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Winter 2007 Edition 40 |
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Winter 2007 Edition 40 |
WORLDROVER
GUIDES
Towns & Nude Beaches
NEWS
UK - NORWAY
DFDS TO OPERATE BERGEN ROUTE.
Following news of leading cruise ferry operator DFDS Seaways’ acquisition of Fjord Line’s m.s. Fjord Norway, DFDS announce plans to continue with the current service between Newcastle and Western Norway.The service will start operating after a refurbishment of the ship, bringing it in line with the quality standard offering from DFDS Seaways. The ship will be renamed at a ceremony in Bergen in early November and will then commence service from 9 November 2006 and will feature two sailings a week from Newcastle up until May 2007, when the number of sailings will increase to three.
HONG KONG
gets German Beer and a touch of the Notenhoblers
October 29 – November 18, 2006 a culture clash that is more of a bash: the most magnificent party celebrating some of Germany’s culture will invade Hong Kong. The Marco Polo Hotel, Kowloon side, will host its 15th annual German Bierfest. The festivities kick off with a parade on October 28th, and the serious beer drinking begins the next day. German music in the form of a German imported band, “The Notenhoblers,” will pump out into the streets and food will compete with beer for prime attention. For information: www.gbfhk.com
KNOW THE SNOW
FRANCE'S
"FREE RESPECT"
Les Deux Alpes is organizing "Free Respect", a programme that promotes mountain safety. Over two days it offers lessons in how to behave, what to do and not to do and gives a better understanding of the dangers and risks of the mountains. Off-piste skiing for instance requires a good knowledge of safety issues and the accompaniment of a professional guide. The event brings together practice and theory with workshops to raise awareness and takes place once a week, over two days, from 1 January to 17 April and is free and open to all.
UK TRAIN SPEED RECORD
Virgin Trains has achieved a new train speed record on the 401-mile route from Glasgow - London with a non-stop journey time of three hours and 55 minutes - an impressive average speed of 102.5 mph - beating the previous verified southbound speed record of four hours and 14 minutes set by British Rail's Advanced Passenger Train in the 1980s. Current fastest scheduled time is around 4.5 hours southbound which compares with a city centre time of omething under four hours by plane, depending on security hold-ups.
http://www.virgintrains.co.uk
BOBBIES ON BIKES
Police officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have taken to “flying” around the Manchester Airport complex…. on pushbikes!
The airport has invested in bicycles for officers to use to navigate around the 725-hectare site. So far, several officers have been trained to use the bikes and issued with special kit including helmet, goggles and cycling shirts and there are plans to train further officers over the coming months.
The pedal patrols have been introduced to allow greater accessibility to areas of the complex that are difficult to reach by patrol car. The “bobbies on bikes” are also a lot more visible and enable members of the public to easily speak to
the officers
AIR FRANCE SHOWING VIDEO ON CHILD PROSTITUTION ON LONG HAUL FLIGHTS.The aim is to raise awareness of the often hidden problem and to targetpassengers who may be using its aircraft to fly to vulnerable countries. The video will be played on the airline's 94 long haul aircraft and be seen by up to 46,000 passengers a day. UNICEF says about one million children are exploited every year in the multi-billion-dollar industry. UK scheduled and charter carriers have been targeted for a number of years by charities fighting child exploitation. http://www.airfrance.com
UK - VARIED COST OF VACCINES
For those travelling to exotic locations this winter and in need of vaccines for their holiday destination then Airport Parking and Hotels’ (APH) website should be the first port of call. Travellers can log on to the company’s website http://www.aph.com/news/vaccines.htm and compare the prices of vaccines for the most popular destinations before they leave for the holiday.
The comparison chart reveals vaccine costs for the eight most popular travel injections at six clinics across the country revealing a difference of over £50 on the price of a hepatitis A jab. Prices vary from £10 at a General Practitioner to £68.50 at a London based MediCentre which includes the £10 travel consultation fee.
LONG HAUL BUDGET FLIGHTS?
ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS is reported to be planning the launch of two low-cost carriers, one for international services and one for domestic. The unveiling of the airlines is expected to take place next year and go someway to helping ANA fend off competition from other budget carriers. The new carriers would be subsidiaries of ANA and would be able to charge lower fares by cutting the costs of inflight services. The airlines will be based at the expanding Tokyo Haneda Airport. http://www.anaskyweb.com
AUDIO GUIDE TO PARIS FLEA MARKETS
The Tourist Office of St Ouen in partnership with PocketVox has launched an one and a half hour long audio guide giving an insight to the flea market of St Ouen including historical information and some trivia. The flea market of St Ouen, also known as "Les Puces" is one of the first tourist destinations of Ile de France with several millions of visitors each year. The market dates from 1885 and is made up of 17 markets and over 2000 merchants.
Together with their own MP3 player, the visitor will be able to discover at leisure the various markets, discover some of the good addresses or stop in one of the many cafés and enjoy some of the music so typical of "Les Puces". With a bit of luck, you might also cross paths with some celebrities such as Catherine Deneuve, Jean-Paul Gaultier or Chantal Thomas who are all regulars.
The market is open all year round on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 10.00 to 17.00.
Visitors can buy and download the visit for 5€ on http://www.pocketvox.com
CANADA'S WINTER WONDERLAND
Snow, Sledding and Crispy Climes are soon to lure in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Okay, so BC’s backdrops may not yet be blanketed in a scenic wintry white and perhaps it’s a tad bit premature to break out the warm woollies while queuing Bing Crosby on the old turntable. But if you have a hankering for winter fun, the changing of season is more like the call of the wild. At Siwash Lake Ranch, near 70 Mile House, it’s all about the out of doors. Dog sledding. Snowshoeing. Snowmobiling. Cross country skiing. Inspired yet? Proving an ideal setting for carving tracks, Siwash’s terrain harbours gentle, rolling slopes and seemingly endless scapes. It’s a postcard-pretty home to critters which include wolves, coyotes, moose and deer. Shushing along a quiet trail, a team of Siberian huskies leading the trek through the tundra, adventurers can drink in the open forest of Aspen, Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine which embrace secluded lakes and natural meadows. And this won’t prove your only opportunity to explore the landscape, as Siwash offers an all-inclusive, five night winter wonderland excursion complete with a sampling of cool winter fun. Once you’ve mastered the mushing, angle for the big one while ice fishing, test your mettle while tobogganing or foster your figure eights along a frigid pond. It’s all sure to stimulate the senses, and stir the adventurous spirit. And once play has paused for the day, luxury accommodation awaits in Siwash’s inviting log ranch house. Wake-up trays boasting seasonal bounty will usher in each new day, while gourmet menus and evening appetizers will provide the nourishment needed for a day’s adventure. And what better way to take it all in when nuzzled next to a cosy river rock fireplace, sipping a mug of steaming hot chocolate, planning the next day’s play… http://www.siwashlakeranch.com
Hike in passport fees.
The fee for a new adult 10-year passport increased from £51 to £66 .The cost of a child's passport jumps from £34 to £45, while fast-track and premium service passports will cost £108.
The new biometric passport contains a chip storing an image of the holder's face and other personal details.
Biometric technology means individuals can be identified by scans of their unique features, such as the distances between eyes, nose mouth and ears.
The government claims the new e-passport will be the most secure ever produced in the UK.
The increased fee will also pay for enhanced background checks on applicants and future face-to-face interviews for first-time adult passport applicants.
WINNING WAYS
Air Berlin, the third biggest
low-cost carrier in Europe, announced it had won both the best Low-Cost Airline 2006 worldwide award from UK-based airline consultants Skytrax, as well as the best European Low-Cost Airline for the second year running.
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EVENTS
FRANCE
THE WINE RIDE
If you are planning an equestrian trip to France, you can combine horseback riding and wine tasting on a 3 day adventure trip to Burgundy. Bernard Symzak will guide you through the beautiful and unspoiled countryside and you will stop to visit some spectacular castles and try some of the best Burgundy wines. Rides go through sunny meadows, vineyards and cool shady forest and the trail encompasses hilltop views that stretch over the wine-growing areas.
If you are a confident horse rider feeling a bit adventurous, you can decide to go for the "Allure Montcharlon" where each stage is longer and includes many long gallops. The normal and more relaxing itinerary will appeal to riders comfortable with the three horse paces and the gallops are fairly short and easy.
http://ce.montcharlon.free.fr
QUEBEC DISCOUNT
The Québec City Museum Card offers a great deal for $40. It’s a three-day package providing unlimited access to the city’s 24 museums, transportation on the city bus network for two days, discounts on many attractions and even a 15% discount at many restaurants. The card is available at the museums, as well as Quebec City tourism information counters.
FRANCE
TAKE YOUR OWN CAR ON A SHOPPING BREAK IN FRANCE FROM JUST £73 PER PERSON
With Christmas in mind, Brittany Ferries has just released some special weekend shopping breaks featuring several of the finest shopping cities in Normandy and Brittany. You can stock up, not only on the festive essentials which will save you money, but you can also find some great gift ideas in the French boutiques and markets. What's more you can also grab yourself a bargain in our onboard shops.
All hotels are located right in the shopping areas and free on-site parking is also included.
1 night stays start from as little as £73 per person (based on two sharing) with return ferry travel for you and your car. Whilst reclining seats are included, en-suite cabins are available at 50% discount on both day and night crossings.
This special offer is available from 1st October to 31st December.
For more information, visit http://www.brittanyferries.com/offers and then call 08705 561 600 quoting CTYBRK
NEW YORK CHRISTMAS
From the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade to the New Year's Eve Celebration in Times Square, New York City offers magical moments this holiday season.
Visitors to the Big Apple are bound to have tons of fun this winter with a rich variety of colorful festivals, exciting events, dazzling displays of lights, incredible shopping and more in all five boroughs.
EX UK
THOUSANDS OF £6 FARES TO PARIS, AMSTERDAM, BRUSSELS AND CORK….OR RETURN FOR UNDER A TENNER.Eurolines is offering thousands of unbelievable winter-getaway deals with fares of just £6 to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and Cork until March 31st 2006.
The largest scheduled coach service operator to the continent and Ireland is making these cut-price ‘Fun Fares’ available on its website www.eurolines.co.uk throughout the winter. The fare includes a £3 booking fee so return fares weigh in at a just £9. There are no additional costs either and the services run from Victoria Coach Station in the heart of London to the heart of each of the cities.
THE FAR EAST
Far East at rock bottom prices?
Take the Philippines who have low cost carrier Cebu Pacific now operating to/from 17 airports. With domestic internal flights starting from less than £30 return, all inclusive, there’s the option of stopping off in the Philippines en route to Australia.
This airline also flies Hong Kong to Manila from £75 return. The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to visit in Asia and English is widely spoken. Once there, you can save even more money by avoiding hotels and sleeping in private accommodation where the hospitality is second to none.
With 7,100 islands, beaches are plentiful. Some are in well secluded islands while others are just a short ride across a causeway from the city.
Log onto http://www.whichbudget.com
DEAL FOR VEGAS
Las Vegas city break from £338pp for 3 nights at the 3 star Circus Circus Hotel, located in central Las Vegas. On the hotel site there are three casinos with a total game area of 9,400 square metres and the world's largest permanent circus with performances throughout the day and night, plus the Adventuredome, an indoor theme park featuring thrilling rides. Departs London Gatwick 2nd Dec 06. All fares quoted include taxes. All offers are subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.Book on http://www.opodo.co.uk
or call 0871 277 0090
NASSAU, BAHAMAS
Graycliff Restaurant is featuring a new Wine Luncheon every weekday. Start with a glass of champagne, then tour the hotel and the wine cellar (over 250,000 bottles from over 400 vintners in 15 countries). Then settle in to a three-course meal, paired with the appropriate wines. The menu changes daily and seasonally.Located in the heart of Nassau in a historic colonial mansion with lush tropical gardens, Graycliff has been serving Continental cuisine with touches of Bahamian flavors for nearly three decades. For cigar aficionados, guests of the Graycliff Hotel can also see a cigar rolling demonstration. For more information, visit http://www.graycliff.co
NEW TRAVEL WEBSITE
http://www.travelanswers.co.uk is a new travel website launched to help travellers find the best holiday deals, advice and information online.
Visitors to the site can post their travel questions and receive answers from online travel experts as well as a wider online travel community.
From where to look online for a cheap city break, the best beach resorts, reliable hostels and more, Travel Answers aims to be a place where travellers can share their advice with others, and receive answers to their travel questions.
INDIA THROUGH THE LENS
Intrepid launches new trip with Steve DaveyIntrepid Travel, one of the world’s leading travel adventure tour operators, launches a new trip to India with travel photographer Steve Davey. The trip, departing 27th October and returning 7th November, offers the opportunity to experience the colourful atmosphere of India whilst learning how to capture the country’s spirit on film with author of the BBC Book ‘Unforgettable Places to See before You Die’. The Pushkar Camel Fair is an experience not to be missed and it is notoriously difficult to secure accommodation for the duration of the event so they are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to travellers.”
Intrepid’s India through the Lens trip costs £925 land only. This includes 11 nights superior hotel accommodation, 11 breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners. Travellers should allow US$150 for meals not included and US$100 for local payment.
http://www.intrepidtravel.com
CAPE VERDE ISLANDS - UK DIRECT
New Direct Flights from Gatwick & Manchester to Cape Verde Islands.Destination Portugal has re-priced it's Winter 2006/7 programme to the Cape Verde Islands taking advantage of the new direct flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Sal Island starting 2nd November 2006.
Destination Portugal offer tailor-made holidays featuring single and multi-centred holidays featuring 28 Hotels in 8 of the 9 Islands. The Lead-in price is £591 per person including direct flights from Gatwick or Manchester, all taxes and fuel surcharges private taxi transfers, Visa fee, local representation
and 7 nights twin share B&B in a standard room at the ***Pensão Nha Terra, just 100 metres from the white sandy beach in the Village of Santa Maria on Sal Island.
More complex itineraries including visits to three or four Islands are also available.
Web: http://www.africanislands.co.uk
Email: info@destination-portugal.co.uk
UK - THE FLIGHT OF THE DRAGON
During the summer of 2006, Delta Aviation, the the UK’s specialists in recreating the golden age of flying, will offer the chance view the dreaming spires of Oxford from the stylish art deco seats of a vintage Dragon Rapide biplane airliner.
www.deltaaviation.co.uk
or call Delta Aviation on 01223 874346
CANADA
Northern BC Experts offer Insight to Grizzly Lifestyle: Fred Seiler and Greg Knox of Silvertip EcoTours run grizzly bear/wildlife viewing excursions amid the natural Northern British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest.
Excursions range from day treks to multi-day explorations. Participants may even catch a glimpse of timber wolves, black bears, otters, eagles, porcupine and moose. For day-trippers, all excursions start early and include transportation via float plane, jet boat or motor vehicle. Silvertip ensures that all adventurists are within respectable distances from the bears while viewing. . http://www.grizzlytours.ca
