Tag Archives: holiday

Pitchup.com Launches Interactive Tour de France Map

Posted on by

cyclingFollow the Tour de France route and stay in holiday parks and campsites along the way using Pitchup.com’s new interactive route planner
Outdoor accommodation specialist Pitchup.com is gearing up for this year’s Tour de France with a new interactive Tour route planner on its website. The planner details the 2,000-mile route the Tour de France will take, as well as a comprehensive list of bookable campsites, holiday parks and lodges for every stage of the race.

 

The route planner covers all 20 stages of the Tour, beginning with the Grand Départ in North Yorkshire, on Saturday July 5, right through to the finish at Périgueux, on Saturday, July 26.

 

The interactive planner is in the form of a map, with the Tour route stages clearly marked. Users can click the map anywhere along the route to find details of each stage, the dates they take place, the nearby towns and the route itself. Clicking on the map will also give details of up to 10 nearby holiday parks and campsites along the way, which can be booked on Pitchup.com.
Users simply need to click the name to go to its listing page, add in the dates they want to stay, pick their accommodation and book – all done!
The map also has a ‘Find out more’ section for a lowdown of other attractions in the vicinity.
Stage No 1: Leeds/Harrogate. Saturday July 5

Campsite directly on the route – £12 per person per night

 

Spen House is a family-run site in the village of Minskip, two miles from Boroughbridge, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire and is directly on the Tour de France route. Bookings are coming in quick, but there is still plenty of space on the farm’s second field, for caravans, motorhomes and tents not requiring electricity. The owners will charge batteries at no cost. Dogs are welcome and there’s an off-lead exercise area. There is a combined shower/toilet block with hairdryer and shaver sockets, ladies-only shower, separate washing-up area with hot water and a fridge/freezer for campers’ use.

Price: £72 per pitch for three nights (July 4-7), based on two adults, which works out at £12 per person per night.

 

Stage No 20: Périgueux. Saturday July 26

Holiday lodge with swimming pool and breakfast delivery – from £19 per person per night.

Camping L’Hermitage des 4 Saisons is set in four acres of countryside, surrounded by the forest and farmlands of Périgord Vert in the Dordogne, 13 miles from the Tour de France’s finish town, Périgueux. Accommodation is in two-bedroom holiday lodges, which sleep up to six. There’s a swimming pool, jacuzzi, pétanque court, table tennis, archery and pony rides on site. During high season the owners organise Perigoudin meals, barbecues and local produce tasting sessions. As an added bonus, breakfast is delivered to your door.

Price: Two weeks in a two-bedroom lodge for four people costs £1,069 (£133.75 per person per week/£19 per person per night).

 

Cheap and cheerful sun in Gran Canaria

Posted on by

When you want to escape the cold and gloom of a northern European winter, you generally have to think about travelling a long distance to get some heat and sunshine. The Caribbean, Thailand, India all offer warmth and great holiday resorts, but it takes a long flight to get there, and though there are deals to be had, they generally aren’t cheap.

An alternative that will save both travel time and money is to head to the Canaries – a group of Spanish islands that are situated off the north-west coast of Africa in the Atlantic. Known for their fantastic climate, they are sometimes nicknamed the Fortunate Isles and their climate is referred to as ‘eternal spring’. In fact, the climate varies little during the year, and while the winters are warm and mild, the summer temperatures don’t ever get unbearable.

The main islands are Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria and they have been dedicated to mass tourism for the last sixty years. Consequently, these places are really ideally set up for holidaymakers looking for beautiful beaches, hotels with great facilities and lots of different things to do. The Canaries make an ideal location to take the family for a ‘fun in the sun’ holiday, but you can also find quieter resorts if you’re after a walking or hiking holiday.

The biggest and most popular resort on Gran Canaria has to be Playa del Ingles, where you’ll find the biggest concentration of tourist attractions like waterparks and hotels such as the IFA Continental which all boast excellent facilities including swimming pools, tennis courts and spas and are designed to make your holiday relaxing but simultaneously full of entertainment possibilities.

Whoever you’re going on holiday with, you’ll find a resort in Gran Canaria that is suitable for your party, and the fact that you can get there so cheaply and easily makes it an ideal place for a sunshine break any time of the year.

 

Escape the ‘Blue Monday’ Blues and Head to the Sunshine State

Posted on by

After the festive holiday celebrations end, looking forward to starting a New Year in January can seem a dim prospect. In fact, Monday, 21 January is scientifically proven to be the unhappiest day of the year for the majority of Brits and has been aptly dubbed ‘Blue Monday’.

But as the festive cheer wanes, sunny prospects await. With year-round sunshine, all new attractions and abundant deals throughout the destination, there’s no better time to plan a holiday to Orlando, the World Capital of Smiles. In addition, Visit Orlando has launched a brand new Orlando Holiday Planning Tool, helping Blue Monday daydreams turn from a fantasy to reality.

The website, orlandoholidayplanning.com, offers a wealth of ‘need to know before you go’ planning tips for visitors.

Ways To Get A Little Sun This Winter

Posted on by

Ah, the great British winter. The season of dark nights and bitter cold temperatures, has somehow managed to creep up on us for another year.

Now I know what you’re thinking, just where has the time gone, right? It only feels like yesterday that we were enjoying the summer sun, and suddenly some how we’re now donning our thickest coats, wooliest jumpers and cosiest boots.

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that rather than relishing what the great British winter has to offer, all I associate it with is sneezing, colds, rain, rain and more rain. Wouldn’t it be great if we could just hibernate for the whole season, or run away to a hot country somewhere? Well, it’s exactly what some fellows do when it hits this time of year (the hot country bit, not the hibernating bit).

Jetting off to a corner of the earth where the sun still shines during the winter is a great way to catch some winter rays.

So, if you’re seriously considering booking yourself on the next plane in order to do so, then here’s a little guide of short-haul, mid-haul and long-haul options to help you on your way.

Short-Haul

If you’re simply looking to step out of the dreary winter and into something just a little bit brighter, than a trip into Europe may be what you’re looking for.

Locations such as the French and Italian Rivieras, Sicily, Majorca and Portugal are perfect if you’re after simply a brighter winter. Although these locations don’t boast scorching heat in the winter months, they do offer reasonable temperatures, sunny days and beautiful surroundings that’ll give you a whole different meaning to the word ‘winter’.

Whether you opt for a hotel stay or prefer to hire out a villa, such as a Portugal property for your short break, you’ll be amazed at how far you can be from the British weather, without having to travel to the other side of the world to get it. With flight times of less than 4 hours, they’re perfect for both week-long stays or long weekends.

Mid-Haul

If you are looking for temperatures a little higher than what Europe has to offer for this time of year, then there are a vast array of mid-haul options that’ll help you escape.

By hopping on a plane ride of 5 hours, you can find yourself in the beautiful Cape Verde, situated off the coast of Africa. Cape Verde offers average temperatures of between 22 and 29 degrees in the winter months, and with the area boasting stunning surroundings, you really can’t go wrong.

Egypt is also a popular choice with holidaymakers looking to get away for some winter sun. With a flight time from the UK of around 5 hours again, you can experience a city break in Cairo or take a River Cruise up the world famous Nile. What’s guaranteed is that whatever you choose to do, you’ll feel a million miles from the British winter weather.

Long-Haul

So, you’ve been saving up your annual leave days all year in hope of one thing as the end of the year approaches; a well-deserved holiday soaking up the scorching hot sun.

If this is you and you’re really looking to travel far to escape the winter weather, then the Caribbean is definitely for you.

From locations such as the Maldives, the Seychelles or Barbados, all with a flight times of around 8 hours, it’s time to don that bikini, take a dip in the ocean and take long strolls along the beautiful white sandy beaches. With temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, what was all that moaning about winter again?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boris voted as UK’s favourite political buddy

Posted on by

The Prime Minister is left at the airport, as Boris Johnson is voted preferred getaway companion for UK holidaymakers

We all dream about the perfect holiday destination, but when it comes to choosing a holiday companion who would you pick? When asked about which politician they’d most like to go away with, more than half of Brits elected Boris Johnson as their ideal beach buddy.

The findings emerged in a study carried out by social travel website Gogobot. 58.6% of the 1,400 people polled voted for the Mayor of London, with David Cameron coming in second place (14.5%), followed by Ed Milliband (9.9%) and Nick Clegg (9.1%) in fourth place. Despite coming in third, Ed can console himself with the fact that he beaten his brother yet again, with David coming in at fifth place.

What’s more, it seems that Boris’ charm spans the generations; he topped the polls across all age groups surveyed. He was most popular amongst 18-24 year olds, getting 65% of their vote. Young people also put Nick Clegg in second place putting David Cameron in third, perhaps suggesting that Nick would make a better drinking buddy? For holidaymakers aged over 65 David Cameron also slips into third place, behind Ed Milliband.

Men were more likely than women to choose Boris. He took 58% of the male vote, followed by David Cameron in second place with 15% of the male vote. Boris managed to pick up 54% of the female vote, followed by Ed Milliband (at 26%).

Across the pond the presidential election race is hotting up, but Obama is edging ahead in the holiday stakes. In a separate survey, Americans said they would prefer to go away with Barack Obama (54.6%) to Mitt Romney (45.4%). American women to dream of having Obama as their beach buddy; he collected nearly two thirds of their votes, whilst the male vote was split evenly.

Brits preferred the idea of a holiday with Barack Obama, with over 70% of people booking flights with the current President, instead of Romney.

Travis Katz, CEO of Gogobot said: “The survey shows just how important it is that your holiday companion has the full package; brains and the personality to match. This week Arnold Schwarzenegger backed Boris, clambering on board a Boris Bike to show his support for Boris as a Prime Ministerial candidate. Arnie seems to think it’s his intelligence and charm which make him a good political candidate, and It seems that it’s Boris’ sense of fun that makes him a popular great candidate for a holiday too!

Travis Katz continued: “There is so much choice when it comes to planning a holiday, whether it’s trekking in the Andes, shopping in New York or Skiing in the Alp’s, we all need someone there to make it memorable. Maybe Boris has a more relaxed travelling style than David, hopefully he’s got some travel recommendations he can share with us!”

Top five UK politicians to go on holiday with:

1. Boris Johnson (58.6%)

2. David Cameron (14.5%)

3. Ed Milliband (9.9%)

4. Nick Clegg (9.1%)

5. David Milliband (7.9%)


Top five UK politicians for men

1. Boris Johnson (63.3%)

2. David Cameron (13.2%)

3. Ed Milliband (9.2%)

4. Nick Clegg (7.3%)

5. David Milliband (6.9%)

Top five UK politicians for women

1. Boris Johnson (54.5%)

2. David Cameron (16%)

3. Ed Milliband (11.3%)

4. Nick Clegg (10.1%)

5. David Milliband (8.1%)

US presidential candidates

UK response:

Barack Obama (70.8%)

Mitt Romney (28.2%)

Men

Barack Obama (66.3%)

Mitt Romney (33.7%)

Women

Barack Obama (76.8%)

Mitt Romney (23.2%)

US response:

Barack Obama (54.6%)

Mitt Romney (45.4%)

Men

Barack Obama (51%)

Mitt Romney (49%)

Women

Barack Obama (58.1%)

Mitt Romney (41.9%)

The Rise of the Staycation – Top Destinations 2012

Posted on by

The Staycation is going to be biggest since the recession began with the UK tourism industry set to benefit by a record £8.7billion

 

Cornwall is the top Staycation destination for 2012

 

In spite of 2012 being a tough year for many Britons, the one thing they are refusing to give up; is their summer holiday according to Travelodge’s annual holiday index out today.

 

The hotel chain surveyed 5,000 British adults to investigate their summer holiday intentions and discovered that 41% of Britons are holidaying at home this year (up 6% on last year) with the average week’s holiday costing  £433.47 (Up £10.78) on last year). This investment is set to benefit the UK tourism industry by £8.7bn (Up £1.5bn on last year).

 

The travel report also revealed that 48% of Britons will be taking four domestic breaks this year. (Up on the average of three breaks taken last year). The top three summer Staycation destinations for 2012 are: Cornwall, Edinburgh (Jumping to second position from fifth position from last year) and the Lake District.

 

Listed below are the top ten Staycation destinations for 2012 and 2011

 

           

2012 Destinations

 

2011 Destinations

1

Cornwall

1

Cornwall

2

Edinburgh

2

Lake District

3

Lake District

3

Devon

4

London

4

L ondon

5

Scottish Highlands

5

Edinburgh

6

Devon

6

Scottish Highlands

7

North Wales

7

Wales

8

Glasgow

8

Blackpool

9

Yorkshire Dales

9

Great Yarmouth

10

Blackpool

10

Scarborough

 

 

The annual holiday index also revealed that a third of adults are reliving their childhood and taking a traditional British seaside holiday this summer. Whilst 30% of Britons are taking a UK city break and a quarter of Britons are planning to explore the British countryside. Just one in ten Britons are taking a thrill seeking theme park holiday.     

 

Nearly half of British adults (49%) have waited until now to book their summer break due to financial budget constraints. Sixty five per cent of Britons have had to make major sacrifices to their household budget; in order to afford a holiday this year. Some of the financial cutbacks have included:

 

  • Not going out for a meal or drinks with family and  friends
  • Buying cheaper groceries and cuts of meal
  • Not buying new clothes
  • Not buying a present on a special occasion for their partner 

 

Around a fifth of Britons have relied on selling goods on eBay to cover the cost of their holiday this year.     

 

Grant Hearn, Travelodge, Chief Executive said: “It’s fantastic news that the Staycation is going to be bigger than ever this year despite British household budgets being attacked by a second recession. Our research highlights even in difficult financial times, Britons will make the necessary sacrifices in order to have a summer break. I guess everyone needs something to look forward to during these difficult times.”

 

“2012 is such a momentous year for British tourism and it’s a great bonus that the economy will be further boosted by £8.7 billion due to more Britons holidaying at home this summer”.

 

Further findings from the report revealed that over a third of British families (36%) are breaking up their traditional one week Staycation holiday into three shorter breaks, at different locations this year; so that their children will think they have gone on lots of holidays. 

 

A third of Britons are using their Staycation break to catch up with family and friends. One in ten Britons reported that taking a UK weekend break with friends was cheaper than a night out at home, whilst a quarter of couples surveyed stated they are taking more UK short breaks, so that they can spend quality time together.

 

Findings also revealed that 72% of Britons will travel to their Staycation break by car. Just 12% will go by train, whilst four per cent will choose to travel by coach and six per cent will opt for air travel.


Appassionata launch their second phase: Casa Leopardi

Posted on by


After selling the final share of their first phase, Casa Giacomo, Appassionata are pleased to announce the launch of their second phase, Casa Leopardi, a traditional Italian farmhouse on the 5 acre Estate Giacomo Leopardi in Le Marche, Italy. Incorporating the rugged peaks of the Apennines with 180km of coastline, beautiful sandy beaches and numerous picturesque hilltop villages, Le Marche is the perfect retreat for all seasons.

Boutique and luxurious fractional ownership business Appassionata offers you easy access to an exclusive property of considerably higher value than the capital outlay required through fractional ownership. Appassionata’s fractional ownership model allows you to purchase a share in your property of choice, giving you exclusive occupancy for a number of weeks each year. The property is professionally managed and maintained, with annual running costs shared with co-owners.

As a lifestyle investment fractional ownership makes sense. The purchase is forever, so owners can choose to sell their share, rent out the property for the duration of their weeks or pass it on to family and friends at any time. Appassionata’s Estate Giacomo Leopardi is situated in 5 acres of sweeping Italian countryside, with panoramic views of the Apennine Mountains and Adriatic Sea. Set close to the medieval hilltop village of Montrefiore dell’Aso in Le Marche, Italy, the estate consists of two lavish properties – Casa Giacomo which has now sold its final share, and the newly launched Casa Leopardi.

Appassionata’s second phase, Casa Leopardi is a spacious, 420m² traditional Italian farmhouse which has recently been restored to the same high standards as neighbouring Casa Giacomo and is now available for viewings. Boasting five uniquely designed, en-suite bedrooms, a huge hand built kitchen and a sumptuous living – dining area set across three floors, this property exudes Italian style with terracotta tiled floors, traditional brick archways, beamed ceilings and open fireplaces. Original art, antiques, modern furnishings and high quality fittings are all combined to create the perfect balance of modern and traditional design. The perfect home away from home, the property also has its own sun terrace, private outdoor pool and a small gym as well as access to the estates landscaped gardens and all-weather tennis court.

Casa Leopardi has just one share remaining at the special launch price of £155,000 for a 1/10th fractional share, five weeks per year (normal price from £175,000), so Italy lovers will need to move quickly to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

For a true taste of Italy, purchasing a share in this beautiful property includes a stake in the olive oil produced from the olive groves around the property, wine from the estate’s vineyard, Périgord black truffles from the newly planted orchard and essential oils from the lavender plantation. Escape to your Italian dream with Appassionata.

For more information on Appassionata’s fractional ownership opportunities visit www.appassionata.com.

Inspired by the Olympics? Try a Sports Holiday in Lanzarote!

Posted on by

Nicknamed ‘Europe’s Hawaii’, Lanzarote is blessed with strong Atlantic winds and year round warm waters– the perfect combination for activity based breaks. Lanzarote holidays are just a four hour flight from London and boast a combination of long sandy beaches and sheltered bays. With the Olympics fast approaching everyone is a little bit more conscious about being healthy so why not incorporate it into your annual summer holiday?

 

Surfing

 

Lanzarote is one of Europe’s top surfing destinations. In summer the waves can reach heights of 4ft and in winter they’re even bigger. Experienced surfers head for the northern and north eastern shores of Lanzarote. The beaches near Jameos Del Agua are particularly popular, the waves break across a volcanic reef and shouldn’t be tackled by beginners. Famara’s award winning beach is another top spot. This large bay has consistent conditions and enough space for both beginners and experts.

 

Whether you’re a first timer or if you want to improve your skills, there are plenty of surf schools on the island, such as Surf School Lanzarote. You can rent boards and equipment from any places from around €10 a day.

 

Windsurfing

 

Lanzarote is also ideal for windsurfing. In fact, it is so good that Costa Teguise regularly plays host to the PWA World Windsurfing Championships. Both beginners and experts can windsurf in Lanzarote, although beginners are advised avoid the afternoons when the wind gets really strong. Afternoon windsurfing really is just for the experienced, especially in May, June, July and August when conditions are at their best.

 

If you’ve never windsurfed before or you want to improve your technique, then there are a number of schools and board rental outlets on Lanzarote. Head for Playa Blanca, Tias, or Las Cucharas. Companies like Windsurf Paradise can rent boards and provide tuition.

 

Kite Surfing

 

Lanzarote’s Atlantic swells and winds are perfect for kite surfing. Popular locations include Playa Honda, near the airport, and Matagorda, north of Puerto del Carmen, although Famara Beach is the most famous location for kite surfing. There are a number of operators who rent to equipment or run courses, including Surf and Kite Lanzarote in Famara.

 

Diving

 

Lanzarote’s Atlantic waters are home to some stunning underwater scenery. Add to that visibility of 20 meters and an average year-round temperature of between 17 and 22 degrees and it’s easy to understand why diving is so popular here. There are a number of PADI registered dive operations on the island, including The Dive Shop Lanzarote and Manta Diving Lanzarote. The south and south eastern coasts are particularly good for diving as the waters are calmer. Underwater treats include wrecks, volcanic caves and the man-made reef at Puerto del Carmen

 

When it comes to action and adventure in the water it doesn’t get much better than holidays to Lanzarote. Whether you fancy surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing or diving, there’s something for every level of experience.