The fourth installation of our bitesized guide series to the Mediterranean's finest islands sees us sail over to the Italian gem of Sardinia. With around 300 days of sunshine a year, Sardinia is a pocket of craggy shorelines and flower-strewn hillsides in the middle of the Mediterranean. White-sand beaches, Evian-clear waters, forested valleys, charismatic towns and a rich history all combine to create a magical island setting. Alghero Costa Smeralda Ancient sites Rattle and Roll Sardinia has a unique character, a blend of Italian and Catalan influences that is reflected in its food. There are plenty of places offering distinctive local dishes, such as panadas - a pie made with meat or eels, and malloredus - a saffron-flavoured pasta served with tomato sauce and sausage or cheese. Fish is also a speciality, with as fresh-as-the-sea offerings served up in most restaurants.Why go?
Sardinia highlights:
This is one of the most popular resorts on Sardinia, yet it retains the charm and atmosphere of a working fishing village. The medieval old town is the most picturesque on Sardinia, and has a fascinating Catalan heritage and winding cobbled streets. In the evening, head up to the fortified walls of the town's bastion and watch the sun set over the dramatic cliffs of Capo Caccia.
Isola dei Gabbiani
The tiny island floating just off the shore of Costa Smeralda is a haven for windsurfers and surfers. Access the island via the short bridge, which is lined with board-hire shops. For those who want to stay overnight there is a campsite as well as a few guest houses on the mainland.
The ‘Emerald Coast' is home to La Cinta, one of the most famous beaches in Sardinia. This stretch of stunning coastline is Sardinia's answer to the French Riviera and is the perfect place to spot the Prada-clad glitterati whilst sipping on a cappuccino. Porto Cervo is the capital of the area and is a chic town, popular with the jet set.
Oliena
This charming hilltop town is a centre of wine production and hosts feast days. The town comes alive with colourful celebrations and artisans flock here to flaunt their wares and sample some of the finest foods on the island.Top things to do:
Sardinia is one of the most ancient lands in Europe and has fascinating sites at every turn. The archaeological site of Tharros was once an ancient Roman city on the west coast of Sardinia and, according to legend, was one of the most important sites on the island. Now an open-air museum perched atop a cliff, visitors can walk through the remnants of temples and artifacts, whilst gazing over the azure sea below.
Festival fun
Situated on the Sinis peninsula, the town of Cabras is home to many cultural treasures and is a haven for nature enthusiasts. A fun time to visit is the first weekend of September, when a local festival sees around 3,000 men race from the town barefoot and dressed in white to the village of San Salvatore where they re-enact an ancient feud over a religious statue.
Go trekking
Scale the Mount La Marmora in the Gennargentu National Park, situated in eastern Sardinia between the provinces of Nuoro and Ogliastra. The mountain is the highest point on the island and is part of the scenic park that has a unique coastal landscape of craggy rocks, aqua waters and hidden caves.
The Trenino Verde, or ‘little green train', runs for 160km (100 miles) from the east coast to Mandas and is an exciting ride through mountains and meadows, as well as past a nature reserve that is home to wild horses and boars.What to eat
Spiga
Sardinia, Italy
The UK's best beaches
With summer 2009 seeing a record number of Britons seeking their sun, sea and sandy pleasures a lot closer to home, we've picked out the UK's best beach spots to suit all seaside needs. The UK might be a teeny isle hovering on the outskirts of the European landmass, but a substantial plus point of small-island status is that a splashing stretch of coastline is never far away. Croyde, Devon West Wittering, Sussex Holywell Bay, Cornwall Bournemouth, Dorset Morfa Dyffryn, WalesBest for... surfers
Set in a sleepy and scenic pocket of southwest England, Croyde offers some of the most reliable waves in the country. Expansive golden sands, a friendly surfing community and plenty of crashing waters make this Devonshire beach a massive draw to surfers of all ages and abilities. As a result, Croyde has played host to the British Surfing Championships on three occasions. The summer months see the beach and waters get pretty packed, with a host of surf schools taking to the waves, but the cheerful crowds just add to the buzz, and satisfied surfers continue to return to Croyde year after year.
Also try: Newquay, Cornwall
While there are grumbles that excessive tourism has worn away Newquay's charm, great waves, clear Gulf Stream waters and swathes of dedicated surfers keep this stretch of Cornwall coast a firm contender for the UK's surfing top spot.Best for... swimming
For rippling sand and Blue Flag waters, West Wittering really does come up trumps. The calm shallows of low tide are perfect for paddling water babies and relaxed sploshing, while the more undulating waters of high tide are ideal for a refreshing dip. With the Isle of Wight providing a barrier from the Channel in front and the protective backdrop of the South Downs behind, West Wittering enjoys its own balmy microclimate. Being by far the best beach for miles, things can get rather crowded when the sun's out, but it's always relaxed, and the vast sands are definitely big enough to accommodate everyone.
Also try: Tyrella, Co Down
Broad, flat sands with lapping water well worthy of their Blue Flag status make Tyrella ideal for the avid swimmer, and a pretty conservation area adds to the beach's simple charm. Tyrella has been proud owner of a Blue Flag for over a decade, and lifeguards are on duty in July and August.Best for... scenic views
Even with some seriously stiff local competition, Holywell Bay undoubtedly ranks as one of the most beautiful beaches that the UK has to offer. Backed by sandy dunes punctuated with tufts of long grass, and with the looming figures of the Gull Rocks off shore, this striking spot is a picture postcard of idyllic British beach. Holywell's clear waters are popular with swimmers, and the extensive beach area is ideal for brisk walks, family ball games and pretty picnics. Plenty of scenic walks can be found along the coastal path, and to the north of the beach lies the Holy Well from which bay gets its name.
Also try: Sandwood Bay, Scotland
For a refreshing walk along a deserted beach, you won't do better than Sandwood Bay. This piece of Scottish coastline is said to be the most remote beach in mainland Britain (it's a 7km (4.5 mile) trek across the moors just to reach it) but the peachy sand, ice-silver Atlantic, wild rocks and achingly blue loch make it all worthwhile.
Best for... families
This bubbling south coast location is a magnet for beach lovers of all ages; lively Bournemouth bursts into action the moment the sun peeps out, and, as well as crystal seas and tons of sand, a family friendly Kidzone scheme means added fun for children and less stress for parents. Bournemouth's Blue Flag beach is noted for its cleanliness, and the 11km (7 mile) stretch has received several accolades, including the Quality Coast Award. With all it has going for it, Bournemouth can certainly attract a hefty crowd, but this always ensures a constant supply of family frolics and plenty of action.
Also try: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Find a clean, sandy beach and a wealth of traditional seaside attractions at Weston, one of the UK's most famous seaside towns. Paddle in the clear waters, take a ride on one of Weston-super-Mare's famous donkeys, and cool off with a brightly coloured ice cream.Best for... stripping off
Situated on the Welsh coast, between Barmouth and Harlech, the golden sands and grassy-green backdrop of Morfa Dyffryn are a beautiful piece of coastline, a regular dolphin-sighting spot, and one of the UK's premiere naturist beaches. The naturist section, which is 1km long and found in the northern end of the beach, is popular with singles, couples and families alike; although naturism has been practised here since the 1930s, it wasn't until early this decade that a section was specifically set aside for naturists.
New luxury hotels search engine
The travel agency Luxum Travel has launched a new luxury hotels search engine. Dluxehotels.com, created by a team with long experience in the tourism and new technologies industry, is born with two clear objectives: to develop the best selection of luxury hotels in the world and to facilitate online bookings without renouncing the guarantee of a trusted travel agency. This web site allows real-time booking of 4 or 5 stars hotels that have been carefully selected for their charm, their avant-garde design and singular architectural forms, their excellent service service or idyllic location. The hotels are classified by feature in order to facilitate the search to those looking for a hotel with golf course, with spa or a business hotel.
http://www.dluxehotels.com/
The Greek islands
The third installation of our bitesized guide series to the Mediterranean's finest isles sees us hop across the Greek archipelagos in search of the perfect island holiday. As it turns out, we don't have to look too hard...
Why go?
To the untrained eye, the Greek islands' pristine golden bays, endless olive groves and steep cliffs dotted with precariously perched whitewashed villages may seem interchangeable, but island hoppers who have had the chance to explore these sparkling isles know better.
For a holiday that conveniently packages up picture-perfect beaches, balmy weather, ancient history, energetic nightlife and breathtaking scenery, look no further.
Which islands are for me?
Dodecanese
Striking out on their own, the Dodecanese islands are furthest from the Greek mainland. Nearer Turkey than Greece, the islands are rich in history, boasting Byzantine and medieval architecture.
The most popular, and largest, of the islands is Rhodes, whose historic charms include the tombstones of St John's crusading knights. If sun-worshipping, happy hours and clubbing till sunrise are more your thing, follow Rhodes' young party crowd to Faliraki or jump on a ferry to Kos.
Nearby Kalymnos attracts hardcore rock climbers, while low-key Patmos has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Simi has relaxation top of the agenda with charming, traditional villages and beaches ranging from smooth pebbles to black sand.
Cyclades
The Cyclades are chiefly responsible for both sides of the Greek islands' reputation, from sugar-cube villages and bright-blue-domed churches hovering over a turquoise sea to vomity pavements heaving with sunburnt Brits.
Mykonos, Santorini and Ios are largely host to the latter, although don't rule them out entirely. The Bourne Identity and Shirley Valentine showcased buzzing, cosmopolitan Mykonos' more laid-back, chilled vibe over the heavy-drinking attitude of many of its visitors.
The western Cyclades live up to every paradisiacal image of the Greek archipelagos you've ever laid eyes on. Milos' lunar landscape is an unexpected treat, and Kea has one of the best systems of walking trails in the Greek isles. Only 90 minutes from Athens, Andros is popular with weekending Athenians, and perhaps a little one-dimensional as a result, but nevertheless a good base for exploring both the mainland and the Cyclades.
Ionians
What the Ionians may lack in quaint villages (many were wiped out by an earthquake in 1953), they make up for in sheer magnificence. Nestled close to Greece's western coast, the islands are all sheer cliffs, olive groves and silky sweeps of beach.
Somehow, Kefalonia, with its beautiful, bleached seas and white sands, has escaped the ravages of mass tourism, although visitor numbers have steadily risen since Captain Corelli's Mandolin, starring Nicholas Cage, was filmed here. Kefalonia just nudges Corfu out of the top spot when it comes to size, but the slightly smaller and greener island attracts more crowds. The varied landscapes of Zante, tiny Ithaca and Paxos, bustling Lefkada and Kythira, birthplace of Olympus, are all worth a visit, and the relative proximity of the islands make an island-hopping holiday irresistible.
Northeastern Aegean
Like the Dodecanese, the Northeastern Aegean islands are geographically closer to Turkey than to mainland Greece but are no less ‘authentically' Greek as a result. Characterised by mountains, clouds of pine-tree forests and the gorgeous sandy beaches we've come to expect of the Greek islands, this archipelago is relatively untouched by the tourist hordes that crowd the Dodecanese and Cyclades archipelagos.
Lusher than the other, rockier archipelagos, the islands range from the popular Samos, Lesvos and Thassos to tranquil Limnos, mountainous Samothraki and stubborn Ikaria, which rather endearingly refuses to pander to the demands of unthinking tourists.
Evia and Crete
While Crete and Evia are both beach-laden and beautiful, the largest pair of Greek islands are anything but identical twins.
Lesser-known Evia, dotted with pretty villages and lined with attractive coastal resorts, is in such close proximity to mainland Greece (it even has a connecting iron bridge) that it's often not thought of as an island at all. As well as attractive stretches of coastline and a soft fertile backdrop, Evia's shining glory is its collection of natural spas, a top activity with those who like their pampering the natural way. Big brother Crete, a popular holiday spot with tourists from
around the globe, is far livelier in comparison, with the capital city of Iraklio sporting a fun and bustling nature. Interesting archaeological structures, a dramatic mountainous surface and sparkling waters make Crete a holiday hit with young and old
Argo-Saronic
Close to Athens and the port of Pireaus, the Argo-Saronic islands are popular with families and Athenian day-trippers. Don't snub them just because the multitudes drop in though. Usually, the crowds are there for a reason and the superb beaches and eateries of Aegina, neoclassical buildings and pine-tree forests of Spetses, and car-free status of Hydra lend far more credibility to these sheep-like tendencies than mere convenience could ever do. There's even a lemon-tree forest on Poros.
Sporades
While much of the Sporades archipelago is uninhabited, this scattering of 24 islands off Greece's east coast does offer a clutch of charming destinations for the island-hopper.
There are many quiet moments to be savoured in Alonnisos, a pebble-beached isle carpeted with vineyards, fruit trees and popular with fishermen. For those craving a dose of nightlife, then Skiathos is the island of choice, which also has a lively beach scene. It's more of a traditional feel to be found at Skopelos; while a rocky nature makes much of the coast difficult to access, this pretty island offers plenty of photo-friendly scenery, as the people behind last summer's smash hit film, Mamma Mia, found.
Getting there and around
If you can, fly direct to your island of choice. This will save you both time and money on the transfer from the mainland. Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Kefalonia, Kos, Levbos, Santorini, Samos, Mykonos and Skiathos all have international airports.
Once there, hopping between the islands - should you choose to do so - is relatively inexpensive. The ferries are reliable and offer fantastic views, making drifting between the islands a very enjoyable part of the holiday. Check out www.gtp.gr to see regularly updated schedules for all of Greece's official ferry companies.
Lose yourself in Ireland West
With stunning scenery, a truly authentic cultural heritage and fantastic seafood, Ireland's West Coast is the perfect weekend retreat and a unique holiday destination...
Immerse yourself in the romantic beauty and drama of the West Coast of Ireland. Take the time to discover the lesser-explored parts of Ireland - the vibrant Irish-speaking region of the Gaeltacht, and the array of arts and music festivals, all surrounded by the dramatic vistas of the West.
The Gaeltacht region
The West Coast's Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region offers a unique and exciting glimpse into the richness of the Irish language. Spoken over a wide area (mainly in Galway and Mayo), Gaeilge (Gaelic) is still spoken as a community language and is at the heart of Irish culture. You'll see it in the road signs all around Ireland, but in this part of the country, you'll also hear the locals chatting in their native tongue. Make sure you try and pick some up - it always helps to know how to say cheers! (Sláinte!)
Music and arts festivals
As you make your way through the small towns and villages of the West Coast, make sure to plan your trip with time for a detour. The West is alight with brilliant arts and music festivals all summer long. Traditional music can be heard everywhere from city centre pubs to rural festivals. The bodhrán, which is like a hand-held drum, is one of the most popular instruments in Irish music. The Galway Arts Festival, Earagail Arts Festival and World Fleadh (Ireland's Traditional Folk & Celtic Music Festival) are just some of the dozens of festivals that make this part of the world one of the best places to really relax into the Irish way of enjoying yourself.
The Galway oyster festival
Celebrate the start of the oyster season with the Galway International Oyster Festival (24-27 September). Running for more than half a century, it's been voted one of the 12 greatest shows on earth! The city of Galway really comes alive as thousands of people flock in to enjoy a unique festival celebrating the oyster, a food known for its aphrodisiac effects. The festival also hits the streets and theatres, with artists, cabaret and dancing.
Natural beauty
The dramatic landscapes of the West Coast have been inspiring writers and artists for centuries. Famous poet William Butler Yeats was greatly inspired by the scenery in his hometown of Sligo, while contemporary playwright Martin McDonagh set many of his plays in the small villages and islands situated along the West Coast. Shaped by the raw force of the Atlantic Ocean, the stretch of coastline from Malin Head to Kinsale has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the whole of the island, with magnificent cliffs and quiet tranquil inlets. The mountains of North Mayo are also a must for all who travel there. But wherever you venture, you'll witness jaw-dropping natural beauty, be it in Cork or Connemara.
PKF sees hotel rates continuing to fall in 2010
PKF Hospitality Research today published a report forecasting that rates will continue to fall until the end of 2010, but that the U.S. lodging industry declines would begin to decelerate in the third quarter of this year. PKF expects rates to drop 10.2 percent for 2009 and by another 3.3 percent in 2010. The biggest discounting will happen this summer, when travel buyers traditionally negotiate the rates in their programs for the following year, said Mark Woodworth, president of PKF Hospitality Research. Woodworth said in the report that 2009 would go down as the weakest year ever recorded for the U.S. lodging industry, and hoteliers should not expect to see a rebound in 2010. The decline escalations in revenue per available room, however, are nearing an end, he said. “If you are wondering when we’ll start to see actual growth in room rates and revenues, then you’ll have to wait until 2011,” Woodward said in a statement. “However, if you want to know when the operating environment is going to get a little less painful, that’s happening right now.” Get the full story at BTNonline
CAA issues flight safety leaflet but more advice needed
The Civil Aviation Authority has published a leaflet highlighting advice on travelling safely by air. Tips included are keeping your seatbelt fastened, listen to the safety briefing and do not take fireworks or flares on board. Better passenger advice All very useful information but common sense. I am sat here scratching my head wondering if this was a waste of money and could they have created a leaflet to advise passengers of their rights should their flight be cancelled or delayed or on holiday financial protection. I do think that passengers should make sure that they should behave on flights, and I can see that the airlines have problems with a small percentage of passengers but I do think that a more useful leaflet could have been created. Download the leaflet Not that impressed to be honest, come on CAA, get with the times, there’s more important advice you should be informing passengers of. Feel free to download the leaflet and leave your thoughts in the comment section.
User generated travel content on Google Maps
Let’s pretend I am visiting Seville, and my hotel is on a street called Calle Velrade, I can visit the map, and view photographs that other travellers have taken. I can watch a video of the Reales Alcázares Palace, a popular tourist attraction. Users can also create maps, for example one tour company has created a map of the best tourist attractions in Seville, so I can view and print that map out to take with me on my trip. This is the reason why I love the internet, because it makes life so much easier for travellers. Last year I wrote how you could create a map of your hotel with links to local restaurants from Yahoo local data, and mash it up with Google maps, and view the hotel and restaurants from street level, but until recently Google only provided the street level maps in popular US cities. You might be glad to hear that Google have started to record street level maps for Spain, and will be adding Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and other popular destinations in the next few months, pretty damn good stuff.
Click on the map to view in real time
Click on the map to view it in real time.
Travellers risking health
According to a recent survey, millions of travellers are risking their health by not getting injections or taking anti malaria pills before they go abroad. The survey found that around three million travellers have visited tropical countries on holiday in the last five years without taking recommended vaccinations. It is highly recommended that you check the health requirements for your destination before you travel and make sure that you take the appropriate precautions. It is important that you consult your doctor at least two months of your departure, for advice and to arrange immunisations. Many travellers don’t take the necessary precautions because they are worried about large costs, but some immunisations are free under the NHS and for others there may be a charge. Some anti-malaria tablets are available from chemists without a prescription. I’m not a Doctor, and this information is from my own experiences when travelling abroad, so please contact your local doctor and seek advice before you travel, and make sure your travels are safe and enjoyable.
Don’t ruin your Weekend Break and Buy Insurance
Today, I received an email from Jackie Pearson, from North Wales, who asks me, should she take out travel insurance, for a 3-night weekend break to Barcelona? The answer is a definate yes, especially since the introduction of low cost airlines has meant that the number of travellers visiting abroad, that don’t take out adequate travel insurance is increasing. Whilst the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will guarantee you receive free or discounted medical treatment within the ECC, it won’t pay for the stolen camera or iPod, and in my opinion you’re asking for trouble if you don’t take out insurance. Travel Insurance is cheap, and recently bought travel insurance for 4 nights in Oslo for less than £7 with Go Travel Insurance. I’ve also used Globelink, and Atlas Direct Travel Insurance for weekend breaks in the past and its cost less than £10 per person. If you’re planning various weekend trips through the year, then its probably a good idea to take out annual travel insurance, and then you don’t have to worry buying insurance every trip, plus you’ll probably save money by doing it this way.
Holidays with Thomas Cook safe despite Arcandor collapse
I have received a number of emails from worried consumers regarding the news that the main shareholder, of Thomas Cook, Arcandor, has gone into administration. Please do not panic as far as I am aware your holiday is safe. The information I have at the moment is that your holiday is not affected because the tour operator is a separate business. According to Thomas Cook it is business as normal. When I have more information on this I will update this post and if you have any specific questions please leave them in the comments section and I will try and get someone from Thomas Cook to come by and help.
Travel tips for solo travellers
Travelling alone? If so, you should be aware of the potential dangers that face solo travellers, especially in foreign countries. Being prepared and aware of these dangers can make your holiday much more pleasant and more importantly, safe. Let your family know your itinerary One of the first things a solo traveller should do to ensure safety while on holiday is to leave your itinerary with a friend or family member. Your airline information, hotel numbers, and journey information should be included. Think about setting a time to call and check in so your family will know you are doing well. It is important to have all of your paperwork. Passports, visas, and any other documents required by the country you are visiting should be kept together and kept securely in your hotel safety deposit box. Common sense with valuables Try not to carry valuables with you. It is not a good idea to wear flashy jewellery and carry expensive items with you. Any valuables you have could be stolen while on your person or in the hotel room. As for not wearing expensive jewellery, it is important to blend in with other locals and flashy jewellery is an open invitation to criminals. Solo travellers will need to think about carrying money. You should never carry large amounts of money with you. Small denominations are much better to pull out of a wallet or purse when paying for items. Credit cards are also acceptable but do not count on them being accepted everywhere. Be aware of criminals When putting your bag down on the floor to take a photo or sitting in a café, remember to put your foot through the strap. Not only will it be impossible to snatch, you also won’t forget it, criminals are always on the lookout for tourists who are distracted. Beware of groups of people crowding around you, it could be that a group of criminals are trying to pock picket you or other tourists around you. Stay clear of crowds or make sure you are aware of the people around you. Try not to look like a tourist Asking directions is usually a sure sign that you are a tourist and do not know the area. It is recommended that solo travellers carry a detailed map and only look at the map when they are in private. You do not want to appear lost by walking down the street looking at a map. If you find yourself in a situation where you are forced to ask directions the best and safest person to ask is a woman with her children. You may be in a country where you could not possibly blend in as a local, but it is always a good idea to look confident and as if you know, where you are going. Advantages of travelling alone You will find that travelling alone increases your confidence and communication skills, but one of the biggest advantages of travelling alone is the flexibility, being able to travel on your own path, in your own time. You’ll also find people approaching you as most people are likely to approach a solo traveller, so you get to meet many people from all corners of the world. Dining out on your own Eating alone comfortably is a skill you will quickly develop. Choose a lively cafe or bistro with lots of people. Consider sitting at the counter and watch your food be prepared. Take along reading and writing material, people watching is also good fun.
Winners of the Travel Rants consumer awards
The Travel Rants consumer awards has come to an end and what a fantastic response it received. It was great to see the nominees get their communities and readers involved and loads of people talking about Travel Rants on the likes of Facebook and Twitter. It was far more fun watching people vote for their favourites rather than just writing a number of posts mentioning my favourite travel websites and blogs of the year. In total they were 3,188 votes cast and here are the winners: Best travel blog Best corporate travel blog Best trip planning site Best for travel content Best designed travel website Best travel comparison site Best online travel tool Best travel forum Best site for holiday and hotel reviews Best newspaper travel portal
Tourist goes on holiday in the wrong country
Whilst catching up with my travel reading on Sunday I found a rather bizarre news article in the Timesregarding a consumer who planned to go on holiday to Costa Rica but the travel agent had booked the holiday 1,300 miles away in Puerto Rico. Human error during booking The mistake seems to have occurred because the travel agent entered the incorrect airport code, but, come on, surely the consumer must have noticed on booking documentation or her tickets that the destination was Puerto Rico and not Costa Rica. Why did she not check the paperwork? Travelled to the wrong country Am I the only person who finds this really hard to believe, that she did not realise until jumping in a taxi in Puerto Rica that she was on holiday, not in the wrong region but in the wrong country. How could she not notice at the airport or on the plane? Mistakes happen, but as much as we would all love to rant at the travel agent, this is plain stupidity on the consumers’ side. I cannot stress enough about checking paperwork when the booking has been made in the shop, or online check the booking information before clicking on the submit button.
Boycott WH Smith over travel guide books scandal
News this week that WH Smith has signed an exclusive deal with Penguin travel guides in their 460+ shops, including most airports and train stations has disgusted me. On the rare occasion I do purchase a guide book I want choice not restricted to a certain brand. You will not be able to purchase guides from the likes of Frommer’s and Lonely Planet. Last week I purchased an AA city guide to Venice from a WH Smith but I for one will be purchasing any future guide books prior to my arrival at the airport. My meagre purchase of the occasional guide book will not bring WH Smith to its feet, but I suspect I will not be the only person boycotting them. Debate on the future of the guide book You have to also think about the writers who write for smaller brands or are independent. The debate over the future of the travel guide book is one that has been discussed at length. If more outlets like WH Smith go down a similar route could this be the end of the travel guide book. Money talks I do not know why WH Smith have gone down this path, I suspect its because it’s a lucrative deal but for consumers it’s not right and it’ll only be a matter of time before we find out of if it’s the right decision. I am interested to read your comments on their decision.
Hotel and travel product blogger reviews lack the trust factor
While getting ready for work this morning I wondered if people trust hotel and travel product reviews written by blogger’s. Before you all start giving me a hard time, let me say I understand why blogger’s take free hotel rooms and travel products in return for reviews. Blogger reviews seem one-sided The posts I have read recently though seem very one-sided and if I want to stay in a hotel I want to read mixed reviews, both positive and negative. I realise some hotels could create fake reviews, and that’s why I do not rely on one person for their opinion when reading reviews. I read a review on luggage, but it was all about how fantastic the product was. Personally, I would have trusted that review a lot more if they had also stated what they did not like about it. Part of the problem is that some PR agencies and travel companies expect you to write something positive. Ranting about Krakow Only last week I was asked if I wanted to go on a long weekend break to Krakow and write a review, out of interest I asked if they minded me ranting about their client, if it was not a positive experience. Let’s just say that the PR agency decided it would not be a good idea to send me. Consumer trust ranks high A study by Yahoo revealed that “trustworthiness” is the most important characteristic for a travel web site looking to appeal to users. Interestingly, German’s and Italian’s have scored the highest for trusting consumer reviews when making a booking. Brits are more likely to search online after work. Hat tip: Travolution Your thoughts on this discussion For hotel or resort reviews I would trust consumer reviews more, for travel products like luggage I can see the benefit of using blogger reviews prior to purchasing them, as I do when reading reviews on sites like Amazon. As usual I am interested in your thoughts.
Hotel building work ruins holidays
I seem to be writing about hotels a lot lately, but when I book a holiday I assume that the travel agent or tour operator is up-to-date with any planned building work in my hotel and I would not be happy if I walked into the middle of a building site. Consumer concerns Today, I received an email from a reader who found out online that the hotel he is staying in next month is being renovated. He has contacted the hotel and they have confirmed that there is building work in progress but it will not affect his stay. He contacted the travel agent who he has booked through and they have told him that no work is being carried out at the hotel and that if this changes they will advise him prior to his holiday and look at what other options he has. Hidden agenda The hotel will not want to lose bookings, so, are they being truthful about the impact the building work will have. The travel agent does not seem to want to find out the extent of the hotel building work. I think they should be more pro-active. Help the consumer So, my question to anyone that can help out is what happens if the travel agency does not receive notification from the hotel and the consumer walks into a building site. Can they claim any compensation, or should the agent be liaising properly?
London hotels need to up their game for 2012 Olympics
Last week a group of friends returned from a weekend trip in London and I received a phone call telling me how poor the hotel was; badly managed, rude staff, horrible continental breakfast, and dare I say it, a dirty hotel. I have experienced this myself so I can relate to their rants. Hotel standards need to be set I think something needs to be done about the standard of the hotels in London for the Olympic Games in 2012, standards need to be set. Some of the hotels look like they’re run in a third world country, not London, a future Olympic city. If the hotel doesn’t meet these standards they should be closed down. London hotels don’t offer value for money A lot of hotel staff are from abroad, so struggle to cope with the English language, they are badly paid so aren’t really motivated to provide good customer service. The price of a hotel in Beijing went through the roof, so, visitors to London are going to be disappointed if the same happens. The top hotel reviews are over £160 a night, not exactly an affordable price.
Misleading hotel room photos rant
Earlier this week I launched a new feature where readers can send me their travel rants to either publish or get off their chest. The response has been excellent, and over the coming weeks I hope to bring you even more travel rants. Misleading hotel photos Katie from Tripbase ranted about the authenticity of photos on some hotel websites. Some hotel rooms that look nothing like the huge deluxe suite you see on the website, its misrepresentation so how come hotels get away with it? Complaining about hotel website photos If the photographs are misleading on the website then I would suspect that either trading standards or the advertising standards authority would be the places to complain to in the UK, but that could be different depending on the country. Consumers should always complain to the hotel before they check-out and if the complaint has not being dealt with satisfactory then put it in writing, recorded delivery and make sure you receive a response. Alternatively, you could leave a review about your experience and upload photos. Poor quality or staged photos The main problems I find with hotel photos is the quality, and when the photo was taken, usually when it was first built. You will also find that most of the photos are taken in the best rooms, or very well staged.
Holidays need to be made more educational for children
Personally, I think parents should use holidays as a way to educate their children. Rather than spending the entire length of the holiday on the beach, some element of the holiday should be spent educating the child on local cultures, history and the language. No respect for culture or the locals This does not happen enough and this is why we are seeing a growing number of young British tourists causing chaos abroad. They have no respect for the country that they are a guest in and the locals feel resentment because tourists do not want to attempt to speak the basics in the local language. Make trips fun but educational I am not a parent, but I do have a nephew, and I have taken him on a number of trips over the last few years. Every one has been fun, but it is also being educational. In the summer, I took him to Scarborough on the Yorkshire coast where we visited the sea life centre, and both of us came away learning something new. Tour operators need to engage young people The travel industry, especially tour operators have a massive role to play in educating young people on holidays, and I would like to see more tours and events being made available to improve how the future generation travel. An important point to make is that educational holidays do not have to be boring for either the child or parents. Children learn more from holidays I believe that children will learn more from their holiday because you can interact with them in a pleasant open environment, compared to a gloomy classroom. I would love to read your thoughts on this topic.
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Keeping healthy while flying
The definition of a long haul flight is seven hours or more but for many people a shorter flight can prove just as uncomfortable. This guide will provide you with tips to help you keep healthy on your next flight, after all, you want to arrive at your destination relaxed. Upgrade for comfort The first thing to consider is your simple comfort level, if you can afford it, or if you have a medical condition or some other physical problem flying either premium economy or first class may be the solution that you are looking for. Flight exercises to keep mobile The most likely health complaint you will have after flying will be simple aches, pains, and cramps. Not exactly, life threatening but best avoided if possible. One of the best solutions for these complaints is to move around the cabin whenever practical. When you unable to move around, try to do exercises whilst sat in your seat, curling and un-curling your toes, and constantly changing the position of your legs and simply stretching your back and arms. Move your legs in a walk motion to aid against deep vein thrombosis. Drink plenty of water The next minor threat is dehydration, the pressurised atmosphere within the aircraft causes high levels of dehydration even though you may not feel hot or even feel like you are sweating. The inside of an aircraft at altitude has 5% less humidity than that of a desert. Drinking lots of regular water is the best solution; alcohol should definitely be avoided, as its dehydrating effects are far stronger at altitude. Tips for a sleepy flight Another good way to shorten a long haul flight is to sleep, sleeping tablets that allow you an eight-hour rest will not only have the effect of shortening the journey but also assist in allowing you to arrive refreshed and relaxed. There are a few more items you can pack to help; ear plugs and eye masks will help you sleep. And those inflatable collars that wrap around your neck can be highly effective in keeping you comfortable and allowing you to sleep. Combating Deep Vein Thrombosis A more serious health problem on flights is deep vein thrombosis. Not being able to move your legs around properly for long periods of time can cause problems with circulation and the results can be serious such as blood clots forming. Crossing your ankles should definitely be avoided. There are special socks that are easy to say that will assist with circulation, but the easiest way to deal with it is to move around and exercise as mentioned earlier in this article. This problem is caused by lack of movement, so just keep your legs moving and you will not have a problem. Dealing with Jetlag The biggest draw back with long haul flights occurs after you land, jetlag. This is not an easy thing for many people to combat as your body struggles to deal with the midday sun when it thinks it is the middle of the night and you should be asleep. Vitamins C is said to be highly effective in combating that general lethargic “jetlag” feeling. Again drink water and avoid alcohol, this will help combat jetlag effects. Sunshine gives your body vitamin D, which is effective against jetlag problems; in addition, it helps your body clock to be set more quickly. Healthy flying resources » Avoid getting sick from flying Fight the body clock Another way to fight jetlag is to stay awake, if the time back home to 3am and the time at your destination is 6pm your body clock will tell you to sleep. This should be avoided, right from the very first day no matter how tired you are stay up until the local bedtime. Going to bed at the correct local time will mean that you will wake up in the morning at the correct local time; this is because you have pushed yourself to stay awake all those additional hours.
» Deep Vein Thrombosis symptoms and advice
» Advice when flying with kids
» Coping with Jetlag
» Health advice for travellers
Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Before you travel abroad on a holiday or trip of any nature it is vital to make sure that you have travel insurance. It doesn’t matter where you are going or for how long, adequate medical and personal liability insurance cover is a necessity, not a luxury. If you are unlucky enough to have an accident or fall ill whilst abroad it could cost you thousands of pounds if you are not properly insured. Amazingly, 15% of British people still risk going on holiday without travel insurance, which could result in financial ruin if they required medical treatment. To be returned to the UK in an emergency could cost thousands of pounds, so it is vital to ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance for your trip. Although a European Health Insurance Card can cover the cost of some medical treatment in EU countries, it will not cover the cost of returning you to the UK after an accident or medical emergency. Typical Medical Costs Abroad The figures below illustrate some of the costs which you could incur if you were to fall ill or have an accident abroad and were not covered by adequate travel insurance. £30-35,000 Air ambulance (Jet) – East coast of USA All Travel Insurance is Not the Same When buying your travel insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure the policy you buy provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake. Carry your travel insurance documentation with you on holiday and keep the 24 hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number. Go Travel Insurance is a leading online travel insurance provider. Visit Go Travel Insurance for an instant quote for your next trip.
£12-16,000 Air ambulance (Jet) – Canaries
£10-12,000 Air ambulance (turbo-prop) – Balearics
£1,200-3,000 Air taxi (propeller driven light aircraft) – Northern France
£15-20,000 Scheduled flight, stretcher and Doctor escort – Australia
£9-12,000 Scheduled flight, seated club, with a nurse escort – West coast of USA
£1,800-4,000 Scheduled flight, seated economy with a Doctor escort – Mediterranean
£100-£800 Scheduled flight, seated economy without an escort – Mediterranean
Figures supplied by First Assist