Travel Guides | Travel
London propelled into Lonely Planet’s list of best value destinations
The plunging pound has propelled London into Lonely Planet’s top ten list of the world’s best value destinations. The trouble is that prospective inbound visitors are still not aware that London and the UK now offer great value for those spending other currencies, according to UKinbound.
Charleston, South Carolina, voted Conde Nast Traveler favourite
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism has announced that one of its coastal cities, Charleston, has been voted second favourite in Conde Nast Traveler magazine’s Readers' Choice Survey for 2009 (US edition).
Travellers fight it out win Taiwan’s ‘Best Trip in the World’
Taiwan fans have just one week left to vote for their favourite teams taking part in the country’s ‘Best Trip in the World’ competition.
Take a virtual tour of Marrakech
“Visit Marrakech from the comfort of your seat” - this is the message that the Moroccan National Tourist Office, the Regional Tourism Council and the local trade professionals are sending out to reach a varied and diverse audience in order to encourage them to rediscover Marrakech, the leading tourist destination via a new advertising campaign.
Holidaymakers advised “don’t bring it back”
When we’re in an exotic location, it can be fun to scour interesting markets and unusual shops for unique gourmet items that could transform your dinner at home, or make a fantastic and unusual gift for a friend.
Rail Europe launches French train bookings
From Wednesday 14 October ’09, French trains running on the new winter timetable will go on sale. The timetable change from summer to winter schedules takes place on Sunday 13 December ’09.
Gay Tourist Office set to open in London this month
The Gay Tourist Office will be the first and only, dedicated, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender visitor centre in London, serving as a vital resource for London's LGBT residents. The office is set to open on 22nd October 2009.
Cooking schools and gourmet retreats in South Australia
South Australia (southaustralia.com) is a gourmand’s dream offering an abundance of first class eateries, food and wine trails, markets bustling with fresh local produce and numerous cooking schools offering the opportunity of being tutored by top Australian chefs, a few of which are highlighted here.
Iron Age secrets uncovered in Denmark
With the summertime crowds dispersed and the landscape bathed in the season’s last warm rays, autumn is the perfect time to visit northern Denmark. In particular, Aalborg (the country’s northernmost city) makes a wonderful base for a relaxed break at this time of year.
Frankfurt – A city of contrasts
Frankfurt am Main, the bustling metropolis in the heart of Europe, is known throughout the world for its exciting and unusual contrasts.
Italy confirmed as top destination for UK tourists
Italy is once again a winner in the preferences of British tourists this year. Italy was already awarded first place in the Conde’ Nast Traveller Travel Awards 2009 as “Favourite country in the world” last month and now Italy has won top place at the prestigious Sunday Times Travel Magazine Travel Awards 2009 in the category “Favourite European Country for a longer holiday”, with Greece and Spain in 2nd and 3rd place respectively.
New countryside guide highlights Slovenia’s rural attractions
The Slovenian Tourist Board has produced a new ‘Friendly Countryside’ guide to showcase how tourists can make the most of the country’s beautiful nature and rural hospitality.
Discover exceptional value in Denmark this Autumn
Everybody knows that school holidays and half-term breaks are the most expensive times of the year to travel, with prices peaking accordingly during these periods.
New ways to see the Northern Lights in 2010
The Northern Lights may be as old as the earth but in 2010 there are four new ways to discover this awe inspiring phenomenon. Chase it down or wait for it to find you, these are experiences for couples and families alike.
Grenada doubles sales team as BA increases flights
The Grenada Board of Tourism has doubled its travel trade sales team in the UK & Ireland following the appointment of Suzanne Mason as their second Sales Manager. Suzanne moves to the UK from Grenada where she was marketing officer with the Grenada Board of Tourism.
10 reasons to visit Samoa
Samoa is located in the heart of Polynesia and is often referred to as 'The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific'. The Samoan islands offer lush green rugged landscapes, deserted beaches, pristine turquoise waters and a fascinating culture to explore.
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau unveils new website
The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau has announced the unveiling of its redesigned, easy-to-navigate Web site - 800poconos.com.
Sri Lanka’s popularity soars amongst UK travellers
Despite the global recession, Sri Lanka has reported a 16.9 per cent increase in August 2009 arrivals from the UK compared to the same period last year.
Increased demand prompts change to Irish Ferries winter schedule
Irish Ferries has announced that it will be maintaining its twice-daily Dublin Swift return sailings (crossing time one hour 49 minutes) between Holyhead and Dublin through until 5 January 2010 .
Tickets go on sale for new European high speed line
The long awaited high speed line between Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne will open on 13 December 2009 and tickets are now on sale through Rail Europe.
Oklahoma's living history is just a click away
Living history is now just a click away as Cherokee Nation’s Cultural Tourism Department launches its new Web site functionality features with the ability to book tours online, research Cherokee Nation history and visit notable locations all at CherokeeTourismOK.com.
Set sail for the Falkland Islands
Visiting the Falklands via cruise ship or expedition vessel allows passengers unrivalled access to penguins, the rare black-browed albatross and elephant seals, among hundreds of other species that reside on the 770-plus islands that make up the Falklands archipelago.
Bermuda provides a style solution for male office workers
Britain’s busy male office workers should learn to keep cool at work by taking off their trousers and wearing shorts instead - but not just any shorts.
When two become one in idyllic Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia has become one of the hottest destinations for couples to tie the knot or spend an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
Geotourism makes its mark on Portugal
Geotourism - tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place,its environment, its culture and the well-being of its residents - is becoming an increasingly popular holiday choice for many European tourists.
Destination Frankfurt for young Brits
Cheerful people, varied architecture, efficient public transport and clean streets impressed 15 British pupils on this year’s “Discover Germany!” trip.
Brits battle post holiday blues
Stressed-out Britons feel day-to-day life is routine and a grind, according to new research released today.
Discover Stockholm with a mobile guide
Stockholm is the first tourist city in the world that can offer tourists their own audio guide on a memory card for mobile phones. The memory card which was recently launched includes audio guides at 56 of the best sights in Stockholm.
Experience Regensburg’s history the modern way
Regensburg visitors can now explore the city’s historical treasures and modern shopping streets using a Segway.
Copenhagen offers the best of past and present
Your kids have grown up and flown the nest and you feel now is the moment to spend some time on yourself. So why not bring a friend or partner and have a great weekend in the Danish capital Copenhagen?
Football fever hits Hungary
Debrecen is a pretty Hungarian town best known for its annual Flower Carnival and thermal baths; but now it is also becoming known for its up and coming football team - DVSC-TEVA (dvsc.hu/helyek/eng) - who will meet Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League this month and again in November, the first Hungarian side since 1995/96 to play in the group stage.
Insurance tips for gap year travellers
Preferential travel insurance has put together a list of essential top tips for when you are embarking on your gap year travels.
September – A great month to visit Glasgow
A major new centre for the arts and creativity will open in Glasgow on 12 September, heralding a new chapter in the city’s cultural life and offering visitors the opportunity to participate in, view and buy a wide variety of art all under one roof.
North East shares secrets of its friendly reputation
What makes Geordies and the people of North East England so friendly and easygoing? Think Cheryl Cole, Ant and Dec or the late Sir Bobby Robson. The people of North East England are known for being down to earth, easygoing and passionate about life.
‘Satpack’ steers South African travel in a new direction
Travelling around South Africa has just got easier – and safer – thanks to an innovative twist on the traditional self-drive holiday, known as ‘satpacking’.
BBC Coast showcases Norway’s spectacular shoreline
The BBC’s critically acclaimed series ‘Coast’ has visited Norway to explore Europe’s longest shoreline for a programme which aired last night on BBC Two.
Southern Discoveries sponsors Fiordland’s new sanctuary
Southern Discoveries has announced a sponsorship project that will see the valley of New Zealand’s most photographed mountain become a sanctuary for native species.
Portsmouth – the place to be this Christmas
This year Portsmouth is bringing out the festive cheer with a whole range of exciting events to get everyone in that feel-good Christmassy mood.
Macau grows in popularity for meetings and events
Recently released global statistics show that Macau is growing in popularity as a MICE destination, in spite of current market conditions. In 2008, the total number of events held in Macau was 1,240, up by 5.35% on 2007.
Taipei to host International Travel Fair
Taipei’s annual International Travel Fair will commence at the Taipei World Trade Centre this October and will give more than 60 countries the opportunity to showcase what they have to offer.
Iconic Greyhound coaches launch in the UK
Volvo Car UK has joined Causton CID’s leading crime-fighters in a mission to rid the fictional village of Midsomer of its murderous reputation.
Set sail this autumn with Stena Line
Stena Line has launched a great value Autumn fare to Ireland on its five Irish Sea routes. Customers can save up to 25 per cent with fares starting from only £69* single for car and driver.
Philippines tourism defies downturn
Volvo Car UK has joined Causton CID’s leading crime-fighters in a mission to rid the fictional village of Midsomer of its murderous reputation.
Delicious Danish dining in Copenhagen
The cooking of Denmark and the Nordic region as a whole is growing in stature internationally. Danish chefs are experts in exploiting the wonderful natural resources of their area.
New cookery project promotes life skills in local youths
Twelve Queenstown youths have been chosen to take part in a cookery project that will introduce them to the hospitality industry with a view to building a career in hospitality.
Romantic restaurants in South Australia
South Australia (southaustralia.com) offers a wealth of diverse dining experiences. The following restaurants offer guests a particularly romantic dining option, combining great locations with excellent wines.
It’s Bridling versus Madrid for top destination status
Volvo Car UK has joined Causton CID’s leading crime-fighters in a mission to rid the fictional village of Midsomer of its murderous reputation.
Atlantic expedition spreads word of climate change
In the next 100 years the Atlantic sea level is set to rise by up to 1 meter, affecting thousands of coastal inhabitants in the UK alone. In response to this, a group of British explorers are set to visit 31 countries to raise awareness of the dangers of climate change, having just completed a tour of UK schools.
How to get the perfect UK summer holiday
Take 6 days of sunshine, 4 ice creams, 2 BBQ’s, 2 trips to the seaside and 2 to the zoo and what do you have? The perfect British summer holiday!
Ten foodie reasons to visit Guernsey
Volvo Car UK has joined Causton CID’s leading crime-fighters in a mission to rid the fictional village of Midsomer of its murderous reputation.
Enjoy all things artistic in Denmark
From the wildlife paintings of Johannes Larsen to the modern design classic that are Kristian Vedel’s carved wooden birds, Denmark has produced a great many acclaimed artists over the centuries.
A new guide to Centre Hills area of Montserrat
Volvo Car UK has joined Causton CID’s leading crime-fighters in a mission to rid the fictional village of Midsomer of its murderous reputation.
Competition winners celebrate ‘Independents Day’
Volvo Car UK has joined Causton CID’s leading crime-fighters in a mission to rid the fictional village of Midsomer of its murderous reputation.
Singapore continues to reign as top meeting city
Singapore consolidates its position as the world’s preferred business events destination by clinching the top spot in the “Top International Meeting City” category in the Union of International Associations (UIA) 2008 Global Rankings for the second consecutive year.
Lithuania amongst least expensive in Europe
Results of the latest price survey by Eurostat show that Lithuania is on the list of the Top 10 least expensive countries in Europe.
Make sure you’re covered before travelling this summer
Multitrip.com is warning consumers to check that their travel insurance policy is adequate for their needs such as Redundancy, Swine Flu and Airline Failure. One of the most important aspects of travel insurance is cover in respect of Medical Cover.
Gran Canaria appeals to ‘medical tourists’
The Spanish Island of Gran Canaria, just off the coast of Morocco, is fast establishing itself as one of Europe’s leading wellness and medical tourism destinations, offering world class facilities and technology to treat a vast range of ailments at an affordable cost.
Planning a trip to the US? DiscoverAmerica.com
DiscoverAmerica.com is celebrating its first year as the Official Travel and Tourism Website of the United States by announcing a slate of content upgrades, site enhancements and money-saving deals to help travellers plan trips to the USA.
Feel the wind in your hair this fall
Whether it's on your bike, by foot or by bus, the dramatic fall foliage of Washington DC’s parks, gardens and open spaces provides a fantastic backdrop from which to enjoy this stunning city.
Top UK surf beaches for Autumn
Autumn – not summer – is the time to hit the beach as the UK enters prime surfing season. The beaches of California, Hawaii and Australia have long pounded to the beat of ocean waves, but surfing is far from a preserve of these palm-fringed shores.
Kauai named Hawaii’s ‘No 1 Island’
The Kauai Visitors Bureau today announced that Travel + Leisure magazine has named Kauai the fourth-best island in the world and island-rich Hawaii’s No 1 island.
US tourists miss out on discounted London dining
American visitors to the UK are wasting hundreds of dollars when eating out because they don't know about the restaurant voucher code money-saving craze that's sweeping Britain, which could save them up to 50% at top restaurants.
Mind the gap
With more than 430,000 school leavers and graduates preparing to jet off for a gap year adventure, the UK’s leading travel extras provider EssentialTravel.co.uk offers advice on how to avoid ‘doing a Jamie’.
Bridge the gap with a working holiday in Australia
In 2008 record numbers of school-leavers deferred their university place for 12 months, with 33,717 students preferring to take a gap year rather than hit the books.
Snow leopard sightings in Canada
Volvo Car UK has joined Causton CID’s leading crime-fighters in a mission to rid the fictional village of Midsomer of its murderous reputation.
Threesixty restaurant gets ‘down to earth’
A new ‘down to earth’ approach to cuisine at Queenstown’s threesixty restaurant combines premium local produce with modern European cooking techniques to create tasty, stylish dishes.
Birmingham overtakes Glasgow in top 10 most-visited
Birmingham has overtaken Glasgow, while Cardiff nudges ahead of Brighton and Hove, in the annual tables ranking UK towns by the number of visits by overseas residents.
Visits to UK fall for first time in seven years
The number of visits to the UK has fallen for the first time since 2001, the year that saw the outbreak of foot and mouth disease and the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Figures for 2008, published today in the annual ONS report Travel Trends, show that overseas residents made 31.9 million visits to the UK last year, compared with 32.8 million in 2007 - a fall of 2.7 per cent.
The joy of the open road
With many of us reducing the cost of our holidays this year, many Brits will be indulging their love of motoring by driving to their holiday destination both in the UK and abroad.
10 things you never knew about Hawaii
So you think Hawaii is all about surfing, hula dancing, pineapple cocktails, sunbathing on the most stunning beaches in the world and being the location of the TV series, Lost? You’d be surprised to find that there is a whole new Hawaii waiting to be discovered, here is a list of a few things that you may have not placed in the same sentence as Hawaii before.
Value-hunting families should head for Miami
Valid from now until 30 September 2009, a new ‘Miami 443’ campaign is offering a variety of deals on top hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and other area attractions offering visitors savings of at least 25 per cent.
A must see destination for visitors to Australia
Widely regarded as Australia's Galapagos, Kangaroo Island is the best place in Australia to see the widest range of free roaming native animals in their natural habitat - kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, seals, sea lions, penguins, echidna, platypus and goannas, to name but a few.
Chill out in Copenhagen and Malmo
Chill out and meet the locals, in the water or on dry land, in Scandinavia’s best sizzling summer cities - Malmo and Copenhagen.
8 out of 10 Brits tempted to move abroad
Some eighty five per cent of Brits have considered, or could be persuaded, to move abroad permanently as a direct result of the economic downturn, according to a survey undertaken by Immigration New Zealand.
Affordable hospitality made in Germany
The German National Tourist Office in London has published a new “Holidays and Short Breaks” brochure containing a wide selection of affordable Germany holiday and short break offers for 2009.
Motorail your way through France
Rail Europe is offering discounts of £50 on one-way journeys on board the French Motorail service on selected dates this spring. Offer fares start at £350 for a one-way journey from Brive to Calais for a car and up to 6 passengers.
Esbjerg – The gateway to Scandinavia
DFDS Seaways is offering up to 20% savings on ferry crossings from Harwich to Esbjerg – the gateway to Scandinavia. This means only £186 for a car plus 4 passengers, one way, reduced down from £232 on selected departures across the summer.
Cyprus boasts best bathing waters in Europe
Cyprus has been awarded its highest ever number of ‘Blue Flag’ beaches in recognition of the quality and safety of its beaches.
Pays de la Loire - A tale of six cities
The Pays de la Loire consists of five departments, each with its own ‘capital’, each with its own character and style.
A millionaire’s holiday in Rio
After his incredible 25 million rollover win in the Euro Millions lottery Draw, Bolton pensioner Brian Caswell said his long held wish was to visit Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Here are our top five things to do in Rio on a millionaire’s budget - and also some ideas for those of you on a smaller budget!
Terry Nutkins says ‘watch whales, don’t hunt them’
As the International Whaling Committee (IWC) meet in Madeira to decide the fate of the world’s whales, naturalist Terry Nutkins and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) go in search of minke whales off the coast of Scotland.
While the kids are away the parents will play
Hit the Town in Ibiza whilst childcareibiza.com takes cares of your children! Childcare Ibiza is the brainchild of mum of two and experienced childcare worker Alexis O Halloran, who set up the organisation to offer childcare services across the island for visitors.
Natural wonders of West Virginia
West Virginia boasts seven wonders of the natural world, from beaches, waterfalls, high plains plateau to river and mountain trails, rock formations and gorges.
Coventry Airport encourages new aviation clients
Coventry Airport is encouraging business aviation clients to experience travelling through its new Fixed Base Operation (FBO) by offering free ground handling during the month of July.
Top tips for trauma-free travel
Holidaying is one of our favourite pastimes, with Brits making almost 70,000 trips abroad alone each year. While we traditionally associate holidaying with seasonal health complaints such as travellers’ tummy, sunburn and insect bites, back pain is also a common holiday health hazard.
How to keep kids happy on car holidays
Families taking car holidays this summer should start planning with the children a few weeks ahead of departure and buy a secret stock of surprises for them, according to an international child expert.
Happy Birthday Slovenia!
Slovenia will be celebrating its 18th birthday on June 25th 2009. The country declared independence from Yugoslavia on June 25th 1991. To mark the country’s coming of age, here are 18 facts about Slovenia that travellers might not know. . .
Holiday snaps show Britain’s got beauty
Creative Brits have been urged to make the most of their ‘staycations’ this summer and prove Britain’s Got Beauty. Joseph Eta, one of the country’s leading fine art photographers, is calling on amateur snappers to capture the most stunning views from across the UK.
Green thinking for Pocono Mountains tourism
Being increasingly ecologically friendly isn’t just an effort to go with the current flow, but rather a mandate for the many golf courses, resorts and other tourism attractions throughout the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania.
Prepare your finances to get the most out of the trip of your life
With Sterling now at its highest level this year against the Euro, and picking up against the US Dollar too, students considering a gap year will now find that their spending money will go further, at least in some parts of the world.
Britons bare all abroad
Whether it is topless sunbathing, sex on the beach, ‘mooning’ or streaking; each year thousands of British tourists risk arrest by not checking local laws and customs before they bare all abroad. Research from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) reveals that many of us ‘let it all hang out’ on holiday without being aware of the potential consequences.
Hats off to London!
This week London gets all dressed to celebrate the summer and the famous horse races at Ascot with Her Majesty the Queen. At It’s Your London they are celebrating the launch of something new for visitors to London with the start of their customised tours.
Open the gates to Eastern Germany
Get ready for a memorable trip to Germany with the “Welcome to the country without border” map. 20 years after the fall of the Wall, this informative map introduces travellers to sites of change and commemoration in Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
Everything you need to know about Turkey
The Turkish Culture & Tourism Office (TCTO) UK has announced the launch of its brand new website, gototurkey.co.uk, featuring a fresh user-friendly design, lots of useful information on what to see and do, where to stay, as well as plenty of exciting new features including an image gallery, travel planning section, news and events, downloadable forms, fact-sheets and maps.
Summer adventures in Canada
Hike or bike? Saddle up or paddle down? Dive deep or climb high? Or hop onto a boat or tundra buggy to take in some of Canada’s diverse flora and fauna, geological quirks and myriad cultures? Here are our top 20 outdoor summer adventures across Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories.
Drunk Brits risk thousands in holiday medical fees
8 out of 10 Brits admit to being ‘very drunk’ on holiday according to a new survey by travel insurance specialist, EssentialTravel.co.uk. And, of the 1,000 people surveyed, over 70% were unaware that their travel insurance didn’t cover them in the event of a drunken accident or injury.
Top travel faux pas to avoid this summer
A recent survey from leading responsible travel agent responsibletravel.com asked its travel providers for the top ten cultural and environmental faux pas they have witnessed by tourists visiting their destinations.
Sizzle in September with Singapore GP
Singapore has always been a ‘hot’ destination but temperatures are set to rise further with the return of the forthcoming Singapore GP Season from 18 to 27 September 2009. Premier parties, red-hot shopping deals, state-of-the-art exhibitions and cutting edge performances, will complement the fast and furious action in the Marina Bay race circuit with the 2009 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix.
Find the spirit of adventure in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is more than an adult’s playground – if you venture off the beaten track. Unravel the riddle of the sands in Las Vegas with a host of adventures above, below and beyond the ordinary.
Touch of Spice New Zealand among world’s best
New Zealand’s leading luxury lifestyle specialists Touch of Spice have been named among the top villa rental companies in the world. The USA’s Condé Nast Traveler, the ‘bible’ for independent travellers who expect only the very best in service and accommodation, has selected Queenstown-based Touch of Spice as one of only 49 villa rental agents around the world best qualified to match its readers with suitable holiday properties.
A new guide to Greenwich and the Docklands
Maritime Greenwich and London’s Docklands have a vibrant and unmissable wealth of culture, shopping, dining and relaxing just waiting to be explored. Easily reached by Docklands Light Railway (DLR), all are featured in a free new mini-guide produced by Time Out magazine which ensures you will find the best things to see and do, whether you visit for a day, night out or short break.
Holiday fun in South East England
Families visiting South East England can take advantage of a number of enjoyable events and activities this summer, including dragon boat racing on the River Thames; birds of prey and kite flying displays in Surrey and Portsmouth; Victorian jousting tournaments at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire; family festivals at Legoland Windsor; the launch of a new Top Gear exhibition at Beaulieu in the heart of the New Forest and much more.
Priscilla crowned queen of Aussie movies
The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert has been crowned the most popular Australian movie of all time, according to a recent poll carried out by LoveFilm.com, the UK’s largest online DVD rental service and entertainment website, in association with Tourism NT.
Liverpool FC legends to visit Grenada
The Liverpool Football Club Legends team will be in Grenada for a 7-day football extravaganza from June 10, 2009 to help raise funds for The Jason Roberts Foundation, which helps children and young people participate in sports and cultural activities in Grenada and the UK.
Experience the quiet life on Guernsey
Amid the noise and frenzy of modern Britain, a small, sometimes forgotten island lies just 27 miles off the north coast of France. And she’s beautiful. This is Guernsey and, like a demure confident woman, she radiates something special.
Summertime in Estonia
Summertime in Estonia is a colourful mix of old and new – lying on the Baltic Coast, this diverse, culturally-rich country boasts sandy beaches in the north, a vibrant café culture, stunning lakes, rivers, wildlife and a refreshing sense of space. Even better, Sterling goes a long way in Estonia, certainly further than the Euro.
Myestory - Interactive tourism
Queenstown based international tourism photography company, The Magic Memories Group, has launched a world’s first interactive “photo storyboard’ that will provide a unique international marketing platform for New Zealand’s tourism operators.
Malta offers Eurozone value
Malta is one of the best value Eurozone destinations, according to the latest Holiday Cost Barometer, issued by the Post Office this month. The survey of 18 popular holiday destinations across the globe reveals that Malta offers some of the best value for money in the Eurozone, sliding in at third place just behind Spain and Portugal.
Credit crunch travellers save money with MP3 tours
Canny travellers this year are downloading audio trails and tours so that they can explore at their own pace and save money.
London’s cabs ranked best in the world
London’s taxis have been voted the best in the world for the second year running, a Hotels.com poll of international travellers has shown*. A third (33%) of the travellers surveyed said that London’s black cabs were the best in the world.
Ensure the run-up to take-off is stress free
After we've done all the washing and ironing, packed our own and the kids' suitcases, stocked up on sun cream, exchanged our holiday money and found a neighbour to look after the dog - it's easy to see why many of us feel pressured and stressed in the run-up to a family holiday.
South Devon beaches are hard to beat
With more than 70 miles of coastline, South Devon boasts mile after mile of glorious beaches, ranging from tiny sheltered coves to great swathes of golden sand and long stretches of pebbles and shingle.
Your gateway to Kansas City
The new 2009 Kansas City Summer Getaway Guide is now available to view online. The comprehensive guide is fast to load and easy to use.
Shakespeare Country launches online game
Shakespeare Country has launched a new viral online game entitled “Romeo - Wherefore Art Thou?”. The platform style game, which can be found at shakespearegame.com sees the player guide Romeo through a Shakespeare Country landscape to reach Juliet and rescue her from the balcony.
Tourism Flanders-Brussels goes green
Following the recent news that the Flemish city of Ghent, which is renowned for its gastronomy, has become the first city in the world to become vegetarian at least once a week, the team at Tourism Flanders-Brussels UK have decided to follow suit and join the weekly “Veggie Day” initiative.
Recession and swine flu hits world tourism
International tourism demand has deteriorated further due to the impact of the global economic recession. International tourist arrivals declined at a rate of 8% between January and February this year, leaving the overall volume at the same level as recorded in 2007. At the same time, influenza A (H1N1) is starting to affect the tourism sector.
Searches for Newquay soar as recession bites
Searches for Newquay are soaring according to a leading travel booking site, proving that with a strong Euro and recession biting, holidaying in the UK is a more attractive option.
A new generation of travel planning
One of the fastest growing travel websites has recently rolled out a revolutionary new online travel planning tool. Travel Generation, developed by Queenstown-based Xebidy Strategic Design, is designed to be a community travel site for planning and sharing travel experiences.
Hot bites - Canada's top ten new restaurants
From surf to turf, these new eateries are adding sizzle to Canada’s blossoming culinary scene. Be forewarned: reading any further will whet your appetite for fabulous food.
Travel agent launches reward scheme
One of Scotland’s largest independent travel agencies - Barrhead Travel - has launched a double initiative to help its army of loyal customers beat the credit crunch.
Israel's hidden gems
Israel is not a large country. You can drive from its northern border to its southern tip in less than 10 hours. From east to west it will take you less than two. But this small territory contains an unimaginable wealth of natural landscapes, historical treasures and a rich cultural heritage - many of which have yet to be explored.
Coast to coast success for Cornish tourism
Cornwall is celebrating British Tourism Week (March 23-29) in style after Falmouth design agency, Gendall Design bagged a coveted Media Innovation Award for its creation of visitnewquay.org, the town’s official tourism web site.
Michelin stars continue to make Copenhagen twinkle
Each year it’s the same nerve-racking story, which restaurants will be rewarded and which might loose their Michelin stars? The Michelin Guide 2009 awards Copenhagen a record total of 14 stars - more than other European cities such as Rome, Berlin, Vienna and Madrid. These days, Copenhagen has gained a position as a true gastronomic capital and a “must go” for gourmet hunters worldwide.
Curtains up on Singapore’s rejuvenated Orchard Road
Singapore’s standing as one of Asia’s most popular cities for shopping, dining and entertainment has been reaffirmed with the completion of its S$40 million (£18 million) Orchard Road rejuvenation programme. Commenced in April 2008, the revitalisation scheme encompasses the installation of atmospheric street up-lighting, urban furniture and outdoor ‘green rooms’ for street events.
The Michelin guide to European cities
The Michelin guide Main Cities of Europe 2009 will go on sale on Wednesday 18 March, priced at £14.99 (€19.99 in Ireland). The 28th edition covers 43 cities in 20 countries, of which two are included for the first time (Florence and Turin).
Eurostar achieves 95% punctuality
Eurostar, the high-speed passenger service that links the UK and mainland Europe, has achieved almost 95% punctuality in the first full two weeks since the restoration of faster journeys through the Channel Tunnel.
New Zealand events company reveals new talent
One of New Zealand’s leading destination and event management companies continues to grow with the acquisition of a Queenstown special events company.
Film frenzy drives property buyers to Greece
The blockbuster hit Mamma Mia! resulted in a 120% jump in potential buyers viewing property in Greece in just one month following release of the film, which was set on the sleepy Greek island of Skopelos, says PropertyIndex.com, which lists property worldwide.
Neilson and Expedia offer customers best online experience
Independent research from customer experience benchmarking company, Global Reviews, has found that Neilson offers the ‘best experience’ online for package holiday customers and Expedia offers the best for travel agent online experience.
High praise for Antigua’s beautiful unspoilt beaches
Antigua's sister isle, Barbuda, has once again been recognised for its spectacular unspoilt beaches. According to travel website, Travel.AOL.com, Pink Beach, located in Barbuda, is considered one of the “Best Remote Beaches Around The World”.
UK holidaymakers delay medical treatment abroad
A new survey released today by the Department of Health reveals that while almost 50% of British travellers have become ill or injured on holiday, 35% of these have delayed, often essential, medical treatment until they return home. The main reasons given for not seeking treatment abroad are concerns about the potential cost and lack of travel insurance.
France for the day
Air France, in co-operation with subsidiaries, CityJet and VLM Airlines, brought western France closer to London this week with the launch of a new service from London City airport to Nantes. With twice daily departures to every weekday and daily flights at the weekend it provides a valuable link for both business and leisure travellers.
Celebrating World Ocean Day
Imagine a close-up and personal encounter with one of the world’s most mystical and prehistoric creatures. That is what engagement with sea turtles is all about. Communities around the world will celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8, and the occasion presents many opportunities to see these endangered gentle giants in person and participate in conservation efforts that are underway to protect them.
Outdoor adventures galore in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County’s 47 miles of pristine beaches are only the tip of the iceberg when referring to the area’s outdoor activities. Just an hour north of Miami on Florida’s Gold Coast, Palm Beach County is a haven of wildlife and outdoor adventure.
Tahiti Tourism launches online video contest
Looking for an investment that will pay off for years? How about love? The “Invest In Your Love” video contest will send six winning couples or families to the legendary and exotic islands of Tahiti.
Bulgaria best for bargain breaks
Bulgaria has reclaimed the top spot in the annual Holiday Costs Barometer from Post Office Travel Services – overtaking last year’s top trio of Thailand, South Africa and Egypt, where prices have risen steeply.
Swine Flu sparks rise in travel insurance sales
Concerns about the threat of a swine flu pandemic have led to a soar in the number of bookings for travel insurance. Insurance providers Multitrip.com have seen a 300% increase in bookings since cases of swine flu were first reported in Mexico.
Enjoy a budget Bank Holiday
The Bank Holiday is only a few days away, and in preparation Which? Holiday has come up with some great ways to enjoy the weekend on a budget.
Better service for gay travellers
Leading gay marketing specialists Out Now and the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) have announced a new partnership to help improve the quality of staff service delivered to the lesbian and gay consumer market.
Get on your bike - to Cyprus
In the last few years Cyprus has taken off as the destination for cycling enthusiasts. Cyprus was the base for Team GB, and is regularly used by top national teams from various sports as a training ground. No wonder then that sporty holidaymakers are taking advantage of the scenery and perfect terrain for a cycling holiday with a difference.
Hollywood chooses Tenerife for epic remake
The island of Tenerife has been chosen as a film base for a Hollywood remake of the action packed epic, “Clash of the Titans,” using the stunning volcanic Teide National Park as a key location site.
Try beautiful Bath for the perfect European city break
Forget city breaks in Rome or Paris this year with the expense of the Euro, the stress of queuing at airports, or worrying about your carbon footprint.
Trains to Rome proving popular with football fans
With low cost flights selling out rapidly, fans wanting to follow their team to Rome for the Champions League final are looking for alternative ways to get to the Eternal City.
Arabian Adventures targets Chinese market
Arabian Adventures, the leading destination management company in the Middle East, is tapping into the huge potential presented by China’s emerging tourist market with the launch of its first tailored brochure, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, geared towards Chinese travellers.
A tale of two cities for London’s tourists
It may be home to some of the world’s finest chefs, but London’s cuisine has been voted the worst in Europe, in a survey of travellers’ perceptions of European cities by TripAdvisor, the world’s most popular and largest travel community.
Get more zing from your Singapore Sling
The Singapore Tourism Board and Revolution Bars in the UK have teamed up to offer vodka cocktail aficionados two fabulous prizes to Singapore and all that’s required is savouring a cocktail or two, or concocting a personal recipe.
Australia gets a boost from Baz Luhrmann’s epic
While Baz Luhrmann’s epic Australia might have received a mixed reception from critics, the film is already proving a hit in boosting tourism to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Much of the epic adventure, which is out now on DVD, was filmed in the beautifully rugged region.
Dublin – Europe’s friendliest city
Dublin has been named the friendliest city in Europe for the second year running, in a survey of travellers’ perceptions of European cities by TripAdvisor, the world’s most popular and largest travel community.
New 3D maps transform empty retail premises
BID Leamington is giving a number of empty retail premises in Royal Leamington Spa a new lease of life. A new 3D map of the town centre will be temporarily positioned on the windows of empty shops and businesses at key entry points into the town.