Holidays

The next total solar eclipse will occur on 22nd July 2009 and will exhibit the longest period of totality ever witnessed in the 21st century, casting a shadow across areas of India, China, Japan, and Indonesia. Wildlife Worldwide offers a unique opportunity to view this remarkable natural phenomenon, from a vantage-point near China’s city of Hangzhou close to the centre line (the point at which the event’s length is greatest).

The last episode of the BBC’s Travellers' Century featured adventurer Benedict Allen exploring Laurie Lee’s semi-autobiographical novel As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning, in which the author embarks on an epic journey across Spain on foot. Lee sets off from Vigo in the north to walk to Andalucia in the south, creating an evocative and atmospheric travelogue based around the towns, countryside and generous hospitality he encounters along the way.

For the moment, Beijing’s dogs are in luck, as canine dishes are off the menu, at least for the duration of the Olympics. Cars too, are temporarily banned (only on alternate days though) and heavily polluting factories such as steel plants, have also ground to a halt. Despite the still persistent grey haze and possibility of ‘Pekingnese Duck’ returning to the menu sometime soon, Trips Worldwide invites travellers on a cultural exploration of Beijing and beyond, during a 14-night tailor-made holiday with post-Olympic departures from London available year-round – best time to visit, August to September.

Following its successful 2006 combination tours, Naturetrek offers cricket and wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to fuse sport with visits to some of India’s most important Tiger Reserves. After enjoying the One-day International Cricket match in Delhi head off into the heart of Tiger country during a 6-day safari to Pench and Kanha Tiger Reserves, two of India’s finest, then watch the first 2-days of the Test Match in Ahmedabad.

Gallop across open grassland, canter through beautiful woods, ride through small villages and at the end of each day, park-up your equine companion and transfer back to an authentic hacienda for the night – getting the best from a trail ride without packing your bags each day! Combine this with an outstanding climate, well-schooled horses, excellent cuisine and traditional Mexican hospitality and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable riding holiday.

Following the success of Kung Fu Panda, the DreamWorks film where an overstuffed and congenitally clumsy panda saves the day through his superlative martial arts prowess, Peregrine Adventure’s new all-action 10-day Kung Fu & Pandas Chinese family holiday has mastered all the necessary moves for a memorable oriental adventure.

Keycamp has become the latest operator to announce it will not be passing on additional costs to customers. Better still, it has discounts of up to 40% on its late availability breaks over the summer school holidays.

If you’re looking for a last minute break, then it’s worth considering the UK’s most westerly and most stunning destination – the beautiful Isles of Scilly. Accommodation providers and travel operators to the islands – which lie 28 miles off the Cornish coast, warmed by the Gulf Stream and offering stunning white sand beaches and azure waters – say last minute deals to the islands this summer are still available.

Planos Holidays has a number of properties available on the tranquil Ionian island of Paxos during its annual International Music Festival, which will take place between 26 August and 4 September.

Whilst Prime Minister Gordon Brown is enjoying his holiday in Suffolk, Best of Suffolk (bestofsuffolk.co.uk) has just launched ten stylish new holiday cottages including an eco-friendly house with stunning sea views, a bolt-hole on the coast and an award-winning cottage in the heart of the Channel 5 Hotel Inspector Ruth Watson’s village.

This summer holidays make the most of your family time and enjoy a short break to Legoland in Denmark. Sailing across from Harwich to Esberg in Denmark you don’t have the long queues, baggage restrictions and hassles of the airports. Just pack up the car, drive onboard and your break begins. Check out the onboard live entertainment, restaurants, bars, Kids Club, shopping or simply kick back and enjoy a film of your choice in the comfort of your cabin. Arrive in Denmark the next day refreshed and ready for the action of Legoland.

Titan HiTours, the award winning escorted tours specialist, has this week unveiled its largest ever selection of group holidays around the world for 2009 and 2010. The company’s new 452 page Worldwide brochure is packed full of individually-themed escorted tours covering every corner of the globe, including several brand new itineraries and a considerable expansion in holidays to the Americas and the Mediterranean, along with some exciting cruise and holiday extension options.

In 2008-2009 Brittany is offering the Free Bretagne Golf Pass, which reduces green fees by 20%. Also adding to the region's offering is the Golf de la Freslonnière, having recently opened a new children's golf area and launched a student discount to their beginner course. In fact 'Golf de la Freslonnière,' near to the capital Rennes, has opted to encourage a whole new generation of golfers through the creation of a more family friendly area aimed at 4-6 year olds.

Butlins today announced a significant jump in the number of bookings it has taken for its peak season, July to September 2008. Up 15% from the same time last year, it appears the UK holiday company is reaping the rewards of the boom in UK holidays and is evidence of people’s intent to stay at home during this hard economic climate.

With the UK weather front remaining unsettled why not dive into the guaranteed warmth of a Caribbean island? The Spice Island of Grenada lies at the southernmost tip of the Windward Islands, just 100 miles from Venezuela. With over 40 picturesque white sand beaches, turquoise waters, cultural and historical sites and a pleasant year-round average climate of 23°C, it’s the perfect destination for a relaxing, tropical holiday.

Ryanair now offers flights from Birmingham to Trapani, Sicily. The North West of Sicily remains one of the more undiscovered areas of Sicily boasting the best golden sandy beaches, aquatic nature reserves, picturesque harbour towns, and amazing architecture with towns such as Marsala, Palermo and Trapani.

One could be forgiven for thinking that ranch stays are all about horseback riding, as its an activity that draws people year after year to the US and Canada. However, look a little closer and you’ll find holidays with a great deal more on offer than simply riding the trails. As a leading specialist, Ranch Rider unearths some of the lesser-known options available to guests who stay at home on the range.

Native Escapes, specialist operator to Southern Africa, has announced a new 12 day small group trip to Cape Town and the Garden Route in South Africa: with an emphasis on adventure.

Specialist tour operator, Libra Holidays, has introduced long stay holidays to Egypt, the perfect solution to escaping the cold winter in the UK and enjoying some winter sun.

South Somerset is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of rural England. Pretty hamstone villages, sleepy hamlets and bustling market towns punctuate a rich tapestry of fields, orchards and woods.

The small country of Guyana lies on the north coast of South America. It is about the same size as Great Britain but with a population of just 800,000 people. Hundreds of miles of dense rainforest cover the island meaning it is full of wildlife including the elusive jaguar – South America’s biggest cat. You can experience the nature of Guyana yourself with The Adventure Company – the ‘off the beaten track’ specialists.

Booking trends show that Brits are looking for alternatives to travelling by road and air. Instead of fuel charge concerns and the credit crunch, Brits are now rediscovering the romance, ease and environmental friendly nature of rail travel.

Specialist tour operator to Paxos, Planos Holidays, is offering savings of up to £600 per family on selected two-week breaks departing on 11 August. Among the discounted holidays available is a fortnight at Villa Mandalena, a pretty, traditional Greek house with glorious sea views, just three minutes’ walk from the village of Loggos.

Head north to Scotland and take advantage of some of the best family holiday deals around. Why? Because Scottish school children are back at their desks on August 21st so you can book an English summer holiday break at Scottish back-at-school prices.

Bales Worldwide is launching a trip to post Olympic Beijing – for those who want to soak up the Olympic vibe without the crowds. As the games kick off all eyes are on the city which has undergone incredible regeneration in preparation and is now home to some of the world’s most dramatic modern architecture. The six day package takes in a tour of these breathtaking edifices.

For many who are setting off for the school holidays, flying at the weekend is a necessity. As such, the demand for airport hotels to provide increased availability during this peak period can often mean travellers miss out or are forced to pay inflated costs.

With the credit crunch starting to bite, travellers are becoming increasingly anxious to get value for money out of their holidays, and are opting for destinations where their currency will go further. Tucan Travel is always mindful of the effect of exchange rates on our clients and has found a way to help travellers maximise their travel budgets.

As the credit crunch hits home, a trend of ‘staycationing’ is beginning to emerge in the UK. However, with holidays to St. Lucia in August offering such incredible value for money there is now no need to miss out on your well-earned break abroad. Why choose to stay in the UK when you can escape the unpredictable English weather and book a holiday in the sun for the whole family, for less than a trip to the British seaside?

Luxury safari operator Sanctuary Lodges & Camps will be launching new walking tours through Kenya’s Masai Mara, which is renowned for being Africa’s big game territory. This will coincide with the opening of two new luxury tents at the company's deluxe lodge, Olonana.