Holiday packages, can be a fun way to take a break away from home.    Everything is wrapped up in one package deal and you should not want for anything.  Flights, transfers, a tour or two, the all inclusive holiday.  Are we regressing back to the 1970s, when package holidays were the new in?

Recent statistics state that the number of people opting for a full package holiday is on the increase.  When you decide to take this type of holiday, it does take away many of the worries about, what to do, how to get from A to B, and possible activities for children.

One of the oldest holiday package providers in the UK is, Thomas Cook.   They have decades of experience and provide UK, European and International package holidays.  The also have Extras, including travel insurance

The travel market is very sophisticated, with so many holiday packages available, it covers just about every taste and budget.  It doesn’t matter if you want a European getaway, two weeks all-inclusive fun in the sun, an adventure holiday or a Caribbean cruise.  You’ll can get a taylor made package that will be an ejoyable experience.

If you want to jet off this year, don’t dismiss holiday packages.  They can be great value for money and lots of fun to any destination you choose.

Enjoy!

Image By: Heather Sorenson.

If you are interested in directy holidays, there are many fabulous destinations to choose from.  The last four months have been very wet, very cold weather conditions in the UK.  You would be forgiven if you’re fed up with the bad weather and want to get to a warmer climate.

There are of course the usual popular destinations that many Brits love to visit.  Cyprus, Greece, Majorca, Spain and Ibizi are just a few of the direct holidays that get booked up very quickly.  For Brits, taking a holiday in Europe, can make it much for affordable than holiday destinations further a field.

It’s worth looking into which European destination will best suit you and your family.  For instance, Ibiza could be called a Sunshine Country.  The Sun shines at least 10 months of the year.  Even in what is considered the Winter Months, average tempretures are around 25º C.

Greece and Spain, well known and loved for safe sandy beaches and affordable accommodations.  These two Countries and among the most visited by Brits every year. You may want to consider either one when looking into which direct holidays, and special packages are available right now.

If you decide to check out a direct holiday package, don’t forget your travel insurance.

Image By: Max Mitenkov.

Believe it or not, the French Carnival is due to take off very soon.  There are many different carnivals taking place in France over the next two months.  The first, the Limoux Carnival is due to start in a few days.  The French Carnival Season, last for quite a long time, ending in early May, the heart of Spring!

If you’re feeling the carnival spirit early this year.  Here are some events you can join in with.

French Carnival Events.

1.  The Granville Carnival – 8th February – 12th February 2013 – Normandy.
2.  The Albi Carnival – 2nd March – 10th March 2013 – Paris.
3.  The Sartene Carnival from 25th April – 7th May 2013 – Corsica.

To attend any of the French Carnival  Events, you could check out Lastminute.com or Opodo for city breaks.

You know I’m going to say it, broken record right, better that than a broken hip.  Get adequate travel insurance.

Image By: Roberto Tostes

Congratulations to Air Canada for becoming a certified Four Star
Airline.  It has just been confirmed that Air Canada is one of a kind, in being the only airline in North America to have achieved this status. 

The Four Star rating means that Air Canada proves to be an airline which provides high standards of service, and that their overall services are of good standards. This includes customer services as well as their product lines and air services.

The Skytrax Aviation Research Organisation, based here in the UK.  The organisation carryout research and quality audits for commercial airlines and airports worldwide.  It conducts international traveller surveys to record and find the best airlines, airports, airline lounges, cabin staff, catering, in-flight entertainment and all aspects of travel services.

They bestow Star Rankings to Airports and Airline around the world, and Air Canada is the latest airline Canada is the latest airline to receive one. Skytrax is hold Annual World Airline Awards for other aiviation services.

Air Canada is just behind a few airline who have been given a Five Star rating. Singapore Airlines being one of those with a Five Star Rating.  That is probably why we feature it so often here on our Blog.  The Five Star rating is the highest level an Ailine can be given for quality performance.

Canada is lovely, I visited it such a long time ago, but remember it fondly.  I will most definately return sometime in the future. I highly recommend a visit, even if it’s a short one.  I went to Ontario, Toronto being it’s capital city.  The capital city of Canada is Ottawa; also based in Ontario.

Just in case this has inspired you to visit Canada. I can recommend checking out Canadian Affair.  It is the UK’s largest Tour Operator to Canada.  They provide flights to 7 of Canada’s exciting destinations including; Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.

I’ve been a bit slow this month in posting.  I decided to put this mini video about travel, it’s just for fun and is a little showcase.

This time of the year is one of the best times to travel to warm climates. Many people flock, many people stay.  Those of us stay have to endure the cold weather.  The snow is sets, the railways back up the airports cancel 70% of their flights and many schools get shut down.  (Lucky kids).

The thing about travel is that it is exciting, usually no matter where you go.  It’s not always about warm climates however.  There are many people loving the snow and actually travelling to meet it, in all it’s glory. Skiing Holidays are very popular and why not, if your can Ski.  I’ve never tried nor do I intend to, I’ve ice skated (along time ago), and that’s about my limit.

Enjoy this mini video about travel, showing you a few types of destinations, and maybe giving you a few ideas of where you would like to travel to next.

I could write all day about travel, but I don’t.  There’s always something eles to do. You know how it goes, you get busy, you forget, other things in your life take priority, the time goes by so quickly.  That’s life!

If you do decide to travel, and I know I alway say it – Don’t forget to buy suitable travel insurance.  Especially if you are going on an adventurous holiday.

If you are into Ski Holidays, check out Opodo or Lowcostholidays, right now they have a few offers.

 

Image By: Andi O.

Welcome to 2013, it’s another year and many Countries around the World are already half way through the first day of the new year.

Fantastic Travels Blog wishes you a good and a great year ahead. Whether you have New Years Resolutions, thinking about making a change or making a new start.  Are you already started thinking about your 2013 holidays?

 Here’s hoping that your 2013 will be enjoyable and fun!

Image By: Billy Alexander.

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Hope you have a Good one!

Two Favourite Christmas Songs To Enjoy.

If you have not yet finished your Christmas shopping, and are stuck for what to get a loved one.   Our travel accessories page may give you a few ideas.  I’m singing along to one of my favourite Christmas Songs right now, but I am happy to pause for a second to say, “Have A Good One”

Image By: Billy Alexander.

Good News for Christmas travellers.  Monarch Airlines are increasing flights to various destinations this holiday period.  If you feel like a last minute jaunt to Alicante, Faro, Gibraltar, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malaga or Tenerife.  Monarch Airlines has you covered.  The additional flights will depart from a number of airports; London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Luton Airport.  The decision to provide extra flights, was made due to an increase in demand from travellers over the holiday period.

Making the decision to take a well earned break over the Christmas and New Year period, has just become easier.  With 35 additional flights to the destinations mention.  Monarch Airlines have created over 17,000 seats available for travellers.  The additional flights will start on 19th December 2012 – 9th January 2013.

If you’ve been trying to get away, and can’t seem to get a flight. Try Monarch Airlines, they may have what you’re looking for.  Just remember when you travel, don’t forget to get adequate travel insurance.

Seasons Greetings!

Singapore Airlines continues to make great efforts to increase services and promote holiday makers to Australia.   They are expanding their already strong relationship with the Country by extending flights to more destinations.  They have expanded promotions in Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland. While promoting two new areas, New South Wales and South Australia.

Singapore Airlines have been flying to Australia for 45 years.  The new agreements recently signed with the national tourist board.  Also includes tourism in Germany, India, Indonesia and the UK.

A Few Cities In Australia Singapore Airlines Fly To.

Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

Although I have yet to visit Singapore, it does happen to be one of my favourite future destinations.  You may notice that it has been featured many times throught this Travel Blog over the past two years.  I have not yet decided when I will visit, but I will have a better idea by the end of 2013.  Perhaps 2014 would be a good time, but it’s still to early to say.

Getting back to the topic at hand, if you fancy a trip to what we Brits loving call “Down Under”.  Check out Singapore Airlines deals.  You can find out which destinations you might like to visit.  Remember to include travel insurance with any travel plans you make.

Image By: Rolf Wallner.

Choosing train travel over air travel, may depend on the distance of your destination, and the time you have spend away.  Living in the London, travelling to other parts of Europe by train is far more appealling to me, than flying in a cramped aeroplane.  However, distance and length of travel would have to be a factor that would dictate which mode of travel is best, air travel or train travel.

The UK’s our Railway Network is pretty big, almost 13 miles of electric and standard-gauge lines which includes the famous London Under Ground. We knock it sometimes, and it can get very crowded during the week, especially during peak hours, but it is fast and mostly reliable, (when it doesn’t breakdown).   Our network is also connected to the Europe by the undersea rail link, called the Channel Tunnel, which opened in 1994.  I remember I was in college when the plans where being discussed, infact I think we had to do a project on it.

Our Train Network is in the top 20 in the World, It is also one of the densest networks around.  It is also one of the busiest in Europe and has something like 20% – 60% more trains than France, Norway, Portugual, Spain, Switerland and Italy.  Previous figures have shown that our train network is the 5th most used in the world, but don’t let all these facts and figures put you off train travel.

Train travel can be, and is, one of the most comfortable ways of travel.  If you focus on train travel for holiday purposes.  It is likely that you would be travelling long distances, and therefore not the ordinary every day crowded, stuffy train trips to and from work.  If train travel appeals to you, below is a shortlist of three of the most popular rail services in the UK.

Train Travel Companies.

There are a number of major train Companies in the UK, Rail Europe, Virgin Trains and The Train Line are just a few.  I confess to not ever travelled long distrain by train, so I have not used any of these services personally.  They are however, all very well known and popular Train Service Companies.

Virgin Trains is a very popular and well known Brand in the UK, probably all over the World.  They offer train services to many cities and specialise in long-distance train journeys, connecting London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.  You have the choice of first class or coach class, I recently found out that if you depart after 11am, the cost for the same class tickets is reduced by around 30%.  If you’re thinking of travelling to another city for business or pleasure, its’ worth playing around with the times of travel, if that option is open to you.

Rail Europe are the UK’s leading supplier of train travel into France and other parts of Europe.  Travelling with EuroStar for direct travel into Paris, Brussels, Lille, Avignon, Disneyland Resort Paris and the French Alps. Other European cities include Italy, Spain and Switzerland.  They are also the official UK website selling the “InterRail Pass,” which gives extensive travel across 30 European Countries.

Thetrainline is an online Company and the leading independent retailer of train tickets online.  Their online booking systems search covers a full range of rail journeys, and train travel fares.  Based on your preferences towards time of travel and budget.  They are completely independant from any of the Rail Networks and have a customer based focus service.

Whether you’re travelling short distance or long distance by train.  You know I’ll always remind you to view your travel insurance options.  Yeah, I know I sound like a broken record, but a broken record is better than a broken arm or worse.