Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Holiday Packages.

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.

French Carnival.

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

Air Canada.

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.

About Travel.

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.

Monarch Airlines.

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.

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.

Train Travel.

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.

Travel Asia.

Why travel Asia? Why not, more and more people are heading to one particular area of Asia.  Of the Seven continents of the World, it seems Asia is getting a good percentage of travellers.  If you are planning to travel Asia, take a look at Dubia, let’s face it so many do.  My Mother, Sister and Niece spent Christmas in Dubia two years ago.  They stayed at an all inclusive 4 star Hotel Resort, and loved it!

Looks like it’s time for me to shape up and hit the road, or rather the air and visit Dubia too.  Of  course it would be difficult to do without a passport.  Something told me to check my passport, and low and behold, the darn thing has just expired.  I thought I renewed it in 2004!  Oh well, that’s what you get for letting the years pass you by.  Back to the subject at hand.

A Few Reasons You Might Travel To Asia.

1. Dubia – What can I say, it has been recently reported as the most visited Country in Asia.  Fabulous climate, Beaches, excellent food, Gold at rock bottom prices and other shopping steals!

2. Singapore – Can’t leave it out, it’s allure is obvious.  It has been mentioned in previous articles, it was voted to have the best place to eat in Asia a couple of years back, a restaurant called Iggy’s.  Not to forget the Great Singapore Sale that start in the Spring.

3. Affortable – These days, dispite the enconomy, you can travel Asia at really affordable rates.  Singapore Airlines have all kinds of attractive offers.  Opodo and Lowcostholidays have attractive all-inclusive holiday packages to Dubia.  Check them all out and compare for the best deals.

Of course we must not forget that there any many other Countries in Asia, including China, (must go there),  Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, India and many more.  You may want to visit any one of these Countries too. However, for this Travel Asia Article, it  is firmly focused on Dubia.

Back To Dubia.

Dubia seems to be a very popular holiday destinations and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.  Dubai Airports, recently published figures in the region of a 12.8% increase of travellers compare to the same time last year. That is a very big jump in numbers, I’m sure that any Country would be happy with such an increase in visitors to their shores.

The increase does include business travellers as well as holiday makers. However, an overall increase of more than 45 million visitors – Wow! It just proves that, no matter what’s going on with the enconomy.  People still need to get away, and they do so in their millions.

I’m told you will leave Dubia with not just wonderful memories, but with the urgue to return.  That was certainly true in the case of with my Mother, Sister and Niece, mention Dubia to them – Big Smiles!

You know me, as always I’ve got to mention travel insurance.  If you want to travel Asia, Dubia or another destinations. You must get adequate travel insurance, so get a quote here and enjoy!

Image By: Barun Patro.

Travel Tours.

Travel tours are very popular with millions of people flying off to far off places each year.  There are many destinations to choose from around the world.  Europe and Africa are among the two most popular destinations.  If you are interested in  travel tours, here are two suggestions that might give you a few ideas.

African or European Travel Tours.

Africa.

Given the time of the year, an adventurous tour in Africa may be the choice for you.  The climate is great and there always seems to be someting exotic about a Safari.  Seeing wild a animals in thier natural habitats would surely be a fasinating experience.

I’ve often been drawn to the allure of such an experience, but when I think deeply about it, I might be a bit of a scaredy cat!  But don’t let me put you off.  The wonderous scenery and overall exciting prospect of seeing a herd of Elephants, giraffes, wildebeest and lions, would be amazing!  Kenya is one of the top destinations for a safari travel tour, there are many packages and tours to choice from.

Europe.

Europe, what can I say, so many wonderful destinations, all full of artistic grace and historic buildings.  For this article I will suggest London, why not, I live here and am very familiar with many of the astonishing sites. While London is blanketed with history, there is also the new sites that are drawing visitors to this town of mine.

Before I get into that, one tour I would recommend to all visitors and tourist is one of the London Bus Tours.  The London Bus tours, is a circle tour which stops at various famous landmarks and tourist sites.  Buckingham Palace, London Dugeon, Big Ben, Houses of Paliment, Tower Bridge and many more locations.  They are great fun and you get a 24 pass to use.  You can hop on and off the bus at any tour stopping point.  Hop back on the bus as it comes back around.

Newest Attractions.

The Shard – is this fancy new building located at London Bridge and is the tallest building in Europe.   If that doesn’t put you off, you can now take the Shard Tour, with popells you, presumberly in a lift.  Right to the tippy top of the building, 40 miles high.   If you like heights, here’s one for you.

I don’t doubt the extrodinary view of London and surrounding area, I just don’t think my stomach would take, my level of bravity in such matters is…. sub zero.  Looks great from the ground up, but if you want a treat or want to have one of those Magical Tour Experiences.  The Shard is the latest and I understand tickets are being snapped up right now.

In this article, the choice of travels tours are Exotic or Historic.  Either one would be a great choice and  give you are a great travel tour experience.   There are of course many more types of travel tours you could take in hundreds of destinations.  Many are small interesting walking tours, others are what might be considered high risk adventure.   The bottom line is, it depends what kind of travel tour would you like?

All that’s left to say, is to remember to get the right travel insurance package.

Shard Image By: Cmglee – Nairobi Image By: Mkimemia

Cruise Travel.

Lately, you’ve probably heard as much about cruise travel as I have.  The good, the bad and the urgly.  However, it is nice to learn that the good does happen to outweigh  the bad.  The Passenger Shipping Association, and the European Cruise Council have recently released figures that show a 10% increase in cruise travel over the past 12 months.

According to the reports, UK travellers exceeded 1.5 million people, taking a cruise.  European travellers were more than 6 million people, and the figures for travellers from the USA topped 11.5 million people.  With the total number exceeding 19 million, I think it’s safe to say that cruise travel is definitely on the rise.

Featured Cruises.

DFDS Seaways have a number of special cruises on offer this Winter.  They have paid special attention to Europe, providing short cruise breaks suitable for couples and families alike.  They have a 4-night break to beautiful European cities.  Destinations include; Cologne, Brussels, Bruges and Hamelin.  If you fancy a short festive break this winter, find out more from the DFDS Website.

Monarch Tours and Cruises also have quite a few offers available in the cruise travel area.  Again if you’re curious, and want to see what’s on offer. Visit the Monarch Website and browse around for the type of cruise that would suit you.

I don’t know how many Cruise Line Comapnies there are out there.  P&O Ferries, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and  DFDS Seaways, are Cruise Lines that immediately spring to my mind.  All those mentioned are household names and are experienced Cruise Travel Operators.  There are however, countless more operators out there.

If you’re travelling and need travel insurance, here’s some useful infomation.

Image By: Keith Syvinski.

Travel Tours.

The article below, “Luxury Travel Tours To Africa,” is the first in a series of guest articles on travel tours   we plan to include in the Fantastic Travels Blog.  Sometimes, it’s good to have a rest and let someone else do most of the heavy lifting!

Luxury Travel Tours To Africa.

If you are bore of your same daily routine and want to refresh yourself then luxury adventure travel is the best option for you.  When it comes to adventure then there is no best place available other than Africa.  Africa is the second largest continent and African safari vacation is the best way to explore the natural beauty of Africa.  Mostly people go to hill stations to spend their vacations but experience of exploring Africa is very different from spending your vacation in hill stations.

Luxury adventure travel in Africa is famous for its amazing scenic beauty, majestic wildlife and culture.  There are many tour and travel companies which arranges a well coordinated and properly programmed luxury travel tours in Africa.  Having a set schedule these companies enable you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.  Tour and travel companies also provide a professional guide who is well aware of different areas of Africa.

Tour and travel companies offer luxury travel tours give you royal treatment and comfort through out your vacation.  You can enjoy your safari adventure alone or in groups.  People mostly prefer to go in groups due to the presence of other people who can help each other in any type of difficulties.  With other people around you can go for biking, kayaking, trekking, rafting, mountain climbing or any other adventure.  Tour and travel companies give proper counseling session on safety measures and on what you should do in case of any difficulty.

African safari vacation offers you to visit many places in Africa which includes Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Namibia and Tanzania.  Moreover, you would also get to explore the diverse culture of all these places.  The local people are very friendly and always give a warm welcome to the tourists. Safari adventure can be enjoyed in a car, on a horse back or from the sky in the balloon.  Mostly people prefer to explore the wildlife on their foot as they get a chance to go as much close to nature, this enables them to experience safari adventure in the much better way.

Royal treatment, majestic wildlife, beautiful birds, personal guide are some of the key factors which don’t let you forget your African vacation. So, if you are planning to make your vacation unforgettable then you can contact any of the reliable tour and travel companies to book your luxury adventure travel tour to Africa.

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The author is an experienced Content writer and publisher in Business Development. Visit at http://www.wildwood-adventure-safaris.com to know more about luxury adventure travel, luxury travel tours and african safari vacation.

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Just a reminder that travel insurance on a trip like this is crucial.  Please DO NOT cut corners, make sure you get adequate cover for all parties travelling.  If you like the ideal of travel tours, why not get annual cover and take one or two travel tours a year.  Considering Adventure Travel Insurance cover is also worth looking into.  For more information on tours and travel see this article.

Image By: Jacqueline Fouche.