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Gilpin Hotel – 2011-12 Hotel of the Year

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

From 101 Holidays newsdesk

One of our favourite hotels, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere, was named AA Hotel of the Year for England at last night’s AA Hospitality Awards 2011 – 2012.

The proprietors, Barney and Zoe Cunliffe commented: “This is an incredible honour. Good old fashioned hospitality combined with the very best in design, comfort and service have been given recognition.”

Gilpin Hotel is set in 22 acres of country gardens, moors and woodland. Having achieved and maintained four Red Stars since 2007, the hotel has shown consistency in the kitchen as well, with three AA Rosettes achieved yearly from 1997 to the present day.

AA Hotel Services manager, Simon Numphud, said: “It would be difficult to find a finer example of a truly outstanding, family run, country house hotel in the UK. Gilpin is a superb hotel that places its staff and hospitality at the very heart of everything it offers and it is truly deserving of this award.”

Rates at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House are from £290 per room per night including Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. Find out more about Gilpin Hotel.

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4th AA Rosette for The Atlantic Hotel, Jersey

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

From 101 Holidays newsdesk

The Atlantic Hotel’s Ocean Restaurant, Jersey has been awarded a fourth AA Rosette in the 2012 edition of the prestigious AA Restaurant Guide, placing it among the top restaurants in the UK. The Atlantic Hotel is one of only 15 hotel restaurants in the UK to achieve such an accolade.

Four AA Rosettes are awarded to restaurants that exhibit “intense ambition, a passion for excellence, superb technical skills, and remarkable consistency”.

Patrick Burke, owner of The Atlantic Hotel and Ocean Restaurant, comments: “We are delighted and proud to be awarded four AA Rosettes in addition to our Michelin star. It is very rare for a hotel restaurant to attain these standards of excellence. It comes as a result of a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication on the part of the entire team.

“We are fortunate indeed to live on such a beautiful island that provides us with a wealth of high quality ingredients from world-acclaimed seafood to the renowned Jersey Royal, from which our Executive Head Chef, Mark Jordan and his brigade consistently produce outstanding dishes”.

Ocean Restaurant showcases modern British cooking with the emphasis on fresh Jersey produce. The restaurant’s design is influenced by its coastal setting with white New England style shutters which frame stunning views over the gardens to the sparkling ocean beyond.

To celebrate, The Atlantic Hotel is offering a two-night Gourmet Break from £310 pp until 30 October 2011. The price includes full English breakfast, a seven course Tasting Menu and a three course table d’hôte dinner in Ocean Restaurant, a half bottle of Champagne and car hire (excluding insurance, petrol and tax).

Find out more from The Atlantic Hotel.

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Free UK travel from P&O Cruises

Monday, September 26th, 2011

From 101 Holidays newsdesk

P&O Cruises is offering free return travel from home to ship (within the UK) plus up to 20% discount on 2012 and 2013 early bookings made before 30 November 2011.

The free ‘Cruise Connections’ travel offer covers domestic flights with FlyBe or coach travel to/from Southampton or valet parking. P&O Cruises will handle all booking arrangements and tickets will be issued with pre-cruise documentation.

That’s what we would call plain (or is it ‘smooth’?) sailing. Bravo.

The discounts, of up to 20%, are available on selected cruises from the 2012/13 brochure on all seven ships in the P&O Cruises fleet. For example, the 14 night Mediterranean cruise on board Azura departing 15 April 2012, now costs from £1,099 pp. With the 20% cruise discount and free flights from, say, Glasgow, that represents a total saving of £425 pp.

Find out more from P&O Cruises.

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Like a local: 10 insider tips in Cape Town

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

By Rita-Sue Meintjes (born and bred in Cape Town)

It’s spring time in Cape Town and we are getting ready for summer. That means getting outdoors, taking in the sun and celebrating the start of summer in style. So here’s how to get off the tourist trail and find exactly what locals are doing and where they’re going.

1. My favourite seaside spot

Visit Kalk Bay on the South Peninsula. Start with breakfast at The Annex, shop at Kalk Bay Books, and drop in at The Kalk Bay Modern for some local art. Discover markets and boutiques hidden down the side streets. At lunchtime, head down to the harbour and select your fish from the catch of the day for a barbeque. Relax at Polana where bohemian style meets seaside chic as the sea crashes just below the open windows.

2. Best place for a jog

The Sea Point Promenade along the sea front is a great place to run or walk. You’ll see kayaks and sail boats making their way to Camps bay. Stop for a rest at New Port Deli or the Aegean-inspired Café Neo for a late breakfast or light snack. Get ready to dazzle for drinks on the veranda at Wakame for sundowners.

3. Where to spot whales

Hermanus is not the only place to see whales. Drive around the Cape Peninsula to spot whales as they come into the bays at this time of the year. You might be lucky and see some baboons walking down the mountain along the route too. Keep those doors closed.

4. Visit local markets

There are many local markets to visit in Cape Town. Two of the best for gourmet food and shopping are the Old Biscuit Mill just outside the city and the Slow Food Market in Stellenbosch. Both are open on Saturday mornings, and are very popular with the local crowds.

5. Hike or bike in Silvermine Nature Reserve

Activity-lovers take a walk or mountain bike ride in Silvermine Nature Reserve – part of the Table Mountain Nature reserve. Follow the trails for a spectacular view over Hout Bay. Return to the dam on the reserve for a swim or picnic to re-energise.

6. Spend a night in Franschhoek

Visit Franschhoek for a night, known for its wine-tasting and fine dining. Pamper yourself while at the Le Franschhoek Hotel and indulge in a treatment at the Spa. Then relax alongside the pool while looking at the mountains.

7. Shopping secrets

Holiday shopping makes us stand out from the crowd. Shopping for one-off pieces is easy when you visit the House of Fashion, which offers tailoring services on site, and one-off pieces. Book a consultation in advance – it is one of the best-kept secrets in town.

7. Best views in town

Nothing beats a walk up Lions Head to watch the sunrise or set. The walk is steep but can be completed quite easily. A climb at the end using chains sees you to the summit. If walking is not quite for you, try the view from Table Mountain, using the cable car.

9. Go on safari at a game farm

Heading to a game farm at this time of year can afford you great sightings of animals before the heat of the summer. Game farms like Aquila Private Game Reserve are just over two hours from Cape Town and make safari holidays in the Cape a possibility.

10. Hike in the Cederberg Mountains

Hiking is a local past time and a favourite is a stay in the Cederberg Mountains, where there is a wealth of trails and activities to keep you busy. Whether hiking, on a 4×4 trail, on your mountain bike or discovering rock art, it is adventure waiting to happen. Ensure you are well prepared with adequate gear, as the weather extremes in the region are legendary.

* Visit Rita-Sue Meintjes’s blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Is this the perfect wedding location for a modern family?

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Travel writer Jeremy Taylor wanted a romantic spot to marry fiancee Kathryn and provide a dream holiday for his three stepchildren…

By Jeremy Taylor

Imagine trying to find the perfect wedding location, while arranging a family holiday for five at the same time. Not easy I’ll admit, although easier once we had decided the answer to our nuptial nightmare was to combine the two in one spectacular trip.

The Cayman Islands bask in sunshine in the off-beaten-track Western Caribbean. Discovered by Columbus in 1503, it’s a British Overseas Territory best known as a haven for divers, watersports and a major banking centre.

My three stepchildren have no interest in international finance but they are all bone fide water babes. Plonk them in the sea and they are happy for hours. Kathryn and I love boats. If we could combine a watery wedding venue with something for the little people, then all our problems would be solved!

The solution, according to Turquoise Holidays, was to employ a local wedding planner who wouldn’t baulk at the idea of a ceremony at sea. In the UK this might prove difficult but in the Cayman Islands, anything is possible it seems.

Celebrations, run by the inimitable Miss Jo, has arranged high profile weddings on Cayman for a host of celebrities – and she didn’t raise an eyebrow at our request for a ‘simple’ service at sea. Within a matter of weeks a speedboat had been booked, the paperwork was signed and all we had to do was choose the flowers.

Our beachfront villa was at the Caribbean Club, perfectly placed on Seven Mile Beach. Relaxed and friendly, the beautifully equipped three bedroom apartments are roomy enough for a large family to lose themselves in soft furnishings, fluffy towels and kitchen appliances, with all the plush features you would dream of for a wonderful honeymoon too.

Cayman Illusion, from Cayman Luxury Charters, is one of those sleek and curvy boats that could have just sailed in from the set of a James Bond movie. Dripping with sumptuous features, just imagine how excited the family was as we set eyes on her as we walked through the marina.

We must be one of the few couples who have no idea about exactly where we were married. All I can tell you is that it was somewhere off Starfish Point, Grand Cayman, at 7pm on July 18, 2011. Our debonair boat captain wrote down the latitude and longitude position on a piece of paper but that was lost when we leapt off the bow, fully clothed in our wedding outfits.

More importantly, the children loved it because within seconds of us uttering ‘I will’, they had jumped overboard in goggles and masks. No long speeches, no cheesy disco … and how many children do you know who have worn a starfish on their head at a wedding reception?

* Jeremy and Kathryn Taylor’s wedding in the Cayman Islands was arranged by Celebrations Ltd on a boat chartered from Cayman Luxury Charters, all organised by Turquoise Holidays. Photography by David Wolfe.

* View 101 Holidays recommended family holidays in the Cayman Islands.

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Our 25 favourite travel blogs

Friday, August 26th, 2011

best travel blogs

Here at 101 Holidays we love to read about travel, but sometimes even we are overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of information and opinion on the web. There are literally hundreds of thousands of travel blogs, many of them self-indulgent and badly written.

So we decided to sort the wheat from the chaff and select our 25 favourites. These are the blogs that we feel convey the sheer joy and wide-eyed wonder of travel. Their writers bring the world to life with passion, enthusiasm, insight – and a keen sense of humour.

This was not a beauty contest for the best website design. We deliberately steered away from the well-funded corporate blogs to celebrate the work of dedicated individuals.

So here we present – in no particular order – our 25 Favourite Travel Blogs. Please remember this is our personal choice – if you don’t agree with our picks or have your own suggestions, please leave a comment below.

1. 501 Places

 What it is: Writer Andy Jarosz shares his extensive travel knowledge and insight.

Why we like it: In between writing for numerous travel organisations, Andy Jarosz finds time to share his wealth of knowledge and experience of 95 countries on 501 Places. His posts range from the witty – A beginners guide to people watching – to the remote and far-flung, discovering lesser known regions of popular countries. Check out his recent Spanish posts. His eye for a good photograph also makes his adventures shine.

Read the blog: 501 Places. Follow Andy on Twitter.

2. Gran Turismo

 What it is: Husband and wife Lara Dunston and Terence Carter on a perpetual world tour.

Why we like it: Lara and Terence might be the ultimate globe-trotting couple, having set foot on a year’s trip in 2006, and still travelling 5 years on. This is their Contemporary Grand Tour of the World, setting out in 2010 to slow their pace of life and live like locals for a year. Swapping hotels for 36 holiday rentals, they travelled sustainably, lapped up local skills and knowledge, enriching their experiences with an authenticity that is passed on to readers with passion and dedication. Each post features beautiful photography, first-hand experience and need-to-know facts.

Read the blog: Gran Turismo. Follow Lara and Terence on Twitter.

3. Quite Alone

 What it is: Matthew Teller’s personal blog documenting all things Middle Eastern.

Why we like it: As a writer specialising in the Middle East, Matthew Teller has a library of fascinating stories to share. His posts on Quite Alone are sharp, well-written and particularly poignant given recent events in the Middle East. We love the fly-on-the-wall style and the informative yet quirky nature of his blog and his knowledge and passion for the region.

Read the blog: Quite Alone. Follow Matthew on Twitter.

4.Heather on her Travels

 What it is: Far-reaching stories and inspiring tales from Heather Cowper’s years of travel.

Why we like it: We admire Heather’s blog for her unrelenting vision. Her blog is packed with multiple posts from every destination she visits, each taking a new perspective on a city, region or country. We like being able to browse by each year of Heather’s travels, allowing us to follow her ramblings chronologically and giving order to her jetsetting ways. Her My Blogging Journey section is particularly valuable – if you’re getting inspired to start your own blog, this is where you should be heading.

Read the blog: Heather on her Travels. Follow Heather on Twitter.

5. The Quirky Traveller

 What it is: A hunt for anything off the travel straight and narrow with Zoë Dawes

Why we like it: Zoë travels on the hunt for the unusual, discovering strange cultures, odd delicacies and local characters along her way shared from her base in Cumbria. We love the individual stories of each of Zoë’s posts, and the personal touch that gives each a comforting hint of nostalgia that either lets you share in her trips, or gives you the push to get out there for yourself.

Read the blog: The Quirky Traveller. Follow Zoë on Twitter.

6. 40 Before 30

What it is: A personal mission by young writer and “travel obsessive” Jayne Gorman

Why we like it: Jayne Gorman has set herself the challenge of travelling to 40 countries before her 30th birthday – and blogging about them all. We love her ambition and her one-woman mission to share her passion for the countries she’s visited, always with an honest undertone with which anyone can identify. Check out her first impressions of India and her story of sprinting for the last ticket for a Catamaran in Croatia.

Read the blog: 40 before 30. Follow Jayne on Twitter.

7. The Aussie Nomad

 What it is: Australian native and travel mad Chris Richardson sharing his travel know-how

Why we like it: The no-frills, plain and simple design of Chris Richardson’s blog lets his travel experience shine through. We are particularly drawn to the logic of his Travel Tips section, offering accurate budget advice for a range of European cities, from Paris to Krakow, Riga to Amsterdam with tables and charts that are drawn together under the title of How Much Does it Cost to Backpack Europe - brilliant planning tool for trips on a budget, far and wide. The Vegemite Challenge section is a quirkily charming reminder of Chris’ Australian heritage that gives his blog its individuality.

Read the blog: The Aussie Nomad. Follow Chris on Twitter.

8. Inside Japan

 What is it: A great (commercial) travel blog from the team at InsideJapan Tours

Why we like it: The InsideJapan Blog is maintained by staff at the tour operator, InsideJapan Tours, and their obsession with the country is unmistakable. We love the unique blend of Japan-related content, from a piece on a 1962 Fodor Guide to Japan and Dragon Boat Racing in Colorado, to uncovering Japan’s unusual passions – who knew that the Japanese were avid cricket fans? Such is the personal and expert nature of this blog that it shows few signs of its commercial background.

Read the blog: InsideJapan Tours. Follow InsideJapan on Twitter.

9. 48 Hour Adventure

 What is it: 48 hour itineraries and advice from weekend traveller Justin Morris

Why we like it: Away from the 9-5, Justin is a weekend traveller. We love his ’48 hours in…’ concept, packed with suggestions and itineraries for getting the most out of short city breaks, and inspiring readers of just how far from home you can find yourself in two days. We particularly love his 48 hours in Dubai with its alternative itinerary away from the bars and beaches.

Read the blog: 48 Hour Adventure. Follow Justin on Twitter.

10. Velvet Escape

 What it is: Keith Jenkins encouraging his readers to ‘Go Explore’

Why we like it: From crossing the Andes from Argentina to Chile, to trekking with Berbers in Morocco, Keith Jenkins has seen a fair amount of the world, with a plush and rich edge, as the name of his blog suggests. While Keith’s world map taking you straight to the country in which you are interested is brilliant, we suggest you come here for well-researched itinerary suggestions, and great food articles.

Read the blog: Velvet Escape. Follow Keith on Twitter.

11. Johnny Vagabond

 What it is: One long budget worldwide adventure with Wes Nations living with the locals.

Why we like it: We love that Wes makes like a local on his travels, living low to the ground. His manner of documenting his experiences through beautiful photo essays and well-told narratives make this a collection of charming short stories of which we can easily dip in and out. We admire Wes’ unrivalled humorous twist to every tale, and his incessantly positive outlook.

Read the blog: Johnny Vagabond. Follow Wes on Twitter.

12. Everything Everywhere

 What it is: Gary Arndt racks up his country count and shares 4 years of travel tales

Why we like it: As the name suggests, Everything Everywhere is one of the most comprehensive travel blogs out there. Gary’s photography always gives us a glimpse of far flung and remote destinations, while his This week in Travel broadcasts keep readers up-to-date with travel happenings. Gary didn’t catch sight of the sea until the age of 21 yet since 2007 he has stamps from more than 100 countries in his passport and has visited 152 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Read the blog: Everything Everywhere. Follow Gary on Twitter.

13. As We Travel

What it is: Nathan Schacherer and Sofia von Porat share their adventures on a budget

Why we like it: As We Travel is a treasure trove of eye-catching photos, thoughtful videos and insightful destination guides. The home page is full of attention-grabbing content that makes it much more than a simple blog. Search for any destination or question and relevant content will pop up. If nothing’s been written, email their ‘Round the World’ support crew with your questions for a reply within 24 hours. Their latest Europe Train Challenge (30 countries in 90 days, recorded by video) is worth a look.

Read the blog: As We Travel. Follow Nathan and Sofia on Twitter.

14. Art of Backpacking

 What it is: Everything to do with cutting travel costs by Michael Tieso

Why we like it: Art of Backpacking has been inspiring travellers to pick up their rucksacks and head for foreign climbs since 2008. We love it for the variety of posts and advice, easily accessible from the menu and the Asian-themed foodie posts. Nobody should set off for the Far East without reading 10 foods you must eat in China – while the techie features are well worth checking out for anyone planning a round the world jaunt.

Read the blog: Art of Backpacking. Follow Michael on Twitter.

15.Uncornered Market

 What it is: ‘Full-time travellers’ Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott document life on the road

Why we like it: Husband and wife team Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott have been on the road for 1,717 days, and are now 65 countries on from packing in corporate life, so describing themselves as full time travellers is almost an understatement. We especially love their videography, each post carefully edited to showcase their experiences – especially in Asia – with all the colour and noise of the real thing.

Read the blog: Uncornered Market. Follow Daniel and Audrey on Twitter.

16. Isabelle’s Travel Guide

 What it is: Isabelle Kenis on a mission to encourage her readers to discover the world

Why we like it: Isabelle’s Travel blog hits the spot with a balance between destination advice and informative travel tips – from passport and visa queries to pointers for learning some local lingo before you leave. Isabelle’s travel experiences are browse-able by country and city and we love her Top 5 section for a quick travel fix that gets us thinking about our next trip.

Read the blog: Isabelle’s Travel Guide. Follow Isabelle on Twitter.

17.Pause the Moment

 What it is: Ryan Gargiulo shows you how to travel everywhere and anywhere on a budget

Why we like it: We like Pause the Moment’s blend of an around the world theme with budget travel resource. The site is packed with to-the-point reviews and valuable destination advice, as well as his and hers packing lists, from genuine travel experience. We love the scope of Ryan’s blog – check out How to Save Enough Money to Travel the World. How to Avoid Being Scammed in Hanoi, for example, is well worth a peek before any trip to Vietnam.

Read the blog: Pause the Moment. Follow Ryan on Twitter.

18. The Traveling Philosopher

 What it is: Spencer Spellman blogs about his ambitious travel plans

Why we like it: The combination of travel and philosophy in Spencer Spellman’s blog gives an unusual take on his world adventures. His myth-busting advice is always a winner, and some great photography, in conjunction with a strong site design, keeps us clicking. Our favourite section, though, is The List, currently totalling 56 travel wishes – and we’re pretty sure he’ll get through the lot.

Read the blog: The Traveling Philosopher. Follow Spencer on Twitter.

19. Inside the Travel Lab

 What it is: Adventure and cultural experiences from freelance journalist Abigail King

Why we like it: Abigail swapped her career as a hospital doctor for a life on the road, writing as she goes. We love her unusual way of cataloguing her work, and can’t help but click where we see Make Me Smile, Make Me Think and Inspire Me, always with a strong visual element that showcases her flair for photography. The balance of adventure, culture and food is irresistible.

Read the blog: Inside the Travel Lab. Follow Abigail on Twitter.

20. Family Rambling

 A family-focussed travel blog by mum of two Jody Halstead

Why we like it: For anyone travelling with a family, Family Rambling is an unbeatable resource. The blog is filled with tips for parents and innovative ways of keeping kids entertained (as well as the odd romantic retreat for rewarding all your hard work). Follow Jody and her family from fairs, to museums and theme parks and back again, all characterised by her bubbly American outlook and some great video content.

Read the blog: Family Rambling. Follow Jody on Twitter.

21. Sophie On Track

 What it is: Sophie Collard shares her passion for trains and rail travel

Why we like it: Train travel is often taken for granted, especially in the UK, which is why we love Sophie On Track and her passion for all things rail-related. Sophie’s best posts are her Things you could be doing this weekend blogs, providing a wealth of last minute travel ideas, often with a cultural twist, closer to home than you might expect.

Read the blog: Sophie on Track. Follow Sophie on Twitter.

22. Roaming Tales

 What it is: Caitlin Fitzsimmons combines her passion for travel and food in one place

Why we like it: Roaming Tales combines the two passions in Caitlin’s life – travel and food. Her posts are wide-ranging, covering everything from sand dunes in Death Valley to Syrian democracy and recipes for authentic Italian pasta. We like Roaming Tales for its boundless enthusiasm and the personalised touch that allows Caitlin to share the progress of her twin babies at the same time as her travel know-how.

Read the blog: Roaming Tales. Follow Caitlin on Twitter

23. Wild Junket

 What it is: Tales from big trips courtesy of adventurer Nellie Huang

Why we like it: The rolling panoramic photos on the home page of Nellie’s Wild Junket blog make it almost impossible not to keep clicking. Nellie’s stories have a strong adventure focus, and off-road feel – think road trip itineraries, chasing polar bears in the Arctic and her 8 top global adventure spots. We love her ambition and fearlessness which never fails to come across in her writing.

Read the blog: Wild Junket. Follow Nellie on Twitter.

24. Europe a la carte

 What it is: One of the original travel blogs from full-time blogger Karen Bryan

Why we like it: Karen was one of the first trendsetters in the travel blogging world, and her Europe a la Carte site is still going strong, 9 years after its launch. As such, we love the wealth of information and advice that is archived on the site, and the ability to search quickly by destination on the left hand side of her page. We can find what we’re after within seconds of clicking on to her site. We love Karen’s destination podcasts and her dedicated Museums in Europe section is always a feast of cultural gems.

Read the blog: Europe a la Carte. Follow Karen on Twitter.

25. Bacon is Magic

 What it is: the story of Ayngelina finding her feet in Latin America

Why we like it: With the tag line ‘living life with a different set of rules’, we love the thoroughness of Ayngelina’s Bacon is Magic blog, from her diverse Pre-trip Planning posts and the range of her Latin American adventures following her all the way down to Peru over the course of 365 days. Ayngelina’s site has a bravery about it and her stories have value for anyone heading to the America’s – check out Getting robbed in San Juan del Sur for a quick reality check before you leave.

Read the blog: Bacon is Magic. Follow Ayngelina on Twitter.

* Research by Polly Crossman

 

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New family adventures in India and Nepal

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

From 101 Holidays newsdesk

With activities from elephant face-painting in Rajasthan to having tea with an Everest summiteer in Kathmandu, we like the look of Scott Dunn’s new family adventure holidays in India and Nepal.

The tours are aimed at families with children aged 8 years and older.

The 7-night Family Adventure in Nepal includes a rickshaw ride in Kathmandu, a meeting with a Tibetan Lama, white-water rafting, an elephant-back safari and trekking in the Annapurna mountain range with visits to local schools and a Buddhist monastery en route. Families will also have the chance to hear about the challenges of extreme mountaineering in the home of an Everest summiteer.

The Nepal trip costs from £9,685.

On the North India and Oman Adventure, families will experience a visit to the Taj Mahal, a safari in Ranthambore National Park, a stay in a Palace near Jaipur and a hot-air balloon ride. Children will have the opportunity to paint the face of their own elephant, in keeping with local custom, before riding it through the countryside for a game of elephant polo.

The adventure wraps up with 4 nights on the beach in Oman, staying at Shangri La Muscat.

This 12-night itinerary costs from £15,985.

Further south, the Kerala Adventure combines the vibrant spice markets of Cochin and the jungles of Periyar National Park with Kerala’s laid-back backwaters and beachside fun at Kovalam. Highlights include visiting local tribal villages to meet with the unique Mannan people, cookery classes at local farmsteads and a spice plantation tour.

This 8-night tour costs from £7,340.

All prices are for 2 adults and 2 children and include international flights, B&B accommodation, private transfers, all guided excursions and activities plus some meals. Accommodation is in a range of heritage hotels, comfortable lodges and safari camps.

Contact Scott Dunn.

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2012 Rugby match packages

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

From 101 Holidays newsdesk

If you are craving a fix of live rugby and can’t make it to the World Cup in New Zealand next month, ITC Sports is offering the chance to see some live action in like-minded company at the Six Nations and Hong Kong Sevens.

Both tours are accompanied by Scott Hastings, the former Scotland International and British & Irish Lion – now a sought-after commentator for Sky Sports and ITV.

Head to Rome on 10 February 2012 for the Italy v England Six Nations game. A two-night break costs £1,495pp, including British Airways flights, luxury hotel accommodation with breakfast, a hosted dinner, pre-match hospitality, excellent seats for the game itself and all transfers.

The Hong Kong Sevens is one of rugby’s most popular annual events, combining the thrill of the sport and the glamour and fascination of Hong Kong itself. The tour costs from £1,795pp and departs on 21 March 2012. The price includes British Airways flights, four nights’ hotel accommodation in Wanchai (in walking distance of the stadium), a three-day match pass and welcome event.

Another £715pp buys you the Hospitality package on the Saturday and Sunday with drinks, meals, guest speakers and a souvenir programme.

Single travellers pay a supplement of £255 in Rome, £455 in Hong Kong.

Check out details of all ITC Sports’ rugby packages.

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Deal of the Day: 35% off Costa Rica

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

  

Holiday details: i-escape are offering savings of 35% off week long stays at the Xandari Resort and Spa, Costa Rica.

Located just 20 minutes from San Jose airport, the Xandari Resort is found up in the jungled hills above a valley, set in secluded lush gardens with eclectic villa accommodation, spa, friendly service and traditional Costa Rican food.

Price: £272 pp, saving 35%. Price based on 7 nights accommodation in a Prima Villa, based on 2 sharing. Flights extra.

Date: departures throughout August 2011

Book with: i-escape

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California in 10,000 images

Monday, August 8th, 2011

Sometimes we come across a piece of video that is so beautiful, it makes us want to buy a flight ticket and go right now. That’s exactly how we reacted when we saw this amazing time-lapse movie portraying A Day in California.

It was made by student Ryan Killackey using a basic Canon SLR camera. He and his wife spent 18 months taking the 10,000 still images that Ryan used to make the short film.

Found any other inspiring travel videos? Please let us know in the comments below.

 

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Half price kids camps

Friday, July 29th, 2011

From 101 Holidays newsdesk

If your kids are kicking their heels already this summer and you fancy packing them off to camp, PGL is offering half-price fully-supervised multi-activity weeks from £249 to £259 per child full-board.

Half price weeks are offered on selected dates until 3 September 2011 at 12 of PGL’s own adventure centres in Perthshire, Lincolnshire, Powys, Surrey and Devon.

Activities on offer at the majority of the centres include abseiling, aeroballing, archery, ball sports, canoeing, climbing, fencing, a giant swing, trapeze and zip wire, mountain bikes and quad bikes.

All equipment and instruction is provided, as are three healthy meals and plenty of rehydration opportunities during the day, evening entertainment suitable for each age group and careful supervision from waking-up to tucking-in time.

For example, the weeks starting 6, 20 and 27 August at PGL Liddington in Wiltshire usually cost £519, but are now £259 per child, with separate age groups for 7 to 10s, 10-13s and 13-16 year olds.

PGL’s own holiday insurance (£36 per child) is compulsory for all children booked on this offer.

Find out more about kids adventure holidays and summer camps from PGL.

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A taste of the Caribbean comes to Brighton

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

From 101 Holidays newsdesk

A taste of the Caribbean is coming to Brighton on Saturday 6 August 2011 with rum tastings, Caribbean soul food and live music.

The totally tropical event takes place at The Thistle Hotel between 4pm and 8pm. Tickle your tastebuds with Brugal and El Dorado rum, Caymanas rum cake, Hotel Chocolat treats and The Rum Experience to the sounds of the Tropical Elements band.

Momma Cherri, a regular celebrity chef on ITV’s This Morning, will also be cooking up a storm in the kitchen and preparing some delicious Caribbean soul food for visitors to try.

Tickets are available from The Thistle Brighton Hotel (call 01273 763 244) as well as from the organisers, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation – £25 pp in advance or £28 on the door. One child under 10 years will be admitted free of charge per ticket-holding adult and children aged 10 to 17 years £10 with proof of age.

Find out more about Rum and Rhythm by the Sea 2011.

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Calling all bargain hunters

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

From 101 Holidays newsdesk

Are you proud of your bargain hunting ways…? Do you revel in your frugal sense of spending…? Are you planning a wedding and honeymoon for as little dosh as poss…?

If so, the TV company behind Channel 4′s Cutting Edge programme wants to hear from you.

If you’re clever with your cash or know someone who is then get in touch with them – email sophie.mohammed@rawtelevision.co.uk or call Sophie on 020 7017 1642.

Check out our recommendations for cheap holidays and honeymoons on a budget.

 

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5 best rail journeys of the world

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

In the first of a new “Five of the Best….” series, we asked Cox & Kings to nominate five great rail journeys around the world. Their selections range from Malaysia’s Cameron highlands to the remotest regions of Russia. Do you agree, or have another suggestion? Please leave a comment below.

Rovos Rail, South Africa

The beautifully restored wood-panelled carriages of Rovos Rail combine luxury travel with the chance to see some of South Africa’s most beautiful scenery. Steam, diesel and electric locomotives draw the heritage coaches from Pretoria to Cape Town, through the historic village of Matjiesfontein, a city tour of Kimberley, as well as to the world’s largest man-made mine – the Big Hole. The use of traditional furnishings and period 1920s decor creates an elegant atmosphere to enjoy the passing landscape or to sip a cocktail whilst chugging through the African night.

Trans-Siberian Express

This is certainly one of the world’s oldest and most legendary rail journeys. Crossing the vast expanse of Russia, from Moscow to Vladivostok, the Trans-Siberian Express line covers 9,000 kilometres, passing through eight time zones and 80 towns and cities. Highlights of the journey include Kazan and the UNESCO-protected Kremlin, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, the capital of Siberia. Special extra touches such as the opportunity to have a barbeque on the beach at the world’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal (known as the ‘pearl of Siberia’), are what make this journey so memorable.

The Danube Express

The Danube Express winds its way through Turkey and Hungary, from Istanbul to Budapest, over the Carpathian Mountains and along the Baltic coast. A journey of spectacular landscapes, ancient history and exciting stop-offs – the Danube Express can transport up to 43 passengers at a time in eight luxurious carriages. Highlights include seeing parts of eastern Europe that many visitors do not commonly see, including some classic Soviet architecture, Dracula’s Castle in Bran, the beautiful medieval town of Sighisoara, the gothic cathedral of St Elizabeth’s Cathedral in Kosice and the architecture of many rocky hilltops along the way.

Eastern & Oriental Express

Travel in style through the jungles, rice fields and cities of Southeast Asia from Bangkok to Singapore, or vice versa, aboard the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express. The train offers refined elegance with fine dining, a piano bar and an observation car. The train leads you through the meandering romance and colonial heritage of Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands with its tea plantations and strawberry farms, as well as to the wonderfully varied architecture of cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang’s Georgetown.

Maharajas’ Express, India

A train like no other, an experience like no other – step aboard the Maharajas’ Express and you will be transported into a world of elephant polo and red carpets. Launched in March 2010, the Maharajas’ Express epitomises luxury train travel and is the ultimate way to see India in style. Follow in the footsteps of bygone Maharajas, relaxing on board amid state-of-the-art comforts, the finest cuisine and exceptionally attentive service, whilst being immersed in the country’s rich history, sensational wildlife, friendly people and magnificent palaces.

Find out more about Cox & Kings’ worldwide rail journeys.

 

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New glamping ideas

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

From 101 Holidays newsdesk

We can always rely on the team at Canopy & Stars to come up with quirky new ‘glamping’ accommodation options and they’ve just sent us details of two belters.

Couples can get loved up in The Treehouse at Harptree Court, close to Bath. Once you’ve climbed the wooden staircase and walked along the laurel tree walkway, there’s a cosy double bed, copper roll-top bath, kitchen, lounge with wood burner and amazing views across the tree tops. Add to that a welcome pack of goodies from local sausages to home-made muesli, lemon cake and jam and you have the perfect bolthole. Two nights cost £350.

If you fancy a break in the big smoke but want to steer away from a hotel, there’s a luxurious houseboat, On the Water, bang in the middle of Regents Park. Chill out after a day’s sightseeing or shopping on the spacious sundeck, complete with squishy cushions and blankets. Two nights cost £500.

Check out more glamping ideas from Canopy & Stars

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