Tag Archives: travel

New attractions and experiences website, GoSeeDo, goes live

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New attractions and experiences website, GoSeeDo, goes live

– Provides platform to help families experience ‘firsts’ together

– TV Presenter, Jeff Brazier, announced as brand ambassador

– Introductory sale to celebrate launch

GoSeeDo, a new and exciting ticketing website, launched today, providing consumers with a fun, inspirational, informative and accessible platform to find, research and book the best travel experiences in the UK and all over the world.

Founded by Attraction World, the UK’s leading attractions supplier to the travel trade, GoSeeDo promises to turn good times into great times, offering unmissable experiences and things to do whether on holiday or closer to home.

From Disneyland Paris, afternoon tea at Harrods to city tours in Barcelona and hot air balloon rides in Orlando; from the towering heights of the Empire State Building to football stadium tours and children’s Ferrari driving experiences, GoSeeDo has it all with a global reach that spans the continents.

As well as showcasing adventure, culture, family fun and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for all, the website aims to help families experience those all-important ‘firsts’ together.

Research especially commissioned by GoSeeDo prior to its launch, has shown that nearly 70% of people surveyed have experienced more firsts when on holiday and 50% of all parents have experienced their children’s firsts when away from home, including trying new food, going on a boat trip, going to a waterpark, diving and visiting a historical site or ruin.

Other findings include:

– One fifth of parents experienced their children swimming for the first time

– 80% of children are more adventurous on holidays

– Almost two thirds of parents notice positive changes in their children when returning home after trying new things on holiday

GoSeeDo makes it easier for families to experience those all-important firsts. By pre-booking and pre-planning where you want to go and on which days, customers are able to avoid disappointment, skip the long queues and maximise time spent together at the chosen destination. What’s more, by pre-booking tickets online in advance with GoSeeDo, customers can also save money compared with buying at the gate or on the day.

GoSeeDo also makes it easier to make the most of your time on holiday by highlighting what other activities are available in the area.

To celebrate the launch, GoSeeDo is offering all customers 5% off all experiences available on the website,* so families, couples and friends can rest assured that they’re getting value for money, as well as value for time.

TV Presenter and GoSeeDo ambassador, Jeff Brazier, said: “As a busy father of two, I am always looking for new and fun-filled things to do with the kids in our spare time – whether at weekends or during the holidays. GoSeeDo offers inspirational ideas for places to go and sights to see, which certainly makes my life easier when trying to decide on a family day out! Spending time together as a family is incredibly important to me and being able to share treasured experiences and ‘firsts’ with my two sons allows us to create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.”

Paul Stobbs, GoSeeDo Managing Director said: “We have in-house travel experts working tirelessly to source deals and secure the best suppliers in order to deliver e-tickets to the world’s greatest destinations and experiences to our customers. Leisure time is an important commodity in today’s world and we hope that our expertise can help time-poor people out there to try something different and make the most of their free time, weekends and holidays.”

For more information or to book visit www.goseedo.com or call 0800 980 5551.

The Rise of the Staycation – Top Destinations 2012

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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.


World’s Top Wildlife Spectacle in Sri Lanka.

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EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP WILDLIFE SPECTACLES IN SRI LANKA WITH CHAAYA HOTELS & RESORTS

‘The Gathering’ elephant phenomenon in Minneriya National Park

With close to five thousand wild Asian elephants in Sri Lanka, ‘The Gathering’ offers an incredible opportunity to witness the 6th greatest wildlife spectacular in the world, as recognised in 2011 by the internationally acclaimed travel guide, Lonely Planet.

Taking place in the north central province of Sri Lanka during the dry season, the mega wildlife phenomenon ‘The Gathering’ begins to unfold late July as scattered herds from various forests begin to assemble around the great Minneriya National Park reservoir as the drought takes full effect. During the height of the drought in August and September, every evening the breath-taking setting of the Minneriya plains, receding water line and fresh grass sprouting, draws an awe-inspiring sight with up to 300 elephants gathering to drink water and graze the grasses growing on the tank bed.

Staying at Chaaya Village Habarana offers guests the opportunity to easily visit Minneriya to witness ’The Gathering’. Located just 15 minutes from the hotel, guests are accompanied by Chaaya’s in-house team of expert naturalists – the ‘Nature Trails’ team – who will share their specialist knowledge whilst experiencing the phenomenon first-hand.

Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle in the Anuradhapura district, Chaaya Village Habarana is situated across 27 acres of lush forestland bordering the Habarana Tank and a vast and tranquil lake. With 108 rooms set among thousands of towering trees the property is a must for nature-lovers. Guests will enjoy cosy Sri Lankan village-style cottages with impressive views of the natural world. Its first class facilities include an Ayurvedic spa, open-air restaurant, bar and coffee shop and a choice of once in a lifetime excursions.

Responsible tourism and conservation is at the heart of the John Keells owned Chaaya Hotels & Resorts group. Its ‘Nature Trails’ programme drives critical education and conservation projects for Sri Lanka to educate both its visitors and its local people to understand and respect its precious wildlife and to develop and teach new skills and careers around its conservation, whilst also supporting livelihoods and bettering opportunities for local families.

Each Chaaya Hotels property has an in-house naturalist to educate both visitors and local people whilst also protecting and nurturing its environment. The Nature Trails naturalists were honoured to be chosen as to support an Austin Stevens Animal Planet production on ‘The Gathering’ which was aired worldwide.


Kuoni is offering seven nights at Chaaya Village Habarana in August or September with prices starting from £1055 per person based on two sharing and subject to availability. Prices include accommodation on a half-board basis in a standard room, return economy Sri Lankan Airlines flights from London Heathrow and return airport transfers.

For more information on Chaaya Village Habarana and Chaaya Hotels & Resorts visit www.chaayahotels.com

Appassionata launch their second phase: Casa Leopardi

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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!

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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.

Lovebox 2012.

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The 10th anniversary of Lovebox at Victoria Park, East London was a bloody amazing day. I went on Sunday and here are my highlights.

Chic
Nile Rodger’s is responsible for most of the greatest songs since the 1970’s and Chic had all of Victoria Park dancing and singing. At one point thousands of muddy, tipsy Londoners were all singing ‘Like a Virgin’ in unison. A moment I will always remember.

Sam Sparro
Performed with a peacock headpiece and wearing a black suit. He took the blazer off to show a corset. He was an amazing performer. Brilliant songs, great stage performance and during his rendition of his classic ‘Black & Gold’ he jumped into the crowd and rocked out to his own music. Possibly the coolest person EVER.

The Rapture
Brilliant live.They do the Misfits theme tune. You will know their songs even if you don’t know them. Everybody loved them.

Chrystal Fighters
I have never heard of this band before but they ROCKED. Search them out. They are brilliant live. When they came our and started drumming everyone was grooving.

Chaka Khan
Was amazing and had the whole crowd singing ‘I’m Every Women”. She had the most powerful amazing voice and came out singing into a gold diamante microphone. In my short-sightedness I thought it looked like an ice-cream initially.

Lana Del Rey.
I have no idea why Lana Del Rey was on the second stage. She is a stunning and original performer and pretty much everyone made their way to the stage to see her sing. She captivated the entire audience and even came off the stage to shake hands with festival goers. She is just as beautiful and stylish up close. A true superstar who has been unfairly attacked for being wooden and not being able to sing in the past: none of that is true. She has style and substance.

Grace Jones
Was Grace Jones. She gave an amazing, out of this world performance and brought the house down.

My only gripe is that you cannot bring food or drink into LoveBox with you. There is also no re-admission. The food can be quite pricey but there is everything from salads to Ostrich burgers. Lovebox is the full festival experience without the camping.

A lot of people on Twitter said that they were not at Lovebox because they couldn’t afford to. Hopefully next year the economy will pick up and all of London can experience a music festival without leaving the greatest city on earth. Luckily I won tickets at the Sure Maximum/Handpicked Media event.

I found out from this good article how LoveBox got its name.

Brits would rather share meal with Stephen Fry than Hollywood stars

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Brits would rather share meal with Stephen Fry than Hollywood stars

* Stephen Fry most popular well-travelled celebrity to share a meal with
* Italian food is British people’s favourite foreign cuisine
* Half of Britons say food is important factor when choosing holiday destination

A new survey by Intrepid Travel has found that more people would like to share a meal with TV presenter Stephen Fry than with Hollywood stars such as Angelina Jolie or George Clooney.

When asked to choose from a list of well-travelled celebrities, Stephen Fry was the most popular person to share a meal with (15%), followed by Frozen Planet presenter Sir David Attenborough (11%) and adventurer Michael Palin (9%). Just one in 20 people said they’d most like to share a meal with Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie or George Clooney (both 5%). Three times as many people chose Jamie Oliver compared with Gordon Ramsay (6% and 2% respectively).

The poll, which was carried out for the small group travel specialist by YouGov, found that although Chicken Tikka Masala may be thought to be the nation’s favourite dish, Italian food is British people’s favourite foreign cuisine, with one in six (17%) saying it’s their top choice.

Italian was voted the most popular cuisine among 18 to 34 year-olds*, Indian cuisine is the top choice for 35 to 44 year-olds**, while 45 and overs are more patriotic in their choice of meal and most likely to favour British food***.

Almost half of those surveyed who have been on holiday abroad (47%) said that the local cuisine is very or fairly important when choosing their holiday destination abroad. But although almost 9 in 10 with a favourite cuisine (87%) have eaten it in a restaurant, and 8 in 10 have cooked it at home, less then four in ten (38%) have eaten their favourite cuisine in a restaurant in the country that it comes from.

Within the UK, Londoners are the most likely to seek out the most authentic food they can find when travelling, eating from street stalls and markets whenever possible (18%), while Scots are the most likely to stick to Western chain restaurants or familiar cuisines (15%).

“It’s refreshing to hear that British people would rather share a meal with someone famed for their great wit and conversation, than with a Hollywood heartthrob,” says Rebecca McKernan, Manager at the Intrepid My Adventure Store.

“Sharing a meal is a great way to get to know people, their tastes and their culture. That’s why eating in family-run restaurants, local markets and people’s homes features so highly on Intrepid’s itineraries. Whether your favourite cuisine is Italian or Indian, Mexican or Malaysian, you haven’t tasted it at its authentic best until you’ve enjoyed it in the country where it comes from,” adds McKernan.

Throughout February, Intrepid Travel is offering 15% off gastronomic tours in more than 15 countries known for their fabulous cuisine, from India to Vietnam, Sri Lanka to Mexico, as well as destinations closer to home including Italy, Spain and France.

The discounted trips showcase global food at its most authentic, with cooking classes, street food and local markets featuring prominently on many of the itineraries. Trips can be booked at www.intrepidtravel.com/deliciousdiscoveries.

A pen and stylus in one – STABILO SMARTball

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STABILO’s brand new SMARTball pen isn’t called ‘smart’ for no reason. As well as being a silky smooth ballpoint pen, it is also a stylus to use with touchscreen technology saving your screen from mucky fingerprints and reducing bacteria.

STABILO’s latest ingenious invention has a cutting-edge ergonomic design to aid comfort and neat handwriting and doubles up as a stylus to operate touchscreens. Its technology allows the current to travel through the pen from your fingertips and gives you a greater degree of accuracy. The SMARTball is a must-have for anyone who owns a smart phone, iPad or kindle and gives protection from germs when pressing on screens to buy tube tickets or checking in at the airport or doctors surgery.

Available for both left and right handed writers and with the advantage of being refillable, the SMARTball is a clever investment which will polish up your writing, help avoid those greasy marks on your screen and simultaneously make things easier in this rapidly advancing technological age.