Wednesday 23 December 2009

Save up to 55% in the Simply Piste Sale


Save up to 50% off ski and snowboard clothes and equipment in the Simply Piste Sale.

For skiwear and ski clothing Simply Piste offers a great selection of snowboard and ski clothing and accessories from ski jackets and ski pants, backpacks and ski bags, goggles and helmets to ski socks and gloves. Simply Piste have wintersports products for all the family including bright and colourful skiwear for your baby or toddler.

Simply Piste Sale
Save 25% on Tsunami mens Sierra Nevada Ski Pants - £169.88
Save 40% on Dare2B Velocity Ski Jacket - £45
Save 41% on Columbia ladies Chaton de Ski Parka - £95.20
Save 55% on Dare2B Vortex Ski Jacket - £49

... and there's loads more offers to tempt you - Visit the Simply Piste Sale

Choose from the leading ski and snowboard brands like Salomon, Oakley, Dakine, Head, Helly Hansen, Columbia, Bolle, Westbeach, Five, Red and Anon. Not only do we have a fantastic range of technical ski products we also offer stylish unique ranges from brands like Chix'n'Gravy, a funky collection of ladies and girls ski and snowboard apparel.

You may be an expert downhill skier or a novice on the nursery slopes, a wannabe pro in the snowboard park or maybe you simply like speeding down a hill on the latest sledge when the snow falls in your hometown, Simply Piste have ski and snowboard products that will suit your style as well as your budget.

If you're currently looking at ski resorts and planning your next ski holiday you could be jetting off to Whistler in Canada, Breckenridge in America or driving to Chamonix or Val d'Isere in the French Alps. We at Simply Piste, the ski and snowboard specialist have an extensive range of luggage including snowboard bags, ski holdalls, wheeled bags and car handiracks large enough to fit in everything you may possibly need to hit the slopes.

Visit the Simply Piste Sale now



Austrian Winter Wonderland Walking Holiday


Walking Holiday in a Winter Wonderland.  Seven days from GBP489 in Austria with Travelsphere.   By coach from departure points nationwide.

Holiday with Travelsphere in the beautiful AustrianTirol region for a winter holiday to remember. With a super programme of included walks and activities amid spectacular scenery, including a visit to Kitzbuhel and a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride, this great value holiday is a wonderful winter experience.

What's Included
- Services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
- Return travel by executive coach
- Channel crossings by ferry or Eurotunnel
- Four nights’ half board accommodation
- Overnight hotel accommodation as detailed
- Welcome drink
- Two walks
- Sleigh/buggy ride
- Two excursions
- Snow-shoe walk
- Dance evening with live music
- Tirolean speciality dinner
- Two drinks with each evening meal, wine, beer or soft drinks

Walking Information
This Tour contains walks up to Grade 1 - Easy.
These are for anyone of any age. Plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery with up to 4 hours walking a day, mostly on good paths but occasionally rough underfoot. Ascent less than 300m per day. Sturdy walking shoes are advisable.

Accommodation
You will stay in the comfortable family-run Gasthof Ascherwirt, centrally located in the village of Brandenberg. You’ll receive a warm welcome from your hosts who will do all they can to ensure you have an enjoyable stay. The hotel is traditionally furnished in Tirolean style and offers a good standard of accommodation. Amenities include a bar, restaurant, lift, sauna and solarium. All bedrooms have private facilities, radio, TV and most have a balcony.

Itinerary

DAY 1: UK/France
Local departure and a mid-morning crossing to Calais. Continue into northern France for an overnight stop on a bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 2: Brandenberg
Travel through Germany to Austria, arriving at your hotel in Brandenberg in the early evening for a four night stay. This charming village is beautifully situated in the valley of the Brandenberger Ache river, a tributary of the River Inn, which flows through the region’s capital, Innsbruck.

DAYS 3 to 5: Brandenberg
Free to relax and enjoy our included walks and activities:

Guided Torch-Lit Walk - Wrap up warm and take a torch-lit stroll around Brandenberg.

Winter Walk - A half day guided walk through the wonderful winter scenery around Brandenberg.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride - This is a marvellous opportunity to take a memorable winter ride on a horse-drawn sleigh (or buggy if insufficent snow).

Brixen Valley & Kitzbühel - A half day tour through the beautiful Brixen Valley to visit the celebrated winter resort of Kitzbühel. The town sits in the shadow of the Hahnenkamm and the Kitzbüheler Horn, and is one of Austria’s most famous ski venues, hosting races in the annual Alpine Skiing World Cup competition. In the town centre you’ll find cosy cafés and stylish shops.

Rattenberg & Lake Achen - A half day excursion visiting the historic town of Rattenberg, known for its quality glassware, and beautiful Lake Achen.

Snow-Shoe Walk - You can also join our guided snow-shoe walk, taking you through snowy woods.

DAY 6: France
Head back through Germany to northern France for a final overnight stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 7: France/UK
Continue to Calais for a late afternoon crossing to the UK, returning to your original departure point in the evening.

Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: GEABW
28/02/2010 - £489
Deposit £50 per person
All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities

Tel: 0845 358 2368 or visit the Travelsphere Website

Learn to Play Electric Guitar Short Break


Learn to Play Electric Guitar Short Break at Cricket St Thomas with Warner Leisure Hotels.

No-one who has ever loved the sound of the electric guitar being played by a master - whether it's Hendrix, Clapton or Knopfler making it "sing"- can deny that at least part of them has always wanted to be able to play as well as that.

So: can we teach you to be the next Jimmy Page or Dave Gilmour? Well not in a weekend, that's for sure! But you'd be amazed how much you can learn to do in just a few hours - with the right assistance.

The guitar arrangements for many classic songs are actually very simple - including great numbers from the Beatles and Dylan, for instance - while classic 12 bar blues require you to learn just three chords. So, with a couple of major chords under your belt, we'll soon have you accompanying some of your favourite songs with aplomb!

If after two sessions, each of two hours each with our expert host Graham Barnes, you want to learn more, you can return home and find a tutor to really bring your playing skills on; and you can always teach yourself as well - from books and on the internet.

It's great fun, incredibly rewarding and perhaps the first step to realising your long-held dream of being a guitar god! Who wants to play air guitar to their favourite tracks when you can, with a little time and patience, learn to play the real thing!

Cricket St Thomas, Chard, Somerset. TA20 4DD
Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton spent many happy days in the countryside that is the setting for Cricket St.Thomas. Today, you can spend time in it's beautiful grounds that were based on designs by Capability Brown. This lovely manor is also home to over 600 rare and endangered animals in our Wildlife Park; offering you a unique chance to enjoy our Lemur Wood and Big Cats.

Learn to play the Electric Guitar - 15 January 2010



Neilson Ski Holiday Deal of the Week


Neilson Ski Holiday Deal of the Week.  This week's special offer is a week at the L'Ables Apartments in Livigno, Italy:  GBP199pp. (based on maximum occupancy).  Flights from Gatwick on 2nd January 2010 for 7 nights.

These popular apartments are in a great location in the San Rocco area of Livigno. They are spacious and comfortably furnished to a high standard. Lying in a convenient location, just 50m from the slopes (snow permitting it is possible to ski back to you door) 50m from the nearest lift and opposite the supermarket. This property is a great choice for families.

FACILITIES
Wifi

ACCOMMODATION
All apartments have a living area, satellite TV, stereo/CD player, wifi, kitchenette with 4 ring hob, combi microwave/oven, dishwasher & fridge, shower & wc. Bed linen & towels included.

APARTMENTS (2-5 PEOPLE)
One bedroom apartments with one double and one single bed in the bedroom and a double sofa bed in the lounge area, satellite TV, stereo/CD player, hairdryer, shower and wc. Kitchenette with four ring hob, combi microwave/oven, dishwasher and fridge.

APARTMENTS (3-6 PEOPLE)
Two bedroom apartments - one double room and one twin room plus a double sofa bed in the lounge area. Kitchenette, has oven, other facilities as above.

Bed linen and towels included.

DEPOSIT
€150 payable on arrival.

BOARD BASIS
Self Catering.

CHILD DISCOUNT
W09/10 - 10% discount. See our child discounts page.

Visit the Neilson Website for more information

Terms & Conditions:
*Neilson holds the right to withdraw these offers at anytime, and all offers are subject to availability.

Prices are per person.

Offers can not be combined with any other discount, and are for new bookings only.

All offers are based on maximum occupancy of a room, or apartment and include all fuel, atol, and late booking charges.
Accommodation, meal and regional flight supplements may apply.


January Yoga Experience at Thoresby Hall


Relax and energise yourself in the New Year with a Yoga Experience short break at Thoresby Hall.

If you're looking for the ultimate "wind down break", then this is it. It combines sessions of yoga together with a "twilight spa" experience, where your group has an exclusive session in Thoresby's superb spa facilities.

Yoga - at its simplest - is a gentle form of exercise that embraces the body, the mind and spirit and will help you get back in touch with your inner sources of energy. It is particularly recommended for older people because it focuses on breathing, the heart and the back muscles as well as assisting with flexibility and mobility.

On this specially designed Yoga Experience your teacher will carefully guide you through exercises that take into account each individual's physical fitness and limitations. Each day will start with energising yoga and then the day finishes with relaxation yoga.

Thoresby, of course, has one of the best-equipped spa facilities of any hotel in England, and part of your time with us well be spent luxuriating in a series of treatments and sessions.

The health benefits of moving between water treatments at different temperatures have been understood since Roman times, and at Thoresby you'll discover that for yourself in our sanarium, which combines the soothing heat of a sauna with the cleansing humidity of a steam room. Then there's our aromatherapy room and our fabulous Ice Cave, not forgetting the hydro massage pool, waterbeds and relaxation lounge.

All of which you can sample to take relaxation to a new level and send you away feeling like a new person!

Thoresby Hall Yoga Experience - 8 January 2010
Thoresby Park, Nr. Ollerton, Nottinghamshire. NG22 9WH

Set in acres of rolling parklands on the edge of Sherwood Forest, Thoresby Hall is a truly majestic country house. This 18th century Grade I listed house combines gracious rooms with fine dining and superb entertainment.

Its luxurious Spa, with unrivalled health and beauty facilities, will ensure your stay is truly relaxing [for a small supplement].

Admire the dramatic, carved white stone walls and hammer beam roof in the Great Hall. Relax in the library, with its carved oak chimney piece depicting the famous Major Oak.

Visit the Warner Leisure Hotels Website for more information



Neilson Watersports Holiday Deal


Neilson Watersports Holiday Deal of the week.  This week's special offer from Neilson is a week at the fantastic Aeolian village in Lesvos, Greece. From GBP490pp, that's a saving of GBP175 each!   Flights from London Gatwick on 8th May 2010 for 7 nights. 

The Aeolian Village has been built in typical Aegean style, with extensive grounds that give the hotel a wonderful feeling of space. Situated towards the end of a beautiful bay on a long stretch of golden sand. The charming village of Skala Eressos is just a ten minute walk away offering a relaxed combination of stylish bars and restaurants, alongside traditional tavernas and cafés extending out over the sea on bamboo covered decking and stilts. It offers a unique traffic-free seafront with its own distinctive charm.


Visit the Neilson Website for more information

Accommodation
• Village rooms consist of standard twin or double rooms, inter-connecting family rooms with two bathrooms and a suite with double bed and lounge.

• All are close to the pool with partial sea views (small supplement), pool views or views of the surrounding countryside and hills.

• Situated on an incline, connected by steps and a few minutes from the pool and restaurant are the hillside suites, junior suites, family rooms and hillside standard rooms.
These rooms offer a peaceful haven with views towards the beach

• The split-level suites provide spacious accommodation over two floors. A double bedroom with 4 poster bed, bathroom with Jacuzzi bath, TV and DVD player is on the 1st floor. The ground floor has a lounge area with a double sofa bed (sleeps 2 children up to 12 years or 1 adult) and a large fixed sofa (sleeps 1 child up to 12 years),  balcony, wc and small kitchenette.

• Junior suites have twin or double beds and a lounge area with sofa beds. Hillside family rooms have one bathroom with shower, bedroom with double bed and second bedroom with twin beds and sofa bed, separated by an internal door.

• Some connect to a further room, creating an inter-connecting room suitable for up to 7 people.

• Standard twin or double rooms also feature a sofa bed suitable for a child up to 12 years.

• All rooms are furnished to a good standard, with bath and/or shower, air conditioning, telephone, fridge, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and balcony or terrace. Some junior suites and standard hillside rooms have a small kitchenette with sink. There is also a room for guests with limited mobility.

Facilities

• The light and airy reception is near the bar and restaurant and close to the beauty treatment rooms and spa with Jacuzzi, sauna and gym.

• The restaurant terrace looks over the well maintained lawns with winding paths leading to the sun terrace, large split level pool and pool bar.

• Starfish and Sea Urchin clubs are found in the corner of the lawns, and the base for older children is within the main hotel.

• On the large beach is a volleyball court and beach bar - perfect for a refreshing drink.

• Located towards the inland end of the club are three tennis courts and our fleet of mountain bikes.

Meals

• Daily breakfast, daily lunch and four evening meals each week.

BOOK NOW!

Terms and Conditions:
*Neilson holds the right to withdraw these offers at anytime, and all offers are subject to availability.
Prices are per person.
Offers can not be combined with any other discount, and are for new bookings only.
All offers are based on maximum occupancy of a room, or apartment and include all fuel, atol, and late booking charges.
Accommodation, meal and regional flight supplements may apply.

Tuesday 22 December 2009

Winter Sports Travel Insurance



Heading off on a ski or snowboard holiday soon?  Don't forget your Winter Sports Travel Insurance.

Cheap winter sports travel insurance from Essential Travel from only GBP19.99 per week will insure you for a wide range of winter sports including on and off piste skiing and snowboarding, cross country skiing, glacier skiing, and snowmobiling. Rest assured that you are fully insured before you hit the slopes.

Winter Sports Insurance
Essential travel's fully comprehensive and cheap winter sports insurance offers the following key features:

- Emergency medical expenses up to £10 million including repatriation

- Emergency airlift off the mountain if required

- Off piste skiing and snowboarding when accompanied with a locally qualified guide

- Coverage for glacier skiing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and snow sledging

- Cover for ski equipment, ski hire, piste closure and delay due to avalanche on all Essential, Essential Plus and Superior polices with winter sports

Winter Sport Travel Insurance
Whether you are planning a weekend skiing in Scotland, a ski holiday in Europe or Canada or heading down under to check out the Southern hemisphere ski scene in New Zealand Essential travel have got you covered. Their fully comprehensive winter sport travel insurance will give you total peace of mind that you are fully insured leaving you to enjoy the slopes, the exquisite views and the après ski wherever you end up.

Choose between three different types of policies for either UK Winter Sports Travel Insurance, Europe Winter Sports Travel Insurance or Worldwide Winter Sports Travel Insurance:

- Single Trip Winter Sports Travel Insurance polices are valid for winter holidays up to 31 days.

- Annual Multi Trip Winter Sports Travel Insurance polices allow unlimited trips throughout the year with winter sports holidays not exceeding 21 days in total.

- Backpacker Winter Sports Travel Insurance polices allow a continuous trip up to 12 months with winter sports limited to 31 days in total.

Wintersports Insurance
Please note that Essential travel's Wintersports insurance is only available up to and including the age of 65.

Look our for deals on airport parking as well!

Get a Wintersports Travel Insurance Quote Now

Learn to Sing Short Break


Learn to sing on a Warner leisure Hotels short break.  Join the band and find your voice!

Have you ever found yourself singing along to the radio or stereo and thinking "If only I had some singing lessons I wouldn't be half bad?" Or wishing it was you on the X-Factor?

There's a secret singer in all of us, although we don't always admit it, and stretching your vocal chords doesn't have to be restricted to the shower or the Christmas karaoke session. Join us for our Learn to Sing break and we'll have you performing like a professional!

Over two very supportive - and fun - singing sessions with our Resident Entertainments Team, you will learn about voice control, singing melodies, working with a band behind you and singing as a group. all in preparation for the grand finale performance.

Everyone is at least a little nervous about taking part in a course like this, but all the 'learn to sing' courses we have run have proved hugely successful at bringing people out of their shell, making the very most of their talent and really boosting their self-confidence. With a great band behind you and fellow guests sharing the same journey of discovery as yourself, you'll find the voice you always hoped you'd have - just waiting for a little encouragement and some expert tuition.

Amaze yourself, delight your friends and family, stop just singing in the bath and have your song sheets at the ready for one of these very enjoyable and very rewarding breaks. Tonight, Matthew, I'm going to be Shirley Bassey... Tom Jones.Dusty Springfield.Barry Manilow.

"A fun experience whilst picking up valuable techniques to enhance the enjoyment of singing!" Irwin Richards - Learn To Sing

Learn To Sing

Alvaston Hall
15 January 2010, 20 August 2010, 13 December 2010

Cricket St Thomas
22 January 2010, 26 March 2010

Littlecote House
25 January 2010, 19 March 2010, 21 May 2010, 3 December 2010

Gunton Hall
29 January 2010, 19 February 2010, 12 March 2010, 7 May 2010, 1 October 2010

Corton
19 March 2010, 23 April 2010, 8 October 2010

Lakeside
26 February 2010, 30 April 2010, 18 June 2010, 19 July 2010, 26 November 2010

Bodelwyddan Castle
3 May 2010, 27 September 2010

Visit the Warner Leisure Hotels website for more information

Les Deux Alpes Ski Holiday with Club Med


Online exclusive offer on skiing holiday with Club Med in family-friendly Les Deux Alpes, France

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Seven nights departing 2nd January from GBP599pp. Save up to GBP134pp (Excluding transport)

Les Deux Alpes, France
This beautifully renovated Resort sits on the slopes under the sun of the Southern Alps and forms a cascade of rooftops nestling in the powdery snow.

The starting point for beautiful downhill runs, Les Deux Alpes beckons winter sports fans to plunge into an exceptional ski domain overlooked by the Meije Glacier, a symbol of this part of the Alps.

In the evenings, with its magnificent terrace looking down over the village, the Resort becomes a cosy retreat from which families can gather around an open fire to chat about the day's adventures and their progress.

RESORT HIGHLIGHTS
- In the sun-kissed Alpes du Sud, dominated by the famous Meije Glacier
- Totally revamped Resort, including the restaurant with its magnificent view over the valley
- 225 kms (140 miles) of slopes and a world-famous snow park
- Club Med Champions' Academy
- Relaxation on the terrace and numerous activities* in the skiing resort (outside Club Med)

What's included in your holiday

Accommodation
Accommodation according to the level of comfort you choose.

Childcare and children's club facilities
Our Resort welcomes children of all ages with children's club activities according to age, run by professionals. This Resort offers the following children's facilities
 - Mini Club Med (from 4 to under 11)
 - Juniors' Club Med® (from 11 to under 18)
 - Privileged areas designed just for them.

 - Skiing or snowboarding lessons by professional instructors.

 - The chance to take the official skiing or snowboarding diplomas.

 - Dedicated areas, specifically designed for their needs
 - Equipment designed with a view to comfort and safety
 - The opening hours allow parents to make the most of their day's skiing and evening
 - A structure that combines innovation with 40 years of experience, based on the respect of each child's desires and biological clock
 - G.Os with a passion for their job
 - As well as snow sports, numerous other activities for all ages: creative activities and games.

Club Med Baby Welcome
Club Med Baby Welcome for babies up to 23 months - available in most of the Family Resorts if the service is reserved at the time of booking.

Sports
- Ski pass and skiing/snowboarding lessons
- Group lessons for all levels (age and date restrictions may apply)
- Alpine skiing, Club Med Champions Academy, Snowboard

Leisure activities
Club Med evening entertainment, Dance floor

Bars and restaurants
Full board throughout the stay including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Open bar and snacks at specific times during the day and night.

Transport package
If you have chosen a package with transport, it includes the return flights and transfers to and from the Resort.

Visit the Club Med Website for more information

Drawing for the Terrified Short Break


Drawing for the Terrified with Warner Leisure Hotels.  Open up a whole new world.

Anxious about expressing yourself on paper or canvas? Don't be! This course is designed around the belief that 'drawing is a skill, not a gift' and anyone can learn if they want to. The skills learned here will lay the foundations for any other artistic endeavour.

It's aimed at absolute beginners, and those with some experience or a natural aptitude who feel they would gain from some formal tuition.

You will have a full twelve hours of tuition over two days from professional artist, Ronald Swanwick FRSA, who is renowned for his drawing techniques. Ronald is an accomplished and exceptionally versatile painter - an enthusiast with a real passion for teaching and an all important sense of humour. You can see a selection of his work at http://www.ronswanwick.co.uk./

For those who wish to be good water colourists, there is no doubt that good drawing skills are essential. This course will give you over half the knowledge you need to be a water colourist. You will be amazed at the progress you will make in understanding how to look at the world around you and turn what you see into an image on the page.

In the words of a previous student: "Ronald is without doubt supremely skilled in drawing and painting, but what is most remarkable is his ability and willingness to pass on his knowledge".

Why don't YOU open the door to the world of drawing? You'll never look back.

Drawing for the Terrified with Ronald Swanwick


 - 17 May 2010 - Alvaston Hall


 - 14 June 2010 - Littlecote House


 - 8 November 2010 - Bodelwyddan Castle

Visit the Warner Leisure Hotels Website for more information



Club Med Chamonix Ski Holiday Offer


Special offer on Chamonix Mont-Blanc ski holiday in France with Club Med. 

Seven night packages including flights from London departing 17th Jan.  Was GBP1091, now from GBP1016. Save up to GBP75 per adult and GBP35 per child.

Ever since two mountaineers first conquered the Giant of the Alps over two centuries ago, this Haute-Savoie resort, a pioneer in the sport of skiing, has preserved its unique atmosphere.

At an altitude of 1,035 metres (nearly 3,400 ft), this Club Med Resort is set in the cosy, welcoming decor of the former Savoy Hotel, renovated by the architect Jacques Garcia.

For children, there is a brand-new Baby Club Med, a charming "cocoon" in pastel shades with snowflake murals, while Mums enjoy a well-deserved moment of luminous serenity at the Cinq Mondes at Club Med Spa.

From the terrace or the outdoor heated swimming pool, the view of Mont Blanc is all yours.

Resort Highlights
- The famous Haute-Savoie resort was a pioneer in developing skiing as a sport
- A renowned former luxury hotel and the legendary Chamonix ski domain
- Cinq Mondes Club Med Spa, sauna, Turkish bath
- NEW Baby Club Med® for babies from 4 months
- In the outdoor heated pool or on the terrace, relax and enjoy the view of Mont Blanc

This resort welcomes children of all ages, with children's club facilities from 4 to 23 months.

This Resort offers the following children's facilities
- Baby Club Med® (from 4 months to under 2)

What's included in your holiday

Accommodation
Accommodation according to the level of comfort you choose.

Childcare and children's club facilities
The Baby Club Med* provides a gentle and dynamic atmosphere, with the day's activities organised around each child's biological clock. The Baby Club Med®* gets its inspiration from nature, to satisfy children's curiosity and show them the pleasure of living in harmony with the natural environment. A powdery, pastel world of chamois, snow flakes and the majestic Mont Blanc.

Club Med Baby Welcome
Club Med Baby Welcome for babies up to 23 months - available in most of the Family Resorts if the service is reserved at the time of booking.

Sports
- Ski pass and skiing/snowboarding lessons
- Free practice: Cardio and weights room
- Group lessons for all levels (age and date restrictions may apply): Alpine skiing, Club Med fitness, Snowboard

Leisure activities
Bridge, Club Med® evening entertainment, Guided walks with and without snow shoes, Swimming pool, Terrace.

Bars and restaurants
Full board throughout the stay including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Open bar and snacks at specific times during the day and night.

Transport package
If you have chosen a package with transport, it includes the return flights and transfers to and from the Resort.

Visit the Club Med Website for more information

Friday 18 December 2009

30% Off Lonely Planet Travel Guides

Lonely Planet are currently offering a whopping 30% off all print and downloadable travel guides. Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travellers.

Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

Take a look at the following inspiring titles:

Best in Travel 2010 + Free 2009
Pack your bags and get ready for the Best in Travel 2010 - Lonely Planet's guide to the top 10 countries, regions and cities to visit in 2010. Includes a travel planner and amazing recommended experiences - all in a compact new format!

2010 Calendar
Get a whole year's worth of luscious images and travel ideas, with somewhere new and exciting to discover every month.

1000 Ultimate Experiences
1000 unforgettable moments every traveller should have. Make your bucket list and get ticking!

Travel Photography & Writing pack
Capture your travels with snappy shots and even snappier writing! Buy this tasty combo and you'll save 30%.

Best Coffee-Table Books

The USA Book
Few countries offer as many sights, sounds, tastes and lifestyles under one banner, and around every curve of its 4 million miles of highways lies something unexpected. Discover them all in our fabulous tribute to this most legendary country.

The Travel Book
The Travel Book is the definitive travel pictorial, capturing every country on the planet in lush photographs and atmospheric text.

The Europe Book
Dive into this incredible, multi-faceted continent with The Europe Book - a treasure trove of stories and mind-blowing images.

The Cities Book
For all those who love their travel on the urban side of the tracks, this glossy pictorial is for you.

Traveller's Favourites

India
India doesn't even have to try: it will bowl you out with its head-reeling mix of cultures, its fast-swelling cities, its still-visible history and its thousands of different landscapes. India is one of the guides that built Lonely Planet's reputation: and still the most comprehensive guide to this intriguing country.

Europe on a Shoestring
The definitive guide for anyone who wants to see the most of Europe while keeping their budget savvy.

New York City
Get the guide to the most famous, exciting, pulsating, art-filled, café-mad, Broadway-loving city in the world!

Australia
Your guide to nature's grab-bag - colourful reefs, glowing red rocks, rainforests, deserts, beaches. There's no land like the land Down Under.

An Encounter to Remember

Las Vegas Encounter
Whatever number you roll, you'll be a winner with this guide to this ultimate city-as-fun-park. Interviews with locals put you on the Las Vegas inside track and expert recommendations get you straight to the neon heart of this unique town.

Bangkok Encounter
Sizzling street snacks, the mother of all shopping malls and nightclubs that don't give up till sun-up - that's Bangkok!

Prague Encounter
Ah Prague, with its luxuriously smooth Czech lager, sophisticated cuisine and unpretentious club scene.

Paris Encounter
Get behind the tourist attractions and into the local's Paris - it's even more beautiful than your dreams.

Nifty Gifts

Extreme Cuisine
So, it'll be the chicken knees for you, sir, and madam? May I recommend the scorpion? Extreme Cuisine is your guide to the world's biggest gastronomic curiosities - where entrees squirm and bugs sizzle on the barbecue. What'll you have?

Travel with Children
Our crack team of parent-authors has assembled the motherlode of ideas and advice for travelling kids and families of all ages.

Signspotting 2
Signspotting 2 is a round-up of the world's most perplexing signs and garbled messages - 'fried pimple' anyone?

A Year of Sport Travel
Twelve months of the best sporting events around for the sports fanatic in your life!



Thursday 17 December 2009

Amazing Club Med Ski Holiday Offer



Club Med currently have an amazing  online-only  offer on ski holidays at Aime la Plagne, France.  This resort is family friendly and enjoys stunning views of Mont Blanc.  This offer is for a 26th December departure so you'll need to move quickly...

Online Exclusive Offer
7 nights departing 26th December from GBP1269pp.  You can save up to to GBP286pp Including transport. 


On a mountain-top facing Mont-Blanc, Aime la Plagne looks out over a ring of immaculate mountains. The hotel interior, completely renovated in 2005, is a tribute to this sublime setting: wood, stone and the pure lines of designer furniture ensure that it offers perfect comfort and hospitality, in an ambience designed to enhance the senses. 

In a great location at the foot of the slopes, the Club Med Resort is a paradise for lovers of sport and the great outdoors. After perfecting your technique in the snow park, you'll be ready for the pistes of the north face of the Bellecôte. 

Resort Highlights
 - Aime la Plagne is located on a mountain ridge opposite Mont Blanc
 - Ski to the door, 225 kms (140 miles) of slopes at La Plagne
 - Snowboard tuition at the Club Med Champions' Academy® for 8 year olds and upwards
 - Relax in luxury on the spacious covered terrace of the Montalbert Deluxe Rooms*

This is a Family Resort welcoming children from 2 years old, with children's club facilities from age 4.  The Resort offers the following children's facilities:
 - Mini Club Med® (from 4 to under 11)
 - Juniors' Club Med® (from 11 to under 18)

What's included in your holiday

Accommodation
Accommodation according to the level of comfort you choose.

Childcare and children's club facilities

 - Our Resort welcomes children of all ages, with children’s club facilities specifically devised for the different age groups and run by professionals.
 - Dedicated areas, specifically designed for their needs
 - Skiing or snowboard lessons by professional skiing instructors.
 - You can prepare for and take official skiing and snowboard diplomas and certificates.
 - Equipment designed with a view to comfort and safety
 - The opening hours allow parents to make the most of their day and evening, or feel free to go off for a day's excursion*
 - A structure that combines innovation with 40 years of experience, based on the respect of each child's desires and biological clock
 - G.O®s with a passion for their job
 - In addition to snow sports, numerous creative activities and games for all ages.

Sports
Ski pass and skiing/snowboarding lessons
Group lessons for all levels (age and date restrictions may apply) :
Alpine skiing - La Plagne ski domain only, Club Med® Champions Academy, Snowboard

Leisure activities
Club Med® evening entertainment, Dance floor,

Bars and restaurants
Full board throughout the stay including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Open bar and snacks at specific times during the day and night.

Transport package
If you have chosen a package with transport, it includes the return flights and transfers to the Resort.


Visit the Club Med Website for more information

Friday 4 December 2009

Neilson Yacht Holiday Special Offers


Neilson Yacht Holiday Offers - Free introduction to yachting courses available.

As the darker nights and cooler airs begin to creep in, many of you may be thinking back to your summer yachting holiday - perhaps it was a one week flotilla, perhaps a stay and sail or even a learn to sail course. The great news is that you can get planning your holiday for next summer now.  

Neilson have some great early booking offers which makes this the perfect time to book and start the countdown:

• Early Booking Discount – book before 31st December 2009 and receive an early booking discount of up to £150 per person

• Child discounts – children aged 2-14 years on date of departure get up to 20% off the adult price

• Group Savings – Up to 1 free place in 6 on group holidays, depending on size, departure date and destination

• Free Introduction to Yachting Course – Book a Stay and Sail holiday to Nidri before 31st December 2009 and each booking will get two free places on an Introduction to Yachting Course.

Neilson Sailing Holidays - What's included?
• Marine insurance
• Damage waiver and security deposit
• Services and support of Neilson's lead crew
• Starter pack
• Dinghy tender
• Yacht cleaning

Visit the Neilson Website for more information

Terms & Conditions:
All holidays are subject to availability.
Price quoted is per person, based on three or more sharing.
A £2.50 ATOL protection fee, and fuel charges will be required per person at the time of booking.

Club Med French Ski Holidays Offer


Take a look at the following offers on Club Med Ski Holidays. You can save up to GBP75 per adult and GBP35 per child on a number of Fench ski resorts. 

If you want a hassle-free all-inclusive ski holiday with a touch of French style then look no further...

Chamonix Mont Blanc, FRANCE
7 night packages including flights from London
17 Jan: was GBP1091, now from GBP1016*!
Save up to GBP75 per adult and GBP35 per child*

Meribel Aspen Park, FRANCE
7 night packages including flights from London
10 Jan: was £1368, now from £1293*!
Save up to £75 per adult and £35 per child*

Méribel Antarès, FRANCE
7 night packages including flights from London
11 Apr: was £1553, now from £1478*!
Save up to £75 per adult and £35 per child*

Méribel le Chalet, FRANCE
7 night packages including flights from London
11 Apr: was £1553, now from £1478*!
Save up to £75 per adult and £35 per child*

Peisey-Vallandry, FRANCE
7 night packages including flights from London
14 Mar: was £1309, now from £1234*!
Save up to £75 per adult and £35 per child*

Val d'Isère, FRANCE
7 night packages including flights from London
31 Jan: was £1213, now from £1138*!
Save up to £75 per adult and £35 per child*


*Winter 2010 Deals are subject to availability and apply to 7 to 14-day packages including flights from London and transfers to/from the Resort at a selection of Club Med Resorts featured in the Winter Ski Collection 2009-2010 Brochure on specific departure dates. The saving is based on standard twin share accommodation in a Club Room. The saving is applicable for passengers from 4 years only. Children between 6 and 11 years old inclusive receive a children's savings worth 60% of the adults' saving.

The offer applies to bookings made until departure date and cannot be backdated (only applies to new bookings) nor combined with any other offer/promotion. The offer does not apply to any additional costs such as children's clubs for under 4 years, membership fees, excursions, special courses and private sports tuition. Please note that this offer is not applicable to group bookings made through Club Med Business.

Price quoted at £982 subject to availability for a 7-night package at Cervinia dep. 10 January 2010 incl. £75 saving. Terms & Conditions apply.