Author Archives: Dave

P & O’s Oriana to go Child free in 2011

Posted on by
Reply

The cruise line P & O have confirmed that their ship the Oriana is set to become child free.  The cruise company has announced that from November 2011 the 69,000 ton cruise ship that can hold upto 1,818 passengers will be replacing one of its current adult’s only ships the Artemis due to its relocation. The decision has delighted many people who are very excited to have even more choice regarding P & O’s selection of adult’s only cruise deals including its Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises.

P & O are quoted as saying “We feel we can do this as Azura, the most recent ship to be added to our fleet provides additional holidays for families. We are totally committed to satisfying the holiday needs of both families and those travelling without children”.

The Oriana is renowned as being an elegant and attractive ship; she has been specially styled to suit British tastes with many unique features.  Aboard the Oriana you will find Gary Rhodes signature restaurant Oriana Rhodes as well as many other luxury features.

The Oriana boasts a stunning atrium with a Tiffany glass ceiling and even a wood panelled library which gives passengers an overwhelming feeling of luxury during their stay. The ship includes all of the regular features and amenities you would come to expect from it belonging to one of the largest cruise companies such as a theatre, cinema, nightclub and casino.

P&O currently have seven ships in their fleet and four will offer family cruises (Aurora, Azura, Oceana and Ventura) and three will offer adults only cruise holidays Adonia, Arcadia and Oriana.

Is it worth risking travelling without insurance?

Posted on by
Reply

With so many stories and reports of stranded and injured holidaymakers being brought to our attention lately, it really does beg the question on whether it’s worth risking not buying travel insurance.  It is estimated that almost one in six holidaymakers going abroad do not have any travel insurance. Insurance not only covers medical bills and expenses but also administrative fees and charges.

The recent Icelandic ash clouds are a blinding reminder to people exactly why it’s better to be safe then sorry.  Whilst some flight goers were left out of pocket by cancelled and rescheduled flights some where compensated and put to as little inconvenience as possible due to having bought the correct travel insurance.

With so many budget airlines and holiday charter companies competing with each other it is very likely and unfortunate that some will not carry themselves through all financial stresses. With this in mind there can be no better way to ensure your holiday savings are protected as best as possible by buying travel Insurance.  If you think that this is very over the top you only have to look at the recent case of the British based budget flight operator Kiss. The company with 17000 holiday makers already abroad and almost 70000 people booked and paid up in advance collapsed and was a disaster of huge proportions.  Luckily close to all people abroad were able to get home but many people who had invested thousands lost everything if they were not properly insured.

Many people have been saved countless thousands through illness or accident with holiday insurance. Some statistics have quoted emergency holiday accident costs such as a hip fracture in the USA costing anything upwards of twenty two thousand euros. With the risk of such uninsured costs the saying ‘It wont happen to me’ really does seem like an unwise move considering the potential outcomes.

Some countries have arrangements with each other regarding medical treatment which means some travellers could escape from the hefty bills but services such as an Air ambulance could easily set people on the road to bankruptcy.

With travel insurance starting at €17.99 for the year there is no reason why anybody that can afford a holiday shouldn’t be able to insure themselves with so options available.

Guide to the most popular casino hotels in Las Vegas

Posted on by
Reply

Most tourists who book their holidays Las Vegas venture into the casinos and have an evening or two playing the slots or their favourite table games such as blackjack or poker. Most Vegas hotel visitors won’t be regular gamblers and for many it will be their first time inside a casino but to come to Vegas and not visit the casinos is like staying on the coast and not visiting the beach – it’s what you come here for, right?

So which Vegas hotel is the most popular with tourists based on their casino?

Caesars Palace is one of the world’s best known resort-casinos. Set in 85-acres of landscaped and stylised surroundings and located at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace ranks among the world’s top luxury resorts and is the perfect destination for casino holidays Las Vegas. The guestrooms at Caesars Palace are spread over five towers and are as spacious and lavish as any palace accommodations should be, boasting beautiful marble bathrooms and many amenities. The luxurious casino at Caesars Palace is a staggering 129,000 square feet in size and contain all your favourite slot and table games making it your perfect Vegas hotel.

The Venetian Resort & Casino is another fabulous Vegas hotel choice. Replicating the best of Venice with its own St Mark’s Square, canals, bridges, gondolas, theatres, street-performers, boutique shops and beautiful Italian-style restaurants & cafes and placing it all in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, the Venetian is a very popular choice for holidays Las Vegas. The Venetian Casino, lavishly detailed with marble floors, hand-painted frescoed ceilings, and plush furnishings offers a varied selection of classic table games plus state-of-the-art video poker and slot games.

When it was built in 1993, the MGM Grand Las Vegas was the largest hotel in the world. Billing itself as ‘Maximum Vegas’, guests at this Vegas hotel have access to a world of entertainment options within the resort including a zoo, the CBS television centre and a water park just for starters! Holidays Las Vegas at the MGM Grand will certainly stay in the memory long after you return home! The casino is one of the largest in the world at a staggering 170,000 square feet in size. An absolute gaming experience boasting all your favourite table and slot games, poker rooms, race and sports book and VIP lounge.

Brand new for 2010, how about the ARIA as your perfect Vegas hotel? Boasting a luxurious, 100,000 square foot, naturally lit casino, ARIA evokes openness and freedom amongst its beautiful interiors. Stunning art and lavish, contemporary design will greet guests and provide warm and comfortable surroundings. The ARIA casino has been designed to allow natural lighting to subtly illuminate the gaming floor. A unique layout with custom design elements allows guests to enjoy the energy and excitement of their favourite slot and table games in a more personal and intimate setting. It’s still early days for the ARIA but this lavish five-star Vegas hotel is surely establishing itself as a favourite amongst tourists on their holidays Las Vegas.

Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Seychelles

Posted on by
4

Luxury hotels in Seychelles range from private island retreats to serene spa environments and resorts with every entertainment just outside your sumptuous accommodation, so perhaps the idea of selecting just ten of the best is a bit foolish.  But, I love making lists – and this is one that I can make while vicariously experiencing the best that Seychelles luxury has to offer.  Rather than a straight list, I’ve broken it down into specific experiences…see if I’ve kept it at ten or gone just a bit overboard!

Private Island Retreats

The ultimate for exclusive luxury hotels in Seychelles must be those occupying their own splendid islands – places like Fregate or Cousine.  Fregate Island Private boasts seven white powder-soft beaches fringed by magnificent tropical forest, and just 16 luxury villas, with every whim catered to by a private butler.  If dinner in one of the two restaurants doesn’t suit, why not dine in the tree-house, in a banana grove, on the beach or perhaps in your own villa.

Want just that little bit more privacy?  You would be hard-pressed to match the splendid isolation of Cousine Island Resort, sited on a 25 hectare granitic island complete with nature reserve and just four luxury villas.

Of course, both these luxury hotels in Seychelles offer spa services alongside the exclusive environment.

Spa Luxury

Speaking of spas, it’s worth mentioning that the newest of luxury Seychelles hotels, the Four Seasons Resort and Spa on Mahé Island offers a world-class spa experience with spectacular views of Petite Anse beach and the resort, while offering solitude and seclusion.  Five individual spa pavilions and a yoga pavilion are available, and guests are transported via personal buggy to the spa for consultation and treatments.  Alternatively, if the snorkelling, tennis, hiking or culinary indulgences have left you spent, choose an in-villa treatment for a truly indulgent and revitalising experience.

Consideration of luxury hotels and spas in Seychelles wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Banyan Tree Seychelles, also on Mahé Island.   Many think the Banyan Tree Seychelles is the finest of all – and with its’ 60 luxuriously furnished beach and hillside villas with private swimming pools and sundecks, spectacular views, sumptuous food and yes, a world-class spa, you would be hard-pressed to argue the point.

Romantic Luxury

Seychelles hotels epitomise romance – but when you are looking for the extra, almost indefinable sense of allure in a place, some stand out amongst the best.  Consider the isolated beauty and wonder of Desroches Island Resort.  Completely surrounded by white sand beaches, this coral island resort offers bicycling for two, private sunset cruises, sensuous spa treatments, and, for the more active, sensational diving and deep-sea fishing.  Holidays on Desroches Island Seychelles are on an All Inclusive basis and combined with luxurious suites and villas with private verandas and stunning views, you can feel romance in the air.

On a similar note, the Denis Private Island offers escapism, relaxation and tranquillity in an exclusive environment of just 25 individual spacious cottages, all with private verandas.  Denis Island Seychelles is also one of the most romantic hotels in Seychelles for a wedding, with its’ own lovely chapel.  Culinary delights will tempt you – including fresh produce from the islands’ own farm and gardens.  With full board the rule and the likelihood of indulging very high, you’ll appreciate the swimming pool and beach, the PADI Dive Centre, tennis courts and opportunities to explore this incredible coral island.

Family-Friendly Retreats

Since we’re not all carefree and childfree, it makes sense to include the best of the family friendly locations – but don’t be put off if you’re sans children – these deluxe resorts are  equally at home catering to couples too, and in typical Seychelles luxury fashion, there’s always a feel of privacy and solitude if that’s what you desire.

Labriz on mountainous Silhouette Island is just 19 miles from Mahé, with white sand beaches and huge granite boulders.  The resident naturalist at Labriz Silhouette can conduct tours that include encounters with native Giant Tortoises.  Luxurious villas await guests returning from snorkelling, diving, swimming and exploring followed by excellent dining at one of the islands’ five restaurants.

Moving on to the island of Praslin (the Seychelles second largest) is the excellent Constance Lemuria Resort sited alongside three stunning beaches and boasting Seychelles only 18 hole international golf course.  Praslin is one of just two islands that grow the famous Coco de Mer palms, and guests will find a wealth of complimentary water sports and enough nature to entrance adults and children alike.

Closer to the international arrival city of Victoria on Mahé Island, the five star Sainte Anne Resort and Spa is on private Sainte Anne Island, a ten-minute boat ride away.  With fabulous beaches and turquoise waters, it’s a quintessential Seychelles luxury destination offering villa accommodation and secluded gardens with excellent sea views.   Water and land sports abound, and easy excursions to Victoria ensure none of the family tire of stunning tropical gardens and a choice of five restaurants.

On Mahé Island itself, the new Constance Ephélia has already made a name for itself in terms of luxury, gorgeous beaches and a wealth of seaside and sporting options that will keep families and couples alike spoilt for choices of activities.

Tempted?

Now is the perfect time to plan your holiday, as most Seychelles hotels are offering excellent rates, including great air fares as well.  Specialist tour operators like Seychelles Elite (www.seychelleselite.co.uk) are reporting up to 15% discounts at some of their top luxury hotels in Seychelles, so why wait?  Book now and then you can glow in anticipation of your luxury trip to the Seychelles.

La Tomatina – the biggest tomato fight in the world

Posted on by
Reply

Initially believed to have political or religious meaning, Tomatina’s origin is still uncertain. One sure thing is that the locals let themselves go wild during this celebration which has now  became an annual custom. For one hour, thousands of tomatoes are thrown in all directions in a massive tomato fight called Tomatina. You can find this spectacle in the Valencia region of Spain in the small town of Bunol.

Before the event, the town echoes with sounds of the many themed nocturnal parties and the fresh fragrances of the local wine and delicatessen. When the day of the battle arrives the “hostilities” are prepared to commence with over 90000 pounds of tomatoes placed on the streets of Bunol.  A chaotic red war begins leaving its mark on the streets and inhabitants of the small village. Watching this as an innocent victim or getting involved in the battle is truly one unique experience.

La Tomatina takes place on the last Wednesday of August, and usually attract more than 20 000 visitors.  There are several possibilities for accommodation in Bunol and many others in Valencia or the second nearest city, Alicante.  Valencia is one of the most beautiful regions in Spain and well worth a visit in itself.  It is best to book a nice hotel or hostel closer to a bigger city like Valencia or Alicante as they have many other attractions and a more intense nightlife.  The price of getting there from the UK is estimated somewhere at between 150 to 200 pounds return for the full end-to-end journey.  We recommend you run a search with Zoombu, a new travel search engine, which helps you find the cheapest flight combination taking into account the cost of getting to the airport, saving you the hassle of hunting for this information yourself. It also searches for Eurostar and connecting train journeys for if you have a little more time and an environmental conscience. Save the anger and the energy for the tomato fight not the planning! Arriba – Arriba! La Tomatina !

Eating out in Las Vegas

Posted on by
Reply

If you enjoy good food and lots of it and you are spending your holidays in Las Vegas then you are in for a culinary treat. There are so many fantastic restaurants in Las Vegas that you could probably eat at a different one every night for the rest of your life and not need to go in the same one twice! Whether you are on a strict budget or you’re ready to splash out and no matter what sort of food you desire, there are a multitude of options available to even the most discerning palate. All of the large mega-resorts such as Bellagio and Caesars Palace have a vast array of restaurants and eateries offering a wide range of international dishes and just about every famous chef has at least one restaurant here.

If you want absolutely the most desirable restaurants in Las Vegas then try Alex at the Wynn Las Vegas Resort, a 2 Michelin star French restaurant, Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace, another French-influenced establishment with 2 stars. Picasso at the Bellagio is another with 2 Michelin stars and Joel Robuchon at the Mansion in MGM Grand which is Vegas’ only 3 star Michelin awarded restaurant.

Not every restaurant is quite as fancy as those mentioned above and many are certainly not so expensive. To give you a brief example of the range of restaurants available within the larger resort hotels:- Bellagio has 11 delightful restaurants within their resort offering such culinary delights as Fix for traditional American fare; Jasmine for top-quality European dishes; Michael Mina for incredible seafood; Noodles with delectable couth-east Asian cuisine; Osteria del Circo for traditional Tuscan food, Picasso for French and Spanish-influenced dishes and Primo for the best steaks in town. Caesars Palace has 10 varied restaurants, the CityCenter complex has 15 to choose from and the Mandalay Bay Resort has 17 enticing eateries to satisfy your cravings. You don’t have to limit yourself just to the restaurants at the resort you’re staying at. Have a wander round and take your pick.

If all of these still sound a little too pricey or you just fancy something a little simpler then you’ll find that most of the large hotels have buffet options available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Prices vary depending on the quality and location of the hotel but generally those on the Strip are more expensive than those off it. Most places offer a great selection of dishes within their buffet meals which are both good value and good eating.

If you don’t have time to sit down and eat a full meal or perhaps you only fancy grabbing a quick bite then you should head to one of the many food courts available at the larger hotels and in the shopping malls. Featuring all of your favourite and most recognised fast-food joints, if you want something quick for you and the family, these places are both popular and cheap.

Why not have a honeymoon in the Seychelles!

Posted on by
5

If you are looking for the perfect honeymoon destination, there is an amazing array of information online – it seems like every tropical destination in the world wants you and your new spouse on their island, and why not?

The sparkling turquoise waters, stretches of white sand beaches and swaying palm trees coupled with a luxurious setting have great appeal and speak of romance and relaxation.  After the rush leading up to the wedding day, a beach is exactly the right sort of destination.

If we’re agreed that a sun-drenched beach and balmy tropical nights are ideal, the question is then where will you find your idyll?  I suggest that you at least research a Seychelles honeymoon, and for some very good reasons.

The Seychelles are amazingly unique, with an inner ring of granitic islands complemented by coral islands in the outer reaches.  The Seychelles Islands stretch along the Indian Ocean in the equatorial zone. With year-round daytime temperatures around 30C and situated outside the cyclone belt, you can be sure the weather will be gentle and cooperative.  The granitic nature has created some of the most amazing beaches one could ever hope to see – pure white sand beaches scattered with giant rock formations to frame dazzling blue waters.

For luxury, exclusivity and room to roam, the private island resorts of Seychelles are unparalleled, and you’ll never have to vie for a sun lounger with other guests.  With miles and miles of beach, chances are you can find one just for yourselves.  Frégate Island Seychelles boasts seven white powder-soft beaches fringed by magnificent tropical forest and has just 16 luxury villas available, with a personal butler available to cater to your every desire.

On the off-chance that 16 villas sounds a bit crowded, consider North Island, with 11 villas and a chef who will meet with you to craft menus that suit your tastes and preferences, and of course a butler to manage those must-have’s.  Still feeling a bit pressed in?  How about Cousine Island Resort, an amazing eco-friendly private island with four villas situated on a 25 hectare granitic island complete with a nature reserve?

While these private island retreats offer the ultimate in honeymoon indulgence, luxury Seychelles honeymoons on lush coral islands are desirable and attainable on Denis Private Island and at Desroches Island Resort.  These boutique honeymoon retreats are stylish and offer a wealth of relaxation, sports and nature with just the right splash of romance.

Seychelles isn’t just about luxury island retreats, though.  The main island of Mahé has several luxury resorts that are perfect for honeymoons, including the Banyan Tree with 60 luxuriously furnished beach and hillside villas with private swimming pools and sundecks, spectacular views, sumptuous food and a world class spa.

Mahé is also graced with the splendid Four Seasons Resort and Spa, with lovely views of Petite Anse beach and a wealth of water sports.  You’ll feel justified pampering yourself in their signature spa after a day spent snorkelling, playing tennis or perhaps hiking the nature trails.

One final thought – if you are seriously considering Seychelles for your honeymoon, the best way to find the place of your dreams is through a knowledgeable travel expert.  Specialist tour operators like Elite Vacations send their staff to Seychelles so they know exactly what each resort offers.

Las Vegas in the Movies

Posted on by
1

Like many great cities around the world, Las Vegas has had its fair share of movies set and filmed in the area. In this blog post, we are going to look at some of the most popular movies and how the city played its part.

1. What happens in Vegas

One of the most recent films to star the city, “What happens in Vegas” plays on the famous phrase “What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas”. The film stars Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher who meet in Las Vegas due to a computing error that puts them both in the same room. They decide to party together and end up getting married. Realising their mistake in the morning, they agree to a divorce. However, before they do, Ashton Kutcher’s character wins $3million on a slot machine and Diaz’s character realises half the money is hers. They head back to New York to sort things out and ….well you will have to watch the rest of the film to see what happens. Las Vegas is portrayed as a wild city where anything can happen and anyone can win big if they are lucky.

2. The Hangover

Another recent film set in Las Vegas is The Hangover. No doubt responsible for boosting the amount of stag parties heading to the city, the Hangover is about a group of friends who lose the stag after a crazy night of partying. They then have to try and remember what happened the night before and follow the trail to find the groom as the wedding draws closer. Full of crazy characters and a cameo from Mike Tyson, The Hangover portrays Las Vegas as a fun party destination where things can get out of hand quite quickly.

3.  Oceans 11

Probably one of the most famous films to be set in Las Vegas is Oceans 11. The original was made in 1960 starring a huge cast that comprised of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford (also known as The Rat Pack). The film was remade in 2001 starring current Hollywood legends Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and George Clooney amongst others. Both films revolve around a group known as The Oceans 11 who plan to rob 5 casinos in one night. The Bellagio, the MGM Grand and the Mirage casinos all feature in the film. Both versions of the film manage to show the glitz and glamour that Las Vegas provides to the millions of punters who visit every year.

4. Diamonds are Forever

With James Bond jetting all over the world on his secret missions, there was no way that he wasn’t going to be stopping off in Vegas at some point. Las Vegas played a large role in the 1971 Bond film, Diamonds are Forever. The film revolves around Bond infiltrating a smuggling ring by impersonating a diamond smuggler. He then discovers that his arch nemesis Blofeld is planning to use the diamonds to create a satellite to hold the world to ransom. During the film Bond plays at a craps table at the Wyhte House Casino which was actually the Las Vegas Hilton.

Las Vegas hotel owner Howard Hughes was good friends with Bond producer Cubby Broccoli, so the majority of filming happened in his hotels. Many scenes were filmed in the streets of Las Vegas thanks to the help of Hughes, the Shopkeepers Association and the Vegas police.

For many “twenty somethings”, “Diamonds are Forever” will have been one of their first glimpses of Las Vegas and inspired many to go and see the exciting city first hand.

Visit LowCostLasVegas.com for Cheap Holidays to Las Vegas

Things to Consider When Visiting the States

Posted on by
Reply

Like any holiday to a foreign country, there are various things that you need to consider before travelling. Many people embark on cheap holidays to Las Vegas and holidays to other destinations in the US without considering certain things before leaving. This guide will help you prepare for your trip.

Visa Waiver Program

Surely getting into a country is simple, you turn up to the airport and fly to your destination! It’s not quite that simple when travelling to the US. The US government has set up a Visa Waiver Program that allows residents from 36 countries to enter the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days without the need for a visa. This means that prior to travel, tourists have to gain authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTRA. This simply involves filling out information about yourself and your travel plans. Providing everything is in order, this only takes a couple of minutes to be authorised. Although a quick process, it is recommended that it is completed well before you aim to travel.

Buying Goods

Many people think that buying things in America is the same as in Britain; you just convert back to Sterling and work out if it is a good deal. However, there are other things to consider, such as sales tax. Many items you will see in shops will not have the sales tax included in the price; this will be added once you get to the till. The tax can vary according to which state you are in, so if you are moving between states on your holiday you should find out the rates before purchasing anything substantial.

Tipping

In Europe, we are used to tipping for certain things at around 10% of the value, but in the States, they tip for a lot more things and at a higher percentage. Waiting staff are often paid less than in the UK and supplement their wage with tips. Americans understand this and tip around 15% for good service and 20% if it is excellent. If you tip 10% while on your travels this will likely be seen as a sign that the service was bad and you may be confronted. Not tipping at all is usually only an option if service has been terrible. This system means that you find staff are often very accommodating and will make your visit to their establishment enjoyable.

Differences Between States

Like sales tax, the laws can vary in each state. It is sometimes easier to think of the United States as a continent comprising of different countries in regards to laws, customs and even the weather. The place is so large that at the same time you can have bright sunshine in one state and in another, torrential rain. If you know which states you will be visiting, it is a good idea to brush up on each one before you set off.

Slang

Thanks to American TV and movies, we are very accustomed to the slang and the various things Americans say differently to us. However, to avoid any problems or embarrassment it is probably best to look up some before you leave. For example, it is common for Brits to call cigarettes ‘fags’, but in the US this is an extremely offensive term and probably best to avoid!

The Unwritten Rules of Camping

Posted on by
Reply

Are you planning a weekend holiday to Devon?  One of the favourite activities for visitors of the area is to camp.  There are many campsites in Devon so camping opportunities are endless.  Plus the scenery is beautiful.  It is an ideal place to get away for a little while and feel close to nature.  However, before you camp, it is important to understand the rules of camping.  There is certain etiquette that should be followed at every campsite.  Hopefully the following information will help you as you prepare for your camping experience.

Maintaining the Environment

Obviously the major aspect of camping is the environment.  Campers love to spend time outdoors and enjoy the surroundings.  However, people want to continue the beautiful area for several years to come.  This will not be possible if people destroy the area while they camp.  Therefore, campers are encouraged to leave the area as they found it.  This means you have to be cautious of your surroundings in an effort to avoid damage.

Camping Do’s

When you are camping there are specific rules that you should follow.  Some are more specific and others are unwritten rules.  For example, there are sites and tracks that exist at the campsite.  It is proper etiquette to walk on these areas to minimize damage to the natural environment.  In addition, make sure you respect laws and rules of the campsite, including the speed limit and the quiet hours.  These rules are in place to benefit all that are at the campsite.  Also, it is important to keep the campsite clean and throw away rubbish.

Camping Don’ts

When you are camping, make sure that you avoid certain behaviour.  For example, some sites do not allow animals.  Respect this.  And if the site does allow animals, keep yours under control.  If you do not watch your animal, he or she could easily damage the environment of the campsite.  Also, many campsites do not allow you to take wood from the site.  If this is the case you might have to bring your own ahead of time.  Plan ahead of time so that you are prepared when you are camping and have everything that you need.

Respect Others

Lastly, it is important that you respect others on the campsite.  Most campsites allow multiple guests at a time and while you might have some area to yourself, you will need to be courteous of others.