Holidays Choice UK

Freedom Direct announces the launch of two forums dedicated to flight experiences and holidays discussions

2008-01-23T13:56:00.000Z

Exclusively sponsored by travel expert and holiday specialist Freedom Direct ( www.freedomdirect.co.uk ), two new forums http://www.holidays-cheap.info and http://www.offersflight.net are dedicated to sharing travel experiences and information about holidays.

They are enlivened by an enthusiastic community of passionate holidaymakers and feature different travel-related subjects. Each user has the opportunity to share information on a multitude of issues, from flights experiences to holiday tips and advice.

The http://www.offersflight.net/ travel forum is the setting for discussions about airports and airline facilities.

Holidaymakers can also share their tips on flights to specific destinations – e.g. “Any good tips on cheap flights to the Canaries this summer?” and advice on everything, ranging from baggage issues to flying with pets.

The http://www.holidays-cheap.info/ travel forum can be seen as a travel guide written by travellers, for travellers.

Organised into different sections, it allows each user to add information on their holiday adventures in specific regions or destinations, such as the Balearics, Spain, Portugal or Egypt etc.

Readers can also find plenty of information on special excursions to take, transport to use once at your holiday resort, or get a wide range of ideas from the other members on how to find great holiday bargains, as well as safety tips to follow for an enjoyable holiday.

Ski holiday specialist Ski-Direct reports rise in ski holiday bookings to Canada

2007-10-22T10:50:00.000+01:00

Ski Holiday specialist Ski-Direct reports that Canada is attracting more ski holidaymakers than in previous years. People taking group ski holidays especially are heading to the slopes in Canada, according to analysis of early bookings made at through specialist online ski holiday booking agency www.ski-direct.co.uk

A number of trans-Atlantic airline companies have announced extra services to Canada's ski resorts this winter, making the pristine powder and awe-inspiring peaks of Canada more reachable for ski holidaymakers from Europe.

Another boost to Canada’s popularity is the excellent snow conditions its resorts enjoyed during the Winter 2007 season.

Jon Pearce from Ski-Direct says: “Canada is world-famous for its skiing. Snow conditions in the Canadian ski resorts are excellent and have some of the longest ski seasons in the world. Many of our customers return to Canada year after year once they get the taste of it.”

Canada is an ideal destination for group ski holidays, as the ski packages available at the Canadian ski resorts are often more flexible than those available in Europe.

Holidays in Majorca are the top choice for UK travellers this summer

2007-07-19T10:57:00.000+01:00

Majorca is the most popular destination for holidays, it has been revealed by online travel agency Holidays-Direct, www.holidays-direct.co.uk after a review of sales of summer holidays.

Although well established as one of the top European family holiday destinations, it is a surprise to see Majorca holidays ahead of the hugely popular Spanish Costas, which are famous for offering good value and cheap family holidays.

The top 10 summer holiday destinations are as follows:-

1. Majorca
2. Costa Brava
3. Costa del Sol
4. Costa Blanca
5. Corfu
6. Algarve
7. Prague
8. Costa Dorada
9. Turkey
10. Cyprus

Overall Spain is once again the most popular country for summer holidays, with five appearances in the top 10, including Majorca.

Prague is the only citybreak destination to make the top 10. Short breaks in Prague are popular throughout the year, especially near Christmas when the city hosts Christmas markets in the medieval Old Town centre. Prague is also one of the top choices for hen and stag weekends.

Corfu is the only Greek island in the top 10, like Majorca it is a popular choice for family holidays and has recently established itself as great location for couples choosing to marry abroad.

There have been widespread reductions on holiday accommodation rates in mainland Spain and Turkey this summer, making both countries ideal for people looking for cheap family holidays.

Last summer a study of web searches for holiday destinations revealed that Portugal, particularly The Algarve, was the most searched for holiday destination.

Majorca (Mallorca) is an ideal family holiday destination and first became popular with travellers from the UK in the 1960s. There is a wide choice of luxury hotel complexes and self-catering apartments along the clean, sandy stretches of beach. As well as catering to families, the island has a mixture of quiet and more lively resorts with great bars and restaurants, for people looking for nightlife on holiday.

Inland there are several quaint, unspoilt old towns to explore in the mountainous, rural landscape.

Another reason for Majorca holidays being so popular is that there are regular flights to the island from airports all around the UK, making it a convenient choice for holidaymakers wherever they live.

Airports operating regular flights to Majorca: -

Belfast, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Doncaster Sheffield, Durham Tees Valley, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Exeter, Gatwick, Glasgow, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton, Stansted.

Note to editors:
This report is based on total sales to date through Holidays-Direct at www.holidays-direct.co.uk and partner site www.citybreaks-direct.co.uk for summer 2007 (May to October).

Online travel agency www.holidays-direct.co.uk is part of the Midlands Co-operative Society Group and is a member of ABTA. They specialise in providing affordable flights and accommodation in the top holiday destinations around the world.

Reports about holiday bargains have been exaggerated, but cheap holidays in Turkey and mainland Spain can definitely be found

2007-06-21T15:02:00.000+01:00

Don’t believe the hype, but do your research and you’ll be able to take advantage of great deals on mainland Spain and Turkey holidays for summer 2007. That’s the message from www.holidays-direct.co.uk.

Recent publicity about £5 bargain holidays this summer has misled many holiday shoppers, says online holiday booking agent www.holidays-direct.co.uk, but the truth is there are lots of cheap holidays available in popular holiday destinations.

Although recent news stories have been widely exaggerated, there are significant bargains to be found this year. It is particularly easy to book cheap holidays in Turkey and find mainland Spain holiday bargains this summer.

Recent stories about summer holidays being on sale for as little as £5 have caused a flurry of publicity in both mainstream news circles and tourist industry media. Naturally, such extreme bargain holidays are very rare and the truth behind the headlines is that room rates have been lowered in some of the most popular summer holiday destinations – leading to very customer-friendly price reductions for summer 2007.

This year has seen more and more competition between Mediterranean tourist centres as the prevalence of cheap flights is encouraging people to take more holidays.

The vast majority of holidaymakers now research and book their holidays online and are used to shopping around for the best holiday deals. This consumer demand for cheap holidays is driving competition and pushing prices down.

Paul Reeve of Holidays-Direct said: “The £5 summer holiday bargain is somewhat like the gold at the end of the rainbow, only slightly more believable. It’s a shame there has been so much attention focused on this as it is very true that there have been significant reductions in many resorts in Turkey and Spain. There is a wide range of really good deals to choose from and many resorts are cheaper to stay in than they were last summer.

For example: 7 nights in Turkey this July costs as little as £169 per person. 7 nights in Spain starts at just £199 per person *

Holidays-Direct is part of the Midlands Co-op Group and provides flights and accommodation for a range of countries including; the Balearic Islands, Bulgaria, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, Egypt and the Red Sea, Italy, north Africa, Turkey, Spain and the USA.

As well as the online booking service, the Holidays-Direct holiday experts offer expert advice from their helplines. Customers can call 44 (0) 8000 501 301. There are no additional charges for booking online.

Other members of the Holidays-Direct family specialise in citybreaks across Europe (www.citybreaks-direct.co.uk) and skiing holidays (www.ski-direct.co.uk). The Ski-Direct team have over 100 years skiing experience and are specialists in the booking of group ski holidays across Europe and North America.

*Note to editors: Based on seven nights self-catering. Prices subject to changes, correct at the time of publication.

More holiday news at http://www.holidaynews-direct.co.uk

Specialist ski holiday agency Ski-Direct continues to grow

2007-04-12T15:58:00.000+01:00

Specialist online ski holiday booking agency Ski-Direct has announced a 20% growth in ski sales during the Winter 2006/07 season.

Winter 2006/07 saw the third consecutive 'year on year' boost for www.ski-direct.co.uk since the decision was made by parent company, www.holidays-direct.co.uk in 2004 to focus on this specialist market sector.

Ski-Direct attribute their success to the high level of ski expertise among their key staff (they have over 100 years combined experience in the industry) as well as a strong focus on delivering a high degree of customer service.

The online agency caters for specialist ski holiday bookings, such as groups, families requiring child care, as well as North American holidays and the beginner ski holiday market.

David Tonks, Manager of Ski-Direct said: "The major factor that differentiates Ski-Direct from our competitors is the quality and the specialisation in its products as well as its reputation of being one of the top agents for Chalet holidays in the UK"

Ski-Direct are forecasting another successful year for the 2007-8 winter ski holiday season. Advance sales are already well ahead of last year.

Ski Direct has designed interactive pages where skiers can search by choosing the holiday destination of their choice, or browse by specific categories, such as chalets search, luxury Selection, and family information.

To book ski holidays online, it's easy. Just visit the website at http://www.ski-direct.co.uk and tick on the holiday section of your choice.

Special ski bargains can be also found by clicking on the dedicated bargains section of the site. At the moment, for instance, Ski Direct offers fantastic ski package deals in Les Deux Alpes, in France, from only £189 for 7 nights.

All the ski holiday bargains, resort and weather guide as well as Winter 2007 ski holiday deals can be found on the Ski Direct home page.

About Ski-Direct

The company works with all the major Tour Operators including Inghams, Neilson, Airtours, First Choice and Crystal Ski, as well as the specialist Ski companies such as Ski Total, Ski Esprit, Skiworld and Mark Warner to make the best of customers' winter holidays.

Whatever ski makers are looking for to make the perfect ski holiday, they can find it through Ski-Direct.

Ski-Direct is a member of the Co-operative Travel Trading Group.

Press information, please contact

Jenny Simpson
Online PR Manager
Web Certain Europe Ltd
Blackthorn House
Northminster Business Park
Poppleton
York
YO26 6QW
44 1904 780030

Book a 'ridiculously cheap' ski holiday thanks to December's mild weather

2007-01-12T13:59:00.000Z

December’s slump in ski holiday bookings means prices were dramatically reduced and ski fans can pick up some great bargains.

December saw a slump in ski holiday bookings as skiers were put off by reports of unseasonably mild weather, even though most of the major European ski resorts stayed open.

The drop in bookings caused an industry-wide price slash. Now weather conditions have picked up and there are still huge bargains to pick up.

David Tonks of independent ski holiday agent, www.ski-direct.co.uk described the current price of ski holidays as "ridiculously cheap" even though recent snowfalls across Europe have increased bookings and demand since the New Year.

Until this season, it has been rare for ski holidays to be marketed at cheap rates, unlike Mediterranean holidays. However, it is now possible to book seven nights in a top European ski resort for as little as £99 per person, including flights.

David Tonks says: "There was a lot of worry across the industry in December when the weather was so mild in Europe and a lot of relief when the snow fell in January. The Ski-Direct team have one hundred years combined experience in the ski holiday industry and we have never seen prices drop so quickly across the board.

"There are huge bargains out there for people who want to book a ski holiday now."

The mild weather only affected Europe. North American ski resorts have had excellent conditions since the start of the season.

Since the snowfall in the first two weeks of January, Ski-Direct has made more bookings than in the last two months.

Ski-Direct is one of the UK's leading independent ski holiday agents providing ski holiday offers across Europe and North America. The www.ski-direct.co.uk team has over 100 combined years experience skiing and marketing ski holidays. They work with major tour operators as well as specialist ski companies to offer a wide range of ski holidays and they specialise in chalet ski holiday packages.

Ski-Direct is a member of the Midlands Co-operative Society

Sharm el-Shiekh is the big hit of the winter holiday season

2006-11-24T16:12:00.000Z

Red sea resort Sharm el-Sheikh is the most popular holiday destination this winter for UK holidaymakers.

Flights to Sharm el-Sheikh and hotels in the Red Sea resort for winter 2006 have been booked more often than other locations in the last six months, reports web travel agency www.holidays-direct.co.uk

The most popular winter sun holiday destinations are:

Sharm el-Sheikh
Portugal / the Algarve
Tunisia
Tenerife
Benidorm
Lanzarote

Holidaymakers are attracted to the Sharm el-Sheikh area because of the perfect winter climate and high quality of the resort hotels.

The Red Sea is very popular for family holidays as well as being one of the best-regarded diving locations in the world.

Jon Pearce of www.holidays-direct.co.uk says: “Holidays in Sharm el-Sheikh offer great value for money for families who want to stay somewhere warm and exotic, but not break the bank.”

“There are more cheap deals to Egypt on offer than in previous years and it’s a relatively short flight to Sharm from the UK airports, making it popular for people travelling with young children.”

“Most of the hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh are well-equipped, self-contained resorts, which is especially reassuring to holidaymakers who are concerned about safety and ways to keep children entertained while on holiday.”

Portugal has long been a popular winter sun holiday choice, especially for couples looking for relaxing breaks.

Tunisia is also benefiting from the extra availability of no-frills flights to north Africa. Like Egypt, visitors to Tunisia can enjoy an exotic holiday at great value for money.

Of all countries with strong tourism links to the UK, Tenerife and Lanzarote have two of the best winter climates. A wide choice of self-catering and all-inclusive packages in the Canaries is on offer. Both Lanzarote and Tenerife can be flown to from airports across the UK.

Benidorm perhaps offers the most sensational value for holidaymakers this winter, with cheap flights to the Costa Blanca consistently at low prices.

Tallinn is the runaway top choice for hen and stag weekends in Europe.

www.holidays-direct.co.uk is an online travel agency and web resource for people researching and booking flights and hotels in all the most popular locations around the world.

www.holidays-direct.co.uk is a member of the Midlands Co-operative Society.

Ski Experts Launch New Skiing Holiday Website

2006-10-19T16:05:00.000+01:00

New ski site uses expert knowledge to provide customers with the best possible service.

A new online ski holiday information resource has been launched by a team of travel specialists who have over 100 years combined experience of skiing and selling ski holidays.

Ski holiday specialists at Midlands Co-op Travel have launched www.ski-direct.co.uk which offers winter sports fans helpful hints and tips, as well as flight and hotel bargains.

David Tonks of Ski-Direct is one of the enthusiastic skiers behind the idea to produce a website specialising in ski holidays. He says: "We know, because we are skiers, that using general travel websites can be a frustrating experience when booking a ski holiday.

"On many holiday websites the ski resorts are in the same list as all other resorts, making it harder to find the information you want and there is a distinct lack of useful information about the natures of the slopes and resort facilities."

The new www.ski-direct.co.uk website is designed to be a user-friendly handy research tool for holidaymakers booking a ski holiday - from beginners to experienced skiers.

David says: "Over the years working in the travel industry and going skiing, the team has seen many changes in the sorts of ski holidays customers prefer. For example, in the last ten years or so snowboarding has become hugely popular, especially among younger people."

The other big trend is the increase in families taking young children with them when they ski.

Studies show the average age of the first time skier is dropping every year as more and more under-10s ski with their parents. Ski-Direct offers advice to people booking family holidays, such as where to find family-friendly ski resorts and how to choose the best ski family holiday package.

Ski-Direct also has a guide for people booking group ski holidays.

David says: "For many people going on a ski holiday is more of a social than sporting activity and we want to do all we can to help our customers, many of whom come back to us time and again, to book group holidays - often for groups of twenty people."

There are guides to all the resorts on offer, across Europe and north America, giving details about the difficulty levels of the ski runs and the facilities within the resorts.

Users can also search by departure point, to check which resorts are catered for by their nearest airport.

People who have already booked their ski holiday can keep an eye on the weather where they are going by checking out the www.ski-direct.co.uk Snow Reports.

Ski-Direct is a member of the Co-operative Travel Trading Group.

Fantastic value for Florence city breaks

2006-09-07T10:00:00.000+01:00

There's a great deal on short breaks in Florence - prices for the flight and hotel package, including breakfast, start at only £89, flying to Pisa Airport.

Holidays-Direct have reported that this deal has been a huge success

Pirates of the Caribbean is best ride at Disneyland Resort Paris, say UK holidaymakers

2006-08-21T16:44:00.000+01:00

Holidaymakers who booked family holidays at Disneyland Resort Paris with online travel agency www.sundeal.co.uk have been surveyed about their favourite rides at the resort - and they say the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is the best.

The most popular rides at Disneyland Resort Paris as voted for by customers of online travel agency www.sundeal.co.uk are:
1 Pirates of the Caribbean
2 Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast
3 Haunted Mansion
4 Big Thunder Mountain
5 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril

www.sundeal.co.uk specialises in family holidays at EuroDisney, offering thousands of customers each year great deals on hotels and travel by Eurostar, air and coach.

Holidaymakers booking online show their confidence in travelling by air, despite 'bomb plot' arrests

2006-08-11T09:51:00.000+01:00

Travel agency, www.freedomdirect.co.uk has seen record bookings made in the first 12 hours since news broke about the police operation that successfully prevented a plot to detonate bombs, hidden in hand luggage, on planes travelling from the UK to America.

Nick Jackson, Commercial and Marketing Director for Freedom Direct says: "We had fully expected a drop in bookings, as that has been the usual pattern on days such as this, like September 11th, when there is bad news about the safety of travelling by air. We certainly didn't expect to record our highest number of bookings in one day, in the aftermath of such news."

"We can only assume that customers who book on the web are a resilient lot."

"We think this demonstrates a great level of confidence in travellers that the airports and police are continuing to do a great job, enabling people to travel abroad safely. Customers seem sure that 'normal service will resume' quickly, in time for them to travel."

Bansko, Bulgaria ski holiday bookings hit new heights

2006-07-25T15:57:00.000+01:00

Ski holiday bookings have had a boost in the ski resort of Bansko, as more and more holidaymakers are heading for the snowy slopes of Bulgaria for the 2006 –2007 ski season.

Bookings for the winter ski holiday season have just begun in earnest and Bansko is already looking to be one of the most popular European ski resorts. www.ski-direct.co.uk have seen bookings for Bulgaria ski holidays grow 5 years in a row. This is down to the annual developments of ski and après ski facilities.

Paul Reeve, Sales and Marketing Manager for Ski-Direct believes the appeal is mainly due to the wide availability of cheap package ski holidays in Bulgaria, combined with the increased investment by the Bulgarian tourist authorities in Bulgarian ski resorts as they bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Paul says: “Bulgaria has built up a great reputation as a low-cost holiday choice over the last few years. Bansko has great slopes, particularly for beginner skiers and for snowboarders and we’re seeing a word-of-mouth effect boosting the number of holidaymakers picking Bansko ski holidays.”

Travel agencies are real winners in Portugal holiday boom

2006-07-20T12:23:00.000+01:00

British holidaymakers don't appear to be holding a grudge against Portugal for knocking England out of the World Cup - since England's exit there has been a surge in bookings of Portugal holidays.

A survey of holiday bookings by online travel agency, www.freedomdirect.co.uk has revealed that the Algarve is now the third most popular summer holiday destination among their customers - rising from sixth place in June.

The surge in bookings for holidays in the Algarve began on the same day that England lost to Portugal on penalties after extra time.

Nick Jackson, Commercial and Marketing Director of www.freedomdirect.co.uk says: "It's good to see that people aren't put off going on holiday to Portugal just because Ronaldo winked in a dubious way and it's great (if surprising) to see such an increase. It would be interesting to see if Portuguese visitor numbers to the UK have dropped because Wayne Rooney 'accidentally' put his foot down in the wrong place!"

Nick attributes the popularity of holidays in Portugal to the wide variety of affordable hotels in the Algarve and the high quality of the Algarve's resorts. Because of the variety of places to stay, Portugal appeals to a wide range of holidaymakers.

Second homes boost Cypus holidays

2006-07-05T11:32:00.000+01:00

Visitor numbers to Cyprus have remained at a steady level, despite an overall drop in sales of holidays in Cyprus from around the world and one of the main reasons is thought to be the boom in sales of second homes in the country.

Over 50% of visitors to Cyprus each year come from the UK, attracted by the cheap holidays in Ayia Napa and other popular resorts. There has been a rise in visitors to Cyprus from the UK in 2006.

Online travel agency, www.freedomdirect.co.uk has identified an increase in flight-only bookings for Cyprus this season. This supports the theory that larger numbers of people, especially families, are travelling to Cyprus to stay in second homes.

Portugal Holidays Are Searched For More Than Other Destinations

2006-06-27T11:14:00.000+01:00

Portugal and Portuguese resorts top the list of holiday destinations being searched for by people looking to book a holiday online.

Online travel agency, www.holidays-direct.co.uk (Holidays Dash Direct) analysed searches made by visitors to their site during May and were surprised find Portugal and The Algarve were searched for more often than other holiday destinations.

Spain has the most visitors from the UK each year and was the second most searched for country.

Many people booking holidays in Spain, Greece and Turkey conduct searches for "family holiday" or "cheap package holidays" reflecting the countries' reputations for good value resorts with facilities for families.

Rome Is The Top European Choice For UK City Break Travellers

2006-05-31T16:18:00.000+01:00

Rome is Europe’s most popular city break destination according to users of online travel agency www.citybreaks-direct.co.uk

The extensive television coverage of the funeral of Pope John Paul II last year is credited as one reason for Rome’s renewed popularity ahead of other city break destinations.

"We have been monitoring the search terms customers use when they visit the site, as well as the actual bookings and Rome is the European city that heads the list.” Says Paul Reeve of Citybreaks-Direct.

Demand for Roman holidays is higher than for Amsterdam, Dublin and Prague - previously the top choices. Venice was the most popular Italian city for Citybreaks-direct customers in 2005.

This upsurge of interest is welcome news for the Italian capital. Over eight million Euros was spent by the Roman authorities to enable the city to cope with the unexpected extra visitors and concern was raised that the city had been left “in the red”.

Find out more

Da Vinci Code Film Inspiring City Breakers to Pick Paris

2006-05-11T10:50:00.000+01:00

The intense publicity for “The Da Vinci Code” film is helping Paris regain its position as number one European city break choice for UK travellers.

Paris has historically been the most visited European city, but the introduction of new routes to cities such as Rome, Prague and Barcelona from airports all around the UK led to a drop in visitors to the French capital.

However, www.citybreaks-direct.co.uk (Citybreaks Dash Direct) have seen a steady rise in bookings for Paris since hype for the film gathered pace at the start of this year. It is thought that clues to “The Da Vinci Code” hidden in the architecture of Paris are inspiring large number of British holidaymakers to choose Paris.

Paul Reeve of Citybreaks-Direct says: “Paris has been the number one European citybreak choice for as long as I can remember, but over the last couple of years it has been overtaken by Prague, followed closely by Dublin, Rome & Barcelona.”

“We have been monitoring booking and the searches entered by visitors to our site and in the last few months searches for Paris have reached their highest levels for some time – this coincides with hype about the film release intensifying.”

Online booking empowers business travellers

2006-05-03T12:56:00.000+01:00

The growth in the online travel market is encouraging staff to organise their own business travel, rather than have to turn to a PA for assistance.

Research by Visa Europe found that over 50% of employees are now organising their own travel and 48% of companies said that more staff are involved in purchasing travel services than previously.

Over two thirds of companies said they favour online travel booking as it is easier to shop around for the best deals and save money in the process.

Spain Set To Be Top Summer Sun Location

2006-04-19T16:57:00.000+01:00

An early of analysis of bookings and web searches by online travel specialists Holidays-Direct, shows that Spain has regained its crown as the top European summer sun destination for UK travellers, ahead of Turkey.

Holiday deals for Mainland Spain are getting the biggest hits on http://www.holidays-direct.co.uk and bookings are up on 2005 aleady.

Paul Reeve of Holidays-Direct says: “On assessing confirmed bookings we see Spain is the destination of choice, ahead of other countries.

“The phrases that visitors to our site are searching for also point to Spain being the top country as it features in a huge number of searches.

“When people search for Spain it is usually alongside other phrases, such as “sun deal” or “bargain holiday” .

“Spain is definitely established in the consumers’ minds as a value-for-money destination for families where you’re guaranteed to get good weather.”

Holidays-Direct offer deals for a wide variety of Spanish resorts including, Fuengirola, Lloret de Mar and Cap Salou.

Leicester Couple's Tsunami Appeal

2006-03-21T16:18:00.000Z

A Leicester couple are showing their gratitude to the Sri Lankan boatmen who helped save their lives when they were caught up in the Indian Ocean Tsunami, by re-visiting the area with donations for the families who have been displaced and left homeless by the disaster.

At Christmas Tony and Sue Wright returned to Negombo in Sri Lanka to donate hundreds of pounds raised by friends and colleagues in the UK over the previous 12 months.

The money that Tony and Sue collected was used to buy pairs of shoes for every child in the refugee camp at Negombo.

Tony, who booked both trips to Sri Lanka through Holidays-Direct said: “We were so grateful to the people who helped us and for the excellent way they treated us that we really wanted to do something to say thank you and to give something back to the area.”

Holidays-Direct has also donated £100 to the couple to take with them on their next planned trip out to Sri Lanka.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to Tony and Sue’s Sri Lanka appeal can contact them on 0116 229 0578.

More on this story

Off piste skiing resort with a difference

2005-11-29T11:07:00.000Z

Built in the middle of scorching Arabian desert, Dubai's newest tourist destination is something of a paradox. The Ski Dubai indoor skiing centre is a $272 million dollar masterpiece. Spanning the length of three football pitches and boasting real snow, the centre is built inside one of Dubai's mammoth shopping malls, allowing passing shoppers to watch in amazement as people in winter clothes have snowball fights on the other side of the glass panels.

But if feeling the fresh air on your face as you sail down the mountainside is more your idea of a real skiing trip then look no further than Ski-Direct. With a range of European, American and Canadian resorts on offer, it will be cheaper than flying to an Arabian country for your icy thrills!

über-cool city breaks

2005-11-25T11:53:00.000Z

As far as city breaks go, you can't get much cooler than Reykjavik. Retaining a refreshingly unique image (no international chains and homogenised style here) Reykjavik is increasingly recognised as one of the hippest spots in Europe for nightlife, culture and just pure cool.

The food is resourceful at best with Icelanders adapting to their harsh climate by making sure NOTHING goes to waste - I really do mean nothing - puffin, rotten shark and sheep testicles are all fair game.

The nightlife is legendary; with beer only becoming legal in 1986 the Icelanders have taken the notion of 'playing catch-up' to the extreme and devote much time to downing the stuff. Although you may find that the bars do not get going til midnight with locals choosing to get warmed up at home first (hardly surprising when you consider that a pint can set you back £5...)

If Cosmopolitan stuff is not your thing then visit the renowned Blue Lagoon - an area of natural geothermal pools with apparent health-giving properties. The Laugardalslaug complex also makes the most of natural phenomena with outdoor water slides, hot tubs and jacuzzis.

Cheap cruises not on Queen's birthday wish-list

2005-11-24T16:26:00.000Z

The Queen has commissioned the Hebridean Princess to celebrate her 80th birthday in style with a cruise around the Western Isles of Scotland. She has turned down the chance of a Caribbean holiday in favour of the wilder Scottish coastline she loves, but is rumoured to be forking out £125,000 of her private fortune for the privilege.

Luxury cruises are no longer merely the domain of the very rich and very famous however with a raft of cheap cruises, and christmas cruises now available.

Booking cruise holidays easier than flying

2005-11-23T09:13:00.000Z

With the holiday season nearly upon us, airport workers have already begun striking, posing imminent misery for thousands of travellers.

Why not have a change from the usual seasonal rush and treat yourself to a luxury Cruise holiday? The travelling hassle is removed (you live on your transport) there are no marauding crowds to contend with, duty free becomes a pleasant shopping experience rather than a panic-fuelled scrum, and, most importantly of all, you don't need to drag your luggage anywhere - bliss.

Make the most of your holidays with last minute travel bargains

2005-11-15T15:51:00.000Z

A recent study has found that £627 million worth of paid holiday is wasted by workers not taking the time they are entitled to. With three out of five Brits missing out on holidays as they feel too stressed or busy, we are rapidly turning into a nation of workaholics. Yet top specialists claim missing holidays is actually counter-productive as workaholics are more prone to stress and so take off more time sick.

If you are one of the many Brits that have left it late to book your holiday and need to cram in 2 relaxing weeks before Christmas, fear not. Holidays-Direct have a huge range of last minute travel bargains to snap up, including all inclusive holiday packages to help you really unwind and make the most of your valuable leisure time.

Bargain skiing holidays for the New Year

2005-11-08T11:14:00.000Z

A week on the slopes is just the thing to clear your head (and shift a few extra pounds) after the excesses of Christmas, and there are some great snow deals now available online.

Two for one lift passes and amazing buy one get one free holiday deals are just a couple of examples of the kind of bargains you can expect to find for a great New Year break.

Search cruise packages from comfort of own home

2005-11-07T16:21:00.000Z

Searching for a cruise should be fun, but it can be time consuming with so many to choose from. Cruise Bargains has a great selection of cruise packages from top lines, and because they are all in one place and all on the internet, you can surf for the best cruise deal from the comfort of your own home.

And booking your cruise package couldn't be easier, simply call the dedicated helpline for advice and easy booking.

Goa holidays on beach for Christmas

2005-11-04T13:24:00.000Z

Get away from the rain this winter with a fantastic Goa holiday. If Christmas on the beach sounds tempting then how about an all inclusive holiday package? Not only will you not have the in-laws to contend with, but there will be no cooking or washing-up either!

And the best bit? The price: bargain package holidays are already up for grabs this Christmas so pack up your troubles (and your flip-flops) and book a fantastic, totally self-indulgent winter holiday deal!

Booking ski holkidays the sensible way

2005-11-02T09:27:00.000Z

February half-term is traditionally one of the busiest weeks for ski resorts in France, but with perfect weather conditions almost guaranteed it is hard to resist the temptation. So why not beat the crowds and head a bit further afield for your annual piste-fix? Ski resorts in Switzerland and Spain also offer great conditions, the same manageable flight times, but without the queues and the crowds to cramp your style.

Weekend breaks

2005-11-01T10:47:00.000Z

With only 7 shopping weekends left until Christmas a weekend break away from manic UK town centres could prove a welcome respite from the hectic run-up to Christmas. Travel Call breaks offer custom-built short breaks to the top ten city break destinations in the World, and all at affordable prices.

Cheap cruise holidays

2005-10-27T11:21:00.000+01:00

Co-op cruise lines are now offering cheap cruise holidays. With both last minute and early booking deals available you can book now for a Christmas cruise or a special summer holiday to look forward to!

New York City sightseeing tour

2005-10-26T08:24:00.000+01:00

The home of shopping, New York really comes alive in the run up to Christmas, and what better way to get you in the festive spirit then by treating yourself and your family to a New York City sightseeing tour?

Without the stress of getting lost you can enjoy all that the hectic city has to offer safe in the knowledge that you won't miss out anything. Why not book a helicopter ride for the most fantastic views of the city and a trip that you will never forget?

Caribbean cruise ships

2005-10-21T16:35:00.000+01:00

What could be more luxurious than a Christmas spent on a Caribbean cruise? Take an exotic break away from it all this year on a luxury cruise ship; booking ships couldn't be more easy so call Travel Call Cruise for discount p o cruises.

Skiing holidays all the range

2005-10-20T12:42:00.000+01:00

Traditionally the preserve of the very rich, skiing and other winter sports are fast becoming a favourite across the board.
With the availability of bargain skiing holidays and increased profile of skiing events, (including the Tour de France style competition planned for 2007) there is a much wider mix of tourists enjoying a winter holiday on the piste.

African Cruise Bargains

2005-10-17T09:09:00.000+01:00

As the weather gets colder now is the time to treat yourself to an exotic break. As the epitome of luxury and relaxation, cruises are the ideal way to get away form it all before the mad Christmas season begins.

Why not try an African cruise; bargains are still available on all major lines so check out some great offers online.

Holidays you like this Christmas

2005-10-14T09:14:00.000+01:00

Fancy a bit of a change this Christmas? Instead of tucking into a turkey and watching the Queen why not spread your wings this year and treat the kids to an unforgettable Christmas in Lapland? Or if snow and reindeers aren't your thing why not head for the beach with an all inclusive holiday package to Goa?

Cut school holidays for higher acheivers?

2005-10-13T16:55:00.000+01:00

The Mayor of Chicago has made controversial claims that if the economy is to perform on a par with Chinese and other East-Asian countries, its got to be the kids that put in longer hours.

This claim seems to ignore those education systems in Scandinavian countries (where children start school at a later age and spend less hours in the classroom) which produce consistently high-performers.

Whilst talk of reducing school holidays in this county is sporadic, if changes were to be made the effects on the travel industry would be dramatic.

Last minute Paris breaks

2005-10-12T09:31:00.000+01:00

As the weather gets colder and the nights draw in what can be more romantic than taking a stroll with someone special?

Taking that stroll in Paris! A renowned romantic hot spot, many say Paris is at its best in the winter when the cold weather provides the perfect opportunity to hole up in a chic cafe and watch the world go by.

With some great last minute Paris breaks available, what are you waiting for?

Discount snow ski packages

2005-10-11T09:31:00.000+01:00

Now is the time to grab a great winter holiday bargain and enjoy some fresh air in the Alps.

Even if you and your family are not seasoned skiers a holiday on the slopes has a lot to offer. From skiing, snowboarding, sledging and exploring, there is something to entertain everybody on a family skiing holiday.

All inclusive holiday package bargains

2005-10-07T11:02:00.000+01:00

Now is the time to snap up a great late holiday deal to exotic locations that are still enjoying the sun.

All inclusive holidays offer a great deal for families, couples and singles alike. There is no stress of finding places to eat or the worry of carrying currency around, so for a holiday you like chose an all inclusive package.

St Andrews Day Holiday

2005-10-06T12:41:00.000+01:00

Plans to make St Andrews Day a national public holiday may be hitting the ropes despite unanimous support from the Scottish National Parliament as well as numerous celebrity figures. The First Minister Jack McConnell may have thrown a spanner in the works by claiming he was not 'convinced' by the idea.

Holiday homes threaten Scottish communities

2005-10-05T09:38:00.000+01:00

Some of the most remote parts of Scotland are being colonised by second or holiday homeowners who threaten to destroy already fragile communities by pricing local buyers out of the housing market.

The popularity of holiday homes is a growing phenomena although the glut of cheap holidays available online may go some way to slowing the trend down.

Late Holiday Deals

2005-10-04T12:57:00.000+01:00

There is still plenty of time to catch the last of the Mediterranean sun with a cheap holiday in Majorca. Travel package deals to Fuerteventura, Majorca and Tenerife are still available and offer a great way to get some pre-Christmas sun without the crowds.

Winter holidays in Tsunami region hit hard

2005-10-03T11:13:00.000+01:00

Following the Boxing Day Tsunami it seems the travel industries worst fears have been realised and holiday bookings are way down from last year, 62% in Sri Lanka and 26% in Thailand.

The weekends bombings in Bali may compound problems in a region which desperately needs tourist money to rebuild its infrastructure.

Luxury cruises this christmas

2005-09-30T10:41:00.000+01:00

Indulge in a luxury Mediterranean cruise this Christmas and let someone else worry about the turkey for a change.

Select from our range of Mediterranean cruise ships to make a luxury family holiday that is perfect for you. Setting sail from a range of destinations what could be simpler that getting away from it all on a Luxury Cruise this winter.

Best family ski resorts - book now!

2005-09-29T10:41:00.000+01:00

Bargain skiing holidays are snapped up pretty quickly, especially during the school holidays, so if you want to treat your family to a Christmas they will remember (and burn off some of that Christmas dinner) contact Snow Deals for some amazing discount ski packages.

Holiday Entertainment for the right price

2005-09-28T10:47:00.000+01:00

Activity holidays and extreme sports in increasing in popularity, but throwing yourself off a cliff or hurtling down a mountain is not always convenient, particularly if you have children in tow.

A new breed of Resort Excursion is on the rise giving a modern spin to the traditional 'family values' holidays of old. A range of excursions from city breaks to cruises can now be fully arranged before departure, with accommodation, sightseeing, evening entertainment and sometimes food organised before you leave.

The level of involvement is entirely up to you but this type of trip is becoming increasingly popular amongst families, couples and single people alike who want to get more out of their trip away than sunburn and some dodgy souvenirs.

Ski direct for chalet bargains

2005-09-27T09:50:00.000+01:00

Now is the time to book a great ski chalet offer on online. Chalets offer all the comfort and luxury of a hotel but with the added benefit of having your own space, the perfect solution for a family skiing holiday.

With discount family skiing holidays available in resorts all over the World there is plenty of choice for a great winter holiday destination so contact Ski-Direct now for more details.

Co-op Cruise bargains

2005-09-26T12:06:00.000+01:00

Visit Co-op cruises for the best cruise prices around. From cheap family cruises to luxury single trips Co-op cruises will have an all inclusive cruise deal to suit you.

Amerstdam weekend breaks

2005-09-23T09:31:00.000+01:00

Amsterdam has a lot more to offer than the obvious Stag party charms and a weekend break is the perfect way to get to know this fascinating city in more detail. From the Van Gogh museum to Anne Franks' house Amsterdam is a city full of charm.

Take a stroll in the Vondelpark and explore the botanical wonders stored within and then head to the Leidseplein for a spot of people watching. In fact there is so much to see that one Amsterdam weekend break may not be enough!

Booking Cruise Packages the easy way

2005-09-22T15:50:00.000+01:00

Booking a cruise package has never been so easy; simply enter 'search cruise packages' into any search engine and you will be rewarded with pages and pages of results..... so where do you go from there? How do you decide which company to trust, which pictures look the most convincing, and which testimonials were written by actual customers?

Booking cruise packages should be no different from any other purchase you make in that reputation, recommendation and familiarity should all play their part in your final decision. So how do you do that if you are not a cruising regular? You turn to a company that you can trust and that comes highly recommended.

Cruise bargains offers the ultimate in reliability, making their last minute cruises specials a not to be missed experience. But don't just take out word for it, check out their website today for some cruise bargains.

Cheap Caribbean Holidays this winter

2005-09-21T14:53:00.000+01:00

Escape the cold British weather and enjoy the warm Caribbean sunshine this winter on a discount travel package.

With some great holiday deals to far-flung resorts such as Goa and the Caribbean you can enjoy the warm exotic location without suffering the humidity of the summer months.

Luxury Cruise Ship Breaks

2005-09-19T10:00:00.000+01:00

Luxury Cruise Ship Breaks

With the kids back at school now is the time to indulge in a bit of luxurious pampering, and what better way is there to treat yourself than with a cruise? Renowned for their indulgent appeal, luxury cruise ships offer the perfect escapist environment; no cooking, cleaning or even getting yourself from A to B.

So for the ultimate in holiday relaxation contact Co-op cruises, and then leave the rest up to them!

Cheap air tickets

2005-09-16T11:48:00.000+01:00

Once the frantic summer holiday months are over the more discerning travellers start to raise their heads above the parapet and consider setting off on a more sedate sojourn abroad.

Fortunately for these footloose and fancy -free travellers (and contrary to popular belief) the cheap holiday deals don't stop at the end of the school holidays. With a wide choice of destinations and some deals for under £100 left, now is the perfect time to make the most of the last of the Mediterranean sun.

Online skiing holidays

2005-09-13T08:07:00.000+01:00

In these health-conscious times it can be hard to find a holiday which provides relaxation and an element of laziness whislt at the same time doesn't actually reduce your life expectancy.

Assuming that puts a fortnight frying on the beach drinking nothing but Sangria out of the question, what are your options? Whilst mountain biking, abseiling and foraging for roots are all honourable pursuits, it is unlikely to qualify as 'relaxing' for the general populace (and are potentially the most life-shortening option of all....)

A winter holiday on the ski slopes however could be the perfect solution. A combination of fresh mountain air and a pleasing ache in the muscles at the end of the day makes that second hot chocolate a deserved medicinal remedy. The level of exercise can vary depending on your preference (and skiing prowess) and if you fancy a break from the slopes there are always the mountain boutiques and inns to explore.

Luxury Cruise holidays beat Autumn blues

2005-09-12T13:16:00.000+01:00

As summer draws to a close and the Christmas holidays are still a far-off dream it takes something special to get the heart racing.

Luxury cruise holidays are the perfect antidote to the Autumn blues; with last minute cruise deals and cheap cruise packages available it is easy than you might think to sail away into the sunset.

Weekend breaks to Belfast

2005-09-08T11:26:00.000+01:00

Only a short hop away by plane or boat, Belfast is fast emerging as an upcoming city with a lot to offer. With many of its political troubles behind it, Belfast now offers an extremely warm welcome to travellers wanting to taste a bit of the true Irish magic.

The city itself is somewhat edgier than its Southern counterpart; boasting chic boutiques, renowned museums and of course the legendary nightlife.

A weekend break in Belfast will satisfy every appetite from culture vultures to thrill seekers, via shopping fanatics.

Family skiing holidays

2005-09-06T10:54:00.000+01:00

In the current climate of fuel crises, it could work out cheaper to take your family skiing this Christmas instead of embarking upon the traditional 'cross-country relative-dash'.

As well as being kinder on your pocket, a change of pace this Christmas can certainly do wonders for your health. Cheap ski holidays get you out in the fresh air, away from the kitchen, and afford some quality family time without the usual simmering resentment over Trivial Pursuits.

Late Holiday Deals

2005-09-05T11:32:00.000+01:00

Now that the marauding packs of children are safely tucked up in the classroom, it is time to start enjoying some sophisticated fun in the sun.

Despite the English weather taking a turn for the worst, there are still some hotspots remaining on the Med, and some great deals to get you there for less. So check out some of these bargain package holidays for the perfect September getaway.

Discount ski packages; see you on the slopes!

2005-09-02T11:20:00.000+01:00

As the summer holidays become nothing more that a fond memory (and some dodgy suntan lines) attention starts to focus on booking that all-important winter break (you need something to daydream about during Autumn).

There is no better time to book a cheap skiing holiday with discounts and great deals cropping up. Even better, some companies are even offering huge savings on ski lessons, so by the time you hit the piste you will be ready for action!

Savvy Safari trips

2005-09-01T16:31:00.000+01:00

A job where you get to travel AND make money? Sounds like the ideal life to most of us, and to a very lucky few it can actually become a reality.

Wildlife artist Robert Fuller has just returned from his most recent safari trip where he has been photographing subjects in preparation for committing their image to canvas on his return.

As exotic and far-flung holidays become a viable alternative to a week on the Costa Brava, Robert as hit upon a very appealing way of mixing business with pleasure. If a safari is a little beyond your reach this year have a look at the mesmerizing animal paintings on Robert's website, with a few lion noises in the background, you can just imagine that you are there!

Ski resorts keep holiday blues at bay

2005-08-31T09:29:00.000+01:00

A recent report has found that one in ten British holidaymakers end up having blazing rows with travel companions when the weather turns bad, apparently because we are stuck for anything better to do.

Even more depressing is the recommended solution to holiday-boredom; take your laptop with you so you can email people at home when you get fed up of spending quality time with your nearest and dearest. Perhaps a better solution would be to select a holiday that has a bit more to offer in the way of entertainment.

Ski resorts are well equipped to deal with all sorts of weather variations. Obviously there is the snow and the mountains to keep you going, failing that there are interesting local villages to explore, and even of that doesn't keep you occupied, all that fresh air and fondue will make you feel so relaxed that it will only be the log fire left blazing at the end of the day.

More holidays = happier people

2005-08-30T12:40:00.000+01:00

Ground-breaking research has unearthed a formula decreeing that people who do not like their jobs and only go on one holiday a year will probably be miserable for most of the time, hardly a revelation there then.

So what is the solution? Jack in your job and travel the World is the ideal answer, but not so practical. The next best thing.... have more holidays! By spreading your holidays out over the winter and then summer months you get more holiday time, and more anticipation time.

With a huge number of budget skiing holidays available, even normal people can afford to take two breaks. So get put your swimming trunks in the bottom drawer for another year and dig out your woolly hat, you'll be out enjoying the snow before you know it!

Home truths: family holidays, a parents' survival guide

2005-08-24T10:08:00.000+01:00

According to a nationwide survey, a third of families would rather stay at home or go away with colleagues from work than go on bargain holidays with their own children.

Late holiday deals are good for your health

2005-08-10T14:54:00.000+01:00

In fact, any holiday is good for your health, but late holiday deals must be especially good on the basis that the low costs are easier on the blood pressure.

An official report has announced that everything about the beach is good for you; the sand is a skin exfoliator, the sea salt and fresh air are cure all miracle balms, the swimming and playing frisbee is good for your physique and the ice-creams, fish and chips and sugary doughnuts are good for the soul!

So what are you waiting for? With hundreds of cheap package holidays on offer there is no excuse, and your body will thank you for it.

Winter holidays best way to avoid summer travel crush

2005-08-03T09:04:00.000+01:00

Increasing demand for air travel and a lack of training has resulted in a shortage of pilots available for the summer surge.
The best way to avoid delays and cancelled flights is to postpone your holidays until the winter when the reduced number of travellers will help ensure flights run smoothly. You can take advantage of budget skiing holidays and enjoy cheap ski flights, safe in the knowledge that there should actually be some pilots free to take you there!

Online travel search empowers holidaymakers

2005-08-02T10:12:00.000+01:00

Recent research by Jupiter Media discovered that the average online holiday-searcher compares airfares over 3.2 websites and hotel prices over 3.0 sites. Good news for bargain hunters, and good news for online travel agents selling discount flight deals and discount travel packages.

Weekend breaks for the grown-ups

2005-08-01T09:23:00.000+01:00

For those of us jetting off abroad anytime soon, chances are yours will be a child-friendly holiday, why else would you chose the busiest time of the year for your relaxing break? And whilst quality time with the kids is always important, it may result in a holiday not tailored entirely towards your needs.
So what is the solution? Two weeks on a beach with the kids, and a more serene weekend break just for you later on in the year. Babysitters notwithstanding, a weekend break can be cheaper than you think with a choice of last minute deals and great accommodation. Get some inspiration with our selection of the top ten city break destinations and then head off to the beach with a smile, knowing that a relaxing, peaceful break is just around the corner!

Get away from it all, even the office

2005-07-28T10:36:00.000+01:00

New research shows that over half of all holidaymakers have their break interrupted by a call from the office and 1 in 5 cannot switch off entirely during their precious weeks away.

So what is the solution? Lounging on the beach can certainly be relaxing, but if the lure of a good book is not enough, you may find your mind wandering to more corporate matters.

A skiing holiday can solve all these problems by keeping you well and truly occupied with navigating the slopes, and once you have made it safely back to the chalet there is always the Glühwein and cheese fondue to help you nod off. Even if that fails to relax you, mobile phone reception and internet connections are fairly rare in the mountains!

Weekend breaks get nearer to home

2005-07-25T09:35:00.000+01:00

Now that the summer holidays are started the pressure is on to keep the kids entertained, but what about a slightly more cultured break for the grown-ups? If a weekend is all you've got, Glasgow could well be the ideal destination. Easily accessible by railway (or flight) your weekend break will not be hampered by awkward travel arrangements.

Once you arrive the options are endless, you can explore the streets of fashionable boutiques, pausing at pavement cafes for some light refreshment. Glasgow also benefits from a rich artistic heritage with tours of Rennie Mackintosh's inspiring School of Art and the Necropolis running daily.

If it is some lighter entertainment that you are after, than Glasgow really does have it all. The legendary pub scene has been complemented with a growing number of trendy bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. So all in all, a weekend break to Glasgow does a lot to recharge the batteries, without travelling too far.

School holidays on the slopes

2005-07-21T10:12:00.000+01:00

Although the summer holidays are practically upon us, it is never too early to start planning how to keep the kids entertained when the next school break rolls around. Instead of dragging them on an expensive tour of cinemas, wacky warehouses and McDonalds of the region why not get away from it all and hit the piste?

As well as keeping the kids entertained, a ski holiday package has the added benefit of actually being enjoyable for you as well! Ski resorts are now well equipped with classes and activities aimed at children, who, with any luck will be tired out by all the fresh air, leaving you to enjoy a romantic hot chocolate by a roaring log fire......

Last minute holiday deals

2005-07-20T17:17:00.000+01:00

With literally just days left before the summer holidays begin, now is your last chance to make the most of some great holiday packages at the last minute before the beaches are swarming with over-excited school children!

So what are you waiting for? Get on line now and grab yourself a great last minute holiday deal.

City breaks to Vienna

2005-07-19T16:23:00.000+01:00

Whilst the architecture can be rather daunting, the restaurants and bars of Vienna are very welcoming, which is useful as it is decidedly a city to get lost in (and not always on purpose).

The summer months play host to numerous music festivals, ranging from classical to jazz through modern dance and the streets are over-taken with performers and other general revellers.

As far as weekend breaks go, Vienna is a very cultural one; this vibrant city is postiveley bristling with museums, markets and galleries, assuming you can tear yourself away from the multitude of cafes for long enough to actually visit them.

Booking ski holidays the easy way

2005-07-18T09:50:00.000+01:00

Spending a sunny afternoon booking your winter holiday may not be high on everyone's list of priorities at the moment, but by booking your ski holiday package now you will benefit from a huge range of choices when it comes to booking your ski resort, and the best deals when it comes to ensuring you get a bargain break.

So how you achieve all of these without spending an entire day in the travel agents? Easy, get on line and check out some great ski holiday offers.

900 shopping miles a year - what a waste!

2005-07-15T09:59:00.000+01:00

Britons travel an average of 900 miles a year to out of town shopping centres (and endless more miles trailing around the same old shops)....... surely there are better places to travel to?

Here at Holiday Choices we firmly believe that there are..... Prague, Paris and Malaga to name but a few. So take a break from all that shopping and travel somewhere interesting this year!

Power to the People

2005-07-14T09:56:00.000+01:00

The growth of internet usage in the travel sector has seen an increase in the power of consumers to dictate what kind of holiday they want, where they want it, and perhaps more importantly, how much they want to pay for it.

The result? Cheap air tickets and cheap holidays available online!

Childcare costs go up in Summer holidays

2005-07-12T09:01:00.000+01:00

It seems the world is conspiring against parents during the school holidays; not only does the cost of trips abroad escalate, so does the cost of staying at home with a reported 3% rise in the cost of childcare.

So what's the solution? Late minute holiday deals are a great way to get something cheap at the last minute; although with kids in tow in can be a gamble as to where your accommodation will be.

Another good alternative is to book your holiday long way in advance and benefit from early booking discounts. Obviously this isn't going to work for the summer, but now is the deal time to book your winter holidays. Booking ski holidays early means you can chose your resort at leisure, and get some practise in!

Ski country....... USA

2005-07-11T09:56:00.000+01:00

As we enjoy our hottest week of the summer so far, people all over Britain are jetting off to the United States to enjoy some (very expensive) sun. Now whilst the British weather is notoriously unpredictable, things have been looking up in the sun-stakes recently, meaning it is not crucial to spend a week abroad this summer to keep your tan up to date.

So what better way to stretch your holiday budget than by scrapping the expensive trip to warmer climes in favour of a winter ski holiday in the states?

With some excellent ski special offers available on the market, there is no better time to book your winter holidays, and by searching for your holiday online you can spend more time in the garden, topping up that tan for free!

.travel domains to be launched in Sept

2005-07-06T11:19:00.000+01:00

In an attempt to protect genuine travel aggregator sites from cowboy traders, and to ease the search process, '.travel' domains are to be made available by September of this year.

A rigorous checking process will ensure all entrants are bona fida traders, but members of the ETOA (European Tour Operators Association) will be accepted via a stream-lined system, so keep your eyes open for some great, genuine deals!

Britains first for online travel booking

2005-07-06T11:15:00.000+01:00

Britains are ahead of the game when it comes to grabbing cheap holidays online with 22% of us booking over the internet. 44% of us who take advantage of holiday travel booking bargains think online services are 'very good', compared to only 20% globally.

The number of last minute holiday deals and cheap air tickets available over the internet play a big part in Britain's love of online travel booking, and the fact that none of us can resist a bargain!

Cheap holidays.... expensive airports?

2005-07-06T10:37:00.000+01:00

Despite the influx of cheap holidays and cheap air tickets on the market, Britons are still spending a fortune on their annual breaks.... at the airport. Recent reports claim that Britons spend an average of £120 at the airport on duty fre, last minute items and currency exchange, thats before we have even stepped onto the plane!

Last minute Paris breaks

2005-07-05T09:38:00.000+01:00

For the ultimate in romantic get-a-ways, Paris has it all. The city of chic, Paris weekend packages include enough cafes, bars, architecture, windy streets and boutiques to soften even the hardest of hearts. With some great deals on weekend breaks now available, there is no better time to get yourself away; a romantic short break may be just what you need to recharge your batteries before the summer holiday onslaught begins!

Last minute skiing holidays?

2005-07-04T09:46:00.000+01:00

Ok, so booking your winter holiday now may not seem last minute exactly, but when it comes to making the most of family skiing holidays, now is the time to get your practice lessons booked.

The massive range of cheap ski holidays available is a fantastic solution to the annual family-holiday problem. With a bit of everything for everybody, off-piste and on, a ski holiday package is a great all-rounder, but to really get the best out of break it might be an idea to get some lessons booked in now, giving you more chance to show off your style on the slopes!

Cheap holidays can be undone by expensive money

2005-07-01T13:03:00.000+01:00

The abundance of holiday packages and last minute airfare deals on offer mean that actually booking and getting to your chosen holiday destination is not always the most expensive part of your annual trip abroad.

It can be the smaller things such as suntan lotion and currency that break the bank. So to avoid any unnecessary expense, the Guardian has published some information on the best currency offers on the high street, helping you enjoy more truly cheap holidays!

Ski holidays online

2005-06-30T16:28:00.000+01:00

Whilst it may be hard to imagine winter holidays as the weather finally starts to improve, there are some great ski holiday packages around at the moment. With a huge range of choice, early booking ensures you get the pick of ski resorts and some brilliant special offers. So don't wait, book now and when the weather turns grey again, at least you have something to look forward to!

Bargain holidays to Turkey

2005-06-29T09:02:00.000+01:00

If you are looking for a holiday with a little bit of everything you need look no further than Turkey. Linking Europe and the Middle East, Turkey combines ancient streets with golden beaches, bustling cities and archaeological sites. With a warm welcome always guaranteed, Turkey is the ideal holiday hot spot for couples and families alike, and now is the time to snap up some great last minute deals.

Holidays cost 89% more in school break

2005-06-24T12:04:00.000+01:00

Parents can pay up to 89 per cent more to take their children abroad during the summer school holidays, this survey showed yesterday.

Short breaks bite the Big Apple

2005-06-16T15:36:00.000+01:00

As airport services improve, so does your choice of short break destinations. Helped by the increase of overnight flights and shorter journeys to local airports, short breaks are no longer restricted to European cities.

Travelcall Breaks can now offer a range of 3-night trips to the great American cities, all for under £500! So if the bright lights of Las Vegas, the splendour of Washington, or the shopping delights of New York appeal to you, it's all a lot nearer than you think!

Cheap holidays can be classier than you think

2005-06-15T15:14:00.000+01:00

Tesco supermarket has reported a 97% increase in camping equipment sales, partly due to the onset of the festival season, and partly due to people wanting to spend as much time away from the office as possible.

It is undeniable that camping is a cheap holiday, but the perfect anti-dote to city stress? Perhaps not. Weather fluctuations aside, camping requires a lot of kit, a lot of scrabbling in the mud, and a lot of patience.

For holidaymakers looking for a more immediate sort of relaxation, the vast number of cheap package holidays on offer are a very appealing alternative, and all you need to pack is your swimming costume and a good book!

Cruise packages increasingly popular choice

2005-06-14T09:55:00.000+01:00

A report released by the UK Passenger Shipping Association indicates that cruise popularity is enjoying something if a renaissance. The UK sector was up by 8% from 2004 with an estimated 1.14m people booking cruise holidays. This trend is seen across the Europe and North America with Germany emerging as the most 'cruise-likely' nation.

The explosion of cruise packages is accredited to the improving standard of on-board services. From bars to fine dining, through bungee jumping, casinos and line dancing; the new generation of ships are able to cater for family cruises, luxury cruises, cruise bargains and even celebrity holidays!

Skiing holidays - Canada calls

2005-06-13T12:09:00.000+01:00

Adventurous skiers are venturing further afield from traditional resorts in France, Switzerland and Austria, but travel to locations such as Canada and the US can require more forethought than a hop over to France.

With this in mind, tour operators are now offering advanced booking for skiing holidays in Canada and other far-flung resorts. So get booked early, take advantage of some great deals and get more practice in before the winter!

Holiday search online - made easy!

2005-06-10T09:07:00.000+01:00

As more of us book our summer holidays online during our lunch break, so more companies are offering online services. Faced with all this choice, how do we conduct the most efficient search to find the best deal as quickly as possible?

The amount of data processed when booking a holiday means the actual booking process can be relatively lengthy, but this does not have to be the case for your search. By following a few simple guidelines you should receive much more relevant results without having to trawl through pages and pages of American Universities.....

1. Decide what type of holiday you want and make that explicit in your search.
i.e. 'city breaks', 'last minute holidays', 'all inclusive holidays'.
The more explicit you can be the better, so try to include some idea of cost i.e. 'luxury', 'cheap', 'bargain'.

2. If you have a location in mind include that in your search, i.e. 'holiday search Fuerteventura'.
Combined with a holiday type this mean seem like a very long request, but travel operators organise their holidays in this way i.e. 'luxury cruise ships', 'cheap holiday Majorca'.

3. Specify if you want a package holiday, an all inclusive holiday, or just flights. This may seem obvious but imagine you want to book flights only to Malta, by not including, 'flight deals malta' in your search you will not only receive irrelevant holiday pages, you may also miss seeing the cheapest offers from companies who specialise in flights only.

By following these very simple guidelines and making your search as specific as possible you are more likely to find the best deal for you, and still have time to eat your sandwiches!

Remember, be specific, there are a lot of travel operators online so there will be something matching your enquiry.

Happy hunting!

City breaks made easy

2005-06-09T09:44:00.000+01:00

With practically every European city nominating itself the most cultured, most relaxing, most chic, most fun and most appealing in the world, choosing your destination can be a difficult decision.

Because a short break is too precious to waste on the wrong sort of city, Travelcall Breaks have put together a list of the top 10 city breaks. Based on their vast experience of organising weekend breaks, the list also takes into account feedback from satisfied customers.

Obviously different cities offer different holiday experiences, so if you are looking for something specific then contact Travelcall Breaks direct for expert advice, but check out the top ten list for some inspirational weekend break ideas.

Flight deals offer cheap, adventurous options

2005-06-08T10:31:00.000+01:00

As previously reported in Holiday Choices, Brits are an adventurous lot when it comes to holiday destinations. The new trend for flight deal only holidays is a reflection on our increasing spirit of adventure when it comes to the annual 2-week sojourn.

No longer solely the domain of student backpackers, last minute airfare deals are offering more and more people the chance of a less predictable holiday. Whether staying in a pre-booked luxury hotel or just checking the lay of the land on touchdown, cheap air tickets have a lot going for them.

Offering flexibility, great deals (and the security of a return ticket in your back pocket) flight deals are well worth a second look, and you never know where they might take you!

Luxury cruise holiday for Christmas?

2005-06-07T09:15:00.000+01:00

Whilst the sun is shining the strains and stresses of Christmas may seem a lifetime away, but, as we are told every year, it will be here before we know it. So why not take a break from it all this year and enjoy an increasingly popular winter cruise?

Caribbean Christmas cruises are the perfect antidote for the hectic build up to the festive season. Away from the busy crowds, the last minute shopping - and the cold, a luxury cruise holiday offers all the calm and serenity you need before heading home to brave the party season.

Many companies are now offering early booking cruise packages, so take the plunge and plan your winter break now.

City breaks in Glasgow the culture capital

2005-06-06T10:01:00.000+01:00

Having completely revamped its old depressing image, Glasgow's tourist trade is alive and very, very well. Offering all the trappings of a cosmopolitan city, boutiques, bars and restaurants galore, Glasgow has the added benefit of friendly locals with a genuine and enthusiastic love of their city.

Summer is generally considered the best time to visit any Scottish city - whilst you are by no means guaranteed sun, the odds are slightly better - and with outdoor performances of Shakespeare plays at the Botanic Gardens, June is a good time to catch some culture. For a more musical trip, the Glasgow Jazz Festival is held from the 29th June to 4th July.

If neither of these events suit your tastes or your diary, fear not, there is plenty on offer in Glasgow at any time of year, just be prepared for some colder weather outside the summer months!

Resort excursions an increasingly popular choice

2005-06-03T11:30:00.000+01:00

Typically the domain of large families - somebody has to keep the kids entertained - traditional 'activity' based holidays are increasingly in popularity. As more and more people get fed up of frying on the beach and dashing around cities, excursion-based holidays are attractive alternatives.

With the opportunity to partake in unusual activities or indulge in tried and tested favourites, an excursion based holiday is a chance to meet like-minded people and enjoy a break from the old routine.

Exotic destinations the common choice

2005-06-02T09:40:00.000+01:00

A recent poll has found that the average Brit travels 248,000 miles in a lifetime, the equivalent of 10 trips around the world.

The survey also found that whilst 83% of the population has visited France, we also have a liking for more far-flung destinations, such as Asia, the Americas and South Africa.

Whilst there is a distinction between the luxury holidays favoured by the over 50's and the cheap air tickets snapped up by the younger backpacking crowd, it seems we Brits are an adventurous lot.

Weekend breaks in wet T.shirt capital

2005-06-01T09:28:00.000+01:00

The capital of Mallorca, Palma has often been undersold as the city all the coaches go through on their way to the package holiday resorts. But Palma has much more to offer the discerning traveller.

A millionaire's playground since the 1930's, Palma has long been a favourite of royalty and Hollywood stars attracted by its old time glamour and prestigious buildings. The dramatic coastal scenery and imposing Gothic cathedrals make a Palma a picture perfect backdrop for romantic walks and evening drinks in the terrace.

As a busy working city Palma has all the shops, cafes, bars and restaurants befitting a cosmopolitan haunt; but the fascinating nautical history and surrounding picturesque mountain villages offers the holiday visitor something a little bit extra from the round of eating out and shopping.

For details of city breaks in Palma and other global destinations, contact Travelcall Breaks.

Last minute holiday deals - the thrill of the chase

2005-05-31T11:16:00.000+01:00

Booking late holiday deals is becoming something of a national hobby; the excitement of an imminent trip away can sometimes be overshadowed by the euphoria of finding a really good deal as people become caught up in the thrill of the hunt.

And nobody is excluded from the fun; the old problem of quadrupled school holiday prices is slowing reducing as more travel operators extend last minute bargains into peak seasons.

Obviously being able to travel light and move fast gives you a competitive edge in the cheap holiday dash, but that doesn't mean leaving the kids behind as more travel operators are offering good deals up to a month in advance.

So get the suitcases packed and the week booked off work; for a serious last minute holiday adrenalin rush get yourself to the airport and book your break from an internet cafe, or, failing that, half an hour on the internet with a credit card in hand and the world is your very own bargain oyster!