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Archive for July, 2010

Get free days out with Airmiles Jul 29

There’s only one thing that beats cheap days out – and that’s free days out. By collecting Airmiles you, your family and your friends can enjoy a choice of hundreds of free activities across the UK. They include rally driving, hot air ballooning, spa days, London shows, theme park trips, zoo visits and much more.

People think Airmiles can only be spent on free flight tickets. While many people collect them for this purpose, there are so many more things they can be used for. There is no end to the number of free activities on offer. What’s more, no-one has to know they’re free – so if you’re looking for an extra special gift for someone, why not choose something from the Airmiles collection There’s bound to be something that will suit them, and the only one who will know how much it really cost will be you.

The number of Airmiles needed for each activity varies, but you can enjoy free days out for as little as 210 miles. This will get you an adult’s entrance ticket for the heritage site Warwick Castle. A children’s ticket is even less miles, meaning you can have a family day out for four, for less than 700 Airmiles. If you prefer something with a bit more action, then 300 Airmiles will get you a paintballing experience for two and 355 miles gets you two tickets to a motorsports event.

Alternatively, why not visit a theme park? With Airmiles you can have free days out to Legoland, Thorpe Park, Chessington, Alton Towers and Diggerland. These are just a few of the free days out families can have with Airmiles.

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Peru – land of history, life, colour and contrast. Jul 29

Peru is a country in western South America and its geography varies from the plains of the Pacific coast to the peaks of the Andes Mountains and the tropical forests.

Peru has so much to offer anyone on their adventure holidays. It includes mountaineering, cycling, surfing, trekking, rafting and paragliding, plus you can find some really cheap flights from Europe and explore this wonderful country.

It is the only place that has it all:
- The Peruvian Desert that makes the coastline so beautiful and includes tropical beaches
- The jungle and Amazonian Rainforest
- Scale rugged Andean mountains, with snow-capped peaks
- Incas, Waterfalls and Beaches
- Its archaeology, the best cuisine in the world and wide variety architecture, etc.

main_peru Peru – land of history, life, colour and contrast.
Amazing experience is to go through the Andes to Machu Picchu the lost city of the Incas, voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is located 2,430 metres above sea level. But you don’t have to trek to get there; you can take the train from Cusco.

You can go through the Amazonian Rainforest, see scale rugged Andean maintains or endless Peruvian Desert. The options in the rainforest include a trip into the Manu Biosphere Reserve – UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Colca Canyon offers one of the best opportunities to see the huge Andean Condor and its breathtaking scenery.

An ocean at altitude, Lake Titicaca with its clear azure blue waters, manmade floating islands and centuries old customs await in the centre of this revered body of water, is the highest navigable lake in the world.

Peruvian cuisine is based mainly on Spanish food, but there is also minor influence from African, Chinese and Japanese immigrants. The local currency is the Nuevo Sol and the main spoken language is Spanish.

Wherever you decide to take your adventure, you will never forget the incredible scenery and cultural delights. Each year thousands of visitors book their cheap flights to Peru to experience the magic country.

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Things to take with you on a camping holiday Jul 26

Now that you have decided to take a family holiday camping in France, there are a few things to consider. There are many campsites suitable for family holidays in France to choose from; each one as beautiful as the next. However, there are a few things to check you have with you before you get underway. These vary slightly depending on if you are using a mobile holiday home, or a camping resort.

You will want to be sure you have your passport, driving licence and car insurance details for any road trip on the Continent. It is likely you won’t need them of course, but better safe than sorry.

It is highly advisable to have travel insurance and the E111 to provide basic medical cover. French law also requires that you have a warning triangle in your car (in case of breakdown), and you should also have a basic first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.

The majority of campsites are fully equipped with everything, including barbeques. If you wish to tent, you must verify that you can use your own. Some will only allow touring guests to bring a personal tent, and offer pitch areas at reasonable cost.

If you are camping in a mobile home you can carry your favourite perishables with you, as they are equipped with fridge/freezer combos, but in gastronomic France, this may not be necessary of course! There is a variety of bedroom choices available, depending on how many you take on your camping holidays.

Most importantly, you will want to bring bedding, towels, basic toiletries like toothbrushes and paste, and you should check to see if cooking supplies are provided. Often they are; however you may need to provide bottle and can openers. Waste bags, a torch and matches are must haves, regardless of how you camp. There are stores near all major campsites for you to purchase perishables or other needs.

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Why go on a city break to Sweden? Jul 26

Sweden is the largest of the countries in Scandinavia with a population of only 9 million and you will find plenty of cheap flights to Stockholm allowing you to explore the vast open expanses of this beautiful country. It consists of forest landscapes which are dotted with small towns and a few crystal blue lakes. Whether you are attracted to the beautiful Swedish scenery or have decided on a city break to see the sights of Stockholm you will not feel crowded by tourists as you enjoy the many activities Sweden has to offer.

Stockholm provides a great setting for a city break as do Malmö and Gothenburg. You will be awe inspired by the history of the Vikings, traces of which can be seen all over Sweden in museums, at burial mounds, rune stones and castles.

There are frequent cheap flights to Sweden via the UK into Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. If you are flying into southern Sweden then look at landing at Copenhagen in Denmark also. The airport is situated on an island located between Copenhagen and Malmö which are linked together by the breathtaking Øresund Bridge. If after your city break you are heading off to Lapland then the most idyllic mode of transport is via the Inlandsbanan train which will whisk you through the stunning Scandinavian forests to your destination.

There is a wide range of accommodation options within the cities from luxury five-star hotels and self catering apartments to chalets, old castles, B&Bs, campsites and mountain lodges.

Sweden has plenty to offer on a city break. Stockholm is bustling, pretty and pedestrian-friendly. It is situated on a group of islands that are connected via a network of bridges. It has the charm of the medieval Old Town with its cobbled streets and ancient architecture, as well as several beaches and plenty of green spaces which can be enjoyed whether you visit in the winter or summer months.

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Top 5 Reasons Why People Love Majorca Holidays Jul 22

Sun, sea, sand – Majorca has it all. Since the introduction of cheap holidays, travelling to the largest island in the Balearics has been a popular activity for many sun-seeking Brits.

In fact, around 10 million people holiday in Majorca every single year, meaning that many holidaymakers hold a special place in their hearts for the sandy shores of this beautiful Spanish getaway.

We look at the top 5 reasons why Majorca continues to attract the massive amount of visitors it gets from the UK:

1)    It’s not far away. Depending on where you are flying from in the UK, the flight time to Majorca can be as little as 2 hours. Flights depart regularly from virtually all airports across the British Isles, so you can usually choose a departure time and date to suit your needs.

2)    The weather. Temperatures in the summer months average at 24 Celsius, but regularly top 30 in July and August. In fact, warm temperatures bless the isle between May and October, and even the winter months only fall as low as 10 Celsius, making Majorca somewhere pleasant to visit all year long.

3)    Fantastic beaches. The coastline is probably the main reason why people return again and again for Majorca holidays. Arguably the best stretch of beach on the island is located in Alcudia. Here, around nine kilometres of white sand stretches out as far as the eye can see, with shallow water lapping at your heels. The beaches on the island range from large, open bays to smaller, more private coves.

4)    The food. There is a huge range of food on offer when you visit Majorca. If you are willing to try local dishes such as traditional seafood Paella, it is worth making a trip to the capital Palma, or even off the beaten track in land. Alternatively, if you enjoy something a bit less adventurous, all of the main resorts offer fantastic meals from around the world. There are even famous fast food outlets dotted around if you’re really missing your home comforts.

5)    There’s something for everyone. Majorca really does have something to keep anyone busy. If you enjoy your lazy days and long, party-filled nights then Magaluf or Palma Nova will be for you. If you’re looking for a more relaxing break, try Puerto Pollensa on the north coast, or even Illetas, a quiet resort overlooking Palma Bay.

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Top 5 Reasons to Visit Fuerteventura Jul 21

Fuerteventura thrives on the tourism here but you’ll find that it’s easy to get away from the main tourist resort. This popular holiday destination attracts thousands of holiday makers each year.

destination_lanzarote Top 5 Reasons to Visit Fuerteventura

Here are the top 5 reasons why:

1. The ultimate beach holiday

This island is typified by arid, desert like landscapes and life on this island is centred on the coastal areas. There are miles of stunning beaches stretching out along the coastline of the island. Beach connoisseurs with love the white sands and surfers will be thrilled by the windy conditions.

2. Fantastic weather

Fuerteventura is blessed with almost constant sunshine. Travellers to this island simply need to pack a selection of beachwear, some strong sunblock and a jazzy beach towel and your set for a day on the beach. Although Fuerteventura means ‘strong winds’ - don’t be put off! There are plenty of sheltered places to throw down your beach towel.

3. Accommodation to suit all

There is an excellent choice of accommodation in Fuerteventura and whether you are travelling as a family, group or couple you will find something to suit your tastes. If the bustling resorts with their self catering apartments and luxury hotels are not for you you’ll find many secluded villas to choose from.

4. Cheap flights to Fuerteventura

If you are looking for a cheap holiday then Fuerteventura is definitely worth considering. Cheap flights to Spain are readily available from the UK and most of the main airports have cheap flights to Fuerteventura specifically.

5. Plenty to do

A great trip out is to the Jandia peninsula which includes the breathtaking beaches of Playa de Sotavento de Jandia. These beautiful beaches offer great sunbathing, swimming and surfing opportunities. Alternatively head to the Corralejo dunes which can be found north in a protected area. The resort itself offers little but the dunes will dazzle you with their white sands and crystal blue waters.

Fuerteventura is a great destination with much to offer the beach lover.

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Top 5 things to do in Geneva Jul 21

 Top 5 things to do in Geneva

The capital of the French-speaking part of Switzerland offers the visitor a wide range of cultural, social and sporting attractions.

Geneva has access to excellent skiing: Europe’s highest mountain Mont Blanc is visible from the city, and famed resorts such as Verbier are little more than an hour’s drive from the centre.

Of the top attractions of the city that you should not miss is Lake Geneva itself, where a wide variety of water-sports activities are available. If sport is not your thing, then the lake itself affords spectacular views of the surrounding Jura Mountains and Swiss Alps, either on excursion by train with one of the several rail companies operating there or from the lake itself aboard a pleasure boat. Don’t miss out on a visit to the landmark Fountain (Jet d’Eau) on Quai du General-Guisan.

The headquarters of the United Nations, The Palace of Nations, is definitely worth a visit: Geneva is dubbed the ‘Peace Capital’ because of its historic association with the UN. In this respect, the museums of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent may also be worthy of your attention.

Cultural attractions include the wide-ranging international collection at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Cathedral of St Peter, where in the sixteenth century John Calvin preached the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation.

For the science enthusiast, a visit to CERN – the European Organisation for Nuclear Research – is a must; two permanent exhibitions offer a wealth of information on the latest in our understanding of subatomic science.

Geneva is a centre for diplomacy and a totally international metropolis; after you have enjoyed its top attractions, you can take advantage of all the fantastic shopping that it offers and the social amenities you would expect of the most populous part of French-speaking Switzerland

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Top 5 city break destinations Jul 21

 Top 5 city break destinations

In these times of financial constraints the city break, maybe over a long weekend, is becoming increasingly popular. Travellers get a refreshing change of scene without the daily and varied expenses that can be part of a longer holiday.

The following destinations are often reported as being in the top 5 for city breaks: Paris, New York, Dubai, Rome, and Prague.

Paris remains one most popular partly because of its sheer accessibility, by rail (Eurostar), plane, or road. It is also well suited to short breaks since many of its attractions, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, are within walking distance of one another. Sampling the gastronomic delights, a visit to the Louvre Museum, and a boat trip along the Seine, could all be highlights of a visit to this most romantic of cities.

New York, on the other hand, as a thriving 24-hour city, can offer a more dynamic experience: From a dazzling Broadway musical, to seeing the city stretched out below from the top of the Empire State Building.

Dubai by contrast, has an almost surreal, luxurious beauty, all its own. Amongst its glorious outsize attractions are the Wild Water Park and the awesome Indoor Ski Slope.

Rome, compared to Dubai, is more rooted in classical history, packed with breathtaking ancient monuments, such as the Colosseum. Furthermore, the small-scale works of art which decorate Rome’s plethora of churches complement this city’s grander spectacles.

Prague shares some similarities with Rome in its remarkable historical pedigree - for instance, it was the home of two Holy Roman Emperors. Sites such as Prague Castle, and Wenceslas Square, can be sampled along with the variety of beers for which the city is famous.

Finally, all these cities are especially good at accommodating city break visitors, making sure they get the best out of their trips.

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Advice on finding cheap flights to Thailand Jul 21

 Advice on finding cheap flights to Thailand

Often referred to as the Gateway to Asia, Thailand is a wonderful country to visit. However, with many more visitors realising its appeal, finding cheap flights to Thailand is not always easy, though with so many websites now offering deals, it is not impossible.

Ahead of anything else, the best way to ensure great flight deals into Thailand is to travel during the low season. As a rule, most people tend to fly into the country during the cooler months of mid-October to May, with costs rising particularly from November to February.

Travelling through the hot season of April and May will be more cost effective, but can be incredibly hot. For excellent deals and to take advantage of significantly reduced Thailand hotels, those who can handle humidity of up to 90% would do well to travel from June to October.

If travelling through the potentially uncomfortable off-season is not on the cards, signing up for alerts on online travel sites can help. Being able to remain flexible with your dates, and advising you are willing to go on standby can also significantly help find cheap flights, as the operators are always wanting to fly full.

As with many areas of the world these days, going ‘all inclusive’ helps to keep in control of costs. Whilst this is true, it does limit the experience somewhat and can convince you not to explore the country so much. To get around this, there are deals to be had where more multiple Thailand hotels in different areas can be worked into the same package.

Getting the best deal to explore the beautiful and intriguing country that is Thailand is possible, but it may take a little work, and compromise. However, though it may also take a little time, it will be well worth it; making for memorable trip that you’ll talk about with your friends and family for many years to come.

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Advice on finding cheap flights to India Jul 21

 Advice on finding cheap flights to India

A quick glance at various sites online will probably bewilder you with the wide range of possible cheap flights to India, as well as cheap hotels available for your planned trip.

Amongst the many flight deals on offer, you will find a wide disparity in prices, reflecting both the range of different carriers operating flights to India, but also seasonal variation in seat availability. You will also find considerable price variation in your destination choices.

Competition amongst the airlines is fierce, so you can expect to find flagship carriers such as Air India and British Airways vying with younger companies such as Britain’s Virgin Atlantic, and India’s own Jet Airways. This last company has been in existence for less than twenty years, but already operates an extensive domestic service across India, as well as connections to and from capitals in Europe and the US.

In recent years, India has opened up to foreign visitors at a spectacular rate: it is no longer just the destination for hippies or Himalayan trekkers. Quality beach resort holidays are now popular in places such as West-coast Goa; hill resorts such as Kodaikanal in the south have similarly seen a steep rise in holidaymaker numbers over recent years.

As India’s economy competes in growth with that of China, it is readier than ever to meet European and US expectations of comfort and security in its provision for tourists. In fact, there is so much that is now available, it makes looking for flight deals and cheap hotels feel like getting lost in a maze.

If you want to be sure of the best flight deals you can get, and how to make the most of your money for your trip to India, then don’t just chance it on the internet: get the best advice available, from the people that really know.

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