General Direction: Vote with your Feet & enjoy the Results

Vote: Leave the Country

So it’s time to celebrate the joyous news that there will be a UK General Election on 8 June17. Now voting is very important to ensure your voice is heard and the result will be relevant to everybody. But the build up...?  Frankly, it’s mostly unimportant people saying irrelevant things on TV, radio and through your letterbox. Time to press the escape button. 

My favourite election was in 2011 having voted (postal) before going on holiday. I watched the results at a civilised time in a pool villa on Gili Trawangan. Dimbleby by the Sea. The Bali Sea. Good choice as this was the Coalition year so I could go to the beach in-between nothing happening. 

So my tip for this year’s election is to 1) Register for a Postal Vote 2) Vote 3) Go away. As a bonus, holidays will be cheaper as demand falls during an election - those leaflets don’t deliver themselves! 

Party Pool-itical Abroad-cast

THAILAND is one of my favourite destinations and May/June is dry season on the Gulf (West) coast. That makes Koh Samui perfect for a shoulder season boutique hotel with a pool villa before the European school holiday influx begins. 

For ultimate relaxation, the North East of the island has some of the best hotels but you are close enough to local bars and restaurants to get the best of all worlds. Wifi will allow you to keep in touch with as much or as little as you wish mid-morning on results day.

VOTE THAILAND: One stop flights reach Samui via Bangkok then it’s about 15mins by road to most hotels. Relax on the beach, in your own pool or in the Spa. Tough on the causes of choice!

Target Seats: on Air Mauritius

MAURITIUS is one of the Indian Ocean’s surprise packages. With a population of over one million & some big industries, this is not a small tourist only island but it does have some amazing beaches (and clothing outlet shops) and you don’t even have to be on a Honeymoon to come here. 

May marks the beginning of Winter - which is still better than any summer  we can expect in the UK (i.e. mid 20s & less chance of rain than the Maldives). This means it is low season and bargains can be found in the luxury hotel market. 

VOTE MAURITIUS: Fly direct from Heathrow or Gatwick or via Dubai to Port Louis. The best hotels are on the north west coast where your 'to do list' will be very straightforward!

Lake Louise: Tactical Boating

CANADA is celebrating its 150th birthday this year and is fast becoming the region’s Panic Room. If you like wildlife and the great outdoors then head to Alberta as May marks the beginning of the Summer season.

You will need to save up for a big trip on the Rocky Mountaineer train but a self drive trip into the Rockies from Calgary is flexible and affordable. Visit Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper National Park - without being eaten by a bear. Continue on to Vancouver and add a whale watching trip if time permits.

VOTE CANADA: Fly direct to Calgary and return from Vancouver. Pick up a hire car and explore. Bring warm clothes, a sense of adventure & a good camera. Don’t leave food in the car!

Exit Nepals: Yes, we Cann-apurna

NEPAL is probably your best bet for avoiding all of the build up to election day. May-June marks a weather window for summiting Mt Everest which means it’s ideal for trekking elsewhere in the country. 

The Annapurna region is best suited to a short trip (i.e. 2 weeks) with mixed ability routes (and easier to adjust to altitudes) accessible from lakeside town Pokhara via a short, hair-raising flight. Recover afterwards with beer, wifi & a Yak steak in legendary bar Rum Doodle in Kathmandu.

VOTE NEPAL: Fly to Kathmandu with a one stop flight. Exciting domestic flights will take you to Pokhara and to trekking trail heads. Wifi works in Kathmandu - if the power does.

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I can arrange holidays to all of the above destinations - ask me my recommendations as I have been to all of these countries. And can’t wait to go again! But Vote before you go!

David Sutherland, EyeLine Travel, Crawley; 23 April 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

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For Ski and Snowboard 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

Many Happy Returns: Celebrating the Golden Oldies!

Summer: now available with sun

Having just celebrated my own birthday, I have been thinking about the concept of age providing wisdom & experience. Case unproven from my point of view but in the travel industry that may well be the case as longevity is a precious commodity. 

The way we take holidays has changed beyond recognition and continues to evolve. Modern aeroplanes with Wifi and on demand films whisk us around the globe for ever lower prices whilst short haul travel is taken for granted in the same way you hop on a bus or train. Without the comfort.

Our industry body ABTA was established in 1950 and has outlasted Laker, British Caledonian, Air Europe, Dan Air, Intasun, Lunn Poly, Hoverspeed and many more. So this week, let’s have a look at some of the industry veterans that must be doing something right. 

Monarch: All aboard the Ibiza night flight

Last week was the 49th birthday of Monarch Airlines. That is quite some achievement in an airline industry that has no place for sentimentality and where your competitors sell tickets to places you have never heard of for £1. 

What is their secret? Reinvention. Form is temporary but class is permanent and today's Monarch is a scheduled low cost short haul airline and was the World’s most punctual in this category in 2016. With expansion on the horizon, Monarch is showing these upstarts how it should be done!

GET ON BOARD: Monarch fly European leisure routes from Gatwick, Manchester, Luton, Birmingham and Leeds. Next year will see new Boeing 737 Max’s joining the fleet 

Qantas: Loading chicken, beef & a lot of wine

Flights to Australia are about to get quicker with new Qantas non-stop flights between London and Perth next year to be followed by a 20 hour non stop to Sydney. If you think that’s long, the Kangaroo route to Sydney officially started 70 years ago in 1947 and took 4 days (including 2 overnight hotels). 

Jet services started in 1959 with the journey time reduced to under 35 hours (with 8 stops). It’s still a long way but much quicker & more comfortable these days. 

GET ON BOARD: Today Qantas operates the Kangaroo route with A380s flying to Sydney with one stop in Dubai, taking around 24 hours in total. Non-stop 787s to Perth start in March18.

Cunard: Fun; as long as the stabilisers are on

Of course before aeroplanes, long haul travel was by boat - so you needed a bit more time off work for that summer trip to Orlando! This year, Cunard will have been operating the North Atlantic shipping route for 177 years. 

With a rich history of luxury ships, Cunard is today the only regular Transatlantic operator with the sumptuous Queen Mary2 sailing between Southampton and New York in a leisurely 7 days.



GET ON BOARD: Queen Mary2 has 24 Transatlantic crossings in 2017 - you can fly/cruise in either direction or relax on a return journey - with no luggage restrictions!

Cook It: 7 nights in Magaluf from 3 Shillings

The package holiday concept can be traced back 176 years when a group of people wanted to escape Leicester. The organiser arranged trips within the UK before venturing overseas in 1855 and then going global.

Mr Thomas Cook eventually set up Thomas Cook and Sons in 1871 and the rest, as they say is history. These days Thomas Cook is a pan-European operator with its own hotels and airlines. Fortunately for the people of Leicester, they can now travel all around the World!

GET ON BOARD: Thomas Cook specialises in both short and long haul package holidays departing from across the UK using their in-house airline which is growing its long haul routes. 

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I can arrange holidays with all of the above companies - ask me my recommendations. I am looking forward to EyeLine Travel celebrating 175 years in business - in 2190.

David Sutherland, EyeLine Travel, Crawley; 9 April 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 Ski & Board Offers
Follow on Twitter:@alpineweekender

For Ski and Snowboard Short Breaks, visit http://alpineweekender.co.uk

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

Fool Me Once a Year? Shame on You April!

April Ha Has: But Springfield is real

Another year, another April Fool’s Day. The Travel Industry seems to have plenty of time on its hands to come up with ideas such as a cruise ship with a real snow ski slope on top, an Uber app for long tail boats in Thailand and convertible touring coaches complete with deck chairs and a hot tub! 

However some ideas from the file marked ‘Fool’ such as paying for food & drink on British Airways' flights, putting valuable electronics in your hold luggage and Southend Airport being in London are in fact genuine. Let’s look at some more.

Batman. And Robin your lap top.

Airports are humourless places these days but there are a few places that can raise a smile. There’s a Moron (MXV) in Mongolia, a Ponce (PSE) in Puerto Rico and an Ogle (OGL) in Guyana. There’s a Mafia (MAF) in Tanzania, a Useless Loop (USL) in Australia and a Luton (LTN) in London. 

But my favourite is Batman (BAL) in Turkey. Yes, really! Although even the caped crusader will have to pack his laptop & tablet in the hold for the flight home.

Gone to the dogs. Or inside one.

Unusual hotels around the world include a converted Boeing 727 up a tree in a Costa Rican jungle, Tree houses that resemble flying saucers in northern Sweden and an upside down ‘design’ hotel in Amsterdam. 

There are hotels made out of ice (Finland), Salt (Bolivia) and orange (Easy Hotel). But the winner of the ‘it seemed a good idea at the time’ hotel has to be the Dog Bark Inn, Idaho. Classy. Presumably you have to get into a plastic bag when you leave..

Rules for fools. Pay attention!

When you do head overseas on holiday, there may be local regulations of which you are unaware that could catch you out. Such as the ban on electronic cigarettes in Thailand (tobacco is fine though..) and the ban on all clothing in Austrian saunas. 

It is illegal to chew gum in Singapore as it is to run out of fuel on a German Autobahn. Flushing the toilet after 10pm in parts of Switzerland is forbidden as is eating potent smelling Durian fruit on public transport in many parts of Asia. You have been warned!

Car Henge. Hopefully with bypass as well?

If you really want to experience something different on holiday then you could always choose tourist attractions with a difference that missed the shortlist for the Seven Wonders (by some distance).

You can visit the 'member’s only' Phallus museum in Reykjavik, Iceland, get rodented at the Rat Temple in Deshnok, India and be bowled over by the toilet museum in Kitakyushu, Japan. But a special mention for the people of Nebraska who had some free time and decided to create Car Henge. Nebraska at it’s finest!


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David Sutherland, EyeLine Travel, Crawley; 2 April 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 Ski & Board Offers
Follow on Twitter:@alpineweekender

For Ski and Snowboard Short Breaks, visit http://alpineweekender.co.uk

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

Holiday Hunt: Eggscellent Easter Escapes

Easter: Show me the Bunny

So Spring is sprung and we are heading towards a late Easter in April. If you haven’t planned an Easter break yet and are resigned to staying at home and eating your bodyweight in overpriced chocolate eggs, think again.

It’s not too late to get away and take advantage of the extra days off and a late Easter means it’s still cold enough to ski but also warm enough to sunbathe in Southern Europe. Suitable for everyone, it’s not just Friday that has to be Good!

High Altitude: Eggstreme Skiing

Easter Bun-Ski: In what has been an erratic ski season from a weather point of view, April is always going to be a bit of a gamble. This year it could be perfect powder - or all gone. So aim high for a glacier area, just in case.

Mention April skiing to the French and they will react the same way as if you started drinking Bordeaux wine out of a pint glass. However, this means lack of crowds and discounted rooms. Flights may be higher but overall it can be a great time to visit the mountains.

My Suggestion: Take a 4 night Catered Chalet in Tignes or Val d’Isère from £499pp departing Gatwick on 15 April17 with Transfers. The Grand Motte glacier is skiable all year.

Land ahare: Cruising for a Bruges-ing

Easter Bun-Sea: Cruising is one of the current boom areas of travel and if you are not 'shore’ whether you will like it, try a mini cruise where cruise ships sail away for a weekend with full facilities including optional black tie nights. 

Popular with families, these trips also attract a much younger clientele which creates a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. Granted the English Channel is not one of the traditional Seven Seas but it’s all about the Ship not the destination.

My Suggestion: Take a 2 night Mini Cruise on P&O’s flagship Britannia from £299pp in a Balcony Stateroom sailing from Southampton on 14 April17 to Zeebrugge for Bruges.

Menorca: Easter Sandy

Easter Sun-ny: Who doesn’t want some sunshine right now? Traditional sun hot spots such as Tenerife and Cyprus have been booked up for some time but there are alternatives if you just need some warmth.

Try the Balearic islands where the climate will be pleasant (i.e. better than at home) and will allow you to explore the area without peak season crowds. Some restaurants may be closed so aim for an open all year town rather than a dedicated holiday resort.


My Suggestion: Go for a 7 night break in Menorca where you can get a 4⭐️Hotel with Breakfast from £447pp departing Gatwick on 10 April17. Includes relaxation. 

Morocco: Roger Rabat

Easter Dune-y: If you are the active type and not good at sitting still for long then there are a number of small group adventure trips you can take suitable for individuals, couples or whole families (important to get the right one here!). 

Escape the chocolate-a-thon and ride camels in the Sahara desert, cycle in the high Atlas mountains & haggle poorly in the souks of Marrakech with an adventure to Morocco.

My Suggestion: Join a last minute adventure trip to Morocco for 8 days including flights, accommodation, transport & guides from £1,069pp; haggling classes excluded. 

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All of the above suggestions are currently available to book and the prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change. For more information, please CONTACT ME. 
All holidays that I arrange are lovingly hand crafted and fully ABTA/ATOL Bonded 

***
David Sutherland, EyeLine Travel, Crawley; 19 March 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 Ski & Board Offers
Follow on Twitter:@alpineweekender

For Ski and Snowboard Short Breaks, visit http://alpineweekender.co.uk

Latest Cruise Offers

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

The I’d rather bes of March: Sun, Snow, Sea or Strike

A March march to March? Or a holiday?

March, the month not the Fenland town, is upon us and that means Spring, dysfunctional Hares and assuming temporary Irish ancestry, at least for a day in the pub.

For those who miss Summer, it’s a season closer. For those who like Winter, it’s still around if you know where to look. With the Easter Bunny hibernating until April, let’s have a look at what is happening this month - and where you need to go to find it.

Beach time: What time can you make it

I’d rather be somewhere sunny:  Without Easter and school holidays, March is a good month for late deals to the sun if you choose somewhere that is slightly off the radar to visit at this time of year. 

Instead of Tenerife, Goa, Cancun or Florida try Malta, Vietnam, Cuba or Dubai. Remember, one mild day does not a warm month make so take advantage of a March getaway this year, if you can remember where your sunglasses are. Just be sure to try on the shorts before you pack them!

Getting the cold shoulder. And other bits

I’d rather be somewhere snowy: If you like winter sports and are already missing Ski Sunday then the thought of Summer will induce a similar sense of dread as having to watch an entire episode of The Jump. 

But Spring skiing/snowboarding can actually be a great deal of fun. Longer days, clear sunny skies and eating lunch outside without getting frostbite. Of course melting snow can be an issue so aim for high altitude resorts such as Tignes/Val d’Isère, Val Thorens, Saas Fee, Zermatt, Ischgl or Sölden. 

Just remember the sun can be very strong during the Spring so take plenty of suncream and the experience will outweigh all the hilarious Panda jibes when you return home!

Transatlantic: and today is another Sea Day

I’d rather be all at sea: March may not traditionally be seen as the best month for taking a cruise but it offers some cut price deals because it’s the positioning month for Ships to relocate from the Caribbean to Europe for the Summer season.  

Offers include a one way flight to join the Ship followed by some regional ports before crossing the Atlantic to Southampton via the Azores. There will be plenty of sea days but this is a great value way to experience a classic journey in comfort whilst putting on plenty of weight.

Spring Break: Dude, Where’s my Beer?

I’d rather not be: Not everywhere is ideal during March. Being above France between 6th-10th for example when Air Traffic Controllers kick off the strike season. Expect delays cancellations and shrugged shoulders.

It is also worth avoiding downtown Cancun during the middle of the month as this coincides with Spring break season unless you are missing the sophistication of a Magaluf Summer.


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David Sutherland, EyeLine Travel, Crawley; 5 March 2017
e: david@eyelinetravel.co.uk

t: 020 8123 2569

All holidays that I arrange are ABTA/ATOL protected

***

All our Latest Offers are on Facebook

Follow Us 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 Us on Twitter: @bouthaique

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

Latest Ski & Board Offers
Follow on Twitter:@alpineweekender

For Ski and Snowboard Short Breaks, visit http://alpineweekender.co.uk

Latest Cruise Offers

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