Monthly Archives: September 2010

What is it like aboard a Cruise Ship?

Posted on by
Reply

cruise ship

If you haven’t been on a cruise ship before then it can be quite daunting to imagine exactly what it is like to live aboard a ship whilst holidaying on a cruise. Many people still envision cruise ships to be mainly populated by elderly passengers playing shuffleboard for entertainment on their decks. With so many Cheap Cruise Deals available now there really is no reason to not try this wonderful method of travel.

These days cruise ships have an amazing and vast amount of activities for passengers to enjoy. With everything from dancing lessons to fashion shows passengers can expect to be as entertained onboard as much as off! One of the first things you will need to learn to make your cruise go much more smoothly is  the terms ‘port’ and ‘starboard’, many passengers on their first cruise end up getting very lost trying to follow instructions using the terms.

Even the most luxurious ships have many features in common with other types of sea faring vessels for practical and safety reasons. Features such as weighted chairs and loud pressurised toilets and higher then normal doorway ledges are notably very common and are an obvious comment from shipboard comedians.

Accommodation of all sizes is available for each cruise and sizing slightly depends on the Cruise Company and boat. One thing to remember is that if you are going to be on anything upwards of a two week cruise it is wise to invest in a larger room for more creature comforts.

Nightly entertainment is a big factor for most people when choosing a cruise package, some cruise companies have theme cruises to really give passengers the best entertainment possible. The entertainment is very much what you would expect from a top Hotel. Acts could include anything from magicians to classical recitals, in recent years many companies such as Disney have been offering Discount Cruise Holidays around the world with world class musicals and entertainment available every night for all of the family.

Guide to the top-selling hotels in Las Vegas

Posted on by
Reply

las vegas hotels

There’s never been a better time to visit Las Vegas. Four and five star Las Vegas hotels are comparable in price to a two star hotel in New York so you get a lot of hotel for your money. The weather is also idyllic, the scorching summer temperatures are receding and the more bearable autumnal temperatures which are generally in the low 30′s centigrade mean you have the perfect weather. So for cheap holidays Las Vegas where should you stay?

Well, the top-selling Las Vegas hotels would be the perfect place to start and where better still than the Bellagio hotel, which is not just the top-selling hotel in Las Vegas, but the world. The Bellagio Hotel barely needs an introduction, several famous movie appearances including Oceans Eleven and, more recently, The Hangover make it a well-known establishment even for those who’ve never been to Las Vegas. Out of all the Las Vegas hotels, the Bellagio is the one everyone wants to stay at and for those whose budget won’t stretch to staying the night here, then at the very least they want to come and admire it, to soak up its success and revel in the grandeur and splendour of its luxurious casino, its magnificent Michelin-star awarded restaurants and its celebrity-frequented bars and nightclubs.

Another of the Las Vegas hotels worth considering if you want to revel in pure luxury is Encore at the Wynn. The Wynn resort, comprising the Wynn Hotel and Encore at the Wynn was the largest privately-funded construction project in the US when it was completed in 2008 at a staggering cost of US$2.7 billion. If you compare this to the original rebuild cost of the World-Trade Centre at US$1.7 billion then you know the Encore at the Wynn is going to be something special even against the many other luxurious Las Vegas hotels.

For those looking to party and have a good time, cheap holidays Las Vegas often begin and end at the four-star Planet Hollywood. Aimed at the 25′s – 40′s age bracket, Planet Hollywood is enviably situated opposite the Bellagio, right at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and is one of the top-selling Las Vegas hotels. This hip & trendy resort can offer guests all the Las Vegas entertainment they can handle including a fabulous casino, an array of gourmet restaurants and quick-eat cafes, incredible night life, world-class shopping plus impeccable service and facilities to put most five star establishments to shame.

Last but not least in our run-through of the top-selling Las Vegas hotels is the four-star Mandalay Bay Resort which opened in 1999, offering guests in excess of 3,300 rooms within its 43-story luxury hotel. Set in 60 acres of tropically-landscaped surrounds, guests have access to a mind-boggling array of facilities including, a stunning “tropical beach” with a fabulous beach pool and meandering lazy river for the ultimate in relaxation, a huge casino measuring 135,000 square feet, a specially built Shark Reef Aquarium and abundant drinking, dining, health spa, shopping and entertainment options. In 2004 the luxury all-suite THEhotel at Mandalay Bay was added to the resort offering a further 1,120 suites. Guests staying at Mandalay Bay also have direct access to the luxurious dining and socialising options available at THEhotel. For families looking at cheap holidays Las Vegas, the Mandalay Bay Resort is the perfect blend of family fun and adult entertainment all within a beautiful tropical paradise.

Walking the South Downs Way

Posted on by
Reply

If you’re looking for something to do during your stay at an East Sussex hotel then you’ve probably already considered exploring the beautiful countryside around the area. There are numerous ways to experience it, whether it’s driving along a scenic route, walking in some of the picturesque towns or villages, cycling through the countryside or finding a footpath and trekking down it. You might even have asked the staff at your Rye hotel which walks are the best in the area, but if anybody suggests that you walk the entire South Downs Way during your stay, they’re pulling your leg.

It’s not that the South Downs Way is impossible to walk (far from it in fact, this path was made for walking) it’s that the length of it doesn’t lend it to being walked during a single holiday to Sussex. The whole path measures in at one hundred miles stretching from Winchester to Eastbourne, meaning you travel through East Sussex, West Sussex and Hampshire. Clearly, a walk like this requires its own holiday.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t walk on it at all. The South Downs Way is easily accessible from plenty of different locations, and a popular thing to do is secure transport to one of these locations (either utilising the local bus service or having one of the less walk-focussed holiday makers give you a life) and then walk to the next one, or the one after that, and get on a bus or get picked up again. You’ll see some of the most beautiful areas of the county doing this, and it’s highly recommended as an activity for a day.

Have an Adventure: Visit Boobys Bay at High Tide

Posted on by
Reply

If you are planning a trip to a beach then you will have some idea of how it will go before you even set off. You will drive for a while from the cottages in Cornwall you are staying at until you reach the car park for the beach. You will spend ages finding a space as the whole place is packed and then you walk down the steps or ramp to the beach and discover that the beach is even more densely populated than the car park. The only spaces available are right at the edge of the retreating water, so anything you put on the sand will instantly get soaked.

But it doesn’t have to be like this. As long as you’re willing to walk a little while and carry whatever you want to take there are plenty of beaches which will give you the experience you really want: large expanses of sand which aren’t packed with people and water you can paddle in that doesn’t leave you feeling like a sardine stuck in a tin.

One example is Boobys Bay which is worth checking out on your next family holiday Cornwall. You can park in one of the large nearby car parks and then approach the beach by walking along, and then deviating from the coast path. During high tide the only way to get to the beach is by clambering across the rocks that separate the beach from the path, and then you find yourself on a lovely, isolated bay. The rough terrain serves to discourage most would-be visitors and just as they do gain access (the beach can be walked to from nearby beaches at low tide) you are free to leave via the easier route.

Take a Transatlantic Cruise

Posted on by
Reply

paris

If you have ever wanted to visit America but not wanted to take such a long stuffy flight then why not take a transatlantic cruise. These cruises are designed with as much emphasis on luxury and enjoyment as possible in mind and with so many Cheap Cruise Deals there is no better time! . Some transatlantic cruise packages include spending time visiting different parts of Europe, America and the Caribbean which give you a great chance to explore and visit some of the greatest and most famous destinations in the world.

Most Transatlantic cruises have a minimum amount of stops and spend most of their time at sea. It certainly is a chance to relax and enjoy the fresh air without the hustle and bustle of island life.

There are plenty of things to do onboard transatlantic cruise ships; these majestic ships are built with every comfort in mind included,

What you decide to do on your transatlantic cruise is up to you entirely, Cruise companies will have an itinerary and events plan available for viewing in which you can choose to participate in or just simply relax by the pool!

Included here are some of the most popular location stops on transatlantic cruises:

Portugal

Many Transatlantic cruises often stop off at the wonderful port of Lisbon. As the capital of Portugal you can imagine how wonderful and culturally rich the city is and delight thousands of visitors per year.

Paris

A Transatlantic Cruise can never be complete without a stop at the most romantic city in the world. Take a stroll through Paris with its bustling streets, exotic shops and friendly locals and experience the ultimate in relaxation and enjoyment.

With some World Cruise Deals you can expect stops in the Caribbean or Mediterranean giving cruise goers an all round trip with some of the most amazing sites and destinations included in one great package.

A guide to Exmoor

Posted on by
Reply

exmoor

Dartmoor stretches across almost one thousand miles square kilometres of Devon. This wonderful area of moorland is protected by national park status and is a resourceful habitat for wildlife in Devon.

The moor is a top tourist attraction and has been listed as one of the seven natural wonders of the south west of England. Those looking for a relaxing and traditional break away can stay in one of the many Holiday Cottages in Devon and sampling their scenic views over the Moors and surrounding areas.

Amongst the scenic Devon Cottages and wonderful landscapes you will undoubtedly see plenty of rock formations and in particular Granite formations. Dartmoor contains the largest amount of Granite in the country but most is buried underneath the ground and not visible. The moor has become renowned for its sheer amount of Tors, these large hills consisting of granite are located across Dartmoor and over 160 of them are even named.  An annual event is held each year called  ‘The Ten Tors’, the event in which thousands of people aged between 14-19 take part  hiking between set areas  on Dartmoor.

Dartmoor contains the highest amount of Bronze Age remains in the United Kingdom. The majority of the remains date back to the early Bronze Age when settlers adopted the moorland as their homes for farming and cattle rearing. Even to this day bronze age  fields can be seen on the  lower moors split up by ancient Reaves and covering over 39 square miles.

There are plenty of myths and legends regarding Dartmoor, in lore it is said to be the haunt of many mythical creatures such as pixies, headless horsemen and packs of spectral dogs.  One Dartmoor village was said to have been visited by the devil himself during one of the first recorded incidents of ball lightening. The residents of Widecombe-in-the-Moor were attending a church service during a thunderstorm when several people were killed and several injured. It was said that it resulted from the Devil collecting the soul of a card player in the chapel.

The Attractions of Argyll

Posted on by
Reply

argyll

Argyll is a region in the south of Scotland and stretches from the Mull of Kintyre to Cape Wrath. It is a very popular tourist location and boasts some of the most fantastic Holiday Cottages In Scotland.

Argyll has plenty of attractions and sites to keep all of the family entertained and amused all year round.  In this article we will show some of the top Argyll tourist sites and what they can offer visitors to this gorgeous part of Scotland.

The Cowal way

This wonderful walk covers over 47 miles from the Ardgarten in the North East to Portavadie in the south west.  A very popular walk, the Cowal way is used by young and old ramblers of all levels. The Cowal way can be split down into 6 segments that all differ in length and terrain style. Along the route you can expect to see wonderful scenery, Argyll Cottages and wildlife in this beautiful part of the country.

Kilmory Woodland Park

Located in the ground of Kilmory Castle this woodland park has been delighting tourists for many years with its exotic range of plants and shrubberies.  The park was thought to have been designed and created by William J Hooker in 1830, Hooker who was a college professor later went on to become the director of Kew Gardens. With a network of woodland walks, loch side picnic areas and archaeological sites Kilmory is a great attraction for its many visitors every year.

Kilmartin Glen

Kilmartin Glen is a wonderful area located not far from Kintyre and is famous for having the most heavily concentrated amount of Bronze Age and Neolithic remains in Scotland. Containing over 350 monuments within six miles of Kilmartin Village the area has become a great location for historians and archaeologists to explore.  Visitors to the area can see a ruined Scottish fort to the south of the glen and can visit the local museum in the village that specialises in the Kilmartin Glens history.

Mull of Kintyre

Many people will have heard the song written by Paul McCartney called ‘Mull of Kintyre’, most people will not know that this is about a wonderful landmark in the Argyll region of Scotland.  The Mull of Kintyre is what the most southerly section of the Kintyre peninsula is called. To reach this wonderful feature of the coast you will have to travel eight miles from the closest and most southern village on a single track lane.  With its astonishing views on a clear day of Ireland and the surrounding coast the mull of Kintyre is a very unique landmark that thousands of tourists visit each year.

A Quick Guide to Brixham

Posted on by
Reply

Brixham is a bustling and colourful town that occupies the southern end of beautiful Torbay. The town is centred around its harbour which has been the focus of the town for centuries. Pretty fisherman’s cottages spread out from the harbour across the hills creating narrow streets and back alleys that were once the haunt of smugglers. One of the biggest attractions for those staying at a Devon Caravan Park is the Golden Hind, a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s iconic ship. See this great video for even more of what Brixham has to offer.

When is the Best Time to Holiday in Seychelles?

Posted on by
Reply

Beach at La Reserve in the Seychelles

With students returning to classes, now might be the best time to secure a fantastic Seychelles deal, especially if your holiday time isn’t tied to school holidays.  It’s a tempting thought…escape the coming autumnal weather of Great Britain and head for the tropics!

Speaking of weather, the Indian Ocean archipelago of Seychelles is governed by trade winds and luckily sits outside the cyclone zone, making it a fantastic place to visit year-round.  Temperatures are generally between 24°C and 32°C year-round, which means choosing your holiday wardrobe will be a breeze.

Seychelles has the typical trade wind cycles of rainy and dry seasons, with October to April traditionally warm and wetter, and May to September tending toward drier and cooler weather.  While an autumn visit might include a rainy day or two, will it matter if you are curled up on a comfy sofa with a good book, lifting your eyes to gaze out on lush tropical foliage, granite-strewn beaches and perhaps your own private verandah?

Great Seychelles Deals

Alongside the fact that prime holiday destinations won’t be inundated with other tourists, the price of holidays in Seychelles generally goes down after the summer holiday season and tour operators will be keen to offer great Seychelles deals.

In fact, a quick look at one specialist operators’ site, Elite Vacations, shows that Seychelles deals are abundant – including a terrific deal at La Reserve Seychelles on Praslin Island.  This idyllic retreat has just 40 air-conditioned rooms set along the secluded, private Anse Petite Cour Bay.  Right now, you could book a 7 night stay in October on bed & breakfast from just £1,459 per person, which includes return flights from London, inter-island flights and private transfers.

If you’re keen to explore the main island, Mahé Island boasts several amazing boutique hotels including Sunset Beach, with 29 air-conditioned rooms in a peaceful, tropical setting.  You could book a 7 night package from £1,329 per person, or stay 12 nights from £1,769 per person – including your return flights, hotel transfers, and accommodation in an Ocean View room. Alternatively, Cerf Island Resort – situated on a small island just a 10-minute ferry ride from the capital Victoria – is offering 40% discounts in September. This means 7 nights Half Board in a Hillside Villa starts from just £1429 per person.

Luxury Seychelles Deals

If you’re looking at a late September or October visit to Seychelles, you’ll find that barefoot luxury at the Denis Private Island is attainable and very desirable with a 50% partner discount offer – meaning that a five night stay on full board can be had from just £1,989 per person, staying in your own air-conditioned cottage with a private courtyard and outdoor shower, plus a spacious sitting area and easy access to an unspoilt beach.

If the idea of a remote island retreat sounds a bit too relaxed, think about a luxury holiday at the fabulous Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & spa – the world’s smallest Hilton with just 40 rooms. Five nights on Half Board in an Ocean View Hillside Villa costs from £1590 per person this November.

All these Seychelles deals and many more include return flights from London, private hotel transfers, accommodation and airport lounge passes.

Move Quickly

If you’re interested in a Seychelles holiday, these and many more fantastic Seychelles holiday deals can be studied at your leisure by visiting www.seychelleselite.co.uk.  But don’t wait too long – most of the prices mentioned above expire at the end of September or October 2010!