides and lie-down jacuzzi areas (a great way of getting a tan).
The gym was extremely well equipped; the changing rooms even had their own jacuzzis! There was also a tennis court, which we didn’t try, but it seemed pretty busy.
I had a good pedicure in the Spa, but there was a vast range of treatments to choose from. We ended up with the ladies in the little huts by the beach for Thai massages most days for 400 baht.
There was also a children’s club which looked lots of fun. They had circus school everyday for the children.
Service: Just could not fault it!
Being a photographer, Annie took some beautiful pictures which she shares with Your Travel Planner. (You can see her work at www.anniearmitage.com and read more about her Phuket holiday in her blog).
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The beach at JW Marriott, Phuket
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The Sala part of the bedroom
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Sunset Ceremony in the Infinity Pool
If you have a review of your favourite place, why not share it with Your Travel Planner. Please contact me at www.go2research.com/contact_Go2.php.
Filed under: Asia Pacific, Destinations, Reviews: Hotels, Places to Eat, Destinations | luxury family friendly hotel, luxury hotel, Phuket, Thailand, Your Travel Planner|No Comments
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