Summer Holiday Panic? Ideas for an Alternative August

The Press: Saying it how it isn't

So that's it then, no holiday this year - they've all gone. Mass hysteria has swept the nation and the only hotel with vacancies in August is the Kabul Travelodge. Really? The Tabloids do like a good scare story but what are the facts and what should you do if you have not yet booked your August summer holiday? What you should not do is panic. 

Benidorm: already popular in August 

The facts are that with Egypt and Tunisia all but off limits and with bookings to Turkey sharply down, the number of early bookings to the Western Med (Spain and Portugal) are higher than usual and Greece is catching up. 

Capacity is being switched to the in demand destinations where possible but there are obvious constraints and it is inevitable that prices here will rise. Add to this the fall in value of the Pound v the Euro. What then are the alternatives for an August sunshine trip that will not break the budget? 

Cantabria: plenty of fish in the sea 

If the August crowds and heat of southern Spain are too much then why not head north to Cantabria. This fertile region has long sandy beaches and some of the best seafood on the planet. Excursions inland to the Pyrenean foothills and Rioja wine lands offer plenty of distractions.

HOW? Fly or Ferry to Santander or Bilbao. Rent an apartment or Villa and self drive . 

Corsica: One of the great beaches of course

If France is more your thing but the thought of spending your entire budget on a round of ice creams in Antibes fills you with dread then look offshore to the island of Corsica. With family friendly beaches on the south east coast and the town of Porto Vecchio to explore, this is a piece of France that feels very removed from the mainland and better value.

HOW? Fly to Figuri in the south. Rent a Villa or apartment.

Not packed in like Sardinians

Next door to Corsica and across the water from the Amalfi crowds and traffic jams is Sardinia. The north has the glitz and the glamour but head south for quieter beaches. Boat trips to remote caves and beaches and historic towns add a touch of adventure. Then there's the food...

HOW? Fly to Calgiari in the south. Rent an apartment or bungalow close to the beach.

About 101 Dalmatians on this beach

Moving over to the Adriatic, if Greece is looking too busy then nearby Croatia has been winning lots of new admirers. With long, wild (and pebbly) coastlines and fascinating old towns, the Dalmation coast has plenty to offer. Lopud island a short boat ride from Dubrovnik has sandy beaches, less people and no cars.

HOW? Fly to Dubrovnik or Split. Rent an apartment or book a beachfront hotel. 

Thailand: It's a long way...

If you are still looking for somewhere less obvious for your August sun then here's one last suggestion. Thailand. Yes, Thailand. Granted it is a significantly longer flight and it is technically the wet season, i.e. off peak. However, head to Koh Samui on the Gulf Coast (South China Sea side) and this area is not affected by the heavy rains on the west coast. You can expect some rain but probably less than an August Bank Holiday on Blackpool beach. And it is considerably warmer! 

Thailand: but it's very nice!

The logic of Thailand? If you are looking at a 10-14 day holiday, you will probably be surprised to find that the costs will not be vastly different from a mid-August break in southern Europe. Prices are much lower and the standard of hotels, food and service is very high relative to the cost. Also a trip to the Spa won't immediately re-stress you when you get the bill.

HOW: Fly to Koh Samui via Bangkok. Stay in a boutique hotel or beach bungalow on quieter Mae Nam beach.

The sun hasn't set on August yet

Wherever you choose to go, there are always alternatives. Try something new and don't be persuaded by panic headlines just to be somewhere overcrowded and pay overpriced charges. The world is a big place so be adventurous - you might find somewhere new that you want to go back to time and time again!

For further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

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A change is as good as a rest!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)
26 February 2016

Turn your Ski Holiday into The Jump - If you Dare?

It doesn't look so easy from up here.

If you have watched The Jump on Channel 4 then you will be familiar with the 'celebrities' who try their hand at a number of snow sports culminating in ski jumping. This year's show has been keeping the Austrian medical system busy and whilst nobody wants to see an Olympic hero get hurt, let's be honest, it's good value watching the reality stars come a cropper. But if you are thinking, 'I quite fancy a go at that', then this is how.

Kühtai: Ideal for people who like snow 

If you want to visit the scene of the action, then you can just visit Kühtai in Austria where The Jump is filmed. Good, high slopes close to Innsbruck make this a good late season choice. Once the cameras have gone, that is. Resort access is via a 45 minute transfer from Innsbruck which is served by British Airways, Monarch and EasyJet.

Ski Cross: Whose line is it anyway?

If you are ready to take your skiing or boarding to the next level then there are race training clinics in most resorts run by the ski schools. The top rated Warren Smith Academy runs race clinics in Switzerland's Verbier whilst the French ESF run Ski and Boarder cross courses in France's Val Thorens if you are up for the challenge!

Skeleton: Who's idea was this?

Not challenging enough? How about the Skeleton Bob which sounds like it's an extreme diet and looks like it was invented as a way of getting home from the pub. If descending an ice track at 70kph on a tray appeals, head to Lillehammer in Norway, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics. For 990 Krone (that's about £100) you get to ride the Skeleton track twice - because once would never be enough would it? There are five nearby ski resorts once you have had your adrenaline fix. Lillehammer is a 2h transfer from Oslo (Gardermoen) which is served by British Airways, Norwegian and SAS from the UK.

Jamaica: Cool Running in the Bob

All good and well you say, but is there a faster way to go down the ice? There is indeed in the form of the Bobsleigh. Head to La Plagne in France for a ride down in a racing Bob. For 122 Euros, you can hurtle down the ice at up to 120kph. It will be filmed as well so you can relive the terror long after your bank account has recovered. For the lightweights, there is also a slower 80kph Bob raft experience for 44 Euros.

La Plagne is offered by all major Tour Operators and has one of the largest ski areas in the world combined with 
Les Arcs. Fly to Geneva with EasyJet, Monarch or 
British Airways and its a 2h30m transfer. 
Alternatively take the direct Eurostar from London.

Saalfelden: Jumping is restricted to those over 6 years old

Finally, to the actual ski jumping. The Austrian town of Saalfelden specialises in jumping. It has four jumps at 15m, 30m, 60m and 85m height. There is an age limit for lessons - you must be at least 6! So not only can you wallow in your own terror, you can be out jumped by small Austrian children who will no doubt find your attempts hilarious.

Ski Jumping: You say Jump, I say How High?

The specialist Skisprungschule offers two day courses for 240 Euros. Courses run throughout the winter and somehow in the summer as well - that could be more painful I suspect. How high do you Jump in your lesson? I guess that's up to you. 

Saalfelden is linked to the newly expanded Saalbach-Hinterglemm region, one of Austria's largest with a fast lift network  Transfer time is 1h40m from Salzburg. Fly there with EasyJet, Ryanair or Norwegian.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are interested in trying any of the activities covered here, please check your travel insurance carefully before taking part as it is unlikely extreme sports will be covered and you may need an additional activity specific policy. Medical care in the mountains is very expensive. 

With fantastic snow conditions across Europe there is plenty of time left this season with availability up to Easter. Contact me for a tailor made package to visit any of these locations. Or anywhere else for that matter. 

For further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

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e: david@eyelinetravel
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Remember, you've got to get up to get down!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)
19 February 2016

Volcano Tourism - Adding a bit of Drama to your Holiday

Delays courtesy of Iceland, not France

If you were caught up in the chaos that followed the eruption of Iceland's infamous Eyjafjallajökull Volcano back in 2010 then you may not be too keen on the V word. That such a natural phenomenon could disrupt flights to a level even French Air Traffic Controllers could only envy was admittedly impressive. However, if it has piqued your curiosity to visit one, read on. 

Mt Puu-oo in Hawaii gets lively

What exactly is the appeal of getting up close and personal with an active volcano? It generally involves a strenuous and steep climb, you are immersed in an aroma of rotten eggs from sulphurous emissions and it could erupt sending rock and 1,000C lava your way. Not the components of most dream holidays. But, it is an exciting and unique experience to break up the monotony of the pool and all those cocktails.

Mt Tiede - no eruptions since 1909

So for a taste of Volcano life, where should you go? Iceland is an obvious choice but not an ideal summer destination unless you find the UK weather stiflingly hot. In Europe, the Canary Islands have their share of Volcanic peaks including Mt Tiede on Tenerife at an impressive height of 3,718m which means it gets cold on top and is snow-capped in the winter. It is active although the last eruption was in 1909 which is probably a relief for the Cable Car operator which can take you most of the way to the top with minimal effort.

Mt Etna letting rip

Probably Europe's most well known (and easiest to spell) Volcano is 3,328m Mt Etna on Sicily. This is one of the more active you will find and there is a good infrastructure in place for day trippers to see Etna when it is in a good mood. It is popular and a combination of Cable Car, 4x4 and guided walks are possible in between eruptions (the last was in December 2015.

Mt Arenal - all quiet since 2010

  

If you are serious about your volcanoes then you have to visit somewhere on the Pacific Ring of Fire. As the name suggests, this is the most active belt. Ecuador and Hawaii are top volcano spots as is Costa Rica which features volcano climbs amongst its many active tourist pursuits not to mention Pacific and Caribbean coastlines for post volcano relaxation. Mt Arenal (once the most active in Costa Rica but dormant since 2010), Mt Poas and Mt Irazu are amongst the most popular for guided trips of varying difficulty through the rain and cloud forests.

Lava-ly Java-ly on Mt Bromo

Across the Pacific and Indonesia is perhaps the best place for a full on experience. Home to more active Volcanoes than anywhere else. The trips are more challenging here often involving overnight camping and infrastructure is more basic but the rewards are accordingly magnified. Mt Bromo (last eruption in November 2015) in Java at 2,629m is one of the most popular trips from nearby Surabaya. It can be combined with a stay on Bali a short flight away.






On the other side of Bali is the far less developed island of Lombok with empty beaches and high standard accommodation. It is also home to 3,726m Mt Rinjani (last eruption October 2015) which is a challenging but spectacular journey with a stunning cobalt blue crater lake at the top. A trip here can be combined with the beach resorts, offshore Gili islands or Bali, a short flight away. Pristine coral reefs and Komodo island are other attractions in this region.


PRACTICALITIES AND GETTING THERE: 
Trips to visit any of these Volcanoes can be arranged in advance or on arrival in an area. Local advice should always be followed to make sure it is safe to visit and a guide is essential for any excursions away from recognised tourist infrastructure. There is of course an App that will keep you updated with volcanic activity: Volcano App.

Tenerife: visit any time of the year 

Tenerife for Mt Teide: 
FLY from across the UK to Tenerife North or South with Monarch, EasyJet or BA. 
STAY in Costa Adeje or Puerto de la Cruz for best hotels and beaches.  
IDEAL anytime; Tenerife has a year round climate

Sicily: the food's not bad either

Sicily for Mt Etna:
FLY to Catania (BA, EasyJet) or Palermo (EasyJet, Ryanair)
STAY in Taormina for the beach or historic Catania or Palermo for city life.
IDEAL most of the year outside European winter time

Costa Rica: Which sea to choose?

Costa Rica for Mts Arenal, Poas, Irazu and many more:

FLY direct to San Jose with British Airways or Liberia with Thomson, both from Gatwick
STAY on Caribbean (for swimming) or Pacific (for surfing) coasts or both - it's a 3 hour to drive across the country. Stay inland for national parks - wildlife and volcanoes.
IDEAL in the dry season from December-April. Avoid wettest months of September and October  

Lombok: A busy day on Gili T

Indonesia: Java for Mt Bromo, Lombok for Mt Rinjani:
FLY to Bali or Lombok via Jakarta with Garuda or via Singapore with Singapore Airlines, both from Heathrow. Flights from Bali to Surabaya and Lombok with Garuda.
STAY in Bali or Lombok for best hotels and beaches. Also Twin centre and Singapore stopovers. Laid back style in Gili islands and basic live aboard boat options for Komodo. 
IDEAL in dry season from April-September. Lombok is best avoided between disruptively wet December-February.


Contact me for a tailor made package to visit any of these locations. Or anywhere else for that matter. For further inspiration, please visit my Website and Facebook page and follow me on Twitter.

w: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk 
e: david@eyelinetravel
t: 020 8123 2569
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Remember, the World revolves around you!

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)
12 February 2016

      

Is it cheaper to fly on Friday 13th? 

If you are working out when to take your valuable holiday leave this year, it is worth checking the calendar carefully as you could end up paying more than you thought. Or less.

If you are familiar with school holiday pricing (i.e. it is a school holiday so the prices go up) then you will probably not be surprised that local events (e.g. Festivals), landmark dates and sporting tournaments attract a similar premium. 

Planning a romantic trip to Rome for Valentines Day, you will be paying a premium to share the Eternal City with thousands of England rugby fans visiting for the Six Nations match with Italy. 






Going to France between 10 June - 10 July? The European Football Championships are taking place throughout the country and it will get very busy. 







Planning to visit Rio de Janeiro between 5-21 August or 7-     18 September? That will coincide with the Olympics and Paralympic Games.




In what circumstances can you benefit from these dates then? Well Easter this year is towards the end of March (Good Friday is on 25th March) and whilst this is school holiday time, it also offers good opportunities for a late ski or snowboard trip. 

Keep an eye on snow conditions and you may be able to get a bargain and very good snow.






If you steer clear of France then there will be some good bargains available whilst the European Championships are taking place. There is traditionally a slump in bookings during these tournaments so once England are out after the first week, Europe could be your oyster and should be quieter than usual.





Finally, is it really cheaper to book a flight on Friday 13th? Well there's only one of them this year, Friday 13th May. Industry consensus is that it usually is cheaper as people do not tend to choose this date if they have alternatives. 




To put this to the test, I looked at one way flights from Luton to Cluj in Transylvania, Romania with Wizz Air over a three week period. The results: £79 on Friday 6th May, £59 on Friday 13th and £89 on Friday 20th (Wizz from Luton).... 

If you want to travel on Friday 13th or indeed any other date, please contact me as follows:
w: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk 
e: david@eyelinetravel
t: 020 8123 2569
https://www.facebook.com/EyeLine-Travel-887469098039411/



David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)
6 February 2016

The Best Festivals to visit this March.

Festival Fun in the UK

If you think festivals are all about music, mud and queuing for chemical toilets, think again.Traditional Festivals can be found throughout the world with unique and very lively celebrations. 

So where should you go to get a festival fix this March? 

Valencia is Spain's third largest city and worth a visit at any time. It provides the ideal venue to blast away the winter cobwebs. Las Fallas takes place between 15-19 March each year in this coastal city with an average temperature in March of 18c.

Months to build, much less to burn down

    

Calm before the Fire storm

Whilst Gary Neville may not be setting the world on fire at Valencia's football club, this festival is quite literally on fire. 

Las Fallas is extreme Spring cleaning and involves huge parades of fallas (large effigies) and ninots (smaller ones) to a background of music, food and spectacular fireworks. 

The culmination of the festival is the burning of the fallas followed by an all night party.

GO: to experience a very loud, proud and spectacular show;

DON'T GO: if you want quiet, early nights;

FLY: to Valencia from Gatwick (BA, EasyJet) or Stansted (Ryanair).  

Semana Santa in Seville

For a more traditional experience in Spain, the Easter week (Semana Santa) is a more remorseful but no less spectacular event involving parades and floats. Celebrated throughout Spain (Easter Sunday is 27 March this year) it is best seen in Andalusia.

Seville and Malaga are famous of their elaborate displays and Malaga born Antonio Banderas is a regular attendee, such is the status of the occasion. The mild climate and great restaurants make for a great short break destination.  

GO: to share in this experience at the heart of Catholic Spain;
DON'T GO: if you want fireworks or a selfie with Mr Banderas
FLY: to Seville from Gatwick (BA, EasyJet) or to Malaga from many parts of the UK with, amongst others, Monarch, EasyJet and Ryanair.  

It's a party and everyone is invited!

Finally, possibly the most celebrated event in the world when everybody becomes Irish for the day. It can only be St Patrick's Day of course which is celebrated on the 17th March this and every year.

Much imitated but if you want to get a real feel for the occasion and enjoy a parade with a few pints of the black stuff when the country goes into party mode, you have to visit Dublin. It will be a crowded sea of green and officially the party lasts for four days so what's not to like?

GO: to the spiritual home of this global phenomenon;
DON'T GO: for the weather or if you are drying out
FLY: Ryanair flies to Dublin from most parts of the UK

The Dublin Parade on 17th March

To enquire about availability to these places or anywhere else for that matter, please contact me as follows:
w: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk 
e: david@eyelinetravel
t: 020 8123 2569
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Remember, travel the experience to experience travel!

More next time.

David Sutherland
EyeLine Travel (ABTA L3832)
4 February 2016