Leisure Travel e-Newsletter - March 2008

Every quarter we draw a winning name. The odds are miles better than winning the lottery (and cost you nothing!), so anyone who has not already done so, now is the time to subscribed to our free e-Newsletter, and be in with a chance of winning the subscribers' prize draw for the 1st quarter 2008!

The voucher certificate will have a value of £100, redeemable against any form of holiday booking (combination of travel and accommodation) made through us to the value of £500 or more, and will be valid for a period of 18 months from the date of issue. It will be transferable, providing the winner advises Medway Travel of the name of the eventual recipient.

From a City break to a Cruise, from an all-inclusive package to a tailored holiday, the choice is yours. Just take a look at the Leisure section of our website to see the massive range of outstanding holidays on offer. Our team of consultants is highly qualified to research and advise on all aspects of your trip.

The chances of your being the lucky winner in the next 12 months are better than 1 in 500, so the very best of luck!

Ryanair will fly 20 routes from Birmingham Airport from April using two Boeing 737-800 aircraft. It is starting flights to five destinations in France, five in Italy, three in Poland, two in Spain, and one each in Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, and Sweden.

The airline said this will be followed by a further eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Some of the newly announced routes, start dates, frequency per week, and lead-in return fares, including taxes, are as follows:

Billund         17 June,       three times,     £24
Bologna       20 June,       twice               £24
Bratislava      1 July,         three times      £24
Dinard         17 June,       three times      £24
Oslo            17 June,       three times      £24
Perpignan      2 July,        twice                £24
Pisa              4 April,        three times      £24
Poitiers        17 June,       three times      £24
Porto           20 June,       twice                £24
Stockholm      2 July,        four times        £24
Trieste         18 June,       twice                £24
 
 
In addition, the airline has already unveiled new flights to Barcelona starting on April 1, with fares from £24.

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said: "The people of Birmingham have been woefully underserved and overcharged by British Airways and FlyBe's high fares for years. Ryanair's new base will smash this high fare stranglehold by delivering savings of £130m next year for Birmingham's passengers/visitors.”

The plan  will more than double these benefits as a result of Ryanair's $700m investment in Birmingham, bringing with it a significant increase in European visitors and jobs for the West Midlands.

 

Canada’s unique Luxury Adventure Eco Spa & Resort

On May 28th, 2008 the world’s first 99% organically sustainable high end luxury Adventure Eco Spa & Resort in the mountains of the Yukon Territory of Canada, will open its door to the public. There will have the generous musical support of over 15 Grammy winners at the luxury Adventure Eco Spa & Resort throughout the season. The opening festivities will include a North American native dance ceremony and blessing of the grounds. It will also include well known artists and performers from around the globe.

There is no "Green washing" here. This is the real green deal - with a classy touch of sophisticated luxury.
To be environmentally friendly is beneficial in so many ways, and this resort has chosen to “be the best and inspire the rest”!

The goal is to prove it is very possible to operate a luxury Eco Spa & Resort which has almost no negative environmental impact. All guests who decide to spend a few days here are promised it will have a positive "net" effect on the environment while experiencing the utmost in sophistication and luxury. These guests will go home with a newly found appreciation of the planet.

The owners hope their visit will then inspire them to keep contributing to the well being of all, instead of shutting their eyes to this vital issue. They strongly believe there is a story to be told here, a story that will benefit many people who are contemplating becoming entrepreneurs, but may be concerned about their impact on the environment.

More importantly there is a story to be told about the possibility of indulging in luxury whilst on your holiday and at the same time contributing positively to the world we will be leaving behind for our children.

Escape To Tahiti's Hidden Islands

Tahiti is famous for its crystal blue waters, romantic sunsets over magical lagoons, and signature overwater bungalow's.

Now, Air Tahiti Nui has joined Elegant Resorts to offer a range of all-inclusive honeymoon packages, which offer the very best of French Polynesia. Couples can escape to the Tikehau Resort on the private and secluded Pink Sand Island, so named because of the colour of its remote beaches.

Staying the first and last nights at Radisson Plaza Resort Tahiti, couples will also spend five nights in a Tahitian overwater bungalow at the Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort, with breakfast and dinner included daily.

Pink Sand Island has the highest concentration of fish in the Tuamotu atolls including turtles, sharks and dolphins, making scuba diving and cruising a popular activity – or couples can experience the underwater life, through the glass bottomed table in their private bungalow.

This package is priced per person, twin share and is available for travel until 31 March and then again between 1 April and 31 May. Surcharge may apply for travel outside of these dates.

Air Tahiti Nui has been named the "Best Pacific Airline' for the past five years the Skytrax Awards for airline excellence. Air Tahiti Nui offers four weekly flights from Sydney to Papeete – two nonstop and two via Auckland.

Why not ask our consultants to create a holiday of a lifetime for you, and include this rare experience in your itinerary?

Wildlife and Yoga in Northern India

If you are seeking a wildlife-packed holiday which also leaves you feeling healthier, happier and more relaxed these groundbreaking wildlife and yoga holidays could be the vacation you have been waiting for.

Wildlife and yoga holidays will usually include one yoga class each day, generally taken in the afternoon, and carefully tailored to the level of experience of the participants. In addition, informal talks on yoga lifestyle may be given, according to the interests of the group. Generally mornings and some late afternoons will be spent watching wildlife, just as on a normal tour. Experienced yoga practitioners are welcome but absolutely no prior experience of yoga is necessary. All you need are reasonably good health, a yoga mat and a willingness to have fun and take healthy exercise in inspiring natural surroundings. While we believe yoga can help people with serious medical problems or injuries, we regret that these holidays are not appropriate for them because of the group nature of all activities.

As an example, a yoga holiday will take place in historic north India which is both the home of yoga and replete with breathtaking wildlife. After admiring the amazing Mogul architecture of Agra and the Taj Mahal you will visit the Chambal River in Uttar Pradesh, where highlights may include the endangered Gangetic Dolphin and Indian Skimmer, before catching an overnight train to Ramnagar, the rail-head for Corbett National Park. During your time in this most picturesque National Park you will have a very good chance of seeing Tiger and Indian Elephant plus a fine supporting cast of mammals and birds.

Your final destination will be even closer to the foothills of the mighty Himalaya, spending a few days in the old hill-resort of Nainital where the snowy peaks of the Western Himalayas, shimmering in the distance, are a major influence on the avifauna of the region. The holiday concludes back in Delhi but participants may choose to extend their visit in a variety of ways such as visiting one of the well-known Tiger Reserves or pursuing their yoga practices at an Indian ashram.

If you are interested in such wildlife and yoga holidays, or would like more information on their suitability for you, please contact our leisure consultants.

Mauritius focus for Club Med

Two properties on Mauritius form part of the focus for Club Med in its summer 2008 programme.

The recently opened La Plantation d'Albion, described as a flagship resort with an oceanfront spa, joins the newly refurbished La Pointe aux Canonniers, which reopened on January 1 as a luxury family resort.

They join a number of properties which have been upgraded and refurbished, including the soon to open Gregolimano on the Greek Island of Evia, which becomes a family resort featuring new rooms and deluxe suites, and the Marrakech Le Riad which will also become a boutique resort.

The developments are part of a worldwide renovation programme which is being carried out across the global portfolio of properties, as part of a repositioning to create a more "aspirational experience" termed Friendly Luxury by the operator.

Other newly developed resorts include Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, which has also been upgraded. New facilities include Baby Club Med, a programme of activities for babies aged from four – 23 months.

Club Med is offering free child places for two-three year olds this summer with transport included for babies aged up to 23 months.

Club Med UK head of marketing Sarah Mason said: "Our Summer 2008 Collection showcases the great wealth of offerings for families and couples throughout our 64 resorts worldwide. We are responding to the needs and aspirations of the most discerning UK traveller by offering even more style and luxury."

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Please contact our leisure consultants for more details of these very special holiday opportunities, or indeed any other ideas you may have. They will enjoy discussing your ideas and creating that unforgettable experience for you.

 

Cruising for Chocloholics

MSC Cruises has teamed up with Nestle to run a Chocolate Cruise

The trip on board MSC Orchestra has been organised to commemorate 100 years of Italian chocolate and features themed events and activities including a chocolate massage, a themed chocolate dinner and a chocolate-tasting workshop.

Passengers can also take part in a workshop with a master chocolatier from the School of Perugina Chocolate.

The eight-day fly-cruise departs from Genoa on March 30 calling at Tunis, Palma, Barcelona and Marseille 

Prices start at £569 cruise-only and £768 with flights.

NCL launches upgrade promotion

NCL has launched a promotion which automatically upgrades guests to the highest grade stateroom available within the category that they book.

Called ‘Move on Up’, it enables customers booking ocean view balcony staterooms to luxurious mini-suites from just £10 per person.

The promotion applies to all 2008 Europe, Alaska, Caribbean and Hawaii departures from May 2008, on cruises of five nights or more.

We hope that such offers, which are a great incentive, will help those who are new to cruise holidays, to try out facilities they may not otherwise have experienced, as well as encouraging experienced clients to consider one of these cruises.

The offer will last until April 30, so please contact one of our cruise experts – Astra or Stephen - in time to make a careful selection.

Swan Hellenic to reintroduce river cruising

Swan Hellenic's 2009 spring and summer/autumn river cruise programme will feature 10-night itineraries on the Danube and seven-night itineraries on the Rhone.

A unique 13-night Christmas cruise for 2009/10 cruise will also be available on the Danube, which will further extend the river programme.

River boats will have a maximum of 100 cabins, most with Juliette (French) balconies, and will accommodate 200 passengers.

The Danube cruises embark and disembark in Vienna visiting cities such as Budapest, Melk, Linz and Passau with two nights in Vienna.

Cruises along the Rhône and Saône embark and disembark in Lyon to discover historic cities such as Mâcon and Chalon-sur-Saône with overnights in Avignon and Arles.

Prices start from £1,499 on the Rhone and £2,199 on the Danube with early booking discounts available.

Please contact our cruise specialists for further details of these river cruises or for advice on the best cruises and associated arrangements for you, from the thousands available.

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For details of these and other cruise holidays, or even if you are just wondering about a cruise holiday and don't know where to begin, please do contact Astra or Stephen - our cruise specialists - they will be pleased to advise you. Why not also take a look at the cruise section on our website?

More than three quarters of parents of young children and babies surveyed (77%) said they suffered stress before flying. The research carried out among 1,000 people who had flown at least once in the last year also found that half of UK airport users are anxious about air travel – saying they feel rushed, stressed and worried.

The danger of missing a flight or arriving late is the top anxiety for 37% of air travellers, with the figure rising to 44% for 55 to 64 year olds. 

The research also suggests that the UK is a nation with obsessive compulsive tendencies – four out of ten holiday makers admit to checking their travel documents up to four times before going away and 27% of women will check them five times or more.  In Central England this figure goes as high as a third.

The Scots and Welsh are the most relaxed travellers with almost 60% saying they feel calm, relaxed and happy before a flight. (perhaps because their airports are less crowded? - editor) 

Overseas holidays may be fun, but clearly getting there is a nightmare for most of us.  However, there's plenty that even the most anxious of travellers can do to get their holiday off to a relaxing start.

For example:

Most people still travel to the airport by car, so to cut stress levels we advise travellers to book their parking in advance. This ensures that there is a parking space waiting for them and saves both time and money. Meet and Greet parking is far more convenient, saves time and most importantly for many people, saves lugging heavy luggage from car to bus to trolley.  

For families with an early start, a night in an airport hotel can make all the difference and often comes with great value parking too.

For those who dread delays and hanging about endlessly in busy and noisy   airport lounges, the small extra cost of using executive lounges to provide a calm refuge and an escape from the crowds, can be well worth while.

So let us advise you on how to make the least stressful arrangements for you holiday, allowing you to enjoy your holiday from the moment you leave home.

 

British people typically spend almost twice as long planning their annual holiday than they do considering major investments, according to recent research.

The research, which polled over 2,000 UK adults, found 36% of people spend at least 10 hours selecting their ideal holiday, but only 21% would put the same time into choosing a mortgage, whilst just 11% would show the same level of commitment when selecting a bank loan.

One cannot perhaps blame people for wanting to spend more time planning their holiday than pouring over financial products, as the imagination starts to kick in and the dreams become more vivid, but healthy finances can of course boost your living standard for a lifetime!

If you need to spend less time on the former and more on the latter (perhaps to be able to afford more on your holidays?), then why not ask our consultants to do the “leg work” and create just the perfect holiday for you?

Continuing our series on top diving destinations for a great and memorable holiday for enthusiasts, here are two more possibilities:

Fiji

Vatulele Island - Vatulele Island Resort

The fact that Vatulele Island Resort was co-founded by a TV producer comes as no surprise, given its stage-like perfection.

Of all the properties on our list, this one will appeal most to those who consider a "buddy" more than just a diving partner. Weddings and honeymoons figure prominently here.

Vatulele is just a 25-minute light aircraft flight from Fiji's main island of Viti Levu, and boasts a ratio of nearly two dive sites for each of the fourteen freestanding accommodations.

There are resident instructors at the PADI dive facility lead resort, open water and specialty courses. Beneath the waves, expect to find soft and hard corals, large drop-offs and above average to excellent visibility.
On land, an all-inclusive set-up means unlimited French Champagne.

PHILIPPINES

Cebu -Badian Island Resort & Spa

Located on the southwest side of the island, the Badian Dive Centre operates year round, offering courses for the beginner, night diver or dive master.

Feast your eyes on undersea treasures like the garden eel, yellowtail barracuda, sea turtle, lionfish and barrel sponges with feather stars. With more than 2,000 species of fish and 800 species of soft and hard coral known to reside in the area waters, the list is endless.

Five dive spots are situated right at the resort with ten others reachable via boat ride. Pescador Island, one of the main dive spots in the Philippines, is a twenty-minute boat ride away; if you're lucky you could have a whitetip or hammerhead shark sighting in the deeper waters.

Sumptuous suites, with views of the ocean and Cebu Mountains, offer a peaceful repose on its secluded balconies and open-air marble bathtubs in the family and junior suites.

As a send-off to all guests, a goodbye serenade with shell lei is included upon departure.

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If you are considering a diving holiday then do contact our consultants who will be able to create just the right holiday for you, having access to the details of hundreds of possible locations for divers of all standards and tastes.

 

In a world first, Heathrow airport is to launch a new form of public transport with 18 low-energy vehicles which will link the new Terminal 5 to the business car park.

Due to open in 2009, the £25 million Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) system will provide a near “on-demand” method of transport for up to four passengers and their luggage. The driverless vehicles will offer passengers the flexibility to turn up and travel without the need to wait for a rail or bus service.  

David Holdcroft, project manager for BAA, said: “This innovative system forms part of BAA’s plan to transform Heathrow, improve the passenger experience and reduce the environmental impact of our operation through the development of cutting-edge, green transport solutions.”

The battery-powered pods, which will have a maximum speed of 25mph, will require 50 per cent less fuel than buses or trains and 70 per cent less than cars in normal driving conditions. Fuel savings of up to 90 per cent would be expected when compared with driving in congested traffic.

Work has already begun on laying 2.4 miles of track and the aim is to extend the system throughout the airport once the first phase has been developed.

 

Some readers may already know that we have on our website a page entitled "Worldwide Leisure Events", to give surfers information about some of the most famous, interesting and fun events happening in the coming 6 to 9 months, one or more of which you may wish to incorporate into your next holiday.

We have extracted the following examples to give you a flavour, but strongly suggest you click here to see much more!

Venetian Carnival, Paris          March - April 

Missed the Venice Carnival? Then why not take a break to Paris to capture the atmosphere here? Port de Plaisance is the venue for this spectacular 2 day event, with more than 150 participants dressed in Venetian costume and numerous gondolas and decorated boats lining the canal.

Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona        25th – 27th April

Always popular, this event is going to be busy again this year. Keen to visit? Contact us for tickets, flights and accommodation.

May Day Music Festival, Rome          1st May

Held in Piazza San Giovanni, this annual event heralds the beginning of Spring, with a celebration of music, welcoming musicians from around the world.

TT Motorcycle Races, Isle of Man       24th May – 6th June

Motorcycle mad, or just looking for a bit of atmosphere? This could be for you. The Isle of Man comes alive for 2 weeks every year, with the famous Tourist Trophy Motorcycle Races.

27TH Annual Steamboat Marathon, Colorado          1st June    

Looking for a run with a difference! This annual event in Steamboat Springs has been voted one of the most scenic, winding through the beauty of the Rockies. For the less energetic, it also offers a Half Marathon and Fun Run. 

San Diego Restaurant Week          22nd – 27th June

For the second time this year, San Diego’s top 130 restaurants open their doors, offering 3 course meals at greatly reduced prices. What better time to visit!

Dragon Boat Festival, Singapore        30th June – 1st July

Boat festivals take place across South East Asia, with this being one of the largest. Local teams compete with top international players, all in their beautifully decorated boats, and all against the loud background of drums and cymbals. Include this in your visit, and take home unforgettable memories.

Calgary Stampede, Canada        4th – 13th July 

For 10 days every Summer, Calgary comes alive with the excitement of the Old West. From the world famous Chuckwagon Races to the Rodeo, from bull riding to barrel racing, and from pancake breakfasts to glittering fireworks, there are activities galore. And what a setting – the ideal excuse to visit the beautiful Rockies of Western Canada.

Distant Heat, Jordan        31st July – 1st August

Include with a short break to Jordan, or with a trip to the Red Sea. Distant Heat is a 2 day festival of music and dance. Set in the unique setting of Wadi Rum against the backdrop of the desert, the event continues with beach and pool parties at the Red Sea resort of Aqaba.

Olympic Games, Beijing        8th – 24th August

It’s going to be watched around the world. It’s going to be extremely busy. Everyone will want to be there. If you are interested, let us know and we will see if we can help.

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We have not listed travel arrangements, as there are often countless options available, and of course, we can build them in to a longer holiday for you, if you wish. So, Please contact us about any events in which you are interested, and we will research the most best itinerary to match your requirements.

Luck of the draw

The passenger piled his cases on the scale at the British Airways counter at Heathrow and said to the clerk, "I'm flying to New York, but I want the square case to go to Cape Town, and the two round ones to go to Hong Kong."
"I'm sorry, sir, but we can't do that."
"Why not? You did it the last time.”

How much longer

A Siberian forester was taking his first flight with his wife, when suddenly the port engine cut out. The pilot came on to the intercom and announced "Ladies and gentlemen, as you may have noticed, one of our engines has just failed, but don't worry, we still have the remaining two engines - but we will now be arriving at Moscow about two hours late"

At while later, the starboard engine fell silent. This time the pilot announced "Ladies and gentlemen, as I am sure you have noticed, the engine on the starboard wing has just failed as well, but don't worry, we still have the remaining tail engine - but we will now be arriving at Moscow about 4 hours late".

The forester turned to his wife with a grim smile and said "I suppose if that one fails too, we'll be up here all day"