| TICK VIRUS |
30.6.8
Tick borne encephalitis.
The incident of illness caused by the tick virus has greatly increased in the last year. It is particularly prevalent in Central Europe.The highest risk is for holidaymekers participating in outdoor activities,hiking,camping etc. and is mainly seasonal from spring to autumn.
see ---www.fleetstreetclinic.com/ for more information. |
| Childrens'Activity Holidays |
23.6.8
For peace of mind look at the following websites
www.baha.org.uk--Brtitish Activity Holidays Association
and
www.aals.org.uk----for safety issues and register of licence holders
FOR CHILDRENS' HOLIDAYS ENTER "CHILDREN" IN THE SEARCH BOX INTEREST SPACE |
| CITIZEN CARDS |
10.6.8
QUOTE"
CitizenCards are accepted nationwide at supermarkets, off-licences, newsagents, forecourts, pubs, clubs, gaming centres, cinemas, banks, airlines and in many other places CitizenCards are accepted nationwide at supermarkets, off-licences, newsagents, forecourts, pubs, clubs, gaming centres, cinemas, banks, airlines and in many other places" ......
see www.citizencard.com/
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| CYCLING ALONG THE DANUBE |
10.6.8
QUOTE"
The Danube Bicycle Path was developed from the old towpath, where earlier 60 horses towed laden ships up the river. Today, easygoing holidaymakers pedal the 313 km along this path from the three—rivers city of Passau to the waltz capital of Vienna. From 290 m above sea level to the goal, at 183 m, the route always follows the Danube — flat, traffic—free, and gently downhill."
see www.donaureisen.com..
or ..www.hookedoncycling.co.uk |
| WALKING AND CYCLING IN SPAIN |
27.5.8
QUOTE " Vías Verdes / Greenways are the result of converting disused railway lines into cycling and walking routes. Easy, accessible, far removed from motorised traffic and with hardly any steep slopes, they are specially recommended for nature lovers and people who enjoy outdoor exercise."
WWW.VIASVERDES.COM
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| EDITOR'S COMMENTS |
23.5.8
Go to EDITOR'S COMMENTS for other travel information |
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| More News & Ideas |
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SAFARIS
Many safari camps in South Africa and Southern Africa can be very expensive, particularly in Botswana, where the Government regulates the fees that the operators have to pay.
However there are less expensive solutions-look at ---www.adventurecamps.co.tz---www.sanparks.org----www.wilderness-safaris.com
For a more comprehensive selection enter "Safaris" in the search box interestv space. |
HOLIDAYS IN THE UK AND IRELAND
Avoid the costs of a holiday abroad -the cost of plane travel and the strength of the Euro, holiday at home !
For a comprehensive list of cities.towns and places enter ENGLAND,WALES,SCOTLAND ,IRELAND or UK in the SEARCH ENGINE BOX, ( or enter the particular place you want)
For a more detailed search enter a particular interest in the SEARCH ENGINE Interest Box ( e.g. walking, breaks,all kinds of accommodation, coach travel and more) |
UK GOOD BEACH GUIDE 2008
Many UK beaches have lost their rating, due to contamination and pollution caused by the floods ln the summer of 2007. Sewage and agricultural chemical being the main culprits.
To check on your favourite beach, or one where you were planning to spend your summer holidays, go to the Good Beach Guide published by the Marine Conservation Society ( a UK charity dedicated to the protection of the UK shores,seas and wildlife) for details of the 1,200 UK and IRISH beaches
--------------WWW.GOODBEACHGUIDE.CO.UK |
SPECIALIST TRAVEL AGENTS who may be in your area and can provide a persnal service
For futher details, go to their website.....www.travelcounsellors.co.uk
Quote from their website
"Travel Counsellors is a truly dynamic and global travel company. Founded by David Speakman in 1994, the company has over 900 full time professional agents operating across seven countries and is widely regarded as the most professional home-based travel company in the world
Our customers benefit from having their own personal Travel Counsellor who takes a pride in getting to know their clients personally, providing them with the highest possible levels of personal service and taking care of all their travel requirements, down to the last detail."
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COMPLAINTS
If you have a complaint on any matter related to your holiday or travel arrangements, enter /Complaints/ in the search engine box to display list of possible websites that may assist you. |
MALARIA-can be a killer disease worldwide.
For example it can be found in some African safari areas, in the Far East such as Borneo. For information on Malaria areas,check with your Doctor or go to....... www.malariahotspots.co.uk.
Malarone is the most advised drug precaution, it needs a Doctor's precription, however it is not free.
Cover arms and legs, use an insect repellent particularly at dusk. |
ATOL(AIR TRAVEL ORGANISERS LICENCE) run by the CAA(Civil Aviation Authority)www.caa.co.uk
QUOTE "ATOL is the government's licensing and financial protection scheme for air holidays and flights sold by tour operators and travel organisers in the UK.
ATOL is a consumer protection scheme, set up to protect consumers in the event of their tour operator ceasing to trade.
On 1 April 2008 the law is changing. Companies will still be required to hold an (ATOL), however, for most companies, the CAA is replacing the existing ATOL Bonds with the new £1 contribution. Under the new arrangements, licence holders will make regular ATOL Protection Contributions (or APC) to the CAA that will be held by the Air Travel Trust Fund (ATTF)."
The difficulty for travel agents, is when an air ticket sale is packaged with the sale of accommodation etc. The trade is struggling to ensure that they are complying with the new rules, and do not lose their ATOL licence.
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ILLNESSES CAUSED BY CONTAMINATED AIRCRAFT CABIN AIR
There are an increasing number of complaints being raised by pilots, cabin crew and passengers, that on some flights the poor quality of the cabin air caused by engine fumes, is causing nausea and other illnesses.
The Federal Aviation Administration in the USA is concerned by the number of reports it has received, and is iniating an extensive research program. The CAA in the UK is deliberating on the issue.
see www.aerotoxic.org....Aerotoxic Association, QUOTE "We are a Global Association dedicated to the health and wellbeing of Pilots, Cabin Crew, Engineers and Passengers urgently seeking information and support after exposure to fumes in aircraft"
If you feel that you have suffered on a flight write to
Travel Desk, The Daily Telegraph, 111 Buckingham Road, London, SW1W ODT. |
PORT GHALIB-RED SEA
A new very luxurious Red Sea hotel complex at Port Ghalib, 5 minutes drive from the Marsa Alam International Airport(charter flights from Gatwick).
It is planned to eventually have 23 hotels. Currently it has extensive diving facilities, shortly it will have its own harbour, golf course,conference centre and a modern hospital.
see www.discoverportghalib.com |
SAFETY IN HOTELS FOR THE HOLIDAYMAKER
Following the many group legal actions by holidaymakers, travel agents, tour operators and the travel trade are becoming more conscious of their responsibilties and obligations..
For more information go to..... www.checksafetyfirst.com.
"CheckSafetyFirst.com - provides you with information to make your holiday a more memorable experience, for the right reasons. Remember, safety is the most important component for any holiday or business trip!
You can already search for hotels that have been subject to monthly rigorous inspections for food safety and hygiene and have proved that they are preventing food borne illness. Other aspects such as fire safety, water safety, hurricane preparedness, ethical operation, sustainable tourism and others are also inspected.
Now VIA Cristal adds safety assured holiday accommodation such as villas, apartments and townhouses that have been inspected and certified by our team of consultants" |
TRAVEL INSURANCE - Health problems
Be warned, that if you are suffering from a posible serious medical condition, that may cause you to seek treatment whilst abroad, you should inform your insurance company when taking out the policy. If you have to claim, your case may be prejudiced or dismissed because of non-disclosure. Whilst some companies claim that you have full comprehensive cover (for example, travel insurance provided by your credit card company), it is wise to check.
If you are awaiting a diagnosis for a possible health problem, it is also wise to disclose it.
Similarly, if a condition arises after you have taken out the policy but before you travel, you should also confirm the cover with the insurance company. |
HOLIDAY TAXIS AT A FOREIGN AIRPORT
www.holidaytaxis.com.
QUOTE.."Holiday Taxis can arrange any type of transportation for any party size in over 1,700 resorts and cities worldwide
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FLIGHT QUOTES
Check Budget airlines quotes against major airlines quotes e.g. BA. The Budget airline quotes seem reasonable until the extras are added, for example-extra luggage, using a check-in desk,priority boarding etc.etc. Other than passenger duty, the main airlines do not usually charge for extras.
In addition the majors use the main airports, some of the budget airports are miles from the main cities.
Compare their final quotes and the location of the airport,
you may be surprised |
TRAVEL INSURANCE PURCHASED THROUGH A TOUR OPERATOR PACKAGE HOLIDAY
Many of these policies are not as comprehensive as a policy bought independently.
A case has just been reported, whereby a holidaymaker suffered a serious permanent injury, on an excursion booked though the tour operator's local representative.
The tour operator has refused compensation, claiming that the excursion was not part of the holiday booked through them.
Shop around for a travel insurance policy and always read the fine print, especially on a skiing holiday. |
CRUISING WITHOUT FLYING
Enter " Cruising-No Flying" in the search engine, and get details of the cruise lines that operate cruises worldwide from a range of UK ports.
Dover,Southampton,Harwich,Newcastle on Tyne,Oban |
TRAVELLERS HEALTH
For international heath websites click on" Holidays Ideas and Information" and scroll down.
An excellent webite for checking on health advice for chosen destinations, for example malaria precautions is www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk.. |
ZAMBIA
Visa fees up from £33 to £75 |
For some exciting different holiday ideas.................................
-A sanactuary and retreat in the Himalayas--wwww.scottdunn.com
-Voodoo in Benin West Africa--www.explore.co.uk
-A journey to the Alaskan Arctic--gonorthalaska.com
-Go to the remote area of Kimberly Western Australia-www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk
-Stay with the locals in Kyrgzstan in an overland bus adventure-www.dragoman.com
-Travel to the Guyana wilderness - www.coxandkings.co.uk |
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