Holidays

The Camargue, France’s vast wetland lying within the arms of the Rhone Delta, conjures up romantic images of wild white horses, black fighting bulls, gypsy festivals and perhaps the best olives in the world. Natural history specialist Naturetrek, however, has been particularly inspired by the region’s stunning dragonflies and offers a brand new 8-day tour focussing on both the rich dragonfly and bird populations. Tour departs London 2nd July 2008.

As the UK’s miserably moderate winter effects its usual miraculous transformation into a reliably average cold and wet Spring, isn’t it time to look for something extreme? South America’s Atacama Desert’s annual rainfall averages less than 1mm, so you can leave sandbags and wellies at home for this overland journey through one of the world’s most spectacular, dramatic and dry landscapes!

Hike through remote mountain wilderness and ancient forest, canoe and swim in crystal clear lakes, explore the cultural delights of Toronto and charming Quebec City, explore the inspiring panoramas of the Charlevoix, Lac Saint Jean and Saguenay Fjord regions, then drive to the whale-watching capital of the East coast to watch the Saint Lawrence whales.

Rising like a ‘Phoenix from the ashes’ - a series of volcanic eruptions in the 1990s, have ultimately proved no setback for Montserrat’s marine environment. Within the exclusion zone imposed for many years, the ecosystem has thrived without human intervention, and is now healthier than ever.

After the rainy season, Luangwa Valley is spectacular, the weather superb, the game as prolific as ever, and while the camps begin to re-open, May and June are traditionally quiet months - a great time to visit the Zambian bush before the crowds! Tailor-made natural history specialist Wildlife Worldwide offers a last minute discount of over 20% on a special 9-day Leopards of Luangwa safari, spending 8-nights in the Valley and 1-night at Pioneer Camp in Lusaka, for travel between 28th May and the 30th June 2008. Tours depart Heathrow once a week.

Mongolia's pristine natural environment makes it one of the few places to experience real freedom amongst the great outdoors. Vast rolling grasslands, azure-blue lakes and snow-capped peaks combine to allow riders a rare chance to enter a nomadic world far removed from the strains of modern life.

Holidaymakers face a steep rise in the cost of trips to the eurozone this year because of the plummeting pound, but summer breaks elsewhere in Europe and in the USA should offer better value, according to the annual Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer.

Due to popular demand Somak Holidays has introduced an incredible tour programming the Pench National Park, where the BBC’s captivating documentary Tiger – Spy in The Jungle was filmed. The enchanting series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, was filmed over three years and captured India’s tigers in never before seen situations.

Enjoy a family Spring Bank Holiday break in Ireland for just £21 per person, per night with Irish Ferries Holidays for the week commencing 24 May.

The weakening pound against the euro has given a boost to the all-inclusive holiday market and one leading tour operator is predicting a boom in sales as savvy Brits cash in on all-in packages to popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Leger Holidays has reinforced its position as the UK’s biggest provider of European coach holidays with the introduction of nine new luxury Silver Service coaches. The expansion of Leger’s Silver Service fleet comes as the leading tour operator celebrates its 25th anniversary and follows recent research which revealed that coach travel is the most stress-free method of travel to Europe.

The Thomson Premier Collection is the umbrella name for Thomson’s best hotels, as featured in the A La Carte, Beach Club, Platinum and Sensatori programmes. For Summer 2009, Thomson is set to introduce a variety of new product and holiday destinations that meet with a 90% + approval rating with Thomson customers.

With 59 itineraries and over 135 ports of call, Thomson Cruises is making cruising accessible to just about everyone. Available in store and online at Thomson.co.uk/cruise, highlights include the re-launch of a Caribbean Winter cruise programme, an amazing new entertainment programme, and the all new ‘Get up and Dance!” experience on the Thomson Celebration.

First Choice has launched a range of exciting new brochures for Winter 2008 and Summer 2009 and featuring ideal getaways in some fantastic locations. Highlights include three new Kid’s Academies in popular destinations, new tropical properties for an exotic retreat, daily flying to Egypt and increased flexibility to destinations such as Tunisia, Halkidiki and Aruba.

Enjoy the delights of food and travel with fantastic cooking holidays from Flight Centre. Whether you want to learn expert Italian gastronomy or uncover the secrets of Oriental food, Flight Centre has a range of destinations to suit every palate.

Experience the remote and the majestic with Somak Holidays’ African safari and beach getaways. The mighty Masai warriors left an indelible mark on the imaginations of the British following their appearance on the streets of the capital at this year’s London marathon.

For all summer 2009 bookings, Thomson (0thomson.co.uk) will join forces with First Choice (firstchoice.co.uk) and introduce the ‘World Care Fund’. The scheme gives customers the opportunity to donate £1 per adult and fifty pence per child on an opt-out basis – a donation that is matched by the company.

Worried about missing out on this year’s holiday? Then check out self-catering specialist Keycamp, who has come up with a credit-crunch busting deal just too good to turn down, with seven nights in Europe over half term costing just £229 per family.

New from Ramblers Worldwide Holidays is ‘Amazon Explorer’ - a two week, half board Amazon Rainforest adventure in the most diverse and abundant eco-system in the world. This tour begins in Quito, Ecuador, where one has the opportunity to explore the city before going to Papallacta – famous for its thermal waters.

The Riding Company invites guests to have a Girls’ Getaway Weekend at an equestrian country house hotel in Austria, where they can learn to play polo. The venue is the Dienstl Equestrian Estate, one of Austria's top Riding Schools, which offers Polo instruction from March until October. The school is open all year for riding tuition for novices, and for training in dressage and jumping. Cross country riding is also possible year round in 1000km of riding trails in and around the estate.

If you, like many, watched the London Marathon last weekend you can’t help but to have admired the tens of thousands of finely toned athletes (and perhaps not so toned weekend warriors) who gave it their all to run the 26 gruelling miles through the streets of London.

Take advantage of the May Bank Holidays and use this time to discover something new. More people than ever before are taking a cruise and non-traditional cruise ships and itineraries are creating an innovative and dynamic market. Costa Cruises is the leading cruise line in the Mediterranean and took more than 1,100,000 people on a Costa cruise in 2007. Each of the 12 ships in the fleet brings a cosmopolitan flavour to cruising.

Rome is a diverse and cultural city which provides something for everyone. Whether it be 3,000 years of history, fascinating architecture or a bustling nightlife. For those seeking a holiday which gives a genuine taste of local cuisine, self catering apartments are the best option for couples seeking a romantic getaway. This provides the opportunity have a true taste of the local cuisine and soak up the atmosphere in the numerous cafes, patisseries and restaurants the capital has to offer.

Whether you’re a family or a couple, this summer Eurocamp, Europe’s leading camping operator, has come to the rescue of those watching their purse strings during the credit crunch and are pleased to offer a variety of relaxing breaks all under £300 for the whole family.

Walk on the wild side with India specialist Colours’ 15-night itinerary through the Himalayan foothills, searching for the elusive tiger, staying in local homesteads and luxurious resorts, and taking in some of India’s key sites.

Sanctuary Villas & Apartments is offering special golfing packages to guests booking a stay at one of their upmarket villas in the Italian region of Umbria. The package includes a complimentary three-day course pass to the recently re-opened Antognolla Golf Club for up to two guests, plus complimentary hire of one golf cart for three days.

Luxury Explorer is knocking 25% off the cost of the Euro on the Amalfi Coast Escape to Italy’s magical Amalfi Coast for 3 nights during April or October and stay an extra night free with the compliments of Luxury Explorer, at the chic, contemporary, cliff-top hideaway Casa Angelina.

Premier Holidays, specialists in luxury villas throughout the Mediterranean and South Africa are offering Spring savings on a number of properties in the Canary Islands, Portugal and Cyprus. For example, you can save 10% on 7 nights at Villa Icarus, in Polis, departing 14th May.

Parents with a passion for food can introduce their children to authentic Italian produce at the Gualdo Annual Cheese Festival in the Marche region of Italy taking place on the 17th and 18th of May 2008. This tiny medieval hilltop village hosts cheese, salami and wine producers from all over Italy for a two day ‘slow food’ extravaganza, with a well organised programme of events for children.