Optimistic Outlook for Greek Holidays in 2012, say Holiday Hypermarket

-According to leading online travel retailer, Holiday Hypermarket, Greek holidays will see moderate growth this summer-

Greek tourism is tipped to see moderate growth in 2012 due to lower airfares and attractive rates in island destinations like Crete, Mykonos and Corfu, say leading online travel retailer, Holiday Hypermarket. This follows statements from Taleb Rifai, secretary general of the U.N. World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), who affirmed Greece’s popularity as a tourism destination.

In 2011, around 10 per cent more travellers booked Greek holidays, and with tourism accounting for 15 per cent of the economy as well as one in five jobs, it is a crucial aspect of the Greek way of life. As a result, both the mainland and surrounding islands boast a large number of holiday resorts with great facilities.

Greek tourism bodies have launched campaigns to promote tourism abroad. For example, UP Greek Tourism is an initiative that employs outdoor advertising, traditional and social media to promote inbound tourism, particularly among German and British travellers who are eager visitors to Greece’s coastal and island resorts.

Calum MacDonald, Online Marketing Manager at Holiday Hypermarket, comments, “Greece is slowly climbing into the top 10 tourist destinations in the world with plenty to offer families, honeymooning couples and young friends looking for a party destination.

“Tourism resorts on the coast are continuing to provide excellent package holidays to visitors from abroad no matter the political situation. As one of the most attractive countries in southern Europe, Greece is a great place to book a beach holiday this summer.”

10 best fishing holidays

With Botham on the Fly, Sky Sports’ Tight Lines, and Robson’s Extreme Fishing Challenge on the telly, plus Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, starring Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor, on at the flicks, we’re hooked on fishing right now. So where are best places on the planet to catch a whopper?

1. Scotland

Scotland is the home of golf, whisky… and salmon. You don’t have to wear top-to-toe tweed and look like an extra from Monarch of the Glen to catch the ‘king of fish’, but it helps. Forget the Yemen and head to the Land of the Brave to fish iconic rivers like the Spey and the Tweed. Take a hip flask of the water of life to keep you warm in your waders.

2. Ireland

Ireland is one of the best countries in Europefor fishing, its rivers and coastal waters full of everything from salmon to bream, trout to pike. And of course, the hospitality is world-famous – there will always be somewhere for you to celebrate landing a whopper.

3. Slovenia

Slovenia is a bit like Scotland: it’s small, it’s got mountains, and its rivers are full of trout. Top of the bucket list for visiting anglers is the marble trout, known, perhaps a little strangely, as ‘the pride of Slovenia’.

4. Iceland

Iceland is the ideal destination for the angler who really wants to get away from it all. Its unique volcanic landscape is a dramatic setting to fish for Atlantic salmon, brown trout and Arctic char under big skies and the midnight sun.

5. South Carolina, USA

If standing all day in a freezing river isn’t your idea of fun, man up a bit: go shark fishing. You’ve got a good chance of a catch at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, USA – its waters are among the most heavily shark-infested in the world, with a diverse range of from tigers to hammerheads.

6. Northern Territory, Australia

Do a Robson Green and go after Aussie speciality barramundi, a feisty freshwater fish that likes to frolic in mud and puts up quite a fight, making it an enjoyable challenge for the recreational fisherman. Watch out for crocs, however.

7. Vieques, Puerto Rico

Recently made famous in the film version of Hunter S. Thompson’s novel The Rum Diary, the tropical island of Vieques, off the east end of Puerto Rico, is an idyllic place to reel in classic game fish like tarpon and bonefish, without the crowds of more accessible destinations like the Florida Keys.

8. Thailand

Follow in Robson Green’s footsteps and go in search of the legendary giant freshwater stingray in the Mekong, or combine a beach holiday with a spot of sport fishing at the resort of Phuket, whose waters harbour marlin, tuna, wahoo and dorado.

9. Texas, USA

In Texas, bass fishing is as big as a pastime as getting drunk and getting into a fight in the UK. Bag a big, bad bass at Lake Amistad, a massive reservoir in the Rio Grande valley that straddles the border with Mexico.

10. Cuba

Pay your respects to the godfather of big game fishing, Ernest Hemingway, by hunting marlin off Cuba. Hemingway wrote The Old Man and the Sea, the story of an epic battle between an old fisherman and a giant marlin in the Gulf of Mexico. Hemingway is honoured by an annual carnival and fishing tournament near Havana.

Britain’s Best Break: The South West – revealed by Skyscanner

A new poll by Skyscanner has revealed the top UK holiday spots for Brits this summer.

The poll asked over 1000 holidaymakers which part of the UK they would most like to visit this summer. The top choice for Brits is South West England, with 21% of respondents wanting to visit the area. Traditional seaside resorts like Bournemouth and Torquay are popular with families looking for traditional ‘bucket n’ spade’ holidays, while old favourite Cornwall (St Ives, pictured) appeals with its mix of sun, sand, surf and seafood.

The second-most popular destination with holidaymakers was the Highland & Islands of Scotland, which took nearly 15% of the vote. Offering outstanding natural beauty, from lochs and mountains to unspoilt beaches, and outdoor pursuits from mountain biking to skiing, the Highlands & Islands are perfect for getting away from it all and the go-to destination for adrenaline junkies.

With just over 7% of votes, London is in third place, proving that despite warnings of crowds and over-inflated prices this summer, the capital is still a major draw for domestic tourists. The Jubilee and the Olympics will boost numbers considerably, while London boasts world-famous attractions that ensure it will always be a popular destination.

The Channel Islands were voted fourth most popular holiday spot in the UK. Providing a taste of a foreign holiday while still in British territory, the islands offer a mix of British and French influences, beautiful scenery and rich heritage, from yachting favourite Jersey, to car-free Sark.

Skyscanner’s Travel Editor Sam Baldwin comments:

“The UK offers many choices for a great holiday, from building sandcastles in Bournemouth to seeing the sights in London. I spent many happy childhood holidays in Cornwall and Devon, while these days I love to go kayaking and hiking in the Highlands of Scotland.”

Top 10 parts of the UK Brits would most like to visit:

Almost 40% of travellers forge relationships on flights

A new survey of international travellers by Skyscanner has found that 39% of travellers have developed friendships with someone they met on a flight, with 6% even admitting to a romantic liaison with a new acquaintance on-board.

The poll of over 700 flyers found while the majority of these connections were short lived, 5% spent time on holiday together as a direct result of meeting on their flight. Taking their friendship even further, 7% said they continued to stay in touch after their holiday.

Social media also appears to be prolonging these longer-term relationships, with 3% staying in touch on the social network with someone they met on a flight. It is perhaps this point that Dutch national carrier KLM are looking to exploit with their new Facebook app which allows passengers to enter their details and choose who they sit next to on their flight.

Although 57% of people thought the service was ‘weird’ and would not be using it, one in five said they would use the app and an inquisitive 23% also said they would consider using the service.

However, despite the app being dubbed the ‘Mile High app’, the results of the Skyscanner survey actually show that the likelihood of friendship is far greater than that of romance with only 6% admitting to a fling at 30,000 feet and only 2% having a lasting relationship.

Sam Baldwin, Skyscanner’s Travel Editor said: “It’s clear that many travellers want to make more of their travel experience than simply getting from A to B, and our findings show that on-board friendships and romances are now quite common. Part of the fun of travelling is meeting people, and of course this can start on the flight itself!”

Monarch Airlines Launch New Flights to Croatia and Crete

LONDON, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

Leading scheduled leisure airline, Monarch, will launch new routes to ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik, in Croatia and Heraklion in Crete. The flights will operate from Birmingham and London Gatwick airports from 1^st May 2012 with fares, including taxes, starting from £29 one way (£72 return).

Flights to Dubrovnik will operate three times a week from London Gatwick airport and two times a week from Birmingham. Flights to Crete airport Heraklion will operate two times a week from both London Gatwick and Birmingham airports.

The new routes are a continuation of Monarch’s expansion strategy revealed last year to focus on its scheduled services and expand its network to new leisure destinations across Europe.

Kevin George, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines comments: “We are delighted to add both Croatia and Crete to our already extensive scheduled network of leisure destinations. The addition of these new routes further reinforces our expansion strategy and our position as the leading leisure-focused airline serving the Mediterranean and the Canaries.”

He continues: “Dubrovnik is an extremely popular tourist destination with over a million holidaymakers visiting last year and Crete has always been a staple beach holiday favourite; we are therefore confident that our product offering is perfectly placed for the Croatian and Greek leisure market.”

Turkey is at risk of losing title of most popular destination for Siberians

Increased number of flights to Thailand, Crete, Vietnam and Majorca.

Tour operators have agreed with airlines to decline the number of flights twice from Novosibirsk to Turkey in the summer program of flights. The title of the most popular resort for Siberians gradually moves to Thailand, the Chairman of the Board of Novosibirsk Association of Tour Operators, Igor Solovyev said.

“Number of flights to Turkey has been reduced. From my point of view, this shows that the market is finally becoming more balanced and tour operators are beginning to bring demand and supply into correlation to make it beneficial to all parties,” – he said.

In summer 2011 we had 20-22 flights from Novosibirsk to Antalya per week. This year, according to current data, there will be only about 12-13 flights. “But the holy place is never empty. The number of flights to Thailand has increased. Previously only one airline was flying there, and now three companies have began to fly to this destination. In addition, we’ve got an increase in number of flights to Crete and first summer flights to Vietnam. We also plan to launch direct flights from Novosibirsk to Majorca, “- Solovyev said.

Chairman of the Regional Committee of Foreign Economic Cooperation, Dmitry Mikitchenko called redirection of tourist flow from Turkey to Thailand logical due to last actions of Turkish party towards Russians and other visitors.

Solovyev said that tour costs this year increased by about 10% for all destinations compared to last year. He believes that price dumping should not affect the tourist industry. The expert also informed that S7 Airlines, the basic airline of the Tolmachevo Airport in Novosibirsk, gradually leaves the West Siberian market. www.atorus.ru

7 of the world’s top shipwrecks

With Titanic Belfast drawing the crowds and Titanic 3D on the silver screen, see some amazing shipwrecks for real. We show you where to get wrecked with 7 of the world’s best.

1. The Titanic, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Celebrate the centenary year of the launching of the legendary liner by visiting the £100 million Titanic Belfast exhibition which opened on 31 March. Discover the story of the most famous ship in history in the place where it was built, from its birth in boomtown Belfast to its resting place on the seabed.

2. The Mary Rose, Portsmouth,England

The Mary Rose, somewhat bizarrely, sank accidently while doing battle with the dastardly French fleet in 1545. Dramatically raised from the depths in 1982, the Rose went on display in Portsmouth, but it is currently under wraps. You’ll be able to see her again later this year when a new Mary Rose museum opens. Apparently you can meet the crew - presumably not the original crew?

3. The Eduard Bohlen, Namibia

The 1600km-long Namib Desert in southern Africa is the world’s oldest desert. Fascinating! It’s also a pretty weird place. One of its weirdest features is the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen, which thanks to shifting sands now lies in dunes a quarter of a mile inland. In 1909 it ran aground in the thick fog that has been the cause of many shipwrecks, hence the appropriate name of this part of the world – the Skeleton Coast.

4. USS Arizona, Hawaii, USA

For fans of military history, and Ben Affleck’s finest hour but for Armageddon, a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbour, Oahu, Hawaii, is a must. Built on the water over the wreck of the battleship USS Arizona, scuppered in the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, the site is a poignant memorial to that fateful day in history.

5. Shipwreck Bay, Greece

It’s got several names – Navagio, Shipwreck Bay or Smugglers’ Cove (which sounds like a pirate ship-themed kids’ adventure playground in Disneyland… and actually, it is), but whatever it’s called, it’s a proper stunning beach on the island of Zakynthos. The beach boasts an unusual feature – the wreck of a drug smugglers’ boat abandoned when they fled the Greek navy. Fans of Greek drug boats should also check da wreck at Laconia in the Peloponnese.

6. Zenobia, Larnaca, Cyprus

Some might say that the only way to get completely wrecked is to go diving – as in scuba diving. The Zenobia is up there in any wreck divers’ top 10. Close to Larnaca in Cyprus, it’s easily accessible. Why not combine it with a family holiday? The kids can splash about in the shallows while you explore the Zenobia, which sank on her first voyage in 1980 with 104 articulated lorries on board.

7. Moynaq, Uzbekistan

There’s not just one wreck, but many in Moynaq – the name of a once-thriving fishing port on the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan. What was once the fourth-largest inland sea, shrank by 90% when two rivers that fed the sea were diverted for irrigation and the water evaporated, leaving boats quite literally, high and dry.

Emirates Holidays launches its biggest ever ‘A World of Choice’ brochure for 2012-2013

Eight new destinations and a host of holiday offers available in expanded brochure
DUBAI, U.A.E., April 2012: Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of Emirates airline, has unveiled its new 600-page ‘A World of Choice 2012-2013’ brochure with the introduction of eight brand new destinations spanning six continents and featuring over 100 destinations.
Argentina, Denmark, Ireland, Zambia and Zimbabwe all make their first appearances in the brochure, which has grown by 20 per cent – from 500 to 600 pages – since the 2011-2012 edition. Holidays to Dallas and Seattle in the USA, along with Vancouver in Canada, have also been introduced this year to coincide with the launch of new routes to these cities by Emirates airline.

In addition to the exciting new destinations, Russia, Morocco, Malta and South Korea have all been reintroduced into the brochure in response to customer demand. Offerings in popular countries such as China, Thailand, India, South Africa and Germany have also been expanded to provide more travel options with a wider choice of cruises, safaris, palace hotels and dedicated wellness retreats.
The once-popular Fly & Drive packages have also been re-launched this year in partnership with various car rental companies to satisfy customer desire for a more diverse range of holidays around the globe.
“This really is a landmark year for Emirates Holidays,” said Frederic Bardin, Senior Vice President, Emirates Holidays. “With the new destinations, travel offers and the reintroduction of some old favourites, ’A World of Choice 2012-2013’ brochure is our best and biggest to date.
“At Emirates Holidays we offer a tailor-made holiday experience to each customer so the changes we have made this year reflect current travel trends and are based on what our customers have told us they want. The expansion of our offering has been driven by the increased demand for a wider choice of destinations around the world. Places that were once considered out of reach are now easily accessible with the launch of new routes by Emirates airline and with the help of our new brochure, the travel opportunities are endless.”
To reach out to its increasingly diverse customer base and to further reinforce its position as the leading holiday expert in the Middle East, Emirates Holidays is also expanding its 3 and 4-star hotel offerings – these are available when booking directly with Emirates Holidays or via travel agents.
As always, excellent service levels, destination knowledge and attention to detail play a core part in providing the impeccable customer service that Emirates Holidays has become known for. A wide network of well-trained Emirates Holidays staff will help bring ‘A World of Choice 2012-2013’ to life for every customer through well-informed recommendations on flights, accommodation and sightseeing – all based on travel experience and extensive research.
‘A World of Choice 2012-2013’ is now available at Emirates Holidays travel hubs and across its international network of travel agents. For more information visit www.emiratesholidays.com or call 800 5252.

Research From Gocompare.com Finds That British Holidaymakers Misunderstand the Benefits of the EHIC

NEWPORT, England, April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

More than half of Brits believe the EHIC gives them FREE emergency medical care anywhere in Europe and 9% believe cardholders get FREE medical repatriation.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a must have for travellers to Europe. But new research commissioned by Gocompare.com reveals that there’s considerable confusion amongst Brits as to what benefits the EHIC does and does not provide:

• 57 per cent of Brits believe that an EHIC entitles them to free emergency medical care anywhere in Europe.
• 18 per cent of Brits say they know which countries offer free emergency medical care to EHIC holders.
• 4 per cent believe an EHIC entitles them to free medical care anywhere in the world
• 14 per cent of Brits have never heard of a European Health Insurance Card or EHIC
• 9 per cent of British holidaymakers don’t buy travel insurance
• 2 per cent believe that having an EHIC means they don’t need travel insurance

The facts - An EHIC entitles the bearer to the same level of state medical care provided to eligible nationals of the country they’re in. This means that the treatment may be provided for free or at a reduced cost in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries including Switzerland. The EEA includes all 27 members of the European Union (EU) plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. The EHIC is not accepted in Turkey as it is not a member of the EU or the EEA.

However, the provision of state care varies from country to country and does not mean you can expect to be treated as you would if you visited your UK doctor or hospital. Few EU countries pay the full cost of medical treatment as you’d expect from the NHS. For example, in France a patient may be expected to pay for a consultation with a doctor but will have up to 70% of the cost reimbursed later. The patient may also be expected to contribute to the cost of staying in a hospital overnight.

Also, in the event of an emergency, there is no guarantee that an ambulance will take you to a state hospital for treatment. And if you are taken to a privately run hospital your EHIC may not be of any benefit at all.

It’s a little known fact that residents of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not eligible for an EHIC.

Medical repatriation

There’s also some confusion when it comes to paying for medical repatriation, for example 9 per cent of Brits believe that if they have to be brought back to the UK from Europe by air ambulance, they don’t have to pay if they have an EHIC

The facts - An EHIC does not cover the cost of medical repatriation from any destination and the Government does not pay for British holidaymakers to be flown home following accidents.

Tourists who need medical treatment and repatriation risk incurring huge bills if they don’t have adequate travel insurance. For example, the treatment for a fractured leg and a nurse accompanied flight from Austria to the UK costs approximately £5000 according to the ABI*. And one UK holiday maker received a £49,000 bill** for a coronary bypass operation in the USA and a medical flight home. Without travel insurance individuals or their families have to find the money to pay for such services themselves.

Jeremy Cryer, head of travel insurance at Gocompare.com, commented: “It’s possible that the name ‘European Health Insurance Card’ suggests that it provides a greater level of medical cover than it actually does. An EHIC is a useful thing to carry with you on holiday in Europe but it’s no substitute for having proper travel insurance.

“Having an EHIC may help you to access free or, more likely, discounted emergency medical services whilst abroad but it’s not a guarantee that you won’t have to pay anything. And it certainly won’t be any help if you need medical repatriation to the UK, the costs of which can run into thousands of pounds.

“Our advice to holidaymakers is to always arrange suitable travel insurance to ensure you’re covered for medical treatment and repatriation if necessary. Take an EHIC with you as well but check what benefits it provides for the country you’re travelling in. Some insurers will waive their excess for medical treatment claims if you have used your EHIC but always check the details of the policy so that you fulfil the insurer’s conditions for making a valid claim.”

Other EHIC information

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced the old E111 form in 2006.

UK residents aged 16 and over can apply for an EHIC for free at https://www.ehic.org.uk. Some websites charge as much as £14.99 to manage your EHIC application but there is no need to pay for an EHIC. Residents of the Channel Islands and theIsle of Man are not eligible for EHICs.

Parents and guardians can apply for EHICs for those aged under 16. Each member of their travel party must have their own EHIC.

http://www.gocompare.com/travel-insurance/

Thomson Announces Summer 2013 Programme

Thomson is excited to announce the launch of its Summer 2013 programme, with the latest editions of Thomson’s Florida, Summer Collection, and Faraway Shores brochures.  The new brochures showcase the launch of the Thomson Airways 787 Dreamliner, more hotels offering exclusivity and unique holiday experiences, than ever before, plus new Sensatori and Thomson Couples hotels and new destination of Costa Almeria.  Summer 2013 holidays will go on sale as of Thursday 26 April.”Summer 2013 is shaping up to be one of our most exciting launches ever,” says Garry Wilson, Purchasing and Product Director for Thomson.

“We are thrilled that our customers are going to be able to experience the benefits of travelling on the Dreamliner on our most popular long haul routes. We know that this addition to our fleet will set us apart from our competition and we’ll be able to give our customers the best possible start to their holidays.”

“In line with our strategy of offering customers holidays they cannot get elsewhere, we’ve been working to ensure that more hotels than ever are being offer exclusively by Thomson to our customers in the UK.  This is the way the business has been taking for a few years, as we have found that when we are able to work more closely with hoteliers, we are able to tailor the hotels around our customers.  I am confident that our customers will really appreciate this move, as it will mean that their hotels are more in tune with their needs and wants.”

NEW: THOMSON 787 DREAMLINER

Thomson Airways, the airline for Thomson and First Choice, is the UK’s first airline to take delivery of Boeing’s new 787 aircraft – the Dreamliner.  From 1^st May 2013, holidaymakers heading to Cancun, Mexico and Sanford, Florida from Manchester, London Gatwick, East Midlands and Glasgow will have the opportunity to travel on the brand-new aircraft.

Hailed as the greatest advance in air travel for passengers in recent years, the Dreamliner will revolutionise air travel for Thomson Airways customers through significant advances in in-flight comfort and wellbeing.  The new Dreamliner routes will be included in the Florida and Faraway Shores brochures.

NEW: HOLIDAYS  ONLY FROM THOMSON

From May 2013, 90% of Thomson’s holidays will be available Only from Thomson to UK customers.  By increasing the number of properties offered exclusively by Thomson in the UK, we hope to be able to offer customers the best holidays in the market. The hotels have been handpicked by our product and purchasing teams, further to customer feedback, and Thomson will be working with hoteliers to ensure that all of our hotels are tailored exactly to our customers’ needs.

NEW: SENSATORI AND THOMSON COUPLES HOTELS

Due to popular demand Thomson can announce the latest addition to the Sensatori Collection, with the launch of Sensatori Turkey located in Sorgun. The brand-new beachfront hotel will have five a la carte restaurants, including a traditional Turkish restaurant and fine dining options, specially zoned adults and family zones, a beachside location and a world class spa.   Prices start from £649pp

Thomson Couples is introducing six new hotels to its collection for Summer 2013. Thomson Couples has proved very popular amongst customers looking for adult only holidays, staying in chic, beachfront locations and offering real relaxation. The4T Vilamendhoo Couples Resort & Spa, in the Maldives and the 5T RIU PalaceMacao, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic will be the long haul additions to the programme.  These properties will feature in the Faraway Shores brochure.

Closer to home, the 4T+ Iberotel Palace in Sharm el Sheikh, the 4T Los Gigantes in Tenerife, the 4T Medulin in Croatia, and 5T Atlantic Kalliston in Crete, have also become part of the Thomson Couples collection, due to their top dining scenes, contemporary style and great settings.  Another first for Thomson Couples is the Couples Cruise, onboard the 4T Nile Legacy in Luxor.  The luxury ship sails past the Niles iconic sights and will be bookable on a full board basis.

Thomson Family Resorts is also adding to its programme, introducing three new hotels.  They include the 4T Golden Taurus Resort in Costa Brava which has non-stop activities and fantastic family facilities; the 4T Sirenis Club Aura in Ibiza, which is close to the beach and has its own splash park; and the 4T Coral Sea Aqua Club that has three swimming pools and an on-site waterpark. These mid and short haul properties will all feature in the Summer Collection brochure.

NEW DESTINATION: COSTA ALMERIA

Finally Thomson will be introducing the Mainland Spain destination of Costa Almeria to its Summer 2013 programme.  Costa Almeria was chosen as destination thanks to its fantastic beaches, ideal for families.  Thomson Airways will operate weekly flights from Manchester Airport throughout the summer season.  The Costa Almeria programme will be featured in the Summer Collection brochure. Holidays will start from £485pp.

Ryanair Delivers Even More Savings With isango!

Over 2,000 Low Cost Tours and Attractions

Ryanair, the world’s favourite airline, announced a partnership with isango! – a leading online travel experience retailer to offer over 2,000 low cost tours and attractions to Ryanair’s 80 million passengers.

Ryanair passengers can continue to save with Ryanair by booking discounted tours and attraction tickets online or on-board Ryanair flights. Passengers will also “skip” long queues with fast track entry, saving Ryanair passengers time and money.

Ryanair’s Stephen McNamara, said:

“Ryanair delivers Europe’s lowest fares and passengers can continue to save by snapping up great value discounted tours and attraction tickets online or on-board Ryanair flights. Ryanair is delighted to partner with isango! to ensure that passengers can enjoy tours and attractions and save time and money by bagging yet another bargain with Ryanair and isango!”

isango!’s Vice President, Deepak Jha, said:

“We are excited to be entering a partnership with Ryanair and the opportunity it provides us to offer memory-making experiences to

Ryanair’s passengers. Passengers will be able to choose from our rich selection of tours and tickets to the most popular attractions, they will also discover many inspirational experiences like wine tasting, perfume making, diving and cooking lessons.”

EXAMPLE OF RYANAIR’S TOUR & ATTRACTION SAVINGS

                                Ticket    Full Price     Ryanair     Saving
    Bike Tour in Madrid         Adult      GBP36.28     GBP18.14   GBP18.14

    Papal Audience Tour in Rome Adult      GBP35.62     GBP29.69    GBP5.93
                                Child      GBP31.59     GBP26.22    GBP5.37

    Stonehenge Tour in London   Adult      GBP46.67     GBP42.00    GBP4.67
                                Child      GBP37.55     GBP33.80    GBP3.75

Introducing the Cosmos Guides to Greece – Don’t Even Think About Leaving for Your Holiday Without Reading!

The team at Cosmos Holidays are creating a series of articles on their blog exploring – in detail – the fantastic experiences available in Greece. As one of Cosmos’ most popular destinations, Greeceboasts all the ingredients for a perfect escape to the sun. And, with bargains galore on the Cosmos website, there has never been a better time to explore this ancient paradise. The Cosmos Guide toGreece is the perfect starting point for planning your dream holiday.

The first article in the series lifts the lid on the delightful culinary experiences holidays to Greece can offer. They’ve waded through their knowledge of Greek gastronomy to bring their followers their top tips, whether visitors are dining out or sourcing local produce to cook for themselves. Suggestions include lamb baked in a clay pot at The Blue Grotto in Gaios, Paxos, which is built in the style of the local caves, and the Chania Municipal Market in Crete, loved by self-catering visitors and tourists who want to experience living like a local.

Cosmos also have ideas for more adventurous epicureans, including the family-friendly organic farm and winery, Ikarian Winery in Piyi Evdilos. The winery offers wine tasting and cooking classes to pass on some of their family’s 500 years of experience creating food and wine in this region.

After readers have had their fill of top Greek meals, from veal in lemon sauce to sea urchin soup, they can turn their attention to the second article in the series. This one explores both the nightlife and opportunities for daytime for indulgence on offer in Greece. The country has enough going on to satisfy everyone, whether you want to dance ’til dawn or while away the hours being pampered to perfection.

The Cosmos Guide to Greece recommends the laser show at Club 69 in Malia on Crete, the southernmost Greek island, and the volcanic soil of Santorini for some unique spa treatments. Lovers of watersports are advised to check out Ios, while those looking for a unique Mediterranean clubbing experience should stop off in Zante. Those looking for truly 5 star luxury should head to Kefalonia for some of the most sophisticated spas in Greece. All these fantastic options may just make you want to check the Greece Holidays offers by Cosmos and book your holidays for the years to come.

The articles provide details on the location of these unmissable experiences in relation to local airports and transport links, making it easy for holidaymakers to plan their trips. Cosmos also invites their followers to comment on their recommendations and provide tips of their own, so get over to the Cosmos Holiday Blog and get involved in the debate! The next article introduces prospective travellers to the best Swimming and Sightseeing on offer in Greece, exploring its crystal waters, ancient ruins and everything between. It’s an absolute must-read before planning your dream vacation.

Fifteen Phrases to Help You Have a Good Time in Greece

When planning a trip to Greece it’s important to learn a few phrases to make sure your holiday runs as smoothly as possible. Preparing for all eventualities with key phrases will enable you to enjoy yourself, knowing that you can ask for assistance if you need it.

Many tourist information sites will give you the generic phrases such as ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’ or ‘how are you’? However, along with these, we’ve found others that we believe are essential for any young person or family travelling to this popular destination!

Lads and Girls Holidays

Greece holidays of partying and fun usually lead to some embarrassing situations, so here are a few phrases to help should you become unstuck, or simply want to order a round without having to play a game of charades.

Two Beers Please – Dhio birres, parakalo

For more than two use the numbers in ascending order of, tria, tesserae, pente, eksi and so on or simply hold up a number of fingers and toes.

In Your Face – sta moutra sou

This is definitely one for the boys

Stop Teasing Me -ta kouvadakia sou kie salli paralia

This is a flirting phrase used by women to show they are actually enjoying being the subject of ridicule.You can then progress to asking…

What would you like to drink? – ti tha piite …?

Can you help me? – Borite na me voithisete?

We envisage this to be invaluable on a stag do, along with…

Where am I?/Where are we? – poo’ i’me? poo’ i’maste?

Family Holidays

Where is the toilet? – pu íne i tualéta?

Anyone with potty training toddlers will appreciate this phrase!

I need a doctor – Kryazome ena ghiatro

Although hopefully never needed, it’s comforting to know you know how to ask, many package holidays will include a doctor on site, however knowing how to ask for him is a different matter entirely!

I am a vegetarian -Eemai chorto ‘fagos

This is for those who have teenage daughters that are exploring a trend, or are quite simply vegetarian, as varied food on package holidays can be deceiving as well as delicious!

My hovercraft is full of eels -To hóverkráft mu íne gemáto hélia

We thought this may be useful if one of you little ones fancies himself as a Dennis the Menace

Couples Holidays

This gentleman will pay for everything -O kírios tha plirósi giá óla

Wouldn’t it be lovely to be able to say this in English a few times a week?

I love you – S’agapó

Greek is such a romantic language it would be a shame not to use it on your partner on your Greek holiday followed by…

Would you like to dance with me? -thélis na horépsis mazí mu?

I would like to order a table for two tonight, 8pm - Tha ithela na kliso trapeze gia dio, okto iora.

Of course, on a couple’s Greek holiday this will be used frequently.

The bill please! – To logariasmo, parakalo!

For when you would like to escape the public eye and return to the couples retreat!

Kuoni to Host In-Store Talks by BBC TV Presenter Simon Reeves

Kuoni has announced that BBC TV presenter Simon Reeve (Equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn) will make a series of exclusive appearances at Kuoni stores and partnership stores across the UK, starting in Bath on Tuesday 1st May. He will be talking about his travels and latest epic adventure series ‘Indian Ocean’, which starts on BBC 2 on Sunday nights from 22 April 2012.

Local residents are invited to join with Kuoni and put their own questions to Simon. They can share their travel tales over a glass of Champagne and some canapés, and have a chance to win their own Indian Ocean holiday.

The evenings will be hosted by luxury holidays provider Kuoni (or their partnership stores), and guests will be able to hear the inside story of Simon’s most epic adventure yet: his travels around the perimeter of the Indian Ocean, a journey which sees him heading up the east coast of Africa, around India and back down the western coast of Indonesia to SW Australia.

Simon’s tour will take him to Kuoni stores in Liverpool, Leeds, Canterbury, London, Guildford, Kingston, Cambridge and Milton Keynes, plus partnership stores in Plymouth, Bath and Newcastle.

Local residents are invited to meet Simon by contacting their local Kuoni store (or Kuoni partnership store) or by visiting http://www.kuoni.co.uk/simonreeve to put their names forward for complimentary tickets for the evening (registration will close 10 days before the event date).

A limited number of tickets are available and names and addresses received will be put into a free prize draw to win two tickets to the event. There will also be the chance to win a holiday to the five-star Oberoi, Mauritius, with the draw taking place in June. There will be signed copies of Simon’s travel books as runner up prizes. A wide selection of enticing travel offers will also be available to many of the countries that feature in ‘Indian Ocean’, and Kuoni’s Personal Travel Experts will be on hand to answer any travel questions.

Derek Jones, Kuoni’s Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to have Simon visit our store and to invite the public to come and enjoy some warm hospitality whilst being enthralled by Simon’s adventures. Kuoni, which was founded in 1906, has always been a pioneering travel brand opening up new and exotic holiday destinations over the decades, so we like the idea of being able to rub shoulders with Simon, who is rapidly becoming one of the most widely travelled men in the country.”

About Simon Reeve:

Simon Reeve is an adventurer, TV presenter and bestselling author with a passion for travel, wildlife, history, current affairs, conservation and the environment. He has been around the world three times for the BBC series Equator, Tropic of Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer and has travelled extensively in more than 110 countries. He lives in north London with his wife, Anya, and their baby boy.

Holiday Hypermarket’s Best Beach Destinations for Londoners

-London travellers know where to go to soak up the sun, say Holiday Hypermarket-

Leading online travel retailer, Holiday Hypermarket, has named its top beach destinations for Londoners based on the number of bookings and departures from London Airports at the start of 2012.

Topping the list is Tenerife, the largest island in the Canaries, and a destination that has seen a spike in the number of Britons travelling there over the past three years. Palma, the port city of Majorca and capital of the Balearic Islands, is another hot island destination for London travellers, with Cancún in southern Mexico following close behind.

Calum MacDonald, Marketing Manager at Holiday Hypermarket, comments: “Part of the appeal is that these islands have adapted to Londoners’ tastes – whether it comes in the form of boutique hotels, adventure sports or cheap and cheerful two-star hotels. We offer cheap holidays to popular resorts on these islands – for example, Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos in Tenerife – making it quick and convenient to book holidays there.

“Beach destinations came up trumps this winter with Londoners booking Egypt holidays in Sharm el Sheikh on the Red Sea Riviera as well. This implies that people are eager to visit warm beaches serviced by short, direct flights that are affordable. This gives holidaymakers the chance to escape the city and be on the beach before sunset.

“Many of these destinations are as pleasant in winter as they are in summer, when the weather can get incredibly hot. Cooler temperatures mean visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like walking, hiking and cycling, and because the seas remain warm, tourists can swim, snorkel, scuba dive and generally enjoy the sunshine all-year-round.”

Fly for €9.99 on over 1,000 routes in late Apr/May

LOW-COST AIRLINE VOLOTEA TO LINK VENICE TO SIX GREEKS ISLANDS

            It will also fly from Thessaloniki to Venice 

Seats are on sale from €19 each way, taxes included 

Venice Marco Polo airport, 15 March 2012. – Volotea, the low-cost carrier for Europe’s small and mid-sized cities, has put today on sale tickets for the new routes that will link Venice Marco Polo airport to six Greek Islands: 

CORFU, HERAKLION, KOS, MYKONOS, RHODES, AND SANTORINI

Together with the Thessaloniki-Venice route, in the Greek mainland, Volotea becomes the top airline in the number of destinations (seven) between Greece and Venice.

€19 ONE-WAT, TAXES INCLUDED

Tickets are available exclusively via volotea.com from today from €19, one-way, taxes included, with the travel period spanning from June/July (depending on the route) onto the entire summer season. There is a limited amount of seats on offer.

Initial schedules are as follows:

Thessaloniki           Tuesdays, Saturdays          starting 2 June

Corfu                    Wednesdays, Sundays        starting 24 June

Heraklion             Tuesdays, Saturdays          starting 17 July

Kos                       Mondays, Fridays              starting 16 July

Mykonos               Mondays, Wednesdays       starting 25 June

Rhodes                     Thursdays, Sundays           starting 15 July

Santorini              Wednesdays, Saturdays      starting 18 July  

FIRST BASE IN VENICE 

Volotea, the new European low-cost carrier that concentrates its activity on flights between mid-sized cities, has chosen Venice’s Marco Polo airport as its first operating base starting this spring.

The Barcelona-headquartered company will initially base three 125-seat, Boeing 717 in Venice, in order to serve a wide domestic and international network of destinations.

Volotea will link mid-sized cities underserved via direct flights, thus bypassing big hubs with notable economic benefits for both ends of the routes, due to its economical way of flying on a time-saving fashion.

Volotea has been founded by Carlos Muñoz and Lázaro Ros, previously co-founders of Vueling Airlines (today Europe’s third-largest low-cost carrier). They respectively hold the positions of CEO and Director General. 

SUBSTANTIAL FUNDING

Volotea has secured substantial and adequate funding from the founding and management team and, also, from three top private equity firms:

• CCMP Capital Advisors, a leading private equity firm specializing in upper-middle market buyouts and growth equity investments in the U.S. and Europe, with offices in New York, London and Houston. CCMP Capital was formed in 2006 by the former buyout and growth equity investment professionals of J.P. Morgan Partners, LLC (a private equity division of JPMorgan Chase & Co). The founders of CCMP Capital have invested over $13bn since 1984.

• Axis Participaciones Empresariales, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spain’s Instituto de Crédito Oficial. Having invested €250m in over 130 operations since 1986, Madrid-based Axis is the oldest venture capital operator in Spain.

• Sinaer Inversiones, an aviation-investment vehicle partly owned by Corpfin Capital, an independent private equity firm which focuses on Spanish growth companies. Madrid-based Corpfin was founded in 1990 and currently manages assets worth €400m.

In keeping with the European Union’s airline ownership rules, European investors holds the majority of Volotea’s capital, as well as the airline’s effective control.

Expedia Overhauls Hotel Reviews

 Consumers Can Now Sort Verified Reviews by Shared Interest

Expedia.com®, the world’s leading online travel agency, today announced a thorough overhaul of its hotel reviews feature, incorporating new improvements that will make its collection of verified hotel reviews, more accessible and relevant to prospective travelers. As part of this overhaul, Expedia will incorporate all the verified reviews from its sister company, Hotels.com®, into its collection which will bring the total number of verified reviews available to Expedia customers to more than 7.5 million.

Expedia reviews are vetted and verified. Expedia takes multiple steps to ensure the validity of customer reviews, including the step of ensuring that the reviews are posted by travelers who have paid for a room in the hotelthey are reviewing.

One of the most important changes to the reviews program is in its relevancy. Travelers can now write reviews for a particular audience of their choosing, such as dog lovers, adrenaline junkies or foodies. When a mother is looking for a kid-friendly hotelin a large city, she will be able to sort through a potentially rich collection of reviews written by other mothers who have stayed with their children in that city. Reviewers have an option to choose their review target audience as families, business travelers, couples, students or “other,” with the final category an open field.  About 2 million existing million existing reviews have been categorized as written for families, business travelers and couples.

Also, in addition to the photos provided by the hotels, Expedia now allows reviewers to include their own photos in their review, to make those reviews even more descriptive.

“Travelers will be able to see user photos, and reviews written for travelers that share their interests,” said John Kim, Senior Vice President, Expedia. “When they come to Expedia, we provide them with the best travel decision making experience on the web.”

With such a sizable collection of reviews (some hotels have thousands) Expedia set out to create a rich, interactive way for customers to filter and sort reviews. Travelers can now find relevant content quickly and can share that content with their traveling companions, friends and relatives. Travelers can now sort reviews by rating, date submitted, language, traveler type and photos and share reviews (both their own and others’) via Facebook and Twitter.

Expedia has also implemented a “thank the reviewer” feature so readers can express their appreciation to the reviewer if that review has been helpful.  The process of submitting reviews has also been streamlined and simplified.

Thomas Cook Crowned the UK’s Top Travel Agent and Tour Operator “Superbrand” for the Fifth Year Running

Trusted travel company Thomas Cook has topped the “Travel Agents and Tour Operators” category yet again and is celebrating being named one of the of the UK’s leading brands.

Package holidays with Thomas Cook currently cover a huge range of global destinations, from Spain holiday deals to Algarve holiday offers and its service is proving as popular as ever as the much-loved superbrand is again named number one in the Travel Agents and Tour Operators category in the prestigious 2012 Consumer Superbrands list.

The influential Superbrands ranking, now in its thirteenth year, has long been a strong barometer of brand strength in the UK, as it is voted for by an independent survey of more than 2,000 British consumers.

As the top travel agent and tour operator among the superbrands for the fifth year on the trot, Thomas Cook has been recognised by the British public as a brand that represents reliability, quality and distinction. The world’s best-known name in travel was placed at number 101 of the top 500. Three other tour operator brands in the top 500 were Thomson Holidays (ranked 208), Virgin Holidays (332), and Kuoni (478).

Thomas Cook UK & Ireland currently takes passengers to a variety of destinations, from far-flung countries like the Dominican Republic and the USA, to those a little closer to home, offering deals like Portugal package holidays and great Greek getaways. It is currently the second largest leisure travel group in the UK and boasts some of the world’s favourite travel brands, including Airtours, Club 18-30, Cruise Thomas Cook, Direct Holidays and Neilson.

Speaking about the Superbrands award, Michael Johnson, Marketing Director at Thomas Cook, said: “Yet again, Thomas Cook is ranked the highest Superbrand in the Travel Agents and Tour Operators category, testament to our heritage and our place as a trusted brand in the minds of consumers in the UK and their positive attitude towards the brand.”

Undertaken by The Centre for Brand Analysis, the surveyed consumers and expert council use the following “Superbrands definition”, when considering making their choice:  ”A Superbrand has established the finest reputation in its field. It offers customers significant emotional and/or tangible advantages over other brands, which, consciously or sub-consciously, customers want and recognise.“

The chairman of the Superbrands Expert Council, Stephen Cheliotis, added: “A Superbrand is one which constantly delivers excellence and quality, and this year’s consumer poll reflects this.

“It is a huge achievement that Thomas Cook has made the official 2012 list, revealing its influence on today’s consumers.”

Kuoni Opens New Store in Canterbury

Kuoni, a leading luxury travel brand, has opened a sumptuous new store in the Whitefriars Shopping Centre in Canterbury, with an unusual ‘meet and greet’ desk. The desk is knitted from 3,250 metres of Merino lambs-wool, other mixed wools and cotton in a variety of eye-catching colours.

Mrs Margit Viola of Augsburg in Germany is the lady who spent weeks lovingly knitting the desk using 34 balls of wool in colours: orange, bright blue, grey, black, brown and white. The completed piece was then flown to the UK and installed, ready to meet Canterbury’s Lord Major and other VIP guests from Canterbury on the 31 January 2012 at the store’s official opening party. Mrs Viola, well known for her knitting prowess, was commissioned by Kuoni to start knitting the desk back in 2011.

The inspiration for the knitted desk came from Julie Day, Facilities Manager at Kuoni, who says: “I wanted to create a dramatic first impression to the store as well as an unusual feature. The knitted desk is a real talking point and people love to touch and feel its texture. There is something about wool that is naturally warm and welcoming; this feel links with what Kuoni wants to convey – the warm welcomes our travellers receive from our staff across the world.”

In addition to the meet and greet desk, the store also boasts a dramatic 16 metre long rug that runs the length of the floor and up a wall to ceiling height in a dramatic mix of terracotta, mustard, olive green and beige colours. Authentic artefacts from different countries such as Bali and Africa make visitors feel a sense of far flung places and exotic travel from the moment they arrive in store.

Kuoni’s Personal Travel Experts are on hand in the Canterbury store to help advise-on and plan the best holiday for you. Customers can find the store at 16 Marlowe Arcade, Whitefriars Shopping Centre, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2TJ or phone on 01227-463-800.

Holiday Lettings™ February Travel Bulletin: Early 2012 Booking Trends Driven by Jubilee Planning and Sunshine Escapism

LONDON, February 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

• More than 200,000 booking enquiries for holiday cottages, villas and apartments in busiest January ever
• 56,000 properties now listed in 119 countries worldwide
• Consumers desperate for winter sun escapes as demand for last minute Canaries accommodation rises 14% and Indonesia demand soars 440% year on year
• Jubilee week is the most enquired about seven night period with England appealing most
• Easter weekend breaks in Prague lead the city break charge while Albufeira leads the popularity stakes for Easter and Jubilee weekend sunshine escapes
• Short haul sun and renowned ski resorts appeal most for February half term
• A Miami Beach property tops the list of  most enquired about in first six weeks of 2012
• Seeb, Oman tops destinations where demand most outstrips supply of accommodation
• Seven night breaks dominate enquiries, with the exception of Turkey where 14 night breaks in July are currently most popular

Demand for holiday villas, cottages and chalets on holidaylettings.co.uk grew by almost 30 per cent in January 2012 year on year. Consumer choice in this arena also continues to grow with more than 56,000 options now available in 8,304 destinations worldwide.

Well known destinations draw the volume of enquiries from those seeking reliable climate in the case of winter sun breaks in the Canaries. Reliable skiing conditions also take priority as Chamonix and Grand Massif appear fifth and sixth in the list of most enquired about destinations for February half term holidays.

The most commonly enquired about holiday start date in January was 2 June 2012, compared to 6 August 2011 in January last year. The opportunity to take three days off from work and secure a nine day break are sure to be driving this, thanks to the additional Jubilee Bank Holiday.

Under-the-radar destinations like Seeb in Oman, Cala’n Bosch in Menorca and Figueretas in Ibiza are attracting holidaymakers but are yet to benefit from second home investors to help boost the accommodation offering.

Within the UK, city breaks rest alongside traditional seaside haunts as favourites for February half term. London, Bath, York and Edinburgh mingle with Brighton, Newquay, Bournemouth and St Ives creating a decided split between holidays with more of an educational edge and those hoping for fresh air and relaxation by the sea.

British Airways Launches Travel Tip Videos for Half-Term Holidays

HARMONDSWORTH, England, February 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

With more than 900,000 people travelling with British Airways this February half-term, the airline is giving travellers a light-hearted helping hand with their top travel and baggage tips collected from their staff all over the airline.

The videos, which are located on YouTube, can be found at: http://bit.ly/y0jiLN (Travel) and http://bit.ly/xNZFgE (Baggage).

The videos include tips pertaining to travelling with small children, remaining comfortable when travelling between different climates, how to remember passports and other essentials, and practical packing and baggage advice.

Abigail Comber, Head of Brands and Marketing, said: “With thousands of our worldwide team travelling around the globe and 30 million customers flying with British Airways a year, the airline is a font of top tips to make travel easy and the video is a nice way for us to pass that on.”

The top day for getting away is Friday, February 10th with nearly 95,000 people jetting off on British Airways flights and the peak return date is Friday, February 17, 2012 with nearly 85,000 travelling.

Most popular holiday destinations with British Airways over half-term are New York, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Dubai, Las Vegas, Orlando, Hong Kong, Prague and Paris.

And there are still a few bargains to be had including three night city breaks in Amsterdam staying at the 3-star Blyss Hotel departing on February 13th. The package includes return British Airways flights from Gatwick and accommodation only.

Brits Browse Holidays to Banish Winter Blues

Thomson website enjoys busiest January ever as consumers look to escape the reality of the British winter

It seems Brits just can’t wait to get away from it all this year, with more consumers then ever going online to book or get inspiration for their holidays. Thomson.co.uk reported its biggest ever January with page views up 11% year on year.

Traditionally it has been the third weekend in January that’s been the biggest weekend for bookings. However, this year consumers were straight off the mark after Christmas and the 8th January was the biggest ever day for the Thomson website in terms of searches and bookings.

This January consumers were not only researching their summer holidays, but also looking to get some winter sunshine. The page for Thomson holidays departing in the next six weeks had the biggest number of views of all the pages, with 1,023,306 impressions, up 26% for the same period last year. The most popular winter sun destinations for Thomson customers were Tenerife, Sharm el Sheikh and Mexico.

The Canary Islands and the Balearics were our most popular destinations for summer as consumers look to go back to destinations they know and love. Thanks to the falling rate of the Euro, Spain will be more affordable for our customers once they are there. Thanks to the success of the January sale many web users were also looking to book their annual summer holiday and were searching for Thomson’s £200 off deals and free child places.

Whilst the traditional Costa destinations proved most popular with consumers up and coming destinations also fared well. Cape Verde was the seventh most searched for destination for Thomson, and as predicted searches for Croatia were up 55% year-on-year for Thomson.

“It seems that British consumers are keener than ever to get away this year,” says Nick Longman, Distribution and Online Director for Thomson. “While customers are of course looking for value, quality is more important to them as they want to ensure that their hard earned cash is spent on a holiday that will wow them.

“We are also seeing a multi-channel trend across retail and online, customers are coming into our shops having already researched their holidays through our website or on TripAdvisor.

“Our top searched and viewed hotels were our flagship Sensatori resorts. These hotels are all 5* and offer customers either full-board or all-inclusive stays, top class entertainment and childcare and gourmet food as standard.”

HALF OF BRITS SURF THE WEB BEFORE HITTING THE BEACH

* /Internet is now the main holiday planning tool for over half of Brits/

* /Online reviews sites relied upon by 40 per cent of Brits to help guide decisions/

* /42 per cent say price is their number one holiday consideration/

With the cold weather finally arriving, it comes as little surprise that Brits are dreaming of warmer climes. So much so that over half (54 per cent) of all Brits have started planning their main summer break, according to new research of 5,000 British adults from TravelSupermarket.

But the research has also revealed that when it comes to the annual getaway, just one in nine Brits (12 per cent) will be visiting a travel agent in person to research their 2012 holiday. This represents a big change from just a few years ago when the majority would hit the high street to visit the local travel agent for all our holiday needs.

Brits will instead be taking to their sofas and firing up their computers with over half (52 per cent) using internet search engines as their first port of call for holiday research. Forty per cent said they would be heading to review sites to get the opinions of other travellers and a 37 per cent said they would be visiting travel agents’ websites to plan their dream break.

The move to online is just as marked when it comes to holiday bookings. For the main 2012 holiday[1], 66 per cent of Brits said they will book through an online travel agent, an online tour operator or an online price comparison website. In contrast, 14 per cent of those surveyed said they would book over the telephone, but just 11 per cent said they will visit a travel agent to book in person.

An enormous 96 per cent of Brits say they are planning on taking a holiday this year with two to four weeks being the most common length of time spent researching (29 per cent). However a meticulous one in seven Brits (15 per cent) typically spend two to three months planning their main break each year – clearly leaving no stone unturned in their quest for the perfect holiday to look forward to.

Price also appears to be one of the leading factors encouraging Brits to hit the web so far in advance of their getaway. Forty per cent of all Brits have highlighted the overall cost as the number one consideration when it comes to their 2012 holiday, overtaking the usual ‘key holiday factors’ such as weather and accommodation which were highlighted by 32 per cent and 26 per cent respectively.

Spain is set to lead the way this year with 11 per cent of Brits already planning on heading there for their main break. This is followed by Italy (three per cent) and Portugal (two per cent) making
up the top three most popular destinations for 2012.

Research revealed that beach holidays are still very much in favour with Brits and will be the most popular choice for breaks in 2012.
Over a third of Brits (37 per cent) said they would be heading on a beachside break followed by city breaks (eight per cent) and camping staycations (eight per cent).

BOB ATKINSON, TRAVEL EXPERT FROM TRAVELSUPERMARKET COMMENTED: “It’s no surprise to see that so many Brits spend weeks, if not months
researching their holidays.  Purse strings are tight for many in 2012 and with travel companies offering a huge array of deals to secure bookings, research is essential for holidaymakers to both make sure
they get what they want from their holiday and also pay the best price.

“The switch to online for our holiday planning – whether to research or book – has been one of the most noticeable changes in travel over the last few years and appears to be continuing. The internet makes
researching our holiday so much easier. Review sites are growing in popularity as holidaymakers trust the opinion of their peers, plus as Brits get savvier about finding the best price on their holidays they
are using the internet to compare prices to get the best deal.

“My advice is to do as much research around your holiday as you can, including speaking to friends and family who have travelled. Use a comparison website such as TravelSupermarket to search for the best
price but also to read reviews and resort information provided on the site. Comparing the market in one place will save you both time and money.

“And remember to check prices of both a packaged holiday and separate flights and accommodation to hunt out further savings.”

Kuoni Reveals its Travel Trends Report 2012

The Maldives has once again topped Kuoni’s annual poll of where UK customers want to spend their holidays. In the company’s top ten selling destinations for 2012, the Indian Ocean archipelago has held on to the top slot since 2005.

Where holidaymakers want to go is just part of leading tour operator Kuoni’s annual Travel Trends Report. The 20-page report also tracks hot travel trends and the top destinations for weddings and honeymoons, for families, for solo travellers, for pampering spa holidays, for the most exciting adventures and authentic experiences as well as the best destinations for those that care about the planet.

The report also highlights changes in holiday behaviour and includes trends in holiday booking behaviour, such as the importance of social media in driving holiday choices.

The top five destinations for 2012 are Maldives holidays, Thailand, Sri Lanka, The United Arab Emirates and the USA, including New York holidays. Kuoni predicts that South Africa will witness huge growth over the next 12 months, helped by the exposure from the football World Cup last year and the weakened currency against sterling. The only mid-haul destination in the 2012 Top Ten selling destinations is the United Arab Emirates, mostly due to the popularity of Dubai holidays.

The Maldives also retained its top slot for honeymoon destinations and topped the wish list for digital natives, better known as Generation X, Y and Z. Sri Lanka holidays retained ‘Number one Destination for Weddings’, Kuramathi Island Resort in the Maldives kept the top slot for ‘Family Destinations’, as did Thailand holidays for solo travelling.

The winner of the Top 10 Adventure Holiday is the 11-day tour of culture-rich Sri Lanka on the Ceylon Tour, while those looking for the best ‘Planet Friendly Holiday’ voted for Governors Main Camp in the wildlife safari heaven of Kenya.

Aside from favourite and new destinations, there are changes in the type of holiday the customer wants. More destination-savvy and discerning holidaymakers are looking for different types of holiday, with four specific trends emerging:

- a thirst for discovery.

- authenticity of experience.

- social responsibility.

- face to face contact with a travel expert when booking.

To meet the needs of a changing holidaymaker, Kuoni launched the Discover brochure for 2012, packed with experiences and tours to help get under the skin of a destination. The company has also launched ananea, a sustainable brand that stands for socially responsible holidays that empower people to protect the natural environment and local population. Kuoni has also strengthened its retail presence across the UK over the last 12 months, with more retail stores for holidaymakers to access all-important first-hand expertise and knowledge.

About the 2012 Travel Trends Report:

Figures in Kuoni’s 2012 Travel Trends Report are based on multiple sources, namely statistics from booking patterns made between January to December 2011 for holidays during 2011 and 2012, actual passenger numbers, customer behaviour and feedback.

Secret to Happy Marriage is Two Holidays a Year, 11 Cuddles a Fortnight and One Bust-up a Week

Taking two holidays a year, having a meaningful conversation twice a week and cuddling 11 times in a fortnight are key to a happy marriage; it has been revealed.

A study of 2,000 happily married couples by Headwater Holidays has identified the main ingredients for a successful future together.

It shows husband and wife benefit from taking a short break away together twice a year, and eating out in restaurants at least three times a month.

And it pays to be affectionate, as wedded folk tend to share a lingering kiss six times a week, have sex twice a week and say “I love you” up to nine times a fortnight.

But it doesn’t need to be sweetness and light the whole time as the average happy couple has at least one healthy argument a week.

Catherine Crone, spokeswoman for walking holiday specialist, Headwater, said: “The research indicates that marriage is all about give and take, and making time for one another.

“It is clear that, while couples expect a great deal of love and affection from each other, they also understand that a real partnership includes having both deep and meaningful conversations as well as healthy arguments, to ensure they resolve anything which is bothering them.

“Taking time out from the daily routine is also fundamental to long term happiness while regular holidays or short breaks, coupled with nights out for dinner or trips to the pub all contribute to a healthy relationship.”

For those people who go on two holidays a year, 58 per cent say they like to go because on each occasion they are reminded why they love each other so much.

And 55 per cent claim they are more likely to make time for each other on holiday than at any other time of the year.

The survey also indicates that while couples like to have drinks at the pub together three times a month, there will also be a couple of girls’ and boys’ nights as well, where people can enjoy a night out with friends instead of their other half.

Happily married couples tend to make time for at least five movie nights at home, in contrast to their usual evenings spent fighting over the remote control or disagreeing about what to watch.

And most men and women will make little romantic gestures – such as cooking a nice meal, or taking their spouse a cup of tea in bed – three times a month.

The Headwater spokeswoman added: “Sometimes stepping back from the daily routine can do couples the world of good.

“Holidays are a great chance for couples to be reminded how to have fun together and spending time together away from the usual distractions of home can reignite the spark that made them fall in love in the first place.

“Knowing these results, perhaps now more than ever it’s important for couples to change their perception and see these shared moments as a fun way to invest in their relationship and weather-proof their marriage.”

Interestingly, falling in love with a partner on first sight is NOT indicative that a relationship is meant to be, as only 42 per cent of happy couples say this was the case.

Friendship was important as 47 per cent of those people polled say they were friends with a partner before they became an item, and then eventually married.

Other contributors to a successful marriage include making quality time for each other (50 per cent), supporting each other (49 per cent) and being kind (39 per cent).

A fifth of couples make a point of never going to bed on an argument, and 21 per cent say the key to a happy marriage is to try to turn a blind eye to irritating habits.

Knowing when to say sorry is a big step in the right direction for 33 per cent of people, while 35 per cent claim to be happy because they share the household chores out equally.

Compromising on the television schedule, being honest, retaining a degree of secrecy and accepting each other’s faults all play a part in a happy marriage.

    BREAKDOWN OF RESULTS

    Holidays                                   -    2 a year
    Short breaks                               -    2 a year
    Say "I love you"                           -    9 times a fortnight
    Kiss                                       -    6 times a week
    Cuddle                                     -    11 times a fortnight
    Have sex                                   -    2 times a week
    Deep and meaningful conversation           -    2 times a week
    Dinner out                                 -    3 times a month
    Drinks out                                 -    3 times a month
    Healthy argument                           -    1 a week
    Lads / Lasses night out without partner    -    2 times a month
    Surprise romantic gesture                  -    3 times a month
    Movie night at home                        -    5 times a month

All Inclusive Holidays Could Save Cash-strapped Brits £403 Million Each Year Whilst Abroad

Consumers want budget certainty in an age of uncertainty in 2012, as 74% consider an All Inclusive holidays
Over half of UK holidaymakers overspend on holiday
40% claim ability to pre-budget as main reason for going All Inclusive

More and more Brits are opting to go all inclusive 2012, as over half of holidaymakers (57%) overspent whilst on holiday last year, costing the UK’s consumers a staggering £403m. The new research¹ released today by First Choice shows that British holidaymakers are struggling to control of their holiday budgets and overlook exchange rates and extra costs whilst abroad. The biggest causes of overspending on holiday are evening meals (42%), daytime snacks and drinks (31%) and evening drinks at the bar (27%) – all of which are included in the cost of an all-inclusive holiday.

With value leading the way in 2012 as the driving factor behind holiday bookings (40%) and over 74% considering an all-inclusive holiday this year according to the British Travel Association², Brits will welcome First Choice’s bold move to become the Home of All Inclusive. In five years (2004-2009) the all-inclusive holiday market has grown by 32%, according to latest research from Mintel³ and research from First Choice shows a family of four can save £511 per week on an All Inclusive Holiday versus a bed and breakfast only trip⁴.

The ‘First Choice Holiday Spending Study’, conducted in association with the Centre of Economic and Business Research (Cebr), also shows that overspending impacts the lives of over half of Brits (52%) when they return from non all-inclusive holidays. It reveals that 1 in 4 have to cut back on things such as the weekly food bill (26%), and luxuries such as weekend socialising (28%) when back in the UK.

Commenting on the First Choice Holiday Spending Study, Douglas McWilliams Chief Executive of leading financial institution the Cebr, says:

“The figure of £403 million is surprising, particularly when people want budget certainty these days. It seems it is the little extra things on holiday that sometimes we don’t even consider that really do add up and make a difference.”

David Burling, Managing Director of TUI UK & Ireland comments:

“Many of our customers will have overspent at Christmas, but they can go on all inclusive holiday knowing that this won’t happen again. In the current climate, people want to leave their money worries behind when they go on holiday. All Inclusive is fast becoming the holiday of choice for many British consumers, offering them great value for money, and yet First Choice is the only mainstream holiday company offering a completely All Inclusive portfolio. We pride ourselves on listening to our customers and creating unique offers that reflect the need of each holidaymaker.”

From summer 2012, all First Choice holidays will include flights, transfers, hotel accommodation, three meals a day and all local drinks as standard. Offering a range of holidays for different budgets, from 3 star to 5 star, customers will be able to choose from standard, added value resorts such as SplashWorld and Holiday Village, and premium properties.

Saga Holidays Boosts its Portfolio for 2012 With New Options in China, Indian Ocean, Lesser Known Mediterranean and UK

Saga Holidays, the leading travel company offering global adventures for the over fifties, has added over 20 new holiday options to its ever expanding portfolio.

Kuoni Utilise Innovative Technologies in New 2012 Brand Campaign

Kuoni, a leading travel brand, has announced its aim to optimise digital channels with its 2012 integrated marketing campaign.

Over and above traditional marketing channels such as national and regional press, outdoor, radio and direct mail, the online elements of the campaign offer exciting new innovations and creative thinking from Kuoni.

The Top 20 Happiest Holiday Destinations

Monday 16 January is Blue Monday, officially the most depressing day of the year, and a survey conducted by Skyscanner has shown that Brits who escaped to Australia on holiday were happier than in any other country.

Americans Flocking to European Cruises

Caribbean Still Overall Cruising King; Breakdown of Specific Itineraries Gives Nod to Alaska

“The information revealed in our survey this year is extremely encouraging, particularly the European cruising statistics.  Americans, in general, are showing an inclination toward traveling farther from home in 2012.  It only makes sense that many of those travelers would seek cruise vacations abroad, such as Mediterranean cruises,” stated Roger E. Block, CTC, president of Travel Leaders Franchise Group, which includes travel agency locations from coast to coast.  “One of the reasons Americans may feel very comfortable booking European cruises, in addition to their familiarity with well-established cruise lines they know from North American homeports, is that the dollar is currently very strong against the euro.  In addition, our travel agents, based on their exceptional knowledge and expertise, have the ability to completely customize any cruise vacation experience to meet and exceed the preferences of their clients, whether they are seeking a cruise vacation, land-based vacation or a combination of the two.”

Below are the specific cruise-related trends for 2012 as identified by Travel Leaders owners, managers and agents from throughout the U.S.:

European Economic Crisis Not Deterring Cruisers

It appears the economic challenges facing the euro – resulting in a favorable exchange rate – may actually be driving demand among Americans to take advantage of European cruises.

• Of the 410 Travel Leaders surveyed on cruising, 71.2% indicated they are booking European cruises (Mediterranean, Baltic and/or European river cruises) for 2012.
• Of the 292 Travel Leaders who indicated they are booking European cruises for 2012, 75.3% are booking Mediterranean cruises.
• Eastern Mediterranean and Western Mediterranean cruise itineraries are equally appealing to Travel Leaders’ cruise passengers.

Would you say you are booking more:

Airfare Costs and European Cruising

When asked “How much impact does the cost of airfare [to Europe] have in the length of cruise or itinerary that your clients are choosing?” only 15.4% of Travel Leaders said it had a significant impact.

Getting to Europe via Air

When asked “Which type of air ticket do you book for the majority of your Europe cruise clients?” the majority of Travel Leaders polled said “regularly scheduled airline tickets.”

Caribbean versus Alaska

• Of the 410 Travel Leaders who indicated that 50% or more of their clientele are leisure travelers and they are booking cruises for 2012, 92.9% indicated they are booking Caribbean cruises for this year.
• Travel Leaders were asked to choose up to five of their clients’ most popular Caribbean ports of call.  The survey revealed:St. Thomas (54.1%), Grand Cayman (39.9%), St. Maarten (27.8%), Aruba (25.2%) and Cozumel (24.1%) as the top five selections.
• When asked about more well-defined cruise itineraries, rather than general regions of the world, Alaska was the number one itinerary being booked.  The specific question posed was: “Which one of the following cruise destinations are you booking the most for 2012?”

River Cruising Rises in Popularity

Over 75% of Travel Leaders polled indicated that they have seen an increase in interest and bookings for international river cruising (24.2% said “Yes, significantly” and 50.9% said “Yes, somewhat”). While this particular question didn’t specifically call out European river cruises, it should be noted that European river cruises rank #13 overall on Travel Leaders list of Top International Destinations.  That’s an impressive jump of eight spots and is in competition with international destinations and cities worldwide.

Top International  and Domestic Destinations: 5 Cruises Rank in Top 15

Based on actual bookings of 640 Travel Leaders owners, managers and agents nationwide, three cruise destinations are among the Top 15 International Destinations and two cruise destinations are among the Top 15 Domestic Destinations – which is impressive when competing against all destinations/cities throughout the world.  Agents were asked to name up to five top destinations they’re booking for 2012:

Conducted November 21 – December 16, 2011, the cruise-specific related travel trends are based on responses from 410 Travel Leaders owners, managers and frontline travel experts throughout the United States who identified that 50% or more of their portfolio consists of leisure travel clients and that they book cruise vacations for their clients.  These trends were part of a comprehensive travel trends survey which included responses from 640 Travel Leaders experts nationwide.

Busiest day of year for British travel bookers reports Skyscanner

Tomorrow (Tue 10 Jan) is ‘Skyber Tuesday’, the busiest day of the year for traffic to Skyscanner.net, when hundreds of thousands of British travellers will log on to the flight comparison site to research and book their holidays.

UK Family Make Life Long HomeExchange Friends Before They Even Meet!

A UK family home exchanging to California spent so much time emailing and talking to their exchange-family, before leaving for their trip, that they felt like they’d known them forever! Five or six weeks after sending out a request on HomeExchange.com for a Californian home swap, a suitable family was found and arrangements made.

“As time got closer we both organised to have somebody come in and leave enough fresh milk, bread, cheese, and ham to make a light meal, instead of having to shop before arriving at the house,” says HomeExchange.com member Adrienne. “We also organised to swap our cars with a full tank of petrol, for the other person’s arrival, and also a half tank of petrol when leaving. We left an information pack and map as well, highlighted with all our favourite restaurants and coffee bars for our exchange family.”

With no hotel bills and the benefit of free accommodation, HomeExchange.com has quickly become the best way to experience the world like a local and to stay for free. It means that except for getting there, a holiday nearly anywhere in the world doesn’t have to cost any more than staying at home.

“Our first HomeExchange was a fantastic experience,” says Adrienne. “We actually met our exchange family for lunch on the day we were flying back home, and it was as though we had known them forever. We’ve made a connection with this family, that we all feel will continue, and we intend to stay in touch and visit each other (and exchange again maybe!) in the future.”

“As well as feeling like we were one of the locals, having a home rather than a rental property as our base saved us in the region of $3,500 to $4,000,” says Adrienne. “Because we saved on car-hire and on accommodation, we were then able to spend extra on visiting theme parks with the kids.”

Members simply log onto HomeExchange.com, create a listing, choose a location they want to visit, and begin coordinating an exchange for only $9.95 a month, with no additional fees. HomeExchange.com even guarantees that if you don’t make an exchange in the first year, the second year is FREE. http://www.HomeExchange.com is the global leader in home exchange with 40,000 listings in 152 countries.

ULookUBook.com: Hotel Bookings Soar in 2011

-Recent research indicates that hotel bookings soared in 2011, say online travel company ULookUBook.com-

A recent report shows that global hotel bookings in 2011 outperformed the previous year, say ULookUBook.com. The online travel company believe that 2012 will be a similarly successful year for the travel industry with hotel bookings and sales of holiday packages continuing to grow.

The figures released in December by Pegasus Solutionsshow that bookings for 2011 had increased by nearly four per cent when compared with the previous year. November was also a successful month with a six per cent increase in bookings on the previous month.

The report bythe solutions company showed consistent growth in hotel bookings throughout the year. In a statement the company cited growing consumer confidence for the positive figures.

Ian Raine, of ULookUBook.com, comments: “This research shows that the travel industry as a whole has done well in 2011. At ULookUBook.com we expect 2012 to be just as profitable with January, in particular, preforming well. The first month of the yearis always a busy onefor the travel world with people booking cheap holidays to Majorca and other popular destinations after Christmas. Holiday packages are also expected to be popular with travellers this month as people look for deals on all inclusive holidays to a range of fantastic destinations.

“As the travel industry prepares for the busiest period in the travel calendar it is reassuringto see the strong performance of 2011.”

MyrtleBeach.com Facebook Fan Page Tops 150,000 Fans

The MyrtleBeach.com fan page (Facebook.com/myrtlebeach) offers travel advice, news and information, hotel deals and more for locals and visitors.

“We are happy to be reaching so many potential – and repeat – Myrtle Beach visitors,” said Ashlee Morrow Carson, the community manager for the page. “People love Myrtle Beach, and we offer a great way for them to find out more about the area or keep in touch when they’re not here on vacation.”

Carson is among the team of community moderators who answer visitor questions about the area; post photos and videos; and keep longtime visitors informed about new offerings at the beach.

“Over the past year or so, fans have really been interested in the new Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Skywheel as well as some new attractions and restaurants around town,” Carson said. “They like to know what’s new when they’re planning their vacations, and they can see pictures and videos of those new attractions on our page.”

MyrtleBeach.com attracts Facebook fans from across the United States, with a large percentage coming from the area’s top visitor markets. Among the top fan hometowns are Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C. and Columbia, S.C.

Take inspiration from Sicily Unpacked with Sunvil Discovery

The BBC’s new series, ‘Sicily Unpacked’, coincides with the launch of Sunvil Discovery’s exciting new programme featuring elegant city hotels and traditional Sicilian fattorias and agriturismo properties

Airing in January and hosted by Italian chef, Giorgio Locatelli, and art historian, Andrew Graham-Dixon, BBC2’s new Sicily Unpacked series introduces viewers to the history, art, culture and gastronomy of this well-loved Mediterranean island.

Sunvil Discovery’s extensive Sicily programme unlocks the secrets of this culturally complex land.  Offering trips to the three distinct corners of the island, Sunvil provides an authentic taste of Sicily, with stays available in traditional agriturismo properties – converted farmhouses which produce their own organic wares, including olive oil, wine, cheese and cured meats.

The first episode, airing tonight on BBC2 at 9pm, is based in Palermo and explores the multitude of cultural influences on the art and architecture of this ancient city.  The cultured duo pay a visit to the 12th century Zisa’s Palace (built under the influence of the Arab world), plus the gilded Palestine chapel, and round off their tour with a stop at the UNESCO protected Cuticchio Puppet Theatre. Giorgio Locatelli also takes the opportunity to sample the city’s signature dish – pasta with fresh sardines – and introduces viewers to his favourite restaurant in nearby Porto Paolo, where there is no menu and guests are served whatever is best that day.

What’s hot in Palermo?
Centrally located in the historic centre of the city on the busy Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the Hotel Centrale Palace – a remodelled, 17th century stately home – is the perfect base for any tour of Palermo.  Three nights’ B&B cost from £369 pp (two sharing), including flights (Gatwick) and private transfers.  Call Sunvil Discovery on 020 8758 4722 (http://www.sunvil.co.uk)

Orbitz: London, Austin and Chicago to be Travel Hotspots in 2012

New index also uncovers most-booked destinations, busiest travel weeks and top travel routes for 2011

CHICAGO, Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – An improving economy and a pent-up demand for travel resulted in a strong year in 2011 for the travel industry and a bright outlook for 2012 with London,Austin and Chicago projected to be among the top destinations this year. Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com) today released its “Look Back, Look Ahead” Insider Index, examining 2011 travel and projecting top destinations and travel trends for the year ahead.

THE 2012 TRAVEL SCENE: A LOOK AHEAD

The Orbitz team of travel experts and editors have coupled their industry experience with consumer booking data and analysis of millions of consumer searches to unveil the best destinations, top hotel perks and travel trends to watch for 2012.

Hotspots for 2012

London: London will mark its place in history as the only city to host the modern Olympic Games three times when it welcomes the 2012 games this summer. “London is expected to attract more than 10,000 athletes and hundreds of thousands more spectators for the games July 27 – Aug. 12,” said Nic Bryant, London destination expert and regional director for Orbitz Worldwide. In late June, the city will also host one of its most beloved events, Wimbledon, where spectators can watch some of the best tennis champions compete on the court.

Austin: The trendiest part of Texas only seems to grow in popularity each year and 2012 will be no different, Orbitz experts predict. Regarded as a music lover’s mecca, tens of thousands of revelers flock to the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World” every spring for the annual South by Southwest Festival, which takes place March 9-18 this year. And the excitement doesn’t end on that note. “This year, Austin is expanding outside of the music scene and dipping its toes into something new by hosting the first U.S. Formula 1 Grand Prix starting Nov. 18,” said Jerrold Broussard, Austin destination expert and regional director for Orbitz Worldwide.

Chicago: The city that attracts 40 million visitors a year is gearing up to welcome even more as it serves as the backdrop for two high-profile world events in 2012. The 12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates will make its North American debut inChicago in April followed by the G8 Summit in May. “The Nobel Peace Laureate and G8 are two of the biggest global annual events attracting hundreds of international high-profile leaders, dignitaries and organizations,” said Emmy Conway, Chicagodestination expert and senior market manager for Orbitz Worldwide.  For those who find their own version of peace on the back nine, Chicago will also host the Ryder Cup in September– a bi-annual international golf event eagerly followed by golf enthusiasts around the world.

Sure Bets for Great Deals in 2012

San Diego:  Whether a mountain adventurer or a coastal relaxer, there is something for everyone at a price that works in San Diego. And this year, there’s even more of a reason to visit this coastal city.  The convention business is growing, but has yet to reach the peak levels attained during 2007.  This, combined with an increase in supplier inventory, means great values throughout the city. “Hotels throughout the region will likely be looking to fill rooms and offer more competitive rates for leisure travelers,” said Lisa Kroll, San Diego destination expert and regional director for Orbitz Worldwide.

Washington, D.C.: A bit of a hush falls over the nation’s capital during election years with the Washington insider crowd outside the Beltway campaigning.  ”As candidates hit the campaign trail in 2012, more hotel rooms and flights have space available and that can add up to great deals for travelers looking to explore Washington, D.C.,” said Donna Mulligan, Washington, D.C.destination expert and regional director for Orbitz Worldwide.

Riviera Maya: Soft white sand and beautiful aqua water make Mexico’s own Riviera an oasis for travelers seeking relaxation. With its large hotel infrastructure—the biggest in Mexico—Riviera Maya has long been a shoo-in for travel deals. However, trending declines in visitors from foreign countries will make the area even more affordable in 2012. “With the combination of massive hotel availability and trending declines in European visitors to the region, travelers will be able to nab some great hotel deals,” said Antonia Pitta, Mexico destination expert and senior regional director for Orbitz Worldwide.

What Consumers Want Most in a Hotel in 2012

Orbitz prides itself on providing travelers with everything they need to know about hotels inside and out. Based on consumer search inquiries in 2011(1), Orbitz travel experts anticipate these popular perks will continue to drive consumers’ hotel booking decisions in 2012:

Convenient transportation: Whether driving or flying, travelers are looking for easy, no hassle ways to get to their destination. Free parking and airport shuttles are among the top-searched hotel amenities.

Pool: Swimming pools rank high on the list for both families traveling with kids and for those heading to spots like Las Vegasor Miami where it’s more about the scene (and being seen) than actually swimming. As one of the top-searched hotel amenities for the second year in a row, pools often determine whether a hotel option will sink or swim for a consumer.

The extras: Consumer searches show there is strong interest in hotel amenities that go beyond the basics.  Four-legged companions are often seen as an integral part of the modern family. As such, search behaviors show that lots of travelers are seeking lodging that will accommodate their pets.  There is also strong interest in hotels that provide spa services, fitness centers and wireless internet.

Orbitz Travel Trend Predictions for 2012

In-house travel experts at Orbitz also identified the top three travel booking trends for 2012.

Mobile: Mobile commerce is expected to nearly double in the U.S. next year(2) and many of those mobile consumers will be on-the-go travelers, Orbitz forecasts. “65% of hotel reservations made via our mobile channels are for same-day stays compared to 14% via traditional desktop browsers,” said Chris Brown, vice president of product development for Orbitz Worldwide. Orbitz also offers mobile bookers great deals with the recently launched “Mobile Steals,” exclusive, mobile-only discounts of up to 50% on hotels worldwide. Steals are available across all mobile channels including the mobile website (m.orbitz.com) and the latest versions of the Orbitz iPad, iPhone and Android apps.

Flash Sales: The number of flash sale sites rose more than 350% from July of 2009 to July 2011 and the popularity of such sites seems only to be growing.(3) “To meet consumers’ growing demand for limited-time deals, Orbitz recently launched ‘Insider Steals,’ weekly, members-only flash sales that offer 50% or more off handpicked hotels in top destinations around the world,” said Peggy Bianco, group vice president of global hotel services for Orbitz Worldwide.

Gift of Travel: Today, many consumers are finding more meaningful value in giving experiences and memories vs. products off store shelves. “We are seeing parents gifting travel for graduations and birthdays and more engaged couples are opting to register for activities for their honeymoons instead of a set of towels,” said Jeanenne Tornatore, senior travel editor for Orbitz.com. While most give the gift to help people explore somewhere new it can also be a subtle reminder, and the extra push some need, to visit loved ones who do not live nearby.

THE LOOK BACK ON 2011

The collection and in-depth analysis of U.S. consumer travel in 2011 provides a window into U.S. travel habits and preferences over the last 12 months.

Busiest Air Travel Weeks in 2011: For the third year in a row, Christmas week (Dec. 19 – Dec. 25) was the busiest travel week in 2011, followed by the week leading up to the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving week. Two summer weeks—the first week of August and the third week of June—rounded out the top five travel weeks as many consumers took advantage of the warm weather and kids being out of school.

Orbitz Insider Index: The Top Five Busiest Travel Weeks(4)

1. December, Christmas Week (Dec. 19–25)
2. Fourth of July Week (June 27–July 3)
3. November, Thanksgiving Week (Nov. 21–27)
4. August, First Week (Aug. 1-7)
5. June, Third Week (June 20-26)

Top 2011 U.S. Destinations: The usual suspects are back atop the list of the 10 most popular U.S. travel destinations. Las Vegas and New York claimed the top two spots for the fourth year in a row. One surprise showing, however, came from Orlando, which nudged ahead of Chicago, bumping the Windy City down to number four.

2011 could be dubbed the year of the urban escape as U.S. travelers often opted for cities over sand. In fact, the following beach destinations on the 2010 list were notably absent in 2011 rankings: San Diego (#5 last year), Honolulu (#7), and Miami(#10). Meanwhile, Boston and Los Angeles—two top destinations for 2009—reemerged in 2011 and Denver (#6) and Atlanta(#8) were welcomed as newcomers.

Top 2011 International Destinations: The top three international travel destinations for U.S. travelers – Cancun, San Juan and London—held steady in the same slots as 2010. However, there was a bit of shuffling from 2010 with Paris moving up two spots to number four and Toronto climbing one spot to six. Additionally, Mexico had an impressive showing, adding three of its cities to the list.

Warm climates and adventure activities enticed consumers to hop flights to foreign destinations last year. In addition to scenic beaches, travelers benefitted from lower rates in Mexico City, Guadalajara and San Jose del Cabo, while Cancun stayed relatively unchanged.

Top 10 U.S. Travel Routes: The Big Apple took up a big slice of the Top 10 U.S. Travel Routes in 2011. New York City was the origin city for five of the top 10 route pairings last year for the second year in a row. The most popular travel route was New York to Chicago, followed by New York to Ft. Lauderdale – bumping the transcontinental New York-to-Los Angeles route down a notch from 2010 to number three. New York was again the most popular destination for travelers departing from Los Angelesand Chicago, as well.

Discover the real Greece with those in the know

Over 220 hand-picked properties across 31 islands and the mainland to choose from in 2012

Expert operator to Greece, Sunvil Holidays, has launched its 2012 real Greece brochure, featuring an enticing mix of holidays to the more authentic parts of this captivating country.

Sunvil Holidays’ 2012 Greece programme reflects all that is great about Greece including: traditional, working villages that retain their authentic flavour; beautiful, mountainous inland areas; a wealth of ancient sites on the mainland; small – and often owner-managed – cottages, apartments and hotels of character. Its 2012 programme is amongst the best, and one of the most varied, Greece offerings in the UK.

New for 2012 is the emerald isle of Thassos, featuring the four-star Ilio Mare Hotel located directly on a Blue Flag beach, and the peaceful Geni peninsular on Lefkas. Sea kayaking safaris around the rugged island of Alonissos – located in the largest marine protected area in Europe – are also on offer for the first time.

Dudley der Parthog, Programme Director, comments: “I believe 2012 will actually be a good year to visit Greece. The nation’s economic woes should mean quieter beaches and tavernas, and an even warmer welcome than usual. Whatever the situation in central Athens, traditional life continues as it always has done on the islands and in the villages.

“We have been operating to Greece for over 35 years and have seen many other operators to this beautiful country come and go. I believe there are two main reasons for our longevity: we have always strived to maintain our values as a true specialist tour operator, and we have never tried to grow too fast.”

NEW HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2012
A new destination: Mountain villages, golden beaches and swathes of pine, chestnut and olive trees make up the lush isle of Thassos. The hill villages in particular ooze authentic Greek charm – venture to Kazaviti, only a few kilometres from the Ilio Mare Hotel. This elegant property offers comfortable rooms set amid tropical gardens and three restaurants, yet caters well for families – there’s a kid’s club, children’s pool and playground and baby-sitting services. Prices start at £750 pp (two sharing) including return flights (Gatwick), B&B (free half board in low season) and transfers.

A new region: The thickly-wooded Geni peninsular is a quiet area with some good country-style tavernas built directly above the water. This is a rural area perfect for those looking to get away from the crowds. The best way to get around is by hired motorboat – moorings are available close to the Ilios Club hotel, which offers simple studios and apartments set among olive trees. A seven-night stay costs from £591 pp (two sharing) including return flights (Gatwick), self-catering accommodation and transfers.

A new activity: Remote and wild, the Sporades isle of Alonissos is located in Europe’s largest marine protected area, with a population of rare monk seals. One way to explore the rugged coastline in the hope that you might spot one of these reclusive animals, among other marine life, is by sea kayak. Three sea kayak safaris (two half-days and one full-day) aimed at both beginners and experienced paddlers cost £133 pp. A seven-night stay at the Votsalo Apartments near Patitiri (the main port) costs from £588 pp (two sharing) including return flights (Gatwick), self-catering accommodation and transfers.

Nearly 40 new properties have also been added for 2012, with more choice on the islands of Alonissos, Ithaca and Tilos, and in Sivota, Pelion and Kardamili on the mainland.

The brochure lead-in price is £481 pp (including early booking discount) for seven nights’ self-catering accommodation at the Villa Irene in Aghios Gordis, Corfu, including return flights (Gatwick) and transfers, based on four sharing in May.

Early booking offers include ‘two weeks for the price of one’ and reductions of up to £40 per person on one week holidays, applicable to off-peak stays (book by 29 February 2012).

To request the new Sunvil Holidays real Greece brochure, call 020 8758 4747 or visithttp://www.sunvil.co.uk for a pdf copy downloadable by island/section.

New Year revolutions: 10 holidays to change your life

Thomson Interactive Weather Map Tells You Where is Hot and When in Europe

Thomson holidays has launched a new interactive graphic which quickly and easily tells you where’s hot when by mapping out most major European cities by their climate.

The map allows users to define which month they would like to travel in, along with a sliding temperature and sunlight filter. The map then displays places within these criteria, along with other details like hours of sunlight, rainfall and humidity levels, when the user holds the mouse over each city.

If someone is looking to fly from the UK between December and March but doesn’t want to go too far, then the best bets for catching some sun is in North Africa or the Canary Islands. As it moves into April, Southern Spain becomes quite attractive. Suddenly the options become much wider by the time May comes around and they remain so right through to October.

The climate data used to build this covers 70 cities and 36 countries in Europe. Sources for it were extracted from BBC Weather and the MET office (the UK’s national weather service).

Thomson says: “It’s the million-dollar question when it comes to booking a holiday – where should I go at this time of year? To help find the answer, we’ve decided to build an interactive tool that makes it quick and easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.”

You can view the map here: http://www.thomson.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/infographic/weathermap-v8/index.html#0MToxMnwtNDA6NDB8SmFu

More details about it can be found here: http://www.thomson.co.uk/blog/2011/12/where-should-i-go-on-holiday-infographic/#.TudcBEOse2A

Christmas TV Inspires Wanderlust

As several holiday companies start their TV advertising campaigns on Boxing Day in advance of peak booking season in January and February,  many holidaymakers’ choices will be inspired by the films and TV programmes they watch over the festive period.

Frozen Planet – the Epic Journey has already prompted a surge in demand for expedition cruises to the Antarctic and Artic.  The Christmas highlights show is likely to boost this trend further as will Earthflight, a documentary set in the USA that follows the path of snow geese on their journey from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic.

Miranda Hart and Bear Grylls are trekking across the Swiss Alps in Bear’s Wild Weekend with Miranda.

Top Gear’s annual expedition sees them travel across India, showcasing the country’s major cities, culture and countryside.

In Three Men Go to New England, Rory McGrath, Griff Rhys Jones and Dara O’Briain are in search of a boat for a parade celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.

Parents may find themselves booking holidays to Paris, New York and Madagascar after their children watch films such as: Ratatouille, in which a rat travels to Paris to realise his dream to be the best chef in France, and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, where animals escape Central Park Zoo to fly back to Madagascar.

Closer to home the Downton Abbey Christmas special is likely to increase demand for packages to visit stately and manor homes used in the popular costume drama.

Harry Potter fans at home and abroad will also be inspired to visits locations such as Alnwick Castle and Gloucester Cathedral.

Victoria Bacon, ABTA Head of Communications says: “Film and television programmes have a huge influence on British holidaymakers’ travel plans. It is clear destinations benefit enormously when used as film locations, which is why many are delighted to be chosen.”

The cinema also has a huge influence on booking habits. Next year destinations such as New Zealand and the USA stand to benefit in particular from high profile releases on the silver screen.

New Zealand’s stunning scenery will provide the backdrop to The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and New York provides the setting for The Great Gatsby. A host of beatnik inspired road trips are expected following the release of On the Road, based on the Jack Kerouac novel, written about the writer’s travels and featuring San Francisco, Argentina and Chile. Meanwhile, Nicolas Cage’s Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance looks set to give a boost to Bulgaria and Cappodocia, Turkey.

iPhones better than sex!

A survey of over 1,000 mobile users by Skyscanner has found that iPhone owners appear to prefer playing with their mobiles abroad than having holiday romances.

Only 54% of iPhone users admitted to a holiday romance compared with a whopping 72% of amorous ‘old-school’ mobile owners, proving that you don’t need a smartphone to look smart on holiday.

A more respectable 61% of Android users admitted to holiday romances but they obviously don’t kiss and tell as only 36% admitted to boasting about their holiday antics on Facebook and Twitter, compared with 47% of iPhone users.

Apple fans are clearly too busy downloading apps to get down with holiday romances, with a massive 76% of iPhone users using apps on holiday, in contrast to only 55% of Android owners.

Sam Baldwin, Skyscanner Travel Editor said: “These findings show that mobiles really do play a major part in people’s holiday activities these days, perhaps even at the expense of romantic activities?

“We know that our app is hugely popular with users researching flights when they are planning their travel, but I am surprised that so many people use apps when they get to their destination, although I imagine this trend is set to grow as more mobile users are converted to using smartphones.”

Skyscanner’s apps are free to download from the iTunes, Android and Windows Phone market places.

THOMSON AND FIRST CHOICE: THE PACKAGE HOLIDAY IS ALIVE AND KICKING

dealchecker.co.uk: Huge Increase in Brits Searching for Long Haul Flights

LONDON, December 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ – -dealchecker.co.uk has seen a substantial increase in the number of people searching for long haul flights-

dealchecker.co.uk, an online travel company, has seen a substantial increase in the number of people searching for long haul destinations over the last three months. By comparing data from August, September and October this year to that of 2010, the company found that the Maldives saw an increase of over 40 per cent in the three month period. Other long haul destinations such as Barbados and Cuba had increases of over 30 per cent, and eight per cent respectively.

The company, who offer great deals on holidays to a wide array of exciting destinations, say that it is amazing to see people looking to visit such far-flung destinations. As the company is based in the United Kingdom the flights to these fantastic locations could take over ten hours, proving that people are prepared to travel far afield for the perfect holiday. The company are currently offering some fantastic deals to these destinations and say that their customers can head off on Barbados, Cuba and Maldives holidays at truly affordable prices.

Mark Attwell, MD of dealchecker.co.uk, comments: “Deals on offer at the moment make it easier than ever for Brits to jet off to exotic locations. It is no surprise that people were looking for cheap holidays to Barbados and other hotspots this autumn, as we were able to offer some great savings to those distant destinations.

“This data shows that, contrary to popular opinion, people are not willing to give up on luxurious and sunny hotspots when booking their yearly holiday. We fully expect long haul destinations to increase in popularity as Brits continue to search our site for great deals that will take them to the far corners of the globe. This autumn saw us increase the number of great bargains available on dealchecker.co.uk and we hope to continue this trend into 2012.”

To find the latest bargains on offer, check out dealchecker.co.uk’s Real Deals.

Bag yourself a Bargain

The Kenya Tourist Board has teamed up with Just a Drop to launch a fantastic online charity auction. Running up to the 19th December it’s your chance to bid on spectacular lots ranging from a year’s supply of exotic Kenyan roses to spectacular beach and safari holidays.

Make it a very Merry Christmas and a even a Happier New Year also in the knowledge that proceeds raised will be provide clean safe water and proper sanitation where it is needed most. Check out the auction here.

10 cheap winter sun spots

Think you have to go far to find winter UV? Think again… Skyscannerbrings you 10 places where you are guaranteed sunshine. Escape the UK and grab a flight to the sun now.