Holiday Scope

Best cruise prices online

2006-02-02T09:58:00.000Z

Search online for best cruise prices and hot locations. Co-op cruise holidays direct offer a range of last minute cruises, island cruises and even singles cruise deals. So escape the winter chill and relax in luxury, for less than you think.

One night breaks for a romantic interlude

2006-01-31T12:34:00.000Z

One night breaks really can offer the best of both worlds; you get a refreshing change of scenery, you don't need to take a load of holiday, and you are not there long enough to get sick of all that time in the company of your loved one!

Travelcall Breaks offer a range of short breaks, the most popular of which is Paris. It is said that one night in Paris is the key to keeping romance alive, so why not try for yourself and whisk somebody special away for a magical night they will never forget.

Cheap cruise bargains

2006-01-26T11:04:00.000Z

With the cold weather persisting and the excitement of Christmas gone, it takes something special to cheer the spirit, namely some sun, some good food and a lot of relaxing.

It doesn't come much more relaxing than a cruise holiday; with excellent service, legendary food and the constant soothing sound of the sea, you would be forgiven for thinking that this type of relaxation comes with a hefty price tag.

Fortunately cruise bargains UK can offer you a little bit of paradise for much less. With a huge range of cheap cruise packages on offer you can chose from a late booking discount for immediate pleasure, or enjoy the anticipation with an early booking deal, either way you are guaranteed the holiday of a lifetime with memories that will last much longer than your payments!

Cheap holidays on the hour every hour

2006-01-23T11:59:00.000Z

Holidays Direct have taken holiday bargain hunting to a whole new level with a new hourly special offer function. Check the website for updated offers every hour, with prices starting from just £79 you really can afford to take a break with holidays direct.

Bargain skiing holidays this half-term

2006-01-19T13:03:00.000Z

Budget skiing holidays aren't just for the childless, and this February half-term snowdeals are offering some fantastic offers. Villas in Pamporovo, Chamonix and Meribel are all available from just £296 for 7 nights.

With flights available from major UK airports it is easy to get away with the family this February.

Caribbean Cruise Holidays beat winter blues

2006-01-16T10:44:00.000Z

Nothing cheers you up quite like the sight of the sun shining on the sea (although watching it from the deck of a boat with a cocktail in hand might cheer you up even more....).

Travelcall Cruise's range of Caribbean cruises are sure to put a smile on your face, as will their fantastic prices.

Chose from the Western islands and a range of cruise liners, from Royal Caribbean cruise to a host of cheap cruise deals.

Ski holidays in Andorra hit the highs

2006-01-12T09:22:00.000Z

Discount snow ski packages don't come much better than a trip to Andorra; as a tax haven the skiing, and the shopping, both come fairly cheap.

With a range of resorts to chose from there is bound to be a style of skiing or snowboarding to suit your level of expertise; from the red runs of Sierra Nevada to the narrow slopes of Arinsal Andorra really can offer it all.

But the delights of Andorra are by no means reserved to the slopes; there is just as much to attract visitors during the summer. Situated in the mountains, summer visitors may be lucky enough to witness amazing storms where the impressive skyline is illuminated by lightning.

Once you have exhausted the slopes and the shopping, there is always the food to consider. Influenced by its joint French and Spanish heritage, Andorra is a little-known gastronomique jewel. Catering for the usual tourist tastes, a little digging will also unveil some surprising local cuisine; cheese, Iberian ham, foie gras and baby squid are all on the menu, as well as an Andorran take on wine.

Save on Canaries deals

2006-01-09T12:10:00.000Z

Bored of the January weather already? Need an incentive to stop eating leftover chocolates and get into shape of the New Year? Still reeling from Christmas budget blowout but really want a break?

Well fear not, all of your problems can be solved in one easy step with a bargain Canaries deal from Holidays you Like. With savings of up to £150 per couple available, you can jet off to Tenerife for the amazing price of just £88 for 7 nights. Choose from your favourite Canaries Island and you can be enjoying the sun before you know it.

Boasting some of Europe's most beautiful scenery, from lush forests, to tropical beaches and volcanic skylines, the Canaries never fail to surprise. The range of entertainment is equally varied, whether you prefer a lively nightlife, or exploring markets on cobbled streets, there is an island to suit you.

Jersey weekends breaks have it all

2006-01-05T09:09:00.000Z

As the largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey is able to boast the beauty and charm typical to the region but also offer a more varied selection of entertainment and sights. From beautiful beaches to fascinating boutiques, Jersey has a surprising amount to offer for such a small place. Only 43 square miles, the island's reputation as one of the best sources of excellent fresh cuisine is well earned and constantly amazes and delights visitors.

Jersey weekend breaks are always the perfect get-away, combining British and French cultures in a charming way, a short break in Jersey is both refreshing and invigorating.

Prague tops City hot-spots

2006-01-03T14:28:00.000Z

Featuring high on every list of top ten city breaks Prague is a European city on the up. Boasting beautiful architecture and breathtaking scenery, Prague short breaks are an obvious choice for anybody wanting to savour the delights of a truly historical city.

In addition to Gothic splendour, Prague also boasts a renowned nightlife; but if heaving bars and dank nightclubs are not your thing fear not, there are plenty of civilised little bars and street cafes where you can enjoy your drink and watch the world pass by in style.

As well as the fascinating local craft markets Prague is also seeing a growth in the number of designer boutiques gracing its cobbled streets, the perfect excuse to treat yourself before mixing with High Society at the city's astounding opera house.

For more details on fabulous offers available contact Travelcall Breaks and book online.

Winter holidays top British Christmas wish-list

2005-12-30T12:44:00.000Z

The steady growth in the number of childless couples in Britain has helped to drive a shift in our annual holiday patterns. Nearly quarter of the population take their main holiday in winter, opting for exotic locations where the sun can be enjoyed all year round. Another big draw for far-flung locations is the lack of children there, mainly because the winter sun can be found out of school holiday season.

This shift is also good news for families looking for top holiday spots too; with two out of five Britons not taking a holiday last summer there is more choice of locations for parents, and better deals as travel agents can no longer take for granted the summer exodus abroad.

Tsunami hit areas rise again

2005-12-22T10:35:00.000Z

Nearly a year on from the Boxing Day Tsunami communities in Thailand are starting to rebuild, relying heavily on the return of tourists to the region to fund regeneration. In particular the holiday home market is getting back on its feet, excellent news for the picturesque towns relying on investment from rich foreigners.

Phuket is a case in point. Pre-Tsunami, the town relied heavily on foreigners buying second homes and spending their money in the community - to the extent that 75% of the town's income was raised this way.

The Tsunami changed all of this immediately, and with catastrophic results. Not only was the money not there for everyday things, the money was not there for the massive amount of rebuilding required. Fortunately, and thanks to the efforts of a very determined marketing campaign, this is changing. New estate agents are opening up in the resort and rebuilding is underway. In fact a visit to Phuket will reveal surprisingly little physical damage visible, but this doesn't mean potential buyers don't still need to be vigilant.

Despite stricter planning regulations, there are still some rogue traders trying to make a fast profit from foreign investors, so contact reputable agents before even considering investment in Thai properties.

Cancun pulling out the stops for New Year trade

2005-12-19T12:29:00.000Z

Once a popular destination for winter sun-seekers, the Mexican resort was virtually destroyed by Hurricane Wilma in October. Yet following an impressive rebuild operation 50% of the hotels in Cancun are expected to be open for business at the start of the New Year.

Whilst it is vital for the fate of the resort that tourists start returning, the most damage was done to Cancun's biggest attraction - the famous beach. Once 80m wide in places, this has dwindled to just 20m as the storms washed away the sand. Perversely it was the very construction of the hotels that made such devastation possible, as concrete foundations replaced the grassland that held together the complex structure.

Yet whilst there is concern that developers are following the same doomed path by throwing up new hotels on the same sites as those so recently destroyed, every effort is being taken to draw tourists back to the typically poor region, even to the extend that sand is being reclaimed from the sea and deposited back on the site of the famous beach.

The next best thing to Santa's sleigh

2005-12-14T11:17:00.000Z

This is a busy time of year for the big guy so rides in the sleigh with the reindeers is probably out of the question. However, a pack of husky dogs up in the Cairngorms will be more than happy to oblige with a once in a lifetime opportunity to race through this beautiful scenery like never before.

The 12-strong pack of dogs can pull a sleigh and its passengers (if you hold on tight enough) at speeds of up to 20mph. Surrounded by grazing stags and breath-taking snow-capped scenery, this really is a festive trip to remember.

Malaria risks ignored

2005-12-09T13:20:00.000Z

As British tourists become more ambitious in their choice of holiday destination, they must also be aware of the possible dangers encountered when visiting tropical countries. There has been a particular rise in the number of tourists visiting African countries as media coverage and internet make such places seem more accessible to the average holidaymaker. Yet recent cases of malaria amongst tourist and business travellers to Gambia in West Africa, including two deaths, have triggered warnings from the Health Protection Agency.

For malaria tablets to be effective they must be taken in advance of the visit and in some cases for a period of time after returning, it seems that some people are neglecting to do this, either through lack of knowledge or misinformation. So whilst it is excellent that people are venturing further afield in their travels, it is critical that information is passed on as to what health implications need to be considered for any visit, if you are in any doubt, or visiting somewhere for the firstt time, please contact your doctor for health advice.

New York travel destination of choice for Christmas

2005-12-05T12:22:00.000Z

Christmas shoppers will be flocking to New York to snap up some bargain presents again this year. The shopping haven has been named the best-value destination for the fourth year running, beating off competition from its neighbour, Boston and European destinations Munich and Prague.

Off piste skiing resort with a difference

2005-11-30T11:30:00.000Z

Built in the middle of scorching Arabian desert, Dubai's newest tourist destination is something of a paradox. The Ski Dubai indoor skiing centre is a $272 million dollar masterpiece. Spanning the length of three football pitches and boasting real snow, the centre is built inside one of Dubai's mammoth shopping malls, allowing passing shoppers to watch in amazement as people in winter clothes have snowball fights on the other side of the glass panels. But if feeling the fresh air on your face as you sail down the mountainside is more your idea of a real skiing trip then look no further than Ski-Direct. With a range of European, American and Canadian resorts on offer, it will be cheaper than flying to an Arabian country for your icy thrills!