Christmas can be stressful times, having the in-laws over, having to cook a lavish Christmas dinner, provide drinks for everyone, the stress of the shopping queues and that’s even before you have fought around the shelves to find what you are looking for.
We have a solution: an all-inclusive Caribbean Christmas holiday, away from the moaning relatives, the screaming kids and the late night shopping hell.
Almond Resorts offer fantastic luxury all-inclusive holidays in Barbados and St. Lucia at some fantastic locations, offering you escapism this Christmas at resorts such as the Almond Morgan Bay in St. Lucia and the Almond Beach Club & Spa in Barbados.
Christmas dinner could be fried plantain and barbecued shrimp, enjoyed on the beach with the waves lapping the shore, avoiding the repeat films and tiresome Christmas speech, settling down with some fine local rum enjoyed with the locals.
Thursday 6 December 2007
Tuesday 27 November 2007
Going Skiing? Go Prepared
Statistics for ski holidays shows that one in seven holiday makers will face some kind of injury. These injuries can vary greatly, and can be very nasty from a sprained wrist and twisted knee to an open fracture of you lower limbs.
Those embarking on a skiing holiday for the first time should really make sure they are prepared for what is in store for them as these holidays can be very demanding physically. It is estimated that last year, through injuries, winter sports holiday makers lost out on £4.5 in unused ski passes.
It is important to make sure you are in shape ready for the holiday, so your body can keep up with the demands of the slopes.
It is worthwhile to take some lessons on a dry ski slope on home soil first, so you can get to grips with the technique and will have more time drifting down the slopes at break neck speeds.
Those venturing out to the mountains should also always ensure they have appropriate ski insurance. Be warned that a regular travel insurance policy will be unlikely to cover you for skiing accidents; you will instead need to seek winter sports cover.
Those looking to be even more adventurous and head off piste or try their hand at something like heli skiing will need to check whether this is covered in their policy by checking the terms.
Those embarking on a skiing holiday for the first time should really make sure they are prepared for what is in store for them as these holidays can be very demanding physically. It is estimated that last year, through injuries, winter sports holiday makers lost out on £4.5 in unused ski passes.
It is important to make sure you are in shape ready for the holiday, so your body can keep up with the demands of the slopes.
It is worthwhile to take some lessons on a dry ski slope on home soil first, so you can get to grips with the technique and will have more time drifting down the slopes at break neck speeds.
Those venturing out to the mountains should also always ensure they have appropriate ski insurance. Be warned that a regular travel insurance policy will be unlikely to cover you for skiing accidents; you will instead need to seek winter sports cover.
Those looking to be even more adventurous and head off piste or try their hand at something like heli skiing will need to check whether this is covered in their policy by checking the terms.
Tuesday 9 October 2007
Pilot Your Own African Safari
Hanks Aero Adventures are a flight operator with a difference – they provide light aircraft to those with a pilots license for you to then plan your own safari holiday in Africa, and then fly the plane across the African bush yourselves!
This allows complete freedom to fly across the African savannah, taking the route you want to and incorporating all of the sights you specifically want to see, and with the choices seemingly endless, this ability could produce an adventurous safari holiday that you will never forget.
This allows complete freedom to fly across the African savannah, taking the route you want to and incorporating all of the sights you specifically want to see, and with the choices seemingly endless, this ability could produce an adventurous safari holiday that you will never forget.
Thursday 13 September 2007
Kenyan Travel on the Rise
Those planning a holiday to Kenya this year are far from alone. A report on Business Daily Africa describes how Kenya is on course to achieve it’s goal of becoming one of the top 10 long haul destinations.
A report from Last Minute dot com shows bookings on holidays to Kenya have increased dramatically in the past months. Kenya is now said to be on a par with popular long haul destinations such as Thailand and the Maldives.
It’s sudden popularity growth has been attributed to the introduction of high quality holiday packages which have recently been introduced. A report in 2006 by Kuoni showed that Kenya had moved up to the fourth position, overtaking Dubai. The Maldives and Thailand held first and second, with Egypt taking third position.
Tanzania is also growing rapidly in popularity as a long haul destination, with Egypt expected to drop right down in 2007.
Kenya is also an incredibly popular place for weddings abroad. It is said to be the fifth most popular destination for couples to tie the knot, and is expected to rise to fourth next year.
A report from Last Minute dot com shows bookings on holidays to Kenya have increased dramatically in the past months. Kenya is now said to be on a par with popular long haul destinations such as Thailand and the Maldives.
It’s sudden popularity growth has been attributed to the introduction of high quality holiday packages which have recently been introduced. A report in 2006 by Kuoni showed that Kenya had moved up to the fourth position, overtaking Dubai. The Maldives and Thailand held first and second, with Egypt taking third position.
Tanzania is also growing rapidly in popularity as a long haul destination, with Egypt expected to drop right down in 2007.
Kenya is also an incredibly popular place for weddings abroad. It is said to be the fifth most popular destination for couples to tie the knot, and is expected to rise to fourth next year.
Safe Travel In South Africa
Like any big city, South Africa has its share of scammers. To remain safe, it is just a case of awareness. Preparing yourself for what to expect will arm you with the knowledge you need to firstly recognise a scam, and secondly to fend off these scammers.
In South Africa, porters at the airports try to swamp new visitors by offering to carry their luggage and guide them through the airport, expecting money at the end of it. They can be difficult to fend off, and will often just walk with a hand on your luggage, expecting to be paid at the end of it.
The best way to avoid this is to carry your luggage on your back, and to not wheel it around the airport by trolley. If you do end up tipping a porter, it is said that around 7 Rand will be sufficient.
Mini-bus taxi’s are considered as unsafe methods of transport. There have been reports of numerous assaults and stabbings by the taxi drivers for very trivial things, such as asking for the taxi’s music to be turned down.
A holiday to South Africa can also bring about amazing experiences, and it would be very misleading to just comment on the bad. Noordhoek Beach was recently voted as one of the best three beaches in the Western Cape, and is relatively un-crowded. It features brilliant white sand, be warned however that the water is freezing and can be incredibly rough – great if you are a surfer.
Don’t forget the beautiful array of wildlife and the fine wines South Africa has to offer – it really is a fantastic place to visit. Like any place, it is important to read up on the dangers of any area, so that you can make informed decisions on how to remain safe once you arrive at your destination.
In South Africa, porters at the airports try to swamp new visitors by offering to carry their luggage and guide them through the airport, expecting money at the end of it. They can be difficult to fend off, and will often just walk with a hand on your luggage, expecting to be paid at the end of it.
The best way to avoid this is to carry your luggage on your back, and to not wheel it around the airport by trolley. If you do end up tipping a porter, it is said that around 7 Rand will be sufficient.
Mini-bus taxi’s are considered as unsafe methods of transport. There have been reports of numerous assaults and stabbings by the taxi drivers for very trivial things, such as asking for the taxi’s music to be turned down.
A holiday to South Africa can also bring about amazing experiences, and it would be very misleading to just comment on the bad. Noordhoek Beach was recently voted as one of the best three beaches in the Western Cape, and is relatively un-crowded. It features brilliant white sand, be warned however that the water is freezing and can be incredibly rough – great if you are a surfer.
Don’t forget the beautiful array of wildlife and the fine wines South Africa has to offer – it really is a fantastic place to visit. Like any place, it is important to read up on the dangers of any area, so that you can make informed decisions on how to remain safe once you arrive at your destination.
Wednesday 5 September 2007
All Inclusive Resorts – From Tacky to Tasteful
There was a time when the all-inclusive resort was considered tacky, evening entertainment comprising of sing-a-longs and limbo dancing coupled with poor quality food and local booze are all characteristics that were once associated with this popular holiday type.
This has now changed as hotels are offering a higher level of luxury, with plasma screens, wireless internet and iPods in-room. Even the rich are now pushing aside the preconceptions of what an all-inclusive resort is really all about.
Now that opinions of these types of holidays of changing, it is going to be hard for people to ignore the lure of menus with no prices and endless amounts of beer and wine.
This has now changed as hotels are offering a higher level of luxury, with plasma screens, wireless internet and iPods in-room. Even the rich are now pushing aside the preconceptions of what an all-inclusive resort is really all about.
Now that opinions of these types of holidays of changing, it is going to be hard for people to ignore the lure of menus with no prices and endless amounts of beer and wine.
Tuesday 7 August 2007
Obtaining Reasonable Travel Insurance after Illness
Trying to find a reasonable travel insurance quote isn’t easy at the best of times. If you have suffered from an illness such as cancer, this can be near on impossible. Insurance premiums for ex cancer sufferers can be sometimes more than ten times the cost of premiums for others.
A recent survey by Cancerbackup shows 9 out of 10 people who had had cancer, struggle to obtain a travel insurance policy. Thanks to Cancerbackup though, there is some hope, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) is investigating into whether cancer sufferers are discriminated against. The survey also wants to make sure the results haven’t put people off obtaining travel insurance on their holidays.
You can read the full article on Arabia.com
A recent survey by Cancerbackup shows 9 out of 10 people who had had cancer, struggle to obtain a travel insurance policy. Thanks to Cancerbackup though, there is some hope, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) is investigating into whether cancer sufferers are discriminated against. The survey also wants to make sure the results haven’t put people off obtaining travel insurance on their holidays.
You can read the full article on Arabia.com
Brits at Risk without Travel Insurance
Brits are risking it big by travelling abroad without insurance according to new research. An article on the Fair Investment Company has highlighted the findings of a survey conducted by Survey Monkey.
The findings have shown an alarming number of people who are willing to travel without adequate travel insurance, in fact one in five out of 1,011 people questioned stated that they quite happily travel without insurance, with men being the worst offenders, with 12% of men choosing not to take out policies compared to 9% of women.
The survey has also shown that people in their twenties are the least likely to take out travel insurance at 13%. 4% of these have stated they have never taken out any form of travel insurance.
It can seem like travel insurance is a waste of money, how many times have you had to make a claim? The answer is highly likely to be never, but when you look at what you spend each holiday on insurance and compare this to the potential costs you could incur should you become ill and need emergency insurance, the decision is a no brainer.
The findings have shown an alarming number of people who are willing to travel without adequate travel insurance, in fact one in five out of 1,011 people questioned stated that they quite happily travel without insurance, with men being the worst offenders, with 12% of men choosing not to take out policies compared to 9% of women.
The survey has also shown that people in their twenties are the least likely to take out travel insurance at 13%. 4% of these have stated they have never taken out any form of travel insurance.
It can seem like travel insurance is a waste of money, how many times have you had to make a claim? The answer is highly likely to be never, but when you look at what you spend each holiday on insurance and compare this to the potential costs you could incur should you become ill and need emergency insurance, the decision is a no brainer.
Thursday 26 July 2007
Culture & Cuisine in Barbados
Wednesday 25 July 2007
Vaccines for Holidays in Southern Africa
Those venturing on holiday usually go through the normal checklist – travellers checks, sunglasses, sun cream, book, swimming trunks and toothbrush. Travellers must be careful that they do not overlook the most important of these – vaccinations. A must for those looking to venture on holiday in South Africa and many other parts of the world are the routine vaccines to protect you against the illnesses that are prevalent in that country. The last thing you want is for your tailor made African holiday to end in disaster because you forgot to check what vaccinations you should take before you travel.
You should always visit your GP to discuss what vaccines you should take. Below is a guide to routine vaccinations associated with holidays in Southern Africa.
Hepatitis A – A virus which can be passed from person to person, can occur through exposure to contaminated water, ice, salad, shellfish etc. that has come into direct contact with contaminated water and from other sorts of uncooked food that has come into contact with contaminated water.
Hepatitis B – contracted through exposure to blood or other bodily fluids, sexual contact with the local population or exposure through medical care.
Malaria - risks of contracting malaria are high in all countries in southern Africa. You GP will prescribe you the correct anti-malarial drug you need to take, courses often start weeks before departing on your holiday and should be continued for up to 4 weeks on your return.
Rabies – unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas such as camping and cycling areas.
Typhoid – can be contracted through drinking contaminated water or food, or by food handled by and infected individual.
Booster doses for tetanus-diptheria, measles and a on-off dose of polio vaccine for adults.
Checklist for African Holidays
Below is a list we advise you take on holidays in southern Africa:
Insect repellent
Insect Spray
Insect Nets for your sleeping accommodation (often provided by hotels so may be worthwhile checking).
Iodine tablets and portable water filters should bottled drinking water not be provided.
Sun protection lotion, hats (especially for young children – necks should also be covered and the use of long sleeve t-shirts are recommended and should be worn whilst swimming).
The above acts as just a rough guide, to make you aware of what you may be required to take; we strongly recommend you visit your GP to discuss medical requirements, wherever you are planning on travelling to.
You should always visit your GP to discuss what vaccines you should take. Below is a guide to routine vaccinations associated with holidays in Southern Africa.
Hepatitis A – A virus which can be passed from person to person, can occur through exposure to contaminated water, ice, salad, shellfish etc. that has come into direct contact with contaminated water and from other sorts of uncooked food that has come into contact with contaminated water.
Hepatitis B – contracted through exposure to blood or other bodily fluids, sexual contact with the local population or exposure through medical care.
Malaria - risks of contracting malaria are high in all countries in southern Africa. You GP will prescribe you the correct anti-malarial drug you need to take, courses often start weeks before departing on your holiday and should be continued for up to 4 weeks on your return.
Rabies – unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas such as camping and cycling areas.
Typhoid – can be contracted through drinking contaminated water or food, or by food handled by and infected individual.
Booster doses for tetanus-diptheria, measles and a on-off dose of polio vaccine for adults.
Checklist for African Holidays
Below is a list we advise you take on holidays in southern Africa:
Insect repellent
Insect Spray
Insect Nets for your sleeping accommodation (often provided by hotels so may be worthwhile checking).
Iodine tablets and portable water filters should bottled drinking water not be provided.
Sun protection lotion, hats (especially for young children – necks should also be covered and the use of long sleeve t-shirts are recommended and should be worn whilst swimming).
The above acts as just a rough guide, to make you aware of what you may be required to take; we strongly recommend you visit your GP to discuss medical requirements, wherever you are planning on travelling to.
Tuesday 24 July 2007
Beach & Safari Holidays
The Times Online have written an interesting post relating to Safari and Beach holidays. They describe the combination as truly unbeatable, with the only hard part being the type of safari holiday to choose.
That is where experts like Africa Sky come in. Africa Sky provide tailor-made safari holidays in Africa where you can truly custom build your experience. Africa is a unique destination; somewhere you can experience the fantastically diverse wildlife on a short or extended safari, and be a short flight away from idyllic tropical beaches where you can fish, scuba dive or simply kick back and unwind on a powder white sandy beach, gazing into the calming warm turquoise sea.
Holidays to Africa are growing in popularity, with the number of tourists set to reach 2 million this year and you can see why. Anyone thinking a safari holiday is all about ‘roughing it’ in a tent is mistaken. The Sable Sanctuary Tree House offers guests the chance to relax in a private tree house with Jacuzzi and personal butler and chef, whilst enjoying the views of the Shimba Valley Hills – absolute luxury.
For tailor-made African Safari and Beach holidays, we recommend you visit: http://www.africasky.co.uk
That is where experts like Africa Sky come in. Africa Sky provide tailor-made safari holidays in Africa where you can truly custom build your experience. Africa is a unique destination; somewhere you can experience the fantastically diverse wildlife on a short or extended safari, and be a short flight away from idyllic tropical beaches where you can fish, scuba dive or simply kick back and unwind on a powder white sandy beach, gazing into the calming warm turquoise sea.
Holidays to Africa are growing in popularity, with the number of tourists set to reach 2 million this year and you can see why. Anyone thinking a safari holiday is all about ‘roughing it’ in a tent is mistaken. The Sable Sanctuary Tree House offers guests the chance to relax in a private tree house with Jacuzzi and personal butler and chef, whilst enjoying the views of the Shimba Valley Hills – absolute luxury.
For tailor-made African Safari and Beach holidays, we recommend you visit: http://www.africasky.co.uk
Luxury Travel and Your Carbon Footprint
There has been much talk recently of individual’s carbon footprint, that is, the level of carbon emissions emitted into the atmosphere as a direct result of our lifestyles.
Many of our everyday actions play a big part in increasing the level of emissions, from the type of light bulb we use, the number of TV’s we have, the cars we drive to the distance we travel each year.
At the forefront of the row has been the extreme level of CO2 emissions from commercial jet planes each year. So exactly how much is our Caribbean holiday costing the environment. A flight to St. Lucia from London Heathrow covers 13,538 kilometres and will produce around 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per person.
It has been estimated by the Carbon Neutral Company that a return flight from London to Bangkok emits 2.1 tons of CO2 per passenger [source] and when you look at the number of passengers on a Boeing 747 [typically 416] this amounts to a total emission of 873.6 tonnes of CO2 on a single flight.
So what can we do to offset the CO2 emissions our lifestyles and yearly holidays are creating? In terms of lifestyle, there are many things we can do, from changing the way in which we drive our cars to turning our television sets off of stand-by when not in use.
In terms of offsetting the emissions caused by our long haul holidays, there are many initiatives in places. The Carbon Neutral Company has produced a carbon calculator with which you can specify your flight route. This then produces results based on the distance travelled and gives you an idea of the level of emissions per person this flight would produce. To make this flight carbon neutral, you are then given the opportunity to purchase a package which funds certain projects set up to produce new technologies that would save the CO2 equivalent to your flight.
This is of course good, but how many trees will you have to plant to offset the monumental levels of CO2 produced in a single commercial flight and how soon will you see the kind of results that will truly offset the kind of emissions that are currently being produced?
Many of our everyday actions play a big part in increasing the level of emissions, from the type of light bulb we use, the number of TV’s we have, the cars we drive to the distance we travel each year.
At the forefront of the row has been the extreme level of CO2 emissions from commercial jet planes each year. So exactly how much is our Caribbean holiday costing the environment. A flight to St. Lucia from London Heathrow covers 13,538 kilometres and will produce around 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per person.
It has been estimated by the Carbon Neutral Company that a return flight from London to Bangkok emits 2.1 tons of CO2 per passenger [source] and when you look at the number of passengers on a Boeing 747 [typically 416] this amounts to a total emission of 873.6 tonnes of CO2 on a single flight.
So what can we do to offset the CO2 emissions our lifestyles and yearly holidays are creating? In terms of lifestyle, there are many things we can do, from changing the way in which we drive our cars to turning our television sets off of stand-by when not in use.
In terms of offsetting the emissions caused by our long haul holidays, there are many initiatives in places. The Carbon Neutral Company has produced a carbon calculator with which you can specify your flight route. This then produces results based on the distance travelled and gives you an idea of the level of emissions per person this flight would produce. To make this flight carbon neutral, you are then given the opportunity to purchase a package which funds certain projects set up to produce new technologies that would save the CO2 equivalent to your flight.
This is of course good, but how many trees will you have to plant to offset the monumental levels of CO2 produced in a single commercial flight and how soon will you see the kind of results that will truly offset the kind of emissions that are currently being produced?
Monday 23 July 2007
Post Holiday Trauma
The Telegraph has recently reported on the effects of post holiday trauma, often leaving you feeling like you need another break to get over the one you have just been on.
After a lengthy flight in often extremely uncomfortable coach class (unless you have the funds to fly in style), coping with the effects of jet lag, long queues for passport control, baggage collection and what not, to recover from all of this you need more time off!
So what can you do to reduce the stress factors that can affect your enjoyment of a luxury holiday.
Firstly, booking your flights from regional airports is a start, meaning travel to and from the airport is reduced. Find out what kind of leg room and seat pitch you are likely to expect on certain airlines. This can mean the difference between 15 hours of uncomfortable, sleepless travel, or 15 hours of sleep, relaxing and recharging your batteries for your fortnight away. Seat upgrades are also available on many airlines at a small fee and can also make a big difference.
Plan your holiday to avoid busy times, fly out and land home on a week day, when there is less traffic and people are less likely to be leaving on the same day as you...
Full article here.
After a lengthy flight in often extremely uncomfortable coach class (unless you have the funds to fly in style), coping with the effects of jet lag, long queues for passport control, baggage collection and what not, to recover from all of this you need more time off!
So what can you do to reduce the stress factors that can affect your enjoyment of a luxury holiday.
Firstly, booking your flights from regional airports is a start, meaning travel to and from the airport is reduced. Find out what kind of leg room and seat pitch you are likely to expect on certain airlines. This can mean the difference between 15 hours of uncomfortable, sleepless travel, or 15 hours of sleep, relaxing and recharging your batteries for your fortnight away. Seat upgrades are also available on many airlines at a small fee and can also make a big difference.
Plan your holiday to avoid busy times, fly out and land home on a week day, when there is less traffic and people are less likely to be leaving on the same day as you...
Full article here.
Hurricane Season - Washout Holidays
Choosing where to go on holiday for the time of year you wish can be a tough task. Pick the wrong season and your entire beach vacation could turn into a complete washout.
Forbes dot com has recently reported on Hurricane Season Travel Tips - that is, what steps you can take to ensure a holiday to the Caribbean or wherever else you may choose, is not a wasted one.
Forbes reports an estimated 30,000 people's holidays to Mexico were a washout in 2005 as a direct result of hurricanes.
Stanley Goldenberg who is a meteorologist for the Hurricane Research Division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration blames La Niña , a cooling whether pattern that is "conductive to hurricanes".
The tips Goldenbourg suggests:
It is a risk to travel during these times. Is it worth risking your one luxury holiday in the year to save money? If it pays off, absolutely, but if your entire holiday is a complete wash out, it may be your biggest regret that year!
Our advice. Play it safe! A luxury holiday is a time to unwind, relax and take time out. Plan your holiday carefully, viewing climate guides to ensure the time you are travelling coincides with good weather trends. It may make all the difference!
Whatever you decide, ensure you obtain adequate travel insurance cover that will pay out should the worst happen!
Forbes dot com has recently reported on Hurricane Season Travel Tips - that is, what steps you can take to ensure a holiday to the Caribbean or wherever else you may choose, is not a wasted one.
Forbes reports an estimated 30,000 people's holidays to Mexico were a washout in 2005 as a direct result of hurricanes.
Stanley Goldenberg who is a meteorologist for the Hurricane Research Division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration blames La Niña , a cooling whether pattern that is "conductive to hurricanes".
The tips Goldenbourg suggests:
- Keep an eye on the weather forecasts
- Mountainous or hilly destinations are a big no no no - rainfall will encourage landslides and may flood valley floors
- The smaller the region, the better. Bermuda - Yes. Florida - No!
- His last tip - head north. Storms weaken the further north you are
It is a risk to travel during these times. Is it worth risking your one luxury holiday in the year to save money? If it pays off, absolutely, but if your entire holiday is a complete wash out, it may be your biggest regret that year!
Our advice. Play it safe! A luxury holiday is a time to unwind, relax and take time out. Plan your holiday carefully, viewing climate guides to ensure the time you are travelling coincides with good weather trends. It may make all the difference!
Whatever you decide, ensure you obtain adequate travel insurance cover that will pay out should the worst happen!
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