Last month, VisitDenmark launched their 2010 ‘Be our Guinea Pig‘ holiday testing programme, giving 2 families and 4 couples the chance to go on a FREE holiday to Denmark. The closing date for applications is noon Friday 26 March, so there’s still time to apply.
Successful applicants will be asked to test different types of activities, transportation and accommodation and document their trip through a short holiday video. The video will be published on the VisitDenmark website.
Commenting on the ‘Guinea Pig’ programme, Henrik Kahn, Director of VisitDenmark said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for enthusiastic and adventurous travellers to experience our wonderfully diverse country whilst documenting their experiences to highlight just how much fun a holiday in Denmark can be. Applicants don’t need to have any experience of writing or photography - just an ability to express themselves in an interesting and original way. All they have to do is choose which holiday they want to apply for, click the appropriate link - and cross their fingers!”
The Guinea Pig holiday test programme is open to all UK residents but certain terms and conditions apply. Each holiday includes accommodation, transport to Denmark (by air or ferry) and the different activities to be tested for each trip. Choose from these six different trips:
Personal review from Your Travel Planner members, Elizabeth Clark and Martyn Calder. Elizabeth is a wonderful Colour Psychologist from Colourworks Consulting (www.colourworksconsulting.com).
January 2010
Cuba - land of cigars, rum, sugar, and Fidel. “Go before it changes,” we thought.
Cuban Flags for Sale
Since the collapse of communism, Cuba has started to open up and receive the financial benefits available from tourists from the West - UK, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Canada. But not - of course - the United States; it is apparently still illegal in the States for US citizens to have financial dealings with Cuba, and tourism falls in this net.
It sometimes seems as if Cuba defines itself by its opposition to the United States - the victories of the Revolution and the Bay of Pigs may be well known; a celebrated baseball triumph may have passed non-baseball-loving Brits right by.
Our 1955 Bel-Air at Plaza de la Revolucion
Reminders of Cuba’s long and complicated relationship with the United States remain very visible on the streets of Havana: the Chevrolets, Oldsmobiles, Buicks, Chryslers, and Pontiacs that still form a significant proportion of the city’s automobile population. Their continued functioning is a tribute to the ingenuity of Cuban mechanics, particularly as they are apparently now often fitted with Lada or Toyota engines. Our morning’s tour of the city in a 1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air Convertible was a real high spot.
Havana
Havana - at least Havana Vieja (Old Havana) - is a beautiful city to wander around. The imposing Fort of El Morro dominates the entrance to the harbour which defines the city. The narrow streets are virtually vehicle free (not many Cubans have cars) and there has been a huge effort in recent years by the City authorities to restore the crumbling buildings. Beautiful newly-painted architectural gems juxtapose crumbling ruins which have been split into multiple occupation. Housing remains a pressing need in Cuba.
Plaza Vieja in Old Havana
Our wanderings took us, between stops in numerous street cafes, to the City Museum, the Rum Museum, the Automobile Museum, the Chocolate Museum (oh yes!), and the Museum of the Revolution. The Revolution has, of course, had a bad press in much of the West, but Batista was a desperately bad dictator, and American Mafia money was all over Havana and the then Cuban government.
The Revolution brought education and healthcare, but fifty years on the economy still struggles. Is this because of the US blockade, or is it a structural weakness of the communist system? Certainly most people are poor; a teacher may earn the equivalent of £10-15 a month, and many families struggle to augment a modest diet obtained by ration cards from sparse state-owned shops. Yet anyone in a tourist-related business might make that in tips on a good day. The divide is emphasised by there being two currencies: Cuban Pesos for most people, and Convertible Pesos for tourists and luxury shops.
Exploring Cuba
In the fields
Towards the western end of Cuba is Vinales - farming country. Here we wandered among the tobacco, pineapple, and corn fields where farmers - often with cigar in mouth - still sow by hand. Agricultural machinery is rare, and usually ancient. Tobacco leaf hangs in drying sheds, waiting to be rolled into those famous cigars.
Heading south from Havana we travelled on near-empty roads. Transport and fuel is short, and the government employs yellow-clad wardens at busy junctions to ensure that privately-owned (an ambiguous term in Cuba) cars take on less fortunate passengers - a very imaginative and eco-friendly solution.
Trinidad de Cuba is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A major centre for trade and piracy in the 1700-1800s, not much has changed in the city centre and it would make a wonderful set for Pirates of the Caribbean. We wandered around the cobbled streets and found a thriving craft market - the nearest thing to a private shopping centre we found in Cuba. Now a little way from the town, the beach was a vision of white sand and blue sea with, as is often in Cuba, very limited facilities.
Plaza Mayor in Trinidad de Cuba
Heading back north (and Cuba is much bigger than you think) we came to Santa Clara, site of one of the pivotal battles of the Revolution when Che Guevara led an attack on a government armoured train. The train’s skewed carriages now provide an imaginative museum. Also here is Che Guevara’s mausoleum - a haunting place - and museum. Che is an icon in Cuba, and his image appears everywhere, much more so than Fidel’s.
A Real Gem
Visiting Cuba is a chance to see a society which, though in many ways familiar to us with its Spanish history and art deco development, has also been isolated from mainstream western culture for half a century. There is no McDonalds, no KFC, no Starbucks, and no Coca-Cola, and that alone is worth the trip!
Havana is a real gem, music is everwhere, there is beautiful scenery, and the Cubans are very friendly. It is not, however, a cheap destination and quality and service are not watchwords; food can be unimaginative and mid-range hotels may offer only fading grandeur.
Cuba is now at a crossroads as Fidel hands over the reins. What will it be like in a decade or two? Who knows - best go now and beat the rush!
Thank you to Elizabeth and Martyn for sharing their fascinating travel experience in Cuba. If you have a travel experience to share with Your Travel Planner readers, please do contact me at Go2 Holiday Research. We’d love to hear from you!
(by Roy Jacobsen*, with kind permission from Elaine Swift’s Word Alchemy blog)
One of best travel tips I can give anyone is to make an effort with the local language; you’ll be amazed at how much it’s appreciated.
As you will see, the US is no exception. This post first appeared in copywriter Elaine Swift’s Word Alchemy blog and looks at the differences in our common language.
As well as bringing a smile to your face this Monday morning, it may help you avoid a potentially embarrassing conversation during your travels to the US!
The first time I ended up on Elaine’s blog, I found myself giggling about her article “A few little words - why straplines matter.” I knew immediately from the context what she was talking about, but for this American reader, straplines are what show up on a woman’s sun-tanned shoulders. So straplines matter here, as well; just not for the same reasons.
England and America are indeed “separated by a common language.”
My first work-related exposure to the differences between American and British English came when I was a technical writer for an accounting software company. Because our product was sold in English-speaking countries worldwide, we had to accommodate spelling differences, such as check vs. cheque, and the -ize vs. -ise words (economize/economise, recognize/recognise).
Those differences can be jarring at first. But, like a pianist, you can learn to “transpose.”
The real fun comes when you encounter concepts that have entirely different words, or words that mean entirely different things, depending on which side of the pond you’re on. I’ve known for years that a car’s hood is a bonnet in England, and our wrenches are your spanners. And thanks to the Harry Potter books I know all about jumpers (sweaters), skiving off (playing hooky), and that delightful verb, snog, which sounds like more fun than making out.
Some of the differences are just confusing, like talking about that scrappy player on the football team. In the U.S., that’s a compliment; in the U.K., not so much. Asking for a sherbet will get you two different things, and suggesting that something be tabled in a meeting has the opposite result, depending on where you say it.
Then there are the words that can lead to embarrassment. We Americans shouldn’t ask for help with our bangs from a British hair stylist (they’re fringes, if you please) just as you shouldn’t tell your American friends that you’ll knock them up in the morning, or ask if you can borrow a rubber.
But despite the potential for confusion, unintentional humor, and downright embarrassment, I wouldn’t want to see our two “languages” become homogenized. Eliminating the differences would make things as dull as dishwater.
Sorry. Make that ditchwater.
* Roy Jacobsen says that everyone can learn to write clearly and powerfully. He’s a freelance writer, editor, and writing coach, and the dictionary is his toy box. Roy blogs at Writing, Clear and Simple
Wish you had booked something for February half term? No need to panic. Your Travel Planner has researched last minute self-catering breaks in the UK and the good news is that there’s still good availability…good offers too! Here are YTP’s Top 3 Last-Minute Self Catering Holidays for February Half Term:
Georgian House, Holsworthy, North Devon, 7 Bedrooms, Sleeps 14
Grade II listed house, set in 12 acres of gardens and grounds. A massive 50% discount week commencing 12th February. Was £1650, now £825. Call Helpful Holidayson 01647 433593, ref. M274.
Detached Stone Cottage, Lizard, Cornwall, 4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8
Very private cottage about 2 miles from the beach. 40% discount for week commencing 12th February. Was £699, now £419.
Sunday, 14 February 2010 must be an auspicious day. Not only is it Valentine’s Day, but it’s also the start of the Chinese New Year.
For Chinese communities, Chinese New Year is the biggest festival of the year and cities and towns all over the UK are welcoming the Year of the Tiger. Celebrations take place over 15 days, so there’s plenty of opportunity to join in the fun:
BirminghamSunday 14 Feb, 12.30 - 4.30pm, Arcadian Centre, FREE; Acrobatics, traditional dances, kung fu demonstrations and a dragon dance on poles, music, plus further entertainment and market stalls on Hurst Street.
Edinburgh Saturday 13 Feb, from 11am, Scottish Storytelling Centre, FREE; Scotland ♥s China! Drop into the Storytelling Centre for a Scottish-Chinese circus of family stories, music and activities to mark the Chinese Year of the Tiger. Storytellers from all over Scotland join in with a day of fun and friendship with a special theme.
London Sunday, 21 Feb, 12 - 6pm, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Chinatown, FREE; Traditional and contemporary Chinese entertainment in Trafalgar Square including acrobatics, dance, music as well as firecrackers, Chinese dragons and lions. (See pictures from 2009 here). Plus cultural stalls, food and lion dance displaysin Chinatown; Shaftesbury Avenue will become ‘Hong Kong in London Chinatown’ with a stage featuring performances by local Chinese artists. A colourful fireworks display in Leicester Square will close the celebrations.
ManchesterSunday, 14 Feb, 11am - 7pm, Chinatown and Albert Square, FREE; A whole day’s celebrations with dragon and lion Dances, 175ft long dragon parade, kung fu demonstrations, performances from Shaolin monks, folk dance performances, acrobatics, art workshops for children, the money god giving away lucky red-packets and spectacular fireworks.
NottinghamFriday toSunday, 12 - 14 Feb, from 6pm on Friday, City Centre and Lakeside Arts Centre, FREE; Nottingham incorporates Chinese New Year celebrations with Light Night 2010, with illuminated Chinese Zodiac Animals lanterns - one for each of the 12 animals of the Zodiac - bringing alive the stories of the Zodiac animals.
Wishing everyone “Kung Hei Fat Choi”, a very happy and prosperous year of the Tiger.
If you’re taking part in Chinese New Year celebrations, drop us a line or send a picture to share with Your Travel Planner.
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]
Successful applicants will be asked to test different types of activities, transportation and accommodation and document their trip through a short holiday video. The video will be published on the VisitDenmark website.
Grade II listed house, set in 12 acres of gardens and grounds. A massive 50% discount week commencing 12th February. Was £1650, now £825. Call 
Cottage with stunning views of the Mendips. £100 off for week commencing 13th February. Was £420, now £320. Available from Holiday Rentals, property 74299. 
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 
