TRAVEL ARTICLES
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
Gambling on Travel Insurance
You've just landed on a hot foreign shore for a pleasant week away with the family. As you're waiting for your luggage to come around the carousel you nip to the toilet, thinking your partner knows where your hand luggage is, and they are looking out for it. Within it is your passport, plane tickets and £200 worth of foreign currency. When you return, it's gone, and your partner had no idea that it was there in the first place. They thought that you'd taken it with you.
Scenario A: You didn't take out travel insurance
You have a steaming argument with your partner for not looking after the bag, even though you didn't tell them to. 'We don't have any insurance!' You cry. Not only do you and your partner come close to blows, but you won't be refunded for what's been stolen. The holiday gets off to a bad start, and you can hardly enjoy yourself without the £200 worth of foreign cash. Your relationship with your partner gets tenser as the week goes by.
Scenario B: You took out a policy which covers for theft
You have an argument with your partner but it cools when you say that you've taken out adequate cover. It's a minor mishap, and slightly annoying that you won't have the cash immediately and plane tickets are gone, but your here now and your policy provider will sort it all out in the week. The holiday runs almost perfectly in the knowledge that you'll be totally refunded.
Which would you rather have?
Travel insurance might seem like an extra expense when you've forked out hundreds or even thousands of pounds for a holiday, but the holiday could be ruined if you don't have adequate cover if something goes wrong. There's no point gambling on thinking that it won't happen to you, you really should take out cover for peace of mind. Check out Go Travel for some cheap deals for travel insurance.
Scenario A: You didn't take out travel insurance
You have a steaming argument with your partner for not looking after the bag, even though you didn't tell them to. 'We don't have any insurance!' You cry. Not only do you and your partner come close to blows, but you won't be refunded for what's been stolen. The holiday gets off to a bad start, and you can hardly enjoy yourself without the £200 worth of foreign cash. Your relationship with your partner gets tenser as the week goes by.
Scenario B: You took out a policy which covers for theft
You have an argument with your partner but it cools when you say that you've taken out adequate cover. It's a minor mishap, and slightly annoying that you won't have the cash immediately and plane tickets are gone, but your here now and your policy provider will sort it all out in the week. The holiday runs almost perfectly in the knowledge that you'll be totally refunded.
Which would you rather have?
Travel insurance might seem like an extra expense when you've forked out hundreds or even thousands of pounds for a holiday, but the holiday could be ruined if you don't have adequate cover if something goes wrong. There's no point gambling on thinking that it won't happen to you, you really should take out cover for peace of mind. Check out Go Travel for some cheap deals for travel insurance.
Thursday, 20 December 2007
How to Get to the Airport
You've packed your bags and you're ready for the off, apart from you've forgotten that you actually have to get to the airport. No to worry though, there are plenty of ways to get to the UK's airports without too much hassle, but one thing you will need to consider is the cost. You can always drive to the airport and park there, you could get a train or a taxi, or you could even hire a car and drive to the airport, eliminating the need to park. However, which one is best?
How you get to airport should be determined by your travel demands - such as how long you are going away for and how many are in your group, while the distance you need to travel to get to the airport also needs to be taken into account.
If you're off backpacking around the world for a year, then it's nonsense to park at the airport for £50 a week. You'll be best off taking a train, especially to the London airports, which are accessible from the London Underground. You could also consider a taxi or hire car option, but this is almost certainly going to work out as more expensive, and significantly more so if you hold a Young Persons Railcard.
Taxi's often work out as horrendously expensive. A taxi from Leeds to Heathrow can cost around £250, so even getting train tickets for the entire family can work out cheaper. Take a cab if you live locally (within fifteen minutes drive). It'll cost about £15 - £20 for this option, which is usually cheaper than a week of airport parking. You should also consider the local buses.
Parking at the airport is the way that most people do it. It usually works out as by far the most cost effective method if you're traveling with a group or your family. Of course, there's also the cost of petrol to consider if you're driving a long distance, so make sure you bear that in mind. A week of Gatwick Airport parking currently costs around £45, while it's closer to £60 at Heathrow, but significantly cheaper at other airports. You can go for special services like extra security or valet, which are often quite reasonably priced. Just make sure you book in advance. Gate fees are very expensive, and even if you book the day before you could be in for a big saving, while booking well in advance generally brings the price down.
One of the cleverest tactics to drive costs down if you're in a large group but going away for a long time - say a month - is to hire a car and drive it to the airport, so you don't have to park. Hiring a car normally comes in as more expensive than a week long stint at an airport car park, but for the long term it can be a better option. However, also make sure you keep your eyes peeled for long term car parks, which could work out cheaper again. If you're thinking of this option, take a look at car hire as offered by Holiday Autos.
Here are the five golden rules for getting to the airport:
Additionally, if you've missed out your extra bits for your holidays, such as your travel insurance, then we recommend taking a look at the new AA website to get a good quote.
How you get to airport should be determined by your travel demands - such as how long you are going away for and how many are in your group, while the distance you need to travel to get to the airport also needs to be taken into account.
If you're off backpacking around the world for a year, then it's nonsense to park at the airport for £50 a week. You'll be best off taking a train, especially to the London airports, which are accessible from the London Underground. You could also consider a taxi or hire car option, but this is almost certainly going to work out as more expensive, and significantly more so if you hold a Young Persons Railcard.
Taxi's often work out as horrendously expensive. A taxi from Leeds to Heathrow can cost around £250, so even getting train tickets for the entire family can work out cheaper. Take a cab if you live locally (within fifteen minutes drive). It'll cost about £15 - £20 for this option, which is usually cheaper than a week of airport parking. You should also consider the local buses.
Parking at the airport is the way that most people do it. It usually works out as by far the most cost effective method if you're traveling with a group or your family. Of course, there's also the cost of petrol to consider if you're driving a long distance, so make sure you bear that in mind. A week of Gatwick Airport parking currently costs around £45, while it's closer to £60 at Heathrow, but significantly cheaper at other airports. You can go for special services like extra security or valet, which are often quite reasonably priced. Just make sure you book in advance. Gate fees are very expensive, and even if you book the day before you could be in for a big saving, while booking well in advance generally brings the price down.
One of the cleverest tactics to drive costs down if you're in a large group but going away for a long time - say a month - is to hire a car and drive it to the airport, so you don't have to park. Hiring a car normally comes in as more expensive than a week long stint at an airport car park, but for the long term it can be a better option. However, also make sure you keep your eyes peeled for long term car parks, which could work out cheaper again. If you're thinking of this option, take a look at car hire as offered by Holiday Autos.
Here are the five golden rules for getting to the airport:
- Take the train if you're travelling a long distance on your own, or if you'll be away for a long time.
- Hire a car if you're in a family group and going away for a long time.
Get a taxi if you live locally. - Book airport parking if you're in a large group and travelling more than ten miles.
- Of course, the best way is to get a lift - it's free!
Additionally, if you've missed out your extra bits for your holidays, such as your travel insurance, then we recommend taking a look at the new AA website to get a good quote.
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Three Roman Adventures
The remnants of the Roman Empire are scattered across much of western and southern Europe, with small sites being dotted all over the place. However, there are a number of quite remarkable sites spread across the ancient superpower's territory that are still standing today.
Whether it is in Britain, Spain or Algeria, ancient structures continue to live on outside of Italy. Here are three of the top places to visit if you're interested in visiting some ancient sites:
Hadrian's Wall, North England
There are plenty of Roman ruins and buildings scattered around Britain, but Hadrian's Wall is the most famous, and it's described by English Heritage as 'the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.' Built at the orders of the Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD, the seventy four mile long wall had the intention of protected the northern boundaries of the Roman occupation.
Most of the wall still stands today, although at a lower height than the frequent five to six metres tall that it stood in ancient times. The wall has regular forts along its length, and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Particularly prominent ruins are the Vindolanda Praetorium and the Vindolanda bath house. The wall was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Tarragona, Spain
This Catalonian city was the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior, which covers the most of modern Spain. While the city is thought to have been founded by the Phoenicians, the Romans took a particular liking to it, especially the Emperor Augustus, who bestowed many marks of honour on it.
Today two of the top buildings left by the Romans are a magnificent seven hundred metre long aqueduct, which spans a valley about a mile away from the gates. There is also the Tower of the Scipios (La Torre dels Escipions) which is an impressive funeral monument built in the first century AD.
The city is about an hour's drive to the west of Barcelona, so it's ideal for a daytrip if you're visiting that city for the holidays. See Monarch Airlines for some cheap flights to Barcelona.
An especially good time to visit if you're a history fanatic is between 10th and 20th May, which is the date of the Tarraco Viva, one of the world's biggest Roman enactments.
Leptis Magna, Algeria
Located in the city of Al Khums on the coast of Algeria, the ruins of Leptis Magna are some of the most spectacular and unspoilt ruins in the Mediterranean. The city was conquered by Rome in the Third Punic War against Carthage, but didn't come under the full control of the Empire until the reign of Tiberius in 14 AD.
It achieved its greatest prominence, however, when Septimius Serverus became Emperor. As he was born in the city, he took a particular liking to it, and he consequently lavished much of his wealth on making it one of the most important cities in Africa.
Today some of the most spectacular ruins include the market place, the Severan Basilica, a theatre, and what used to be a circus. For some of the most complete ruins outside of Rome this is the place to visit.
If this article has made you eager to see some of ancient Rome's greatest sites, then check out UK Travel Zoo. This website pools the best travel bargains on the web, making it easier for you to book great priced holidays.
Whether it is in Britain, Spain or Algeria, ancient structures continue to live on outside of Italy. Here are three of the top places to visit if you're interested in visiting some ancient sites:
Hadrian's Wall, North England
There are plenty of Roman ruins and buildings scattered around Britain, but Hadrian's Wall is the most famous, and it's described by English Heritage as 'the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.' Built at the orders of the Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD, the seventy four mile long wall had the intention of protected the northern boundaries of the Roman occupation.
Most of the wall still stands today, although at a lower height than the frequent five to six metres tall that it stood in ancient times. The wall has regular forts along its length, and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Particularly prominent ruins are the Vindolanda Praetorium and the Vindolanda bath house. The wall was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Tarragona, Spain
This Catalonian city was the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior, which covers the most of modern Spain. While the city is thought to have been founded by the Phoenicians, the Romans took a particular liking to it, especially the Emperor Augustus, who bestowed many marks of honour on it.
Today two of the top buildings left by the Romans are a magnificent seven hundred metre long aqueduct, which spans a valley about a mile away from the gates. There is also the Tower of the Scipios (La Torre dels Escipions) which is an impressive funeral monument built in the first century AD.
The city is about an hour's drive to the west of Barcelona, so it's ideal for a daytrip if you're visiting that city for the holidays. See Monarch Airlines for some cheap flights to Barcelona.
An especially good time to visit if you're a history fanatic is between 10th and 20th May, which is the date of the Tarraco Viva, one of the world's biggest Roman enactments.
Leptis Magna, Algeria
Located in the city of Al Khums on the coast of Algeria, the ruins of Leptis Magna are some of the most spectacular and unspoilt ruins in the Mediterranean. The city was conquered by Rome in the Third Punic War against Carthage, but didn't come under the full control of the Empire until the reign of Tiberius in 14 AD.
It achieved its greatest prominence, however, when Septimius Serverus became Emperor. As he was born in the city, he took a particular liking to it, and he consequently lavished much of his wealth on making it one of the most important cities in Africa.
Today some of the most spectacular ruins include the market place, the Severan Basilica, a theatre, and what used to be a circus. For some of the most complete ruins outside of Rome this is the place to visit.
If this article has made you eager to see some of ancient Rome's greatest sites, then check out UK Travel Zoo. This website pools the best travel bargains on the web, making it easier for you to book great priced holidays.
Family holidays in Orlando
Orlando, Florida is an ideal family destination at any time of year, with so many resorts to choose from you will be spoilt for choice once you arrive.
Preparation for your holiday is part of the fun, but also means you will make the most of your time in Orlando from the minute your flight touches down. That's why orlandoinfo.com are offering tourists a free planning kit to organise their trip before leaving. This great time saving guide includes a diary of important dates you wont want to miss, the official vacation guide and access to loads of great savings you cant afford to miss.
Once you arrive, Orlando has a wealth of family orientated fun as well as catering for 'big kids'. The world famous Disney and Universal resorts are a few of the biggest attractions in this beautiful place, and with year round offers applying to both, you can make the most of the entertainment while taking advantage of the latest bargain packages.
There are many ways to enjoy your family time either at the resorts in Orlando or outside of these; for example the fantastic Kids Club choices of childcare available. These are run by qualified professional child care providers in safe environments and give you the much needed couple time you may crave while away from the pressures of work. Whether you want to have a night out enjoying dinner and a dance or a day in the pool these reasonably priced clubs are a joy to kids and provide so many activities year round, your child will love to stay no matter how often you visit.
There are so many other reasons to visit Orlando outside of these two resorts including exploring the local history at the Orange County Regional History Centre, where you can learn how a place previously made famous by cattle numbers and gun fighting history becomes infamous for housing Disney and becoming one of the worlds biggest holiday destinations, visit one of the 15 museums or simply take in an evening at one of Orlando's theatres.
The Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, for example, is famous for re-enacting plays for kids and is a great way to get them to engage with some high culture in amongst all the theatrics available in the main resorts. Alternatively visit the CityArts Factory in downtown Orlando to indulge in the latest works from artists, cinema and theatre.
Flights to the USA are available through Cheap Flights starting at £279 from Gatwick to Orlando this winter.
You can also find cheap flights and bargain holidays on Travel Zoo; at the time of writing they were listing 7 nights at a resort near Orlando for just £209.
Preparation for your holiday is part of the fun, but also means you will make the most of your time in Orlando from the minute your flight touches down. That's why orlandoinfo.com are offering tourists a free planning kit to organise their trip before leaving. This great time saving guide includes a diary of important dates you wont want to miss, the official vacation guide and access to loads of great savings you cant afford to miss.
Once you arrive, Orlando has a wealth of family orientated fun as well as catering for 'big kids'. The world famous Disney and Universal resorts are a few of the biggest attractions in this beautiful place, and with year round offers applying to both, you can make the most of the entertainment while taking advantage of the latest bargain packages.
There are many ways to enjoy your family time either at the resorts in Orlando or outside of these; for example the fantastic Kids Club choices of childcare available. These are run by qualified professional child care providers in safe environments and give you the much needed couple time you may crave while away from the pressures of work. Whether you want to have a night out enjoying dinner and a dance or a day in the pool these reasonably priced clubs are a joy to kids and provide so many activities year round, your child will love to stay no matter how often you visit.
There are so many other reasons to visit Orlando outside of these two resorts including exploring the local history at the Orange County Regional History Centre, where you can learn how a place previously made famous by cattle numbers and gun fighting history becomes infamous for housing Disney and becoming one of the worlds biggest holiday destinations, visit one of the 15 museums or simply take in an evening at one of Orlando's theatres.
The Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, for example, is famous for re-enacting plays for kids and is a great way to get them to engage with some high culture in amongst all the theatrics available in the main resorts. Alternatively visit the CityArts Factory in downtown Orlando to indulge in the latest works from artists, cinema and theatre.
Flights to the USA are available through Cheap Flights starting at £279 from Gatwick to Orlando this winter.
You can also find cheap flights and bargain holidays on Travel Zoo; at the time of writing they were listing 7 nights at a resort near Orlando for just £209.
An Introduction to Italian Cuisine
It's no secret that Italy is blessed with one of the world's best cuisines. It's a country full of recipes, and while in Britain we mostly think of eating pasta or pizza when we head to an Italian restaurant, there's so much more to it than that. Risotto, gnocchi, polenta, and a range of sea food dishes are just a small proportion of what Italian cuisine can offer, whilst there are a massive variety of regional specialties. Read this quick introduction to see what Italian food can offer.
Italian Meal Structure
Italian meal times are traditionally a time for a family to all sit together rather than being specifically for immediate sustenance. As a consequence the meal times can last longer than in other cultures, and usually take at least a couple of hours. The meal structure is slightly different from the traditional British view of starter, main, dessert as you can see below.
Antipasto
Literally translating as 'before the food', this course typically consists of savoury appetizers such as cheeses or cold meats like prosciutto or Parma ham, or marinated vegetables like artichokes and aubergines. Bruschetta, toasted bread with olive oil and a choice of toppings, is also popular.
Primo
The first course - usually consisting of a hot carbohydrate based dish such as pasta, risotto, gnocchi, polenta or perhaps a combination in a soup. There are a huge diversity of tastes and flavours based around these dishes and it would take a very long time to sample every region's flavour.
Secondo
This is the main course, usually fish or meat. The most common are veal, pork and chicken, whilst wild game has regional popularity. If you're near the coast then you'll also be able to sample a fish dish.
Contorno
The 'side dish' to the secondo is normally a salad or cooked vegetables.
Formaggio and frutta
Cheese and fruits - this is the first dessert unlike in Britain where it comes after the sweet. Italy has a very large range of famous cheeses, but popular are Gorgonzola, Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan) and Ricotta. Traditional Italian fruits include figs, pomegranate and wine grapes.
Dolce
This is the sweet dessert course, featuring cakes or cookies. The king of Italian desserts is often said to be Tiramisu, a coffee flavoured dessert using mascarpone cheese. Other famous Italian desserts are Torta Russa cake, and Cannoli.
Caffe
Coffee/espresso served after the meal for a pick up. Having invented the espresso, the Italians certainly love their coffee, and there are plenty of variations.
Digestivo
'Digestives' are our equivalent to port enjoyed after the traditional British meal. Grappa, amara and limoncello are the most popular of these, which are often referred to as ammazzacaffe, or 'coffee killer' in English as it is used to dull the taste of coffee.
You might be wondering where pizza features on this list as it is so popular, but within Italy itself it is a Neapolitan regional dish - it is far more popular within the United States. Wine is also a huge feature of Italian cuisine, and is drunk in moderation across the lengthy mealtimes. Italy is the largest producer, exporter and consumer of wine in the world.
If this article has whetted your appetite for a real foodie trip to Italy, where you can sample this amazing cuisine in its unabated form, then have a look at UK Travel Zoo for cheap flights and holidays to the country. This website is excellent for finding you the best holiday bargains on the internet quickly and cheaply. Also have a look at Cheapflights.co.uk for flights to Italy.
Italian Meal Structure
Italian meal times are traditionally a time for a family to all sit together rather than being specifically for immediate sustenance. As a consequence the meal times can last longer than in other cultures, and usually take at least a couple of hours. The meal structure is slightly different from the traditional British view of starter, main, dessert as you can see below.
Antipasto
Literally translating as 'before the food', this course typically consists of savoury appetizers such as cheeses or cold meats like prosciutto or Parma ham, or marinated vegetables like artichokes and aubergines. Bruschetta, toasted bread with olive oil and a choice of toppings, is also popular.
Primo
The first course - usually consisting of a hot carbohydrate based dish such as pasta, risotto, gnocchi, polenta or perhaps a combination in a soup. There are a huge diversity of tastes and flavours based around these dishes and it would take a very long time to sample every region's flavour.
Secondo
This is the main course, usually fish or meat. The most common are veal, pork and chicken, whilst wild game has regional popularity. If you're near the coast then you'll also be able to sample a fish dish.
Contorno
The 'side dish' to the secondo is normally a salad or cooked vegetables.
Formaggio and frutta
Cheese and fruits - this is the first dessert unlike in Britain where it comes after the sweet. Italy has a very large range of famous cheeses, but popular are Gorgonzola, Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan) and Ricotta. Traditional Italian fruits include figs, pomegranate and wine grapes.
Dolce
This is the sweet dessert course, featuring cakes or cookies. The king of Italian desserts is often said to be Tiramisu, a coffee flavoured dessert using mascarpone cheese. Other famous Italian desserts are Torta Russa cake, and Cannoli.
Caffe
Coffee/espresso served after the meal for a pick up. Having invented the espresso, the Italians certainly love their coffee, and there are plenty of variations.
Digestivo
'Digestives' are our equivalent to port enjoyed after the traditional British meal. Grappa, amara and limoncello are the most popular of these, which are often referred to as ammazzacaffe, or 'coffee killer' in English as it is used to dull the taste of coffee.
You might be wondering where pizza features on this list as it is so popular, but within Italy itself it is a Neapolitan regional dish - it is far more popular within the United States. Wine is also a huge feature of Italian cuisine, and is drunk in moderation across the lengthy mealtimes. Italy is the largest producer, exporter and consumer of wine in the world.
If this article has whetted your appetite for a real foodie trip to Italy, where you can sample this amazing cuisine in its unabated form, then have a look at UK Travel Zoo for cheap flights and holidays to the country. This website is excellent for finding you the best holiday bargains on the internet quickly and cheaply. Also have a look at Cheapflights.co.uk for flights to Italy.
Three 18-30 Holiday Hotspots
If you're leaving school or University this year and want one last throw of the dice with your best friends then a summer holiday to the Mediterranean may well be on the cards. Holidays filled with sun, sand, and cold beers are extremely popular with most 18-30 year olds and there are plenty of resorts throughout the Mediterranean that are invaded by British holidaymakers looking for a good time. In many cases, the invasion is strictly British, but there are other places that have a more cosmopolitan atmosphere. Here's a list of three popular destinations that are perfect for people aged 18-30.
Newquay, Devon
The British option is almost always the cheapest, although unfortunately the weather can't always be guaranteed. Particularly popular with school leavers and students, you won't have to break the bank for accommodation or flights, and there's quite a young vibe about the place.
Staying at a campsite is a favourite way to cut costs, while you can spend a lazy day at one of the many beaches, or, if you're feeling a bit more active, rent a surfboard and head for the swells.
Peak season is in late July through August, and you might find it strangely quiet at other times, especially if the weather is poor. Top clubs to look out for are Berties, Tall Trees, and Sailors, with regular sets from international DJs.
Kavos, Corfu
Beware: if you're looking for a holiday with any class at all, then this is not it. Kavos is a fairly dinghy looking resort on the southern tip of Corfu; the main strip resembles a kind of post modern western town with its neon lights and ranks of bars.
Despite this, Kavos is certainly a lot of fun. There's enough to keep you entertained for a week with plenty of bars and clubs, and bus loads of new holiday makers arriving every couple of nights during August.
Lads will probably find themselves gobsmacked at the lack of clothing the ladies care to wear, while there are beach parties that carry on into the morning. Go here if you don't mind disgracing yourself (preferably without being a total hooligan) and you are happy with your holiday seeming like a long, hot blur. Top clubs are Futures and Atlantis, but most of the smaller bars get packed out and flood out onto the street so it can often feel like a street party!
Ibiza, Mediterranean
Nowhere in the Mediterranean comes close to Ibiza when it comes to clubbing. This island is the undisputed house music capital of the world with a massive assortment of bars and clubs, including some super clubs.
If you're not a particular fan of house music, either you will be by the end of a stay here, or you can go to plenty of other bars and not necessarily have to listen to a constant beat. While you're nursing your hangover during the day there are a number of picturesque beaches with very clear water; while taking a scuba dive excursion is particularly recommended alternative day time activity.
Just be warned that Ibiza can get very expensive – sometimes entry for the superclubs is particularly high, with drinks costing 10 Euros minimum, and nights out can run into hundreds of Euros if you're not careful. The atmosphere is quite cosmopolitan, with people travelling here from all over the world.
Meanwhile, there is a massive range of clubs in Ibiza across a number of resorts. The most famous are Amnesia, Eden, Es Paradis, Pacha, Privilege, Space and DC10. See Monarch Airlines for cheap flights to Ibiza.
For more travel information and some of the best deals for holidays on the web, check out UK Travel Zoo, a great source for finding all of the latest bargains that the internet might throw up.
Newquay, Devon
The British option is almost always the cheapest, although unfortunately the weather can't always be guaranteed. Particularly popular with school leavers and students, you won't have to break the bank for accommodation or flights, and there's quite a young vibe about the place.
Staying at a campsite is a favourite way to cut costs, while you can spend a lazy day at one of the many beaches, or, if you're feeling a bit more active, rent a surfboard and head for the swells.
Peak season is in late July through August, and you might find it strangely quiet at other times, especially if the weather is poor. Top clubs to look out for are Berties, Tall Trees, and Sailors, with regular sets from international DJs.
Kavos, Corfu
Beware: if you're looking for a holiday with any class at all, then this is not it. Kavos is a fairly dinghy looking resort on the southern tip of Corfu; the main strip resembles a kind of post modern western town with its neon lights and ranks of bars.
Despite this, Kavos is certainly a lot of fun. There's enough to keep you entertained for a week with plenty of bars and clubs, and bus loads of new holiday makers arriving every couple of nights during August.
Lads will probably find themselves gobsmacked at the lack of clothing the ladies care to wear, while there are beach parties that carry on into the morning. Go here if you don't mind disgracing yourself (preferably without being a total hooligan) and you are happy with your holiday seeming like a long, hot blur. Top clubs are Futures and Atlantis, but most of the smaller bars get packed out and flood out onto the street so it can often feel like a street party!
Ibiza, Mediterranean
Nowhere in the Mediterranean comes close to Ibiza when it comes to clubbing. This island is the undisputed house music capital of the world with a massive assortment of bars and clubs, including some super clubs.
If you're not a particular fan of house music, either you will be by the end of a stay here, or you can go to plenty of other bars and not necessarily have to listen to a constant beat. While you're nursing your hangover during the day there are a number of picturesque beaches with very clear water; while taking a scuba dive excursion is particularly recommended alternative day time activity.
Just be warned that Ibiza can get very expensive – sometimes entry for the superclubs is particularly high, with drinks costing 10 Euros minimum, and nights out can run into hundreds of Euros if you're not careful. The atmosphere is quite cosmopolitan, with people travelling here from all over the world.
Meanwhile, there is a massive range of clubs in Ibiza across a number of resorts. The most famous are Amnesia, Eden, Es Paradis, Pacha, Privilege, Space and DC10. See Monarch Airlines for cheap flights to Ibiza.
For more travel information and some of the best deals for holidays on the web, check out UK Travel Zoo, a great source for finding all of the latest bargains that the internet might throw up.
Top 4 island getaways
Bali
Bali is the quintessential island paradise. In fact there can be few islands more routinely referred to in such terms and it won't take visitors long to work out why - beautiful beaches, all the surfing and diving opportunities you could possibly hope for, friendly locals and a relatively unspoiled Balinese culture that adds to the picturesque and at times almost spiritual atmosphere of this stunning island.
Galapagos Islands
Famous, of course, as the island that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution, the Galapagos Archipelago maintains an almost magical aura of primordial intrigue, this may not be an island paradise in the conventional, cliched sense but a visit to the Galapagos Islands will almost certainly stay with you.
The natural wonder and utterly unique personality of these hugely significant islands off the coast of Ecuador extends a strange sort of magnetism and a visit to what remains a treasured and thoroughly protected natural environment guarantees a truly memorable experience.
Necker
You may already know Necker as Richard Branson's famously exclusive island retreat in the British Virgin Islands and there's no doubt that if you've got a few quid to spare (apparently about $46,000/day to rent the island) and a craving for idyllic beaches and palatial accommodation Necker ticks all the boxes. Inevitably Necker is likely to remain the exclusive preserve of the rich and famous but we can all dream.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Another rather exclusive haven for wealthy holidaymakers this group of islands in the Caribbean is a tropical paradise complete with perfect clear blue waters, expanses of dazzling white sandy beach and a comprehensive array of activities to keep you entertained. The islands may have been developed to cater for the luxurious demands of discerning holidaymakers but largely remain relatively unscathed by tourism; the natural splendor of lush mountainous landscapes and tranquil beaches make these islands, known with some justification as the "Land of the Blessed", a perfect tropical getaway.
You can find bargain deals on holidays and cheap flights on Travel Zoo. We found a 14 day holiday at the five star Aston Bali resort and Spa in Bali for just £859 between April 21st and June 30th next year.
Cheap Flights offer flights to St Vincent from Heathrow starting at £657.
For more info on planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands visit www.galapagosislands.com
Bali is the quintessential island paradise. In fact there can be few islands more routinely referred to in such terms and it won't take visitors long to work out why - beautiful beaches, all the surfing and diving opportunities you could possibly hope for, friendly locals and a relatively unspoiled Balinese culture that adds to the picturesque and at times almost spiritual atmosphere of this stunning island.
Galapagos Islands
Famous, of course, as the island that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution, the Galapagos Archipelago maintains an almost magical aura of primordial intrigue, this may not be an island paradise in the conventional, cliched sense but a visit to the Galapagos Islands will almost certainly stay with you.
The natural wonder and utterly unique personality of these hugely significant islands off the coast of Ecuador extends a strange sort of magnetism and a visit to what remains a treasured and thoroughly protected natural environment guarantees a truly memorable experience.
Necker
You may already know Necker as Richard Branson's famously exclusive island retreat in the British Virgin Islands and there's no doubt that if you've got a few quid to spare (apparently about $46,000/day to rent the island) and a craving for idyllic beaches and palatial accommodation Necker ticks all the boxes. Inevitably Necker is likely to remain the exclusive preserve of the rich and famous but we can all dream.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Another rather exclusive haven for wealthy holidaymakers this group of islands in the Caribbean is a tropical paradise complete with perfect clear blue waters, expanses of dazzling white sandy beach and a comprehensive array of activities to keep you entertained. The islands may have been developed to cater for the luxurious demands of discerning holidaymakers but largely remain relatively unscathed by tourism; the natural splendor of lush mountainous landscapes and tranquil beaches make these islands, known with some justification as the "Land of the Blessed", a perfect tropical getaway.
You can find bargain deals on holidays and cheap flights on Travel Zoo. We found a 14 day holiday at the five star Aston Bali resort and Spa in Bali for just £859 between April 21st and June 30th next year.
Cheap Flights offer flights to St Vincent from Heathrow starting at £657.
For more info on planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands visit www.galapagosislands.com
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Christmases Away
Tired of the long cold nights over the festive period? A lot of Britons are packing their bags in preparation of a holiday away this Christmas, with the USA and Spain likely to be the most popular places to go in 2007.
Winter break options are often restricted to sunny destinations or skiing holidays in Europe. However, a few make the longer journey across the pond to the USA, and those that go this year will be able to make use of the record exchange rate. At $2 to every £1, you'll be sure to get your money's worth ahead of previous years, so it's almost the perfect time to go for a shopping trip.
This year has seen a fall off in visitors to the country from Britain to below figures from the year 2000. Despite this, New York is one destination that the dip hasn't affected, and it remains very popular with Britons, especially during this time of year. With its bustling streets and plenty of huge shops it's a great place for a break, and the flight is not unbearable at 6-7 hours. You can also expect some snowfall at this time of year. For cheap flights to New York, take a look at Cheap Flights.co.uk.
The most popular destination for British people in the winter months continues to be Spain, particularly the Canary Islands. The country maintains its warm climate throughout the winter months, and in the Canaries you can expect average temperatures of around 19 degrees Celsius. A lot of Britons have very regular holidays to Spain, and the Association of British Travel Agents has noted that the reason many people return year on year is because they own a property in the country. James Villas is a great place to start looking for Spain Villas whilst Monarch Airlines runs charter flights to a great variety of popular Spanish resorts and cities, from cheap flights to Tenerife, to cheap flights to Barcelona.
Winter break options are often restricted to sunny destinations or skiing holidays in Europe. However, a few make the longer journey across the pond to the USA, and those that go this year will be able to make use of the record exchange rate. At $2 to every £1, you'll be sure to get your money's worth ahead of previous years, so it's almost the perfect time to go for a shopping trip.
This year has seen a fall off in visitors to the country from Britain to below figures from the year 2000. Despite this, New York is one destination that the dip hasn't affected, and it remains very popular with Britons, especially during this time of year. With its bustling streets and plenty of huge shops it's a great place for a break, and the flight is not unbearable at 6-7 hours. You can also expect some snowfall at this time of year. For cheap flights to New York, take a look at Cheap Flights.co.uk.
The most popular destination for British people in the winter months continues to be Spain, particularly the Canary Islands. The country maintains its warm climate throughout the winter months, and in the Canaries you can expect average temperatures of around 19 degrees Celsius. A lot of Britons have very regular holidays to Spain, and the Association of British Travel Agents has noted that the reason many people return year on year is because they own a property in the country. James Villas is a great place to start looking for Spain Villas whilst Monarch Airlines runs charter flights to a great variety of popular Spanish resorts and cities, from cheap flights to Tenerife, to cheap flights to Barcelona.
Monday, 19 November 2007
Winter Sun Destinations
As days get shorter and the sun becomes increasingly elusive it's hard to resist fantasizing about being somewhere a bit warmer, preferably with a beach. In fact it's always struck me that a holiday in the sun makes far more sense in the cold winter months than during the summer when, with a bit of luck, us Brits aren't completely deprived of a bit of sunshine.
The other big advantage of 'winter sun' holidays is that even in destinations with all year round hot weather, you'll generally find tourism drops off considerably in the winter meaning your far less likely to have to fight for beach space.
Here are a few recommendations for sun seeking Brits:
Cancun, Mexico
Mexico's world renowned beach resort is perhaps best experienced off season when the hordes have moved on, of course it will still be busy, it always is. Indeed, four million tourists descend on this sun kissed Yucatan resort city every year.
Despite the crowds however Cancun has much to recommend it - it's blessed with year round sun, endless stretches of white sandy beaches and glorious translucent turquoise waters. Not to mention its reputation as the playground of Mexico; the resort boasts a particularly lively nightlife and has become something of a spring-break mecca for students intent on alcohol fueled partying.
Cheap flights to Cancun from Gatwick in late November can be found on Cheap Flights for £334.
Cyprus
Cyprus enjoys some of the Mediterranean's best weather and remains pleasantly warm well into late November. Winter visitors shouldn't expect blazing heat but will undoubtedly find that the island's climate is a world away from the bracing British winter.
One of the islands unique selling points as a winter destination is that it combines still sunny beaches with the possibility of skiing in the Troodos Mountains, so you could quite feasibly spend the morning on the slopes and the afternoon sunning yourself on the beach.
Great deals on Holidays in Cyprus are available on Travelzoo.
Malaga, Spain
If you don't fancy too long a journey then the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca are probably your best winter sun bets in the Med. Because both these coastal stretches face south or south-east they are protected from cold winds and maintain pretty respectable temperatures throughout winter.
With average day-time temperatures in the mid 60's and 6 hours of sun in the height of winter Malaga is the most consistently hot destination in Spain and its less than three hours away...
For Spain holidays visit James Villas and choose from a great selection of Spain Villas. Cheap Flights to Malaga can also be found on cheapflights.co.uk for not much more than £60, flying from Gatwick in mid December.
The other big advantage of 'winter sun' holidays is that even in destinations with all year round hot weather, you'll generally find tourism drops off considerably in the winter meaning your far less likely to have to fight for beach space.
Here are a few recommendations for sun seeking Brits:
Cancun, Mexico
Mexico's world renowned beach resort is perhaps best experienced off season when the hordes have moved on, of course it will still be busy, it always is. Indeed, four million tourists descend on this sun kissed Yucatan resort city every year.
Despite the crowds however Cancun has much to recommend it - it's blessed with year round sun, endless stretches of white sandy beaches and glorious translucent turquoise waters. Not to mention its reputation as the playground of Mexico; the resort boasts a particularly lively nightlife and has become something of a spring-break mecca for students intent on alcohol fueled partying.
Cheap flights to Cancun from Gatwick in late November can be found on Cheap Flights for £334.
Cyprus
Cyprus enjoys some of the Mediterranean's best weather and remains pleasantly warm well into late November. Winter visitors shouldn't expect blazing heat but will undoubtedly find that the island's climate is a world away from the bracing British winter.
One of the islands unique selling points as a winter destination is that it combines still sunny beaches with the possibility of skiing in the Troodos Mountains, so you could quite feasibly spend the morning on the slopes and the afternoon sunning yourself on the beach.
Great deals on Holidays in Cyprus are available on Travelzoo.
Malaga, Spain
If you don't fancy too long a journey then the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca are probably your best winter sun bets in the Med. Because both these coastal stretches face south or south-east they are protected from cold winds and maintain pretty respectable temperatures throughout winter.
With average day-time temperatures in the mid 60's and 6 hours of sun in the height of winter Malaga is the most consistently hot destination in Spain and its less than three hours away...
For Spain holidays visit James Villas and choose from a great selection of Spain Villas. Cheap Flights to Malaga can also be found on cheapflights.co.uk for not much more than £60, flying from Gatwick in mid December.
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Quick Guide to Banff, Canada
If you've ever considered taking a holiday to Canada, then the expansive Banff National Park comes as a highly recommended destination. Located in the Canadian Rockies, and sandwiched between the states of Alberta and British Columbia, it was first established in 1885 as the first National Park in Canada, covering some 2,564 square miles of territory.
A visit to Banff is a must do for keen enthusiasts of both skiing and hiking - there's some of the world's top ski resorts located on the mountain slopes, and it's a haven for campers and hikers with stunning sights and picturesque trails.
Banff is a popular tourist destination all year round with around 4,000,000 visitors every year. Whilst skiing is especially popular during the winter, the average temperature can drop as low as -15 c during this time. The peak season is during July and August, whilst June and September also come as highly recommended periods to go because of the milder weather combined with fewer tourist numbers.
Winter tourism really began in Banff in 1917, with the first Banff Winter Festival. The ski resorts began to sprout up a few decades later with Sunshine Village developing during the 1930s. Today, this remains a popular resort, with some 3,358 acres of skiable terrain and a top elevation of 2,730 feet. The nearby resort of Lake Louise is also an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders; this is the largest resort in the area, with 4,200 acres of skiable terrain.
With almost 2,500 campsites, it's not hard to see why Banff is such a popular destination all year round. While some of the slopes will thaw out during the milder months of summer, it's often a perfect place for hiking and camping. There's over 1,000 miles of trails to walk, through some quite incredible landscapes. Stunning mountains provide backdrops for scenes such as vast lakes and huge pine forests that stretch as far as the eye can see.
There's also a whole range of adventurous activities to enjoy, from rafting in the summer to ice trekking along the same frozen river during the winter. Additionally Banff can boast some world class golf facilities during the summer months. Particularly of note is the picturesque setting of Fairmont Banff Springs.
The park is particularly famous for its wildlife. The forests are populated by significant populations of Grizzly and Black Bears, although you'd be very lucky (or unlucky, however you might see it!) to actually see one. There are also Cougars, Lynxes, Wolverines, Weasel and wolves as primary predators, while Elks and White-tailed Deer are common in the valleys. Beaver, porcupine, squirrel, and chipmunks are the more frequently observed smaller mammals.
If this article has got you interested in Banff, then you should head to the Banff website to take a closer look. There are a number of flights to Canada available with Cheapflights.co.uk, which are bookable up to a year in advance. Travelzoo is also well worth a look for bargain travel packages to Canada. It is recommended that you choose Calgary as the airport if you hope to travel to Banff, but both sites offer extensive lists of destinations in Canada.
A visit to Banff is a must do for keen enthusiasts of both skiing and hiking - there's some of the world's top ski resorts located on the mountain slopes, and it's a haven for campers and hikers with stunning sights and picturesque trails.
Banff is a popular tourist destination all year round with around 4,000,000 visitors every year. Whilst skiing is especially popular during the winter, the average temperature can drop as low as -15 c during this time. The peak season is during July and August, whilst June and September also come as highly recommended periods to go because of the milder weather combined with fewer tourist numbers.
Winter tourism really began in Banff in 1917, with the first Banff Winter Festival. The ski resorts began to sprout up a few decades later with Sunshine Village developing during the 1930s. Today, this remains a popular resort, with some 3,358 acres of skiable terrain and a top elevation of 2,730 feet. The nearby resort of Lake Louise is also an excellent choice for skiers and snowboarders; this is the largest resort in the area, with 4,200 acres of skiable terrain.
With almost 2,500 campsites, it's not hard to see why Banff is such a popular destination all year round. While some of the slopes will thaw out during the milder months of summer, it's often a perfect place for hiking and camping. There's over 1,000 miles of trails to walk, through some quite incredible landscapes. Stunning mountains provide backdrops for scenes such as vast lakes and huge pine forests that stretch as far as the eye can see.
There's also a whole range of adventurous activities to enjoy, from rafting in the summer to ice trekking along the same frozen river during the winter. Additionally Banff can boast some world class golf facilities during the summer months. Particularly of note is the picturesque setting of Fairmont Banff Springs.
The park is particularly famous for its wildlife. The forests are populated by significant populations of Grizzly and Black Bears, although you'd be very lucky (or unlucky, however you might see it!) to actually see one. There are also Cougars, Lynxes, Wolverines, Weasel and wolves as primary predators, while Elks and White-tailed Deer are common in the valleys. Beaver, porcupine, squirrel, and chipmunks are the more frequently observed smaller mammals.
If this article has got you interested in Banff, then you should head to the Banff website to take a closer look. There are a number of flights to Canada available with Cheapflights.co.uk, which are bookable up to a year in advance. Travelzoo is also well worth a look for bargain travel packages to Canada. It is recommended that you choose Calgary as the airport if you hope to travel to Banff, but both sites offer extensive lists of destinations in Canada.
