Types of trip
Stunning Sibillini revealed in new guidebooks
A trilogy of Italian guidebooks covering the area around the central Apennines, a magical and little known region of Italy, have just been translated into English for the first time. In conjunction with the region’s premier villa provider, Marche Holiday Homes, the three books have been translated as part of the company’s close links with the Monti Sibillini National Park, home to some of Italy’s most stunning landscapes.
Highland history is made in Inverness this winter
VisitScotland invites you to attend the first ever live screening of global highland games in Inverness this Hogmanay. The dawn of 2009 will see the official twinning of the Inverness Highland Games and the Triad Highland Games in North Carolina with the Waipu Highland Games in New Zealand.
Nations join forces to create European Water Sports Federation
The Spanish Water Sports Association has joined forces with the France Station Nautique to create the European Water Sports Federation. The aim of the federation is to deliver a consistent high level of quality and service across all water sports outlets throughout Spain and France and improve the development of tourism in coastal and lakeside locations.
Avoid booking hell and start the holiday early
Holidays with friends can be a stressful thing to organise, especially when large amounts of money are involved. Everyone knows the age-old scenario of mates agreeing to go - in theory, but backing out when it comes to putting the money down.
Footloose and fancy free in Vietnam
Leading Asia-specialist, Travel Indochina, has come up with the perfect solution for discerning travellers affected by the credit crunch, but unwilling to compromise on holiday preference.
Influential exhibition acts as artistic gateway to the Lakes
Mid January 2009 will see The Abbot Hall Art Gallery in Kendal, gateway to the Lake District, staging the first solo exhibition of the work of Robert Bevan since the 1960s, when it opens its doors to the ‘Robert Bevan and the Cumberland Market Group’ exhibition. The work of one of the 16 founder members of the Camden Town Group will be on show from January 13 to March 21 2009, giving insights into the work of the most important British Post-Impressionist movement.
Aruba unveils the Caribbean’s largest water park
Kids of all ages can have a splashing time at Aruba’s newest and wettest attraction, Morgan’s Island Water Park, the largest of its kind in the Caribbean. The new $14 million US dollar water park opened to the public on December 5 2008, and features the ‘Dragon Revenge’ tower offering six different heart-stopping waterslides, toboggan rides, two and four person water-tube rides and two wave pools.
New York City to mark start of 2009 in style
When the ball drops every 31 December in Times Square, the world’s eyes are squarely on New York City. This year will be no exception. With a new 12-foot-high, 11,875-pound New Year’s Ball (double the size of previous balls), covered in 2,668 Waterford crystals and powered by 32,356 Philips LUXEON Rebel LED lights, the new ball will create a spectacular and colourful kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square.
MSC Fantasia christened in Neapolitan style
Today, 18 December 2008, Naples plays host to a very special christening ceremony for MSC Cruises’ breathtaking new flagship, MSC Fantasia – perhaps the most beautiful ship in the world. A spectacular launch event has been devised for the occasion, featuring internationally acclaimed artists with Neapolitan origins – Renzo Arbore and the Orchestra Italiana, Lucio Dalla and Pino Daniele - who will perform in a specially created high-tech arena.
Go tropical in the Lake District this Christmas
Escape the chilly, frosty weather this Christmas by heading to the Southern Lake District, where a totally tropical experience awaits. On December 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30, families can set sail with Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver, if they visit special Treasure Island performances at the World of Beatrix Potter, in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Great train fare lottery
Despite inflation-busting price rises on rail fares announced for the New Year, some train operators are far from generous when it comes to giving customers refunds for lengthy train delays, says Which?
Criques De Porteils - Where the mountains meet the sea
Where the Pyrénées meet the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea you’ll find Criques de Porteils - Eurocamp’s latest French destination. Brand new for 2009, the parc is nestled on a rocky Languedoc cove on the southernmost coastline of France. It’s just a short walk from the picturesque harbour village of Collioure and 15 miles from both Perpignan and the Spanish border.
Weak pound means holidaying at home is the best bargain
With the pound reaching an all time low against the Euro in December, the UK holidaymaking public may be turning its back on European breaks and thinking about domestic breaks with greater vigour than ever before.
All the frills air travel
To celebrate their 60th year of operation, Cadogan Holidays has announced the Cadogan Diamond Class; premium cabin seats in partnership with BMI, to many key summer destinations across Southern Europe.
An exchange rate freeze from European Boating Holidays
European Boating Holidays (EBH) has announced that it will freeze the Euro to Pound exchange rate in order to pass significant savings onto customers for 2009 holidays. With brochure prices currently in Euros, EBH will offer existing and new travellers a fixed rate of €1.30 to £1 for holidays booked to any destination by the end of January 2009.