The Precedent: Two Holidays trumps One

Air Force1: Speedy Unboarding

We all get excited about going on holiday so President Trump must have been counting down the sleeps for his multi-centre trip this week to include Saudi Arabia and Belgium.

Not one of my more popular itineraries this one but at least he doesn’t need to worry about laptop bans or getting enough space in the overhead luggage bins as he has his own aircraft (plural).

For the rest of us, we have to choose more carefully. However a multi centre trip can allow you to visit (at least) two different places on one trip. So here are some ideas that fit into a two week trip, although you will have to share your aircraft with other people! 

South African Lions: So near, So-far-i

South Africa is a great destination for wildlife spotting in the immense Kruger Park. Combine with stunning Cape Town & allow plenty of time (and a driver) for a visit to the Cape wine lands. There are many great beaches however there is a chance you might get eaten so instead, head to...  

Mauritius: Kids, Creoles & Coconuts

Mauritius over in the Indian Ocean for long sandy beaches, coral reefs and factory outlet shopping. The West coast gets the sunsets and is perfect for a sundowner or three before spicing up your life with some local Creole cooking which combines Chinese, Indian and European flavours.  






HOW: Fly in to Cape Town for 4 nights then on to Kruger Park via Johannesburg for 3 nights and then on to Port Louis for the coast (Flic en Flac) for 7 nights. 

California Hotel: Such a lovely place

California quite literally has the feeling of being on a film set. San Francisco offers Alcatraz, cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge whilst Los Angeles has Beverly Hills, Hollywood and (the original) Disneyland. The beaches are good but they are better in...

Hawaii: Best place to catch a tube

Hawaii in the middle of the Pacific. Honolulu is on Oahu and home to Waikiki beach and Pearl Harbour. Alternatively there is the unoriginally named Big Island for volcano fans, Maui for star enthusiasts and Kauai to get away from it all. 







HOW: Fly to San Francisco for 4 nights (Union Square) then out to Honolulu for 7 nights on Waikiki beach before returning via 3 nights in LA (Santa Monica).    

Indonesia: Beaches to a Gili T

Indonesia is associated with built up Bali but for even better beaches without the crowds, head to next door Lombok. Here you can relax on the main island or head to the offshore Gili islands for some serious and simple R & R. When you are ready for civilisation, head to...

Singapore: Slinging from the rooftops

Singapore, the one city country where everything works very well. Air conditioned shopping malls, Chinese street food, a cocktail at the Marina Bay Sands and/or Raffles Hotel, this futuristic city is amazing. Even the airport is enjoyable!









HOW: Fly to Mataram via Singapore for 10 nights on Kuta beach (not that one) or Gili Trawangan then fly to Singapore for 4 nights (Orchard Road).

Cambodia: Angkor. Say what?

Cambodia is home to one of the World’s great sights, 12th Century temple complex Angkor Wat that was reclaimed by the jungle until relatively recently. It’s so much more than Tomb Raider. Take 4 days to fully explore the ancient city by motorbike sidecar staying in nearby lively Siem Reap, but be ready for some early starts! Then you’ll be ready for a beach stop. Head over the border to...

Thailand: Beach Koh-mers

Thailand and a half day drive plus ferry will put you on Koh Chang island. Less developed than the major resorts, it has accommodation for all budgets, some good isolated beaches. and local bars and restaurants at affordable prices.






HOW: Fly via Bangkok to Siem Reap for 4 nights then transfer to Koh Chang (Lonely Beach) for 7 nights then transfer to Trat and fly to Bangkok (Silom) for 3 nights.

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I can arrange any of these multi-centre trips or indeed any others - even a Saudi/Brussels combo if you insist. I have visited most of these destinations so please ask if you need any advice. 

David Sutherland, EyeLine Travel, Crawley; 21 May 2017
e: david@eyelinetravel.co.uk

t: 020 8123 2569

***

All of my Latest Offers are on Facebook

Twitter: @eyelinetravel

Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website. 

For tailor made packages or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you. 

Latest Thailand Offers

Twitter: @bouthaique

For holidays to Thailand, please visit: http://boutiquethailand.co.uk

Latest Lakes & Mountains Offers
Twitter:@alpineweekender

For Lakes & Mountains Short Breaks, visit http://alpineweekender.co.uk

EyeLine Travel is an Explorer Travel Franchise owned & operated by David Sutherland 

All Holidays that I arrange are ABTA (L3832) Bonded and ATOL Protected

Grounded: Plains, Trains & Automobiles

Flying: Getting what you pay for

Flying used to be a special occasion. Dress nicely, enjoy the free meal and take a case of beer as hand luggage (I have actually done this). Laptops & tablets didn’t exist so you couldn’t take them with you. An aspect of retro flying that may be making a comeback soon.

Today, people appear to go straight from the gym to the airport, fill ever smaller seats and pay less for the privilege than for the journey to the airport. Is it time then to consider a no-fly summer holiday?  

Driving: Improved luggage allowance

Driving is still one of the most popular ways to leave the country as you can take vast amounts of luggage. It can be quite enjoyable with empty roads and plenty of open countryside to enjoy. Once you are overseas at least. It is however a long way and leaving Dover or Folkestone at busy times can lead to a long wait in the overflow car park, also known as the M20. 

Ferry: Leaving sunny Portsmouth

Instead, take the relaxed option of an overnight ferry to Brittany, Normandy, Rotterdam, Bilbao or Santander. Enjoy a meal and a good night’s sleep whilst everybody else is driving through the night aided by coffee and matchsticks. 








HOW: Overnight car ferries depart Portsmouth, Plymouth, Harwich, Hull & Newcastle heading to the Netherlands, France and Spain. Cabin accommodation is available.

Swiss Trains: Run like Choc-work

Trains. They are either on strike or replaced by buses aren’t they? Not once you leave these shores, they’re not. High Speed rail has morphed across mainland Europe opening up the continent. If you can make it into London, it’s the Eurostar to Paris or Brussels then you can connect to everywhere. Even on a Sunday.

The Italian Lakes are spectacular so instead of flying over them, take a train via the south of France or via Switzerland and enjoy the Alps on the way through. Add a second week by continuing to Venice and the coast before returning through the Austrian Alps. Stock up on fresh food en route and with no liquid restrictions, enjoy sampling the many vineyards you will pass through.

French Trains: The Fast & the full Pétrus

If it’s a beach holiday you want, then travelling via Paris you can reach the Costa Blanca on the same day from London. Add a visit to Barcelona and for a second week, return via Madrid and Bordeaux or head along the southern French coast to Nice and Monte Carlo. You can also forget about French air traffic control strikes and with compulsory reservations, you will always get a seat. At least until you get back to St Pancras.


HOW: Through train tickets can be bought for travel throughout Europe from any UK station. Cost effective passes to explore different regions (e.g. Switzerland) are available and the legendary Interrail pass has been re-invented for travel periods of 5 days upwards for use by everyone, even people with jobs. One way flights can be added if time is short.
  

Norway: Fjord Fiesta

Ferries are all very well but if you really want to travel in style then you should try a cruise departing Southampton. If you think cruising is all about dentally challenged Seniors playing Deck Quoits then think again. 

Modern super liners have facilities that would embarrass many top hotels or theme parks. Water slides, automated cocktail bars, West End shows, menus by Celebrity Chefs, Spas, Wave machines pools, Cookery schools etc. There are even places to get off and see - if you can tear yourself away from the activities. 

Cruising: Nautical & very nice

A Week long cruise can take you to the Norwegian Fjords and into the Arctic Circle. Two weeks can get you to the Med via northern Spain and the Canaries. Many ships are Family Friendly and offer kids clubs and activities so that parents can enjoy a bit of, er, room service. With optional formal nights, there are no luggage, liquid or electronic restrictions to worry about either.

HOW: Several Ships operate out of Southampton for the Fjords and Med. Shorter trips are available including lively 2 night cross channel excursions. Full Board is always included.

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I can arrange any of the above no-fly holidays so just ask me for some advice. I have tried out all of these types of holiday - I take my research very seriously!

David Sutherland, EyeLine Travel, Crawley; 14 May 2017
e: david@eyelinetravel.co.uk

t: 020 8123 2569

***

All of my Latest Offers are on Facebook

Twitter: @eyelinetravel

Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website. 

For tailor made packages or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you. 

Latest Thailand Offers

Twitter: @bouthaique

For holidays to Thailand, please visit: http://boutiquethailand.co.uk

Latest Lakes & Mountains Offers
Twitter:@alpineweekender

For Lakes & Mountains Short Breaks, visit http://alpineweekender.co.uk

EyeLine Travel is an Explorer Travel Franchise owned & operated by David Sutherland 

All Holidays that I arrange are ABTA (L3832) Bonded and ATOL Protected

Starstruck: Holidays with Celestial Celebrities

Sky Bar: You may spot the John Lewis man

They say that the best things in life are free and one of the great free shows is in the sky above us. If your idea of seeing stars is waking up after a night on the Blue Nuns then there is a whole new world awaiting you.  

However, for anyone who has sat out in the garden at night getting a stiff neck whilst waiting for clouds to clear (ok, only me then) will appreciate that you may have to travel to somewhere with better conditions to observe the night sky. Here are some suggestions.

Teide: Clear with a chance of meatballs

TENERIFE's temperate climate makes it a great place to visit at any time of the year and you can get close to nature by cycling, hiking & whale watching. 

To get even closer, join one of the evening excursions to Mt Teide National Park including sunset, dinner with wine & a guide to the world above by an astronomer. Away from the resort hotel lights you will be able to enjoy a spectacular panorama from a height of 2,000m. As long as it’s not cloudy!

GET THERE: High standard hotels are located in the Costa Adeje area, located 30mins from Tenerife South Airport. Night Excursions to Teide include hotel pick ups. 

Chocsta Rica : Milky Way, Galaxy, Mars

If you prefer your stars with more active volcanoes then head to COSTA RICA. La Fortuna de San Carlos, located 3 hours from capital San Jose is the gateway to El Arenal Volcano, one of the country’s most active and surrounded by cloud forest. 

The area also attracts stargazers from around the world for the dry season views of the Milky Way Galaxy. Enjoy wildlife trips into the rainforests before choosing a beach on the Pacific or Caribbean coast to relax.   

GET THERE: Fly direct to San Jose from Gatwick or via Madrid. Plan a multi-centre trip to include the rainforests, beaches and El Arenal volcano where Dry Season is December-April.

Enlightening: Lapland’s Northern Soul

Of course, you can see stars anywhere in the World if the weather is clear but for something really special, head up to the Arctic Circle into LAPLAND for a chance to see the Northern Lights. 

Late November to mid-February is the season and post-Christmas tends to see clearer skies. Take a 3-4 night activity package to Levi Fell including ski clothing, snowmobiling and an expedition into the dark to (hopefully) see the Aurora Borealis.


GET THERE: Lapland packages to Levi Fell include flights to Kittila from Gatwick, Manchester & Birmingham. Warm clothing is included - you’ll need it!

Total Eclipse: Turn around bright eyes

There are some natural events that are even rarer but follow a timetable. This year -on August 21st to be precise- there will be a total solar eclipse right across central states of the USA. 

You can experience the path of totality in South Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, Wyoming, Nebraska, Idaho & Oregon. Perfect for a road trip to these less visited states at your own pace. Although it is a long way to go to see something you can’t actually look at!


GET THERE: Take an open jaw flight into one state and out of another. Hire a camper van for the authentic experience to keep costs down and remember to check your time zone!
   
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For information about visiting any of these destinations or to find your ideal nature experience, get in touch and I’ll put together some ideas for you.

David Sutherland, EyeLine Travel, Crawley; 7 May 2017
e: david@eyelinetravel.co.uk

t: 020 8123 2569

***

All of my Latest Offers are on Facebook

Twitter: @eyelinetravel

Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website. 

For tailor made packages or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you. 

Latest Thailand Offers

Twitter: @bouthaique

For holidays to Thailand, please visit: http://boutiquethailand.co.uk

Latest Lakes & Mountains Offers
Twitter:@alpineweekender

For Lakes & Mountains Short Breaks, visit http://alpineweekender.co.uk

EyeLine Travel is an Explorer Travel Franchise owned & operated by David Sutherland 

All Holidays that I arrange are ABTA (L3832) Bonded and ATOL Protected

Mayday: May the First be with you

Bank Holidays: who needs to go abroad?

May Day. The start of May. Or an emergency situation. The beginning of May marks the official beginning of the Summer holiday season as the final Ski Resorts close and we get a double dose of Bank Holidays, complete with traditional weather. 

May is however one of the best months to go away and if you can do so at short notice, bargains await. Why? Because it’s off peak - half term excepted - and the weather makes it a perfect month to visit beaches, mountains or cities. So, it’s time to declare an emergency holiday.

Itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, lovely Santorini

The GREEK ISLANDS are enjoying an upsurge in popularity this year with the locals now concerned about the UK’s financial future instead. Whether you are into island hopping or all inclusive flopping, there is plenty to enjoy without the crowds. 

Corfu & Halkidiki have new properties to show off whilst crowd favourites Kefalonia and Santorini are much more enjoyable. A May visit will let you enjoy the Greek hospitality and even the occasional strike can be managed better outside of peak time.


GET THERE: A full summer flight schedule is operating from across the UK to the Greek islands for single or multi-centre holidays. Expect temperatures in the mid 20s.

Dubai: a desert-ed wilderness no more

DUBAI is a force of nature that just keeps on growing and creating things that just shouldn’t happen in a desert. It is sold as a warm weather year round destination but the facts are it gets very hot in mid-summer.

May is more or less the last month to visit before the summer heat turns the beaches into magma and there are plenty of luxury hotels that are keen to fill their rooms with discount packages. It may be a marmite destination but there is so much going on that you will not get bored. Just remember to stay out if the midday sun!

GET THERE: Dubai is served by multiple flights per day from across the UK, most of them Emirates’ A380s so getting a seat is not difficult. Expect temperatures in the mid-30s.

Zermatt: on the piste in the summer

THE ALPS may not seem an obvious destination on the surface of it. Principally because that surface of snow is no longer there. But gone are the days when Europe’s ski resorts packed up for the summer and left the mountains to the farmers. 

Come the start of May, the skis and snowboards in the sports shops are replaced by mountain bikes and hiking boots. The lift systems keep going and you can hike, bike, zipline, parapente, rock climb amongst other activities before eating hearty local food & collapsing into the spa. 

GET THERE: Travel to Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia or France to experience a whole new side to the Alps. Expect temperatures in low 20s & cool evenings.

Koh Samui: Mae Day at Mae Nam Beach

THAILAND is just coming to the end of the hot & dry season and is off peak. Less severe than the monsoons in India, Andaman (West coast) resorts such as Phuket and Krabi stay open all year and there are some great. 

Alternatively, head to Gulf (East coast) island Koh Samui which enjoys opposite seasons peaking with European school holidaymakers from June onwards, so beat the crowds and smugly enjoy the beaches.

GET THERE: There are several year round daily flight options from the UK to Bangkok and Samui is a 1h onward flight. Expect temperatures in the upper 20s (mid 20s at night!)

***
I can arrange holidays to all of the above destinations - ask me my recommendations as I have been to all of these countries. Contact the emergency 'need a holiday’ line today!

David Sutherland, EyeLine Travel, Crawley; 1 May 2017
e: david@eyelinetravel.co.uk

t: 020 8123 2569

***

All of my Latest Offers are on Facebook

Follow on Twitter: @eyelinetravel

Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website. 

For tailor made packages or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you. 

Latest Thailand Offers

Follow on Twitter: @bouthaique

For holidays to Thailand, please visit: http://boutiquethailand.co.uk

Latest Lakes & Mountains Offers
Follow on Twitter:@alpineweekender

For Lakes & Mountains Short Breaks, visit http://alpineweekender.co.uk

EyeLine Travel is an Explorer Travel Franchise owned & operated by David Sutherland 

All Holidays that I arrange are ABTA (L3832) Bonded and ATOL Protected