| 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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| 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/
|
| 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 |
| NO MORE PAPER PLANE TICKETS |
21.5.8
From June 1st 2008 all plane tickets will be replaced by electronic tickets (except for very rare occasions)
Your details wii be stored in the airline's computers and activated by the documents issued to you by the airline at check in. Your passports will be proof of identity. |
| A NEW TRACKER SERVICE ABROAD |
20.5.8
Launched by the Foreign Office at www.fco.gov.uk and called "Locate", it will enable consular staff to find travellers who are involved in a foreign disaster area such as the recent eathquakes in China.
Register your planned itineraries before travelling.
PARENTS
Should be useful for Gap Year and students. |
| LAS VEGAS CASINOS |
14.5.8
The credit crunch in America has affected the casinos in Las Vegas, with many bargains apparently on offer.
try Virgin Holidays for offers......www.virgin.com/holidays |
| HEATHROW AIRPORT-CHANGES |
13.5.8
During the next 18 months, 50 airlines will be changing terminals, due to the introduction of Terminal 5.
To keep abreast of the changes go to...WWW.HEATHROWAIRPORT.COM |
| HOLIDAYS-FUEL CHARGE SUPPLEMENTS |
6.5.8
Many holiday companies are now charging supplements to previously booked holidays asking for more money.
The first 2% of any increases are borne by tour operator, thereafter regulations enable them to demand up to 10% extra.
The client has to pay the extra or lose their deposit, without recourse!!!! |
| CORNWALL |
28.4.8
The annual summer school leaving pupils rowdy rave ups, on some of the beaches, has forced the police to consider using statutory procedures. They may prosecute parents in court, all other measures having failed. |
| ANTARCTIC CRUISES-A warning |
28.4.8.
The International Maritime Organisation is being asked to ban ships fuelled by heavy oil and without reinforced hulls, from the area.
This follows the sinking of a cruise ship in 2007, fortunately the passengers and crew, were rescued by another cruise ship, that happened to be in the area
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| OVERLAND TREKS HOLIDAYS |
28.4.8
Travellers have reported that some overland tour operators ,have sold their truck fleets to local operators, the consequence being, that maintenance and safety standards have dropped to a very dangerous level!!
It is understood that Dragoman and Oasis are the only operators that still own their fleets.
Check before travelling. |
| DUBAI-Drugs warning |
25.4.8
The Dubai authorities are very sensitive to medicines found in luggage. Their anti drugs policy is very strict and so are the punishments.
If you are carrying medicine, be sure that you have the doctors prescription with you.
Also be careful with over-the-counter items such as cough mixtures,lomotil and anti depressants.
If in doubt, leave drugs at home!!!
Dubai Tourism - www.dubaitourism.com |
| RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL |
24.4.8...www.responsibletravel.com
QUOTE"Responsible travel is more rewarding holiday experiences designed in a more thoughtful way to help you relax and rejuvenate or bring you closer to local people, their cultures and nature.
Responsible travel helps local people to earn a fairer income from tourism, supports local conservation and social projects, and ensures that any negative environmental or cultural impacts are reduced. " |
| London to Bangladesh by train |
22.4.8
For railway fans, a new link opens in 2008. The Trans-Asia line will follow the historical Silk Roads through Instanbul, Tehran,Lahore and Delhi to Dhaka, over 4,000 miles.
See www.Seat61.com for more information |
| THE INCA TRAIL |
14.4.8
Because of the decision of the Peruvian Government to restrict the tourist traffic on this popular destination,it is booked up until the end of August next.
Travellers should bear this restriction in mind when planning a holiday in Peru. |
| AMOS TRUST..www.amostrust.org |
4.3.8
Quote..."Established around the work of Garth Hewitt in 1985, Amos Trust promotes justice and hope for forgotten communities. Amos works with a network of community projects from around the world to raise awareness of, and provide support to responses that address the route causes of injustice and poverty"
see their website for Travel and Holiday opportunities. |
| THE HISTORIC BATTLE OF CULLODEN |
1.3.8.
The defining last battle between England and Scotland in 1745, was fought at Culloden near Inverness in Scotland. The Highlanders suffered a great slaughter and the highlands population suffered heavily in the aftermath. See the new £10 million interpretative complex.
www.culloden.org.uk. Accommodation see www.viisitscotland.com/liveit |
| HOW SAFE IS YOUR HOTEL? |
27.2.8.......Go to www.checksafetyfirst.com
QUOTE..."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."
ask your travel agent, have they checked? |
| LEARN ON HOLIDAY |
25.2.8
Go to www.golearnto.com.
QUOTE
"GoLearnTo offer a huge selection of holiday learning experiences in countries all around the world. We specialise in offering courses from learning to speak a new language, cookery classes, dancing and painting lessons, to learning how to surf, sail, skydive and horse ride – to name but a few. |
| Travel Insurance-Health/Medical |
| For web sites that cover the above types of insurance and many other travel insurance requirements............enter...........Travel Insurance in the search engine |
| TRAVELLERS' HEALTH INFORMATION |
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.. |
| Ethnic-Nomadic people-worldwide |
3.2.8
QUOTE
"The Makhad Trust is motivated by an interest in, and concern for, the nomadic peoples of the world, their culture and the environment in which they live.
For more information, or to join us on a journey
"
see www.makhad.org |
| Walking with a donkey |
3.2.8
QUOTE
" is a non-profit organisation . It was founded by a group of "donkey enthusiasts" in 1990. It currently consists of approximately 80 centres . The FNAR has members over the length and breadth of France - from Brittany to the Mediterranean Alps, from the Jura to the Pyrenees.
see www.ane-et-rando.com |
| Holidays for disabled travellers in Bulgaria |
see
www.bulgariadisabled.com/
for other similar websites enter
"Disabled-Interests & Holidays"
in the search engine
3.1.8 |
| Travel to Australia by bus |
QUOTE
"Welcome to OZBUS
We are an adventure travel company like no other! We operate a regular overland service for backpackers travelling between London and Sydney.
"
see www.oz-bus.com/
19.12.7 |
| Health/Medical-Treatment abroad |
For more information
go to www.treatmentabroad.com/
or enter
Health/Medical-Treatment abroad
in the Search engine
19.12.7 |
| Travel Insurance-Health disclosure |
It is important to disclose major health problems to the Insurer ,when taking out the policy, AND if the problems arise during the policy period.
This disclosure should also be done in respect of a close relative or close business associate, if a known medical condition may cause you to return whilst away( If the policy fine print requires this disclosure)
4.12.7 |
| Flight bookings on-line-changes |
Late flight changes are also made on-line and very often missed by the travellers.
To be safe, check your booking on-line, some days before travelling, to find any changes.
4.12.7 |
| HOLIDAYS FOR THE BLIND |
QUOTE
"Traveleyes is a travel company with a difference. It aims to provide holidays for both blind/visually impaired and sighted travellers, journeying together in a spirit of mutual independence. "
GO TO www.traveleyes.co.uk/
30.11.7 |
| TAKING CHILDREN TO THE USA |
In a recent incident, Grandparents taking their grandchildren to the USA had immigration problems. The children were only allowed in after many discussions, as the grandparents did not have A LEGAL LETTER FROM THE PARENTS GIVING THEM PERMISSION. The children were in danger of being sent back to the UK by themselves!!
For information go to the US Embasssy - www.usembassy.org.uk
20.11.7 |
| Valet Parking at Airports |
Ensure that
- the car is insured whilst you are away
- Properly secured whilst parked
- Check your mileage and bodywork before handing over
- book well in advance
- is the comapany a member of the British Parking Association - www.britishparking.co.uk/
13.11.7 |
| NATHNAC-Travel health advice |
This UK government website provides health information on infectious and non-infectious health risks that travellers may encounter whilst overseas. For individual countries see - www.nathnac.org/travel/index.htm
13.11.7 |
| Dangers for Backpackers |
It is reported that badly equipped hostels are blamed for many student deaths and accidents abroad.
For more information go to -www.gapyear.com and www.timesonline.com/student
7/11/7 |
| High-speed trains across Europe |
The participating high-speed rail operators in Railteam are working closely together to offer a much simpler way to book and travel on Europe's high-speed network. It is truly the future of European travel.
see www.railteam.eu/en |
| Acts ot Terrorism |
BEWARE
Over 20 Insurance companies DO NOT cover you for for acts of terrorism-check you policy. Even those that do have some exclusions.
Check your policy with the Daily Telegraph website - www.telegraph.co.uk/yourmoney
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| Comparing Car Park Providers |
QUOTE "Comparing Car Park Providers
We compare 7 of the UK\'s biggest airport car parking providers so that you can see for yourself, in just seconds, which airport car park best suits your needs."
see www.compare-airport-parking.co.uk/ |
| The Abraham Path |
QUOTE "The route will be centered on a new long-distance walking trail that follows the journey made by the Prophet Abraham – the common patriarch of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – some 4000 years ago.
"
see www.abrahampath.org for more details |
| Credit Cards for Gap Year students |
Master Card have introduced a new card which allows a prepayment but no credit.
See www.gapyearcard.com |
| Repositioning cruises |
When the cruise ships change their season sailng patterns, the ship has to be repositioned from say the Atlantic to the Carribbean. These such cruises can be cheaper(but may be longer) - Examples
www.royalcaribbean.com
www.fredolsencruises.co.uk
www.starclippercruises.co.uk
www.msccruises.co.uk
www.hurtigruten.co.uk |
| Couchsurfing www.couchsurfing.com/ |
"CouchSurfing is a worldwide network for making connections between travelers and the local communities they visit.......CouchSurfing Now Wheelchair Accessible
June 12th, 2007 CouchSurfing has added a new "Wheelchair Accessible" option for CouchSearch and member profiles in order to help disabled members find accommodating hosts. "
An extract from their Coachsurfing Mission ---"You contact interesting prospects from the list and explain the sort of travel/stay you're interested in." |
| Scheduled Airlines v. Budget air fares |
Check the prices and flight extras between say B.A and a Budget airline.
You may be surprised!
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| Foreign Currency |
Be warned that many countries restrict the amounts that you can take in or take out.
Many currencies cannot be purchased in the UK and also cannot be sold in the UK. Make sure you do not bring back useless currency.
Exampes of countries - Costa Rica, Cuba,Morocco,Tanzania,Tunisia.
Check with your foreign exchange agent. |
| RULES-Visas and Passports |
1) Ensure when travelling to a destination outside of the EU, that there is a completely unused visa page in your passport(Australia may demand 2 blank pages!!)
2)Many countries demand that there is at least 6 months to run on your passport before it expires
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN FAILURE TO FLY - OR REFUSAL TO ENTER THE FOREIGN COUNTRY.
THE AIRLINES ARE VERY SENSITIVE, AS THEY HAVE TO FLY YOU HOME AGAIN |
| TRAVELLING TO THE USA-IMPORTANT |
see www.cbp.gov
the US Customs and Border Protection website |
| Medical Tourism-Abroad |
For those who would like to combine medical treatment abroad with a holiday enter
Health/Medical-Tourism in the Interest Search Box |
| AIRPORT PARKING |
Following reports of rogue off site parking companies, whereby cars are left in side streets or illegally used by parking staff, either use on site secure airport parking or go to
WWW.SAFERPARKING.COM
for approved parking companies.
Enter"Airport-parking" in the Interest search box for other websites |
| WOMENS' Holidays |
Enter "WOMEN" in the Interest search box, for a large selection of websites |
| FLIGHT PLANNING FOR YOUR JOURNEY |
www.orbitz.com
Gives you prices of 9 major airlines, for your planned route. It also gives you flight times, ground times between flights and also the overall journey time.
A very good website |
| TRAVELLERS CHEQUES-Difficulties in cashing them |
Unlike the USA, where many shops etc. will accept dollar denominated travellers cheques, in Europe, particularly Spain and France, shops, banks and hotels etc. may refuse to accept travellers cheques.
USA
Some US banks will not even take bona fide US dollar travellers cheques!!!
4.12.7
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