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!
@holidaypad: RT @Yurthotel: One yurt left for rest of July, offering 25% discount. Also some slots available in Aug http://www.yurthotel.com/ Andalucia, Spain
@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
Filed under: Travel Tips | Late Holiday Bargains, Twitter|No Comments
Visiting London with your family this summer? Plan your visit and read Your Travel Planner’s guide to great family days out in London, Surrey and Hampshire this August:
July/August; Kids go free in July and August at the British Music Experience (BME) at the O2. Immerse yourself in this interactive museum dedicated to the history and influence of pop music. See David Bowie’s Ashes to Ashes clown suit, develop your skills on guitar, bass, drums and in the vocal booth and use your Smarticket to select favourite content and media recordings to keep.
July/August; Plenty of free events at the Southbank Centre this summer. Collaborate in a large-scale outdoor drawing with artist Sally Booth at different locations or play the Youth Music Box, an electrifying interactive musical experience where you create your own unique track and video, all in under ten minutes. Jeppe Hein’s interactive fountain returns as a refreshing addition to summer; walls of water rise and fall randomly to create a series of constantly changing ‘rooms’ (hint: take spare clothes!).
August, various dates; The Alice Holt Forest in Hampshire has lots of events for all ages during August, including Float your Boat!, Bat Watch and Bike Fun.
1-9 August; Bushcamps, storytelling and trails feature in the Wild Child Week at Claremont Landscape Garden (National Trust)
4,11,18,25 August; There’s summer holiday fun and activities to be had at Games in the Garden, every Tuesday at Clandon Park (National Trust).
6,13,20 August; Join the Warden at Polesden Lacey (National Trust) on Thursday evenings on a Bat Walk, searching out these wonderful creatures as they flit and flap across the night sky.
15-16 August; In Richmond, the riverside comes alive for another year. The On the Edge World Music Festival celebrates music drawn from countries and cultures all over the world, from 12pm - 8pm.
22-23 & 29-30 August; For motorsport enthusiasts, watch the European Grand Prix on a large screen at Mercedes-Benz World Presentations on the history and present day world of F1TM take place throughout the weekend.
Filed under: Destinations, Travel Tips, UK & Ireland | Family Days Out, Hampshire, London, Surrey|1 Comment
If you’ve left it a bit late to book your summer holiday, you may start feeling very smug when you see some of the late holiday bargains that are currently on offer.
Holiday with Family or Friends
For a late getaway with family and or friends, how about a recently converted barn with six bedrooms, and six ensuite bath or shower-rooms (sleeps 12). Described as ‘very roomy and comfy’, with lovely views across miles of countryside, the barn has its own enclosed, lawned garden, a games/ laundry room and two ponds for a spot of fishing. Late availability: 25% reduction for the week of 21-28 August 2009. Was £2308, now £1731, from Helpful Holidays, ref. G40.
Holiday Villa in Menorca
Save over 40% with this newly built 3 bedroom villa (sleeps 6/8) with private heated pool terraces garden and BBQ, located near Cala Canutells. Late availability: £710 reduction for the week of 31 July -7 August 2009. Was £1700, now £990, from Owners Direct, ref. B3437.
Activity Holiday in Croatia
Combine sea-kayaking around the Croatian islands, coastal walks, mountain biking with local food and wine, mid-day naps and snorkelling. Late availability: 20% discount for remaining rooms due to cancellations for 25 July - 1 August 2009 (double room available) and 1 - 8 August 2009 (double room available). Was £760, now £608 per person, excludes flights, from Responsible Travel, ref. Croatia holiday, activity week.
If you’d like to some help researching more late holiday bargains, please contact me at www.go2research.com/contact_Go2.php.
Filed under: Cottages, Destinations, Europe, Responsible Tourism, Saving Money on 2009 Holidays | Late Holiday Bargains|No Comments
