Airline & Holiday Information

Archive for March, 2010

When was the last time you ventured out for a holiday in your own backyard?  While exotic holiday destinations appeal to many jet-setters, there is much to discover and enjoy right here in the UK. 

From the coast to countryside or to the heart of a city, holiday cottages in England offer something for everyone.  Try a seaside guesthouse in Yorkshire or a historic cottage in Buxton.  Perhaps you’d prefer a country cottage in North Dorset, or maybe a spacious apartment in London is more your thing.  No matter what kind of holiday you want, you’ll find it with English holiday rentals.

The benefits of renting private properties on your next holiday are numerous.  You’ll enjoy all the comforts of home including fully furnished sleeping and living quarters, self-catering facilities, private laundry, and more.  Whether you’re travelling with that special someone on a romantic weekend getaway or looking for spacious accommodation for twenty adults, you’re sure to plan it perfectly with holiday rentals in England.

Free yourself from the restrictions of hotel and resort travel by booking a holiday cottage in England.  High nightly rates and limited amenities can add undue stress to your holiday.  When you reserve private holiday cottages, apartments, townhouses, or villas, you are not only getting an excellent value, but also the added advantage of flexibility.  You have the power to choose accommodations to suit your needs or those of your fellow travellers, and it is possible to book a week’s stay for as little as £150 depending on the type of property you select.

For a unique experience, reserve cottages in England on your next holiday.

A cruise holiday is an amazing way to enjoy the world while relaxing and taking part in great activities, a no fly cruise means no more kids’ fighting over the hand-held games console in the back of the car and no more worrying about long journeys with bored and restless children constantly asking ‘are we there yet’. 

Many people choose no fly cruises because they want to relax and enjoy the cruise as soon as they can. Not only that, but some may be unable to fly for various reasons, medical reasons especially, but they don’t want to miss out on visiting incredible parts of the world.

There are lots of no fly cruises starting in the UK. Ports such as Southampton, Liverpool, Leith, Newcastle and Dover handle many of them, so no more rushing to get to the airport to check-in, no more crowds to contend with, just a relaxing holiday from the word go.

You don’t have to worry about missing the best cruises either, when you opt for a no-fly cruise holiday, you can experience take a Mediterranean cruise, travel through the stunning Caribbean or take a spectacular voyage through the Baltic.

If you are worried about your car while you cruise around the world, you can arrange to have it parked for the duration of your holiday at the port from which you depart. You may find the cruise company has their own car-parking scheme or you may have to look at companies that operate secure car parks near the port.

Now that the Northern Ireland capital has become such a popular destination for city breaks, there is a wide range of choice when it comes to cheap flights to Belfast. What makes this city even more appealing is that the airport is only two miles from the city centre, so you won’t be spending half your weekend on transport. Travelling to and from the airport couldn’t be easier as there is an extremely reliable bus service that can have you in the centre of town in just 15 minutes. Taxi fares usually come to around £10 and are an ideal option if you are travelling in a group.

Belfast International Airport is served by a variety of airlines and there are routes to destinations such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Krakow and Amsterdam.  Flights to London and other major UK cities such as Manchester and Liverpool run several times a day. The majority of companies offering flights to Belfast are budget airlines, so you can expect their prices to be extremely competitive.

For certain times of the year the cost of flights to Belfast will be higher, but this usually only occurs around Bank Holiday weekends, while the more up-market airlines will increase their prices in the summer months. If you plan on travelling around Ireland, on average Belfast will prove to be a much cheaper destination to fly into when compared to Dublin and, of course, will have you right by some of the country’s most inspiring natural landscape and attractions.

Green tourism and eco-friendly tourist apartments for rent are gaining popularity as many people strive to reduce their carbon footprint. Eco-tourists are looking for destinations that recycle, use renewable raw materials, provide bicycles and are near the bus or train networks. The following apartment renting ideas are aimed at the eco-warrior on holiday.

1) Snow Pods in the Alps – A Swiss company has developed an eco-friendly ski resort that employs aluminium pods that are easy to construct, strong, environmentally friendly and heat efficient. Wood burning stoves, toilet and double bed make this low impact resort ideal for those conscious about the environment.

2) Kids will love this holiday camp; Tree House Apartments – Based in Brittany the thatched roof tree house apartments sit five metres off the ground and are linked by rope ladders and reached by a spiral staircase.

3) Log cabin apartment renting in Sweden – Nature tourists can enjoy the excitement and fun of this eco-friendly site in Sweden where fully fitted modern log cabins can be rented. The area has a whole host of green activities to do, including canoeing, cycling and sledding in the winter.

4) Cob apartments in Norfolk – travellers looking for a green option should try the modern mud huts in the east of England. These low impact buildings are supplied with locally grown produce, use renewable materials, mud and straw and are very efficient to heat.

5) Stilted holiday apartments to rent in Thailand – Perched over the ocean along tropical rainforests and over coral reefs these eco-friendly sites aim to provide world travellers with a carbon conscious option.

The allure that Greece holds can never be discussed without mentioning the island of Crete.  Culturally rich and steeped in ancient history dating back to the times of mythological creatures and gods, Crete offers the tourist an abundance of attractions and things to do to satisfy the tastes of all visitors.  Today there is an abundance of things to occupy any holiday itinerary while exploring this legendary Mediterranean destination.

If it’s quiet and relaxing that you are looking for, stick to the island’s west side.  Conversely, if you’re a night owl and crave the nightlife, then by all means the eastern side of the island is where you want to be.  Regardless, there is something on the island for everyone.  It’s fairly safe to say that you will not be disappointed when going on holiday to Crete.  The Mediterranean climate is unparalleled, the landscape is spectacular, and the ocean views are breathtaking.

Consider looking at TripAdvisor.com for all your lodging needs should you be planning an extended stay on the island.  Aside from the climate and the island’s natural beauty, there is no finer way to enjoy your visit than by renting a beachfront apartment, house, or villa.  If a leisurely holiday cruise is on your vacation itinerary, then you should look at what is available on the Cruise Complete website for the best values and most enjoyable cruises that are offered.  Although there are many other cruise-oriented websites that you can investigate, check this one out before all the others.

France has some of the best skiing opportunities in Europe, but unfortunately skiing in France often comes at a price. Skiing in France can be very expensive, but if you have a limited budget you can have a skiing holiday in France without breaking the bank.

Choosing the right time to go can save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds. The cheapest times to book a ski holiday are before Christmas, mid-January and after Easter, although you need to ensure that you pick a high-altitude resort so that you will be guaranteed snow. Bigger resorts will have larger skiing areas, but smaller resorts can be pretty and their lift tickets can be up to 50 per cent less. A local area pass even in a large ski region can also be cheaper.

If you know the destination and hotel that you want then book early to get the early-booking discounts, otherwise you can book late and possibly get a bargain. If you are a beginner check the price of pre-booking ski lessons. At some resorts the price can be £400 per week whilst at others it can be nearer to £100 for the same services. Use the internet to search for ‘Ski Holidays France’ and compare the packages and prices.

Even a top class ski resort such as Tignes can be affordable. However, you must be prepared to book a self-catering flat, cook your own meals rather than eat out and eschew tuition. Tignes is located in the Espace Killy which is one of the best ski areas in the world. Even without a mountain guide skiers can still enjoy 200 miles of A-grade pistes.

Flaine is another budget choice. It was established in 1967 when its utilitarian buildings caused controversy. However, it does have good views of Mont Blanc and the skiing is of undisputed quality.

Risoul is a modern purpose-built ski area which has been popular with British skiers for a number of years. It has a large intermediate ski area and affordable lodging. Its adult lift prices are also amongst the cheapest in France.

In 1397 the Kalmar Union, which was established between the countries of Denmark and Sweden, created the city of Oslo as well as the nation of Norway.  However, it came under exclusive Swedish control in 1814.  Eventually, Norway would elect its own king and declare its independence in the beginning of the 20th century.  Whether it is the culture, the gourmet cuisine, or the many shopping venues that the city holds, there is something here for every holidaymaker.

Whether it is the Edvard Munch Art Museum, the Folk Museum (open air), the Vigelands Sculpture Park, or the Ship Museum of the Vikings, these are all excellent reasons to visit of Oslo and do some serious exploring.  Whether it is Holmenkollen, the Opera House of Oslo, or the Oseberg Viking Ship Museum, there will not be a shortage of holiday attractions and events to satiate your travel palate.

Choosing a lodging facility is not going to be an easy task since there are numerous apartments, inns, hostels, and hotels to consider.  Make sure that you do some serious research before making your final decision because the choices are literally endless.  To find out what choices you have, you should visit the norwaylodging.com website for more information on what is available.

Let’s not forget about winter skiing holidays either.  There are dozens of websites that are geared towards winter vacationing in Norway.  Being close to the Arctic Circle, you know that there are unlimited opportunities for this type of holiday.  You also want to consider one of the many fjord cruises which can be perfect for a day’s outing depending on the season that you are visiting the country.

The thought of spending a cruise holiday, alone, might not sound appealing to many, but for others it will be the perfect way to get away from it all and meet new and exciting people. However, as much freedom as there might be when going it alone, not every cruise ship will be able to adequately cater for single travellers.

The big issue that most solo cruisers face is cost. The fact that all rooms are at least doubles means that your bed will be twice the price. If cruise lines don’t charge double, it is quite common for singles will pay an extra 50% on their ticket price to make up for the spare bed. Looking out for last minute cruise deals is highly recommended, should you fancy a solo trip.

Single cruising isn’t all about trying to compete in a couple’s world. For women travellers who like to dance, there are cruise lines that run the ‘gentleman host programme’, in which male chaperons, who are obliged to be high quality dancers, are available on request. This service is only usually available on two-week excursions, but luxury cruises will offer it for holidays of any duration.

Also worth looking out for are the ‘Find a Friend’ programmes that are organised by the major cruise operators. Solo travellers are always paired with other non-smokers of the same sex. This is a great way to meet new people and also cover the cost of the extra bed in your cabin.

If you enjoy playing golf and are thinking about going on holiday, why not combine the two and go on a golfing holiday.  There are plenty of package tours around which will provide you with an enjoyable golfing holiday; however you should also consider renting your own holiday villa in the area of your choice, it could well prove to be a cheaper option.

Renting a holiday villa for a golfing holiday will add a whole new dimension to your experience.  You will have a home away from home and will not have to comply with the set daily timetable of a hotel.  If you are renting a holiday home you must be prepared however to be completely self-catering for the duration of your stay.  Renting a holiday villa means that you will need to cook for yourself and accompanying friends, or if your budget allows you could sample the local restaurants instead.

Going on a golfing holiday should be a social event and the idea of renting a holiday villa with several others is very appealing.  This means that you will all be staying in the same place and have your own property entirely to yourselves for the length of your stay.  You will all be able to leave your holiday villa and set out for a round of golf each day, before returning and either relaxing in your private pool or heading to the nearest bar or restaurant.

Taking a golfing holiday and renting a holiday villa for your accommodation is an ideal experience for anyone that loves there golf, but also likes the freedom that self-catering accommodation allows.

For a full-scale multi-destination luxury transatlantic cruise, a trip on the Grand Princess is hard to beat. The ship, owned by Princess Cruises, takes passengers on a 23 day voyage each September from Southampton in the UK to Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

This epic voyage takes in a host of spectacular European destinations before setting off across the Atlantic. Passengers will have a full day to explore a number of fascinating towns and cities such as Vigo (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), La Rochelle (France) and Guernsey (Channel Islands). Moving on, the Grand Princess will dock in Bergen (Norway), Lerwick (Shetland Islands) and Torshavn (Faroe Islands) before taking in the sights of Akureyri and Reykjavik in Iceland.

The transatlantic crossing then begins in earnest, with three days spent at sea before making land in Nova Scotia. Three days later, the Grand Princess reaches its final destination in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Passengers will find plenty of activities to enjoy during their time spent at sea. With luxurious cabins, plenty of fine dining options and a variety of pools and spas, there are many ways to relax onboard. Three theatres (including the ‘Movies Under the Stars’ outdoor cinema), three nightclubs, a selection of bars and the Atlantis Casino cater for the passengers’ entertainment needs. There are also a number of differently themed areas for children to enjoy.

This entire transatlantic voyage can be done in reverse if need be. The Grand Princess follows roughly the same route when sailing from Florida to Southampton. Some elements may differ, but the overall experience is sure to be just as memorable.