Discover Australia this Wednesday Night!

Come along to Barrhead Travel's Australia Evening!

Wednesday 2nd September, 6pm - 8.30pm!

Planning a trip down under? Barrhead Travel have teamed up with representatives from the leading Australian Tourist Boards, Tour Operators, Hotels and Attractions to put on a great night for you to find out all about Oz and plan your trip of a lifetime.

Join us for wine, canapes and a unique chance to receive personalised advice and inspiration to plan your dream trip to Australia and to take advantage of our amazing exclusive offers and discounts that will be available on the night!

To register for this brilliant FREE event call 0871 423 2437 or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk

Don't miss it, it's going to be bonzer!

Cruise Sale Day at Barrhead Travel tomorrow!

Attention all Shippers! Barrhead Travel's One Day Cruise and River Cruise Sale Day is tomorrow!

Barrhead Travel Cruise and River Cruise 1 Day Sale

10am - 6pm | Glasgow Superstore - 85 Oswald Street, Glasgow, Saturday 29th August.

Whether it's your first or fifteenth cruise there's never been a better time to book. Whatever you want to cruise to, there is a ship or river boat there, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. So, if you fancy clear the clear blue waters of the Caribbean the South Pacific, the glaciers of Alaska or the rivers of Europe, we have a cruise to suit everyone at the best price.

Representatives from P&O Cruises, Cunard, NCL, Ocean Village, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Thomson/Island Cruises , Princess Cruises, Viking River Cruises, Fred Olsen Lines and Hurtigruten will be attending.

Great discounts, extra onboard spend, upgrades and exclusive offers will all be available for one day only! Take to the waters, what are you waiting for!

For further details visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk

One Day to go to Barrhead's Big Club 18-30s Night!

We're nearly there ... tomorrow night we turn our Glasgow Superstore in Oswald St into a Club 18-30s Party Zone!

Vanessa from Galaxy Scotland’s breakfast show will be in-store on the decks spinning your favourite tunes. There will be exclusive Barrhead Travel offers, free places on group bookings for Summer 2010 and late deals on the night as well as freebies, snacks and drinks. Come along and meet the experts, advance register your Club place for 2010 with deposits from as little as £1.

And if that’s not enough, anyone who makes a booking on the night will be entered into a prize draw to WIN A FREE HOLIDAY!

Register now for this FREE event (it's not too late) by calling 0871 423 2437 or by visiting www.barrheadtravel.co.uk

Barrhead Travel Club 18-30 Night this Thursday!

It's nearly here, and it's going to be the best one yet!

Barrhead Travel's Big Club 18-30s Night!

6pm - 9pm | Glasgow Superstore - 85 Oswald Street, Glasgow. This Thursday, 27th!


Vanessa from Galaxy Scotland’s breakfast show will be in-store on the decks spinning your favourite tunes. There will be exclusive Barrhead Travel offers, free places on group bookings for Summer 2010 and late deals on the night as well as freebies, snacks and drinks. Come along and meet the experts, advance register your Club place for 2010 with deposits from as little as £1.

And if that’s not enough, anyone who makes a booking on the night will be entered into a prize draw to WIN A FREE HOLIDAY!

To register for this FREE event call 0871 423 2437 or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk

Discover Australia with Barrhead Travel!

Planning a trip down under? Come to Barrhead to let us make it happen! Australia is coming to Glasgow for one night only!

Discover Australia with Barrhead Travel at our Glasgow City Centre Superstore on Wednesday 2nd September from 6pm - 8.30pm!

Barrhead Travel have teamed up with representatives from the leading Australian Tourist Boards, Tour Operators, Hotels and Attractions.

Join us for wine, canapes and a unique chance to receive personalised advice and inspiration to plan your dream trip of a lifetime and take advantage of our exclusive offers & discounts available on the night.

To register for this FREE event, and it's sure to be bonzer, call 0871 423 2437 or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk

Cyprus, California, the Great Lakes of America ... with Barrhead Travel!

Still trying to decide on your next holiday destination? We at Barrhead Travel are here to help. Here's the hot destinations that we're recommending this week:

Cyprus

While accommodation in some European countries doesn’t always live up to UK standards, Cyprus is a class act. Luxury spa resorts, boutique properties and upmarket villas with pools have replaced a glut of mid market hotels.

The island was recently awarded its highest ever number of Blue Flag beaches – 53 in total – and rated top spot in Europe for bathing in water by the European Commission and European Environmental Agency Commission.

Cyprus has always offered a quality product. In recent years, the choice of upmarket hotels has increased, both in the five-star category and with new boutique hotels. There is a continual programme of investment by hotels to improve their facilities, particularly with the introduction of state-of-the-art spas.

Cyprus is the home of meze, which means visitors can try a bit of everything in one meal. Dish after dish of tasty morsels will appear on the table – sometimes up to 30 of them – and then it’s time to start feasting.

Olives, salad and fresh bread are first to arrive, with dips such as taramasalata and garlicky skordalia. Then expect octopus in red wine, snails in tomato sauce, and pork delicacy zalatina, accompanied by pickled cauliflower and lemon-dressed greens. Leave room for kalamari, sardines, grilled halloumi cheese and meatballs, smoked sausage and moussaka. It’s not over – there are still souvlakia, kleftiko and grilled chicken to come. For anyone who miraculously still has room dessert is generally some fresh fruit and syrup-soaked pastries.

You can find meze in any local taverna, but for a whole holiday filled with typical Cypriot flavour, book into a traditional stone house.

There are few more distinctive backdrops than Paphos Castle. This imposing building sits at the edge of the harbour, its stout walls descending into the bay. Built, captured and rebuilt many times throughout history, it’s been used as a fortress, a prison and even as a salt warehouse during the British occupation. These days one of its more decorative purposes is as the backdrop to the annual open-air cultural festival.

This year, the Aphrodite Festival runs from September 4-6 and visitors can sit outside as dusk falls and listen to an opera. The National Opera of Sofia will perform Lakme by French composer Leo Delibes, which tells the story of the doomed 19th century love affair between and English army officer and the daughter of an Indian Brahmin. British listeners may recognise the melody of one of the most famous arias from British Airways’ advertisements.

Stretching across much of the southwest of inland Cyprus, the Troodos Mountains are a stunning range of peaks. Pine-scented paths meander through river valleys and past quiet villages. A trek along one of the many well-marked routes is a peaceful respite from the lively tourist areas on the coast, and the chance to visit some of the many Byzantine churches and monasteries that nestle on the mountains. Some are tiny, no more than four walls and a dome; others are large structures with ornate frescoes, glowing with gold leaf.

Four main trails cover the area: one following the slopes of Mount Olympus, the highest peak, another circling the Chionistra summit, the last two leading to a series of waterfalls, and the fourth up to a spectacular viewpoint.

Even those with no equestrian experience will enjoy a day at a donkey farm. Donkey rides are widely available across the island, but the tours bookable through Argonaftis come highly recommended. These are designed to be fun for all the family and operate out of two locations, one near Paphos, the other not far from Ayia Napa. The donkeys are well treated, so kids won’t be upset by skeletal creatures covered in mange.

The day begins with a few snacks and a tour of the animal park to meet the donkeys, alongside the other waifs and strays who’ve been taken in, including goats, pigs, rabbits, squirrels, snakes, turtles, ostriches, and monkeys. Then it’s time to saddle up and get riding. There’s a demonstration first, before everyone is allocated a donkey according to their size. Donkey’s have strong personalities, and the slow, sometimes tangential journey past countryside and churches is often full of hilarity.

Afterwards, adults can relax with a glass of wine as the kids rush off excitedly to groom the donkeys and put them to bed. After a boozy barbecue, it’s time for some traditional dancing – a real taste of Cypriot village life.

Archaeological evidence suggests the Cypriots have been making wine for the last 6,000 year, so they’ve had plenty of time to get it right. Vineyards are everywhere in the southwest, sitting on the sunny lower slopes of the Troodos massif. The island’s main red varieties are Ofthalmo, Maratheftiko and Mavro, plus a white grape called Xynisteri. The two latter are combined to make the famous Commandaria, a sweet wine that is one of the oldest in the world.

There are plenty of opportunities to sample Cypriot wines, from village shops where staff are happy to offer tastes, to wineries and the vineyards themselves. The Cypriot tourist board publishes a guide to wine routes, so visitors can hire a car and explore, with groups of wine villages easily accessible from the Paphos and Limassol areas. There’s a wine museum in Erimi, and visitors to the villages of Omodos and Laneia can see vast ancient wine presses, which fill entire rooms of the old stone houses.

For a really wine-soaked experience, travel during the annual Limassol wine festival. Staged in the municipal gardens along the seafront there are stalls, tavernas, fountains, music – and let’s not forget the free wine. This years’ festival runs from August 28 to September 6.

With 485 miles of coastline, the sea is never far away when you’re on the island of Cyprus. For those who want action and adventure, it’s possible to waterski, windsurf, snorkel, canoe, jet-ski and sail – or simply swim. Sea temperatures are in the 20Cs from April right through to November. For paddling with a panorama, swim off the coast by Aphrodite’s Rock where, legend has it, the goddess of love rose out of the sea.

The sea is central to more relaxing pursuits, too. Cyprus is noted for its luxury hotels, many of which have extensive spas. In among the wide range of treatments on offer, most offer thalassotherapy options, where mineral-rich seawater and seaweed are used to tone and revitalise body and skin, often improving circulation. From mud baths to hydro-massage and aromatherapy to algae wraps, there are sea-related treatments to suit just about anyone.

Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort features the only indoor / outdoor thalassotherapy spa in Europe. The spa at Aphrodite Hills offers Greco-Roman style thermae bathing rituals and a whole host of signature packages, from short, two-hour options up to five day programmes for spa-obsessives. At Ayii Anargyri Spa Resort, a mineral-rich spring running down the hillside is channelled into the spa and used for treatments.


The Great Lakes

North America is a perennial chart-topper with the British market. While first-timers may head straight to the tourist hot spots, for those who want to explore further afield the Great Lakes region is a rewarding alternative.

Clustered around lakes Superior, Erie, Michigan and Huron in the northeast of the country, the states of Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana are home to some of the US's most iconic attractions. The gateway to the region is Chicago's O'Hare Airport, which is serviced by daily.

There are also plenty of fun ways to get around. The region is well connected to the Amtrak rail network, or clients can opt for an RV motorhome, rent a Harley or go for a classic fly-drive package.

Here's a guide to some of the best attractions the region has to offer:

Cleveland, Ohio

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Arguably the best music attraction in the world, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is more like going to a party than visiting a museum. The floors of this visually spectacular building are an extravaganza of memorabilia, movies, music and interactive exhibits.

Watch a home game
Cleveland's Downtown area is awash with stadiums, making it a mecca for sports enthusiasts. Whatever time of year you visit, there's bound to be either a baseball, ice hockey, basketball or football match that you can pre-book tickets for.

Playhouse Square
Cleveland's theatre district is second only to New York in the number of productions staged each year. Seats, however, cost a fraction of what they would in the Big Apple.

Where to stay
The recently renovated Ritz-Carlton is contemporary, elegant and the des res of Downtown.

Sandusky, Ohio

This area is Lake Erie's waterfront playground, where the white-sand beach is backed by thrill rides.

Cedar Point
With 17 roller coasters - that's more than any other amusement park in the world - Cedar Point is the place for adrenaline junkies to get their fix. Dragster is the scariest. It launches you 420ft, reaching a speed of 120mph in just four seconds. There are rides and playgrounds for tots and little kids, too, with the new Planet Snoopy proving a big hit.

Where to stay:
Castaway Bay, a hotel resort with its own water park, or Lighthouse Point, which offers luxury cabins on the shorefront next to Cedar Point, and has an RV camper village.

Detroit, Michigan

Known as motor city because it was where car-manufacturing moguls such as Henry Ford founded their empires, Detroit also lends its nickname to one of the most successful record labels of all-time: Motown. In recent years, the city has made huge strides in shedding its gritty reputation with a major facelift for the Downtown area and the addition of a pedestrianised waterfront. However, it's still advisable to drive or take a cab rather than walk when exploring at night.

The Henry Ford Museum
Feast your eyes on an enviable display of auto eye-candy, which includes the last Model T Ford ever built and the first Mustang to come off the production line. Henry was also an avid collector of vintage Americana, also displayed.

The Motown Museum
This pint-sized building produced big names such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes and Gladys Knight. A tour takes you behind the scenes and then into Studio A where all the hits were recorded - and where visitors get a chance to take the mic.

MotorCity Casino
Retro-style neon, glitz and glamour - this is the place to see and be seen. Listen to the Motown-style bands on stage and the chink of quarter coins being dropped into the slot machines at an alarming rate.

Where to stay
The Detroit Marriott Hotel at the Renaissance Centre is right on the waterfront with sweeping views across to Canada.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum
This museum, right next to the track, charts the rise of the Indy 500 race - held here each May - alongside a collection of early sports cars. At certain times of the year, you can do three laps of the circuit behind the wheel of a genuine Indy car.

Eiteljorg Museum
A collection of Native American and Western art interspersed with historical artefacts that tell the tale of the Wild West era.

Where to stay
The Hampton Inn is comfortable and convenient.

Chicago, Illinois

The ultimate metropolis of the Great Lakes region and the home of Blues music, Chicago is a walkable city bursting with energy.

Millennium Park
Take a stroll around its contemporary sculptures and fountains, shop at the exclusive boutiques and department stores on the Magnificent Mile, and board a river cruise to marvel at the city's skyscrapers. At the end of the day head for a bird's-eye view of it all from the Sears Tower.

Where to stay
Park Hyatt Chicago has luxury rooms, pool, spa and gym overlooking the cityscape and is within walking distance of the major attractions. Essex Inn has floor-to-ceiling windows and a swimming pool in a glass atrium.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Harley-Davidson Museum
Visitors get to swoon at the racing, business and pleasure incarnations of these sought-after 'iron horses'. Just as much fun is admiring those parked outside by the Harley-Davidson fans who see visiting the museum, which opened last year, as a pilgrimage.

Milwaukee Art Museum
Looks good on the outside and is filled with treasures on the inside. Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava's design has wings that flap at noon.

Festivals Park
Nicknamed the City of Festivals, there are back-to-back events held at Milwaukee's open-air exhibition space on the shores of Lake Michigan throughout the summer. These include Pride and Summerfest - the largest music festival on the planet, with 11 stages and 700 entertainers.

On the waterfront
Walk or cycle along the lake, through the parks and to the beach where you can watch volleyball matches or top up your tan.

Where to stay
The Iron Horse is a newly opened, luxury, minimalist, boutique property with a motorbike theme, a fantastic restaurant and a lively bar.


California

The coastal drive between Los Angeles and San Francisco is one of the most thrilling in the US. The 485-mile Pacific Coast Highway is full of contrasts, with frenetic cities and sleepy villages, long stretches of open road and twisting turns, and rugged cliffs and white sandy beaches.

And while the words 'green' and 'road trip' don't usually go together, in California, where green consciousness takes centre stage, it is possible to blend the two, from travelling in a hybrid car to staying in the wide range of eco-friendly hotels on offer.

Days 1-3: Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Why?
Just five miles from downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica feels like a world away from the smog-filled air and frenzied traffic in the city.

Where to stay
The Hotel Shangri-la Santa Monica, right opposite the beach and a two-minute walk from the lively Third Street Promenade, has just reopened after a $30 million refurbishment. This striking art deco property has a South Beach-style party vibe, and its monochrome cabanas are drawing in all kinds of LA luvvies.

Another feature of the hotel's new look is a raft of green practices. For example, the hotel only uses organic cleaning products, and toiletries come in recycled packaging.

What to do
Spend a day shopping on the pedestrianised Third Street Promenade, and stroll among well-heeled Angelenos up Montana Avenue, or hit the beach.

Days 3-5: Santa Barbara

Why?
An easy 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, this chilled-out beach town is a great spot to wind down from the big city. With perpetually blue skies, days are well spent relaxing on the beach or exploring the trendy boutiques on State Street. For something more upscale, admire the seven-figure mansions at nearby Montecito, home to Oprah Winfrey.

Where to stay
The Four Seasons Resort, the Biltmore, offers elegant luxury with a conscience. Behind the Biltmore's perfectly manicured grounds and Spanish-style cottages are a host of stringent green policies enforced by a dedicated 'green team' of staff.

Everything from glass to paper is recycled, old towels and sheets are donated to a homeless shelter, and the resort tracks its energy usage each week. Guests also use the Coral Casino Club, a 1930s-style beach club where it is easy to imagine golden-age Hollywood starlets sipping cocktails.

What to do
Leave the car behind and embark on the Red Tile walking tour, which takes in the County Courthouse, Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. Or hop on the open-air electric shuttle on State Street for just 25c.

Days 6-7: The 17-mile drive from Carmel to Monterey

Why?
The famous 17-mile drive from the coastal village of Carmel to Monterey offers breathtaking ocean views and passes through exclusive neighbourhoods, sea lion viewing spots and golf courses.

Where to stay
The nautical-themed Captain's Inn is a friendly bed and breakfast near Monterey with a strong green ethos. As well as all the basics, the hotel staff have been helping to clean up a two-mile stretch of highway.

What to do
Take some time to wander aimlessly around Carmel's impossibly cute shops to see if you can catch sight of Clint Eastwood, who was mayor here from 1986-88.

Days 7-8: Big Sur

Why?
Located 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur is well worth the hair-raising drive around narrow bends and steep cliffs. Without any village centre, Big Sur consists of luxury hotels, art galleries and restaurants dotted among the trees, just off the road.

Where to stay?
The exclusive Post Ranch Inn offers guests the chance to feel close to nature without leaving luxury behind. The Inn, which produces its own pollution-free electricity thanks to recently installed solar panels, consists of a string of wood-and-glass lodges built into the cliffside with spectacular views.

What to do
A first port of call should be the Big Sur Bakery, an informal alternative to the Post Ranch Inn's Sierra Mar. The place is known for its woodfired pizza, but make sure you save room for its gooey chocolate chip cookies. For great views with your food, check out the Nepenthe restaurant.

Days 8-10: San Francisco

Why?
With its wonderful mishmash of cultures, San Francisco has a distinctive character and charm that makes it an exhilarating final stop on a US road trip.

Where to stay
The iconic Fairmont San Francisco is located on the top of Nob Hill, the highest peak in the city. Dating back to 1906, the hotel is steeped in history, and photographs of celebrity and royal guests line the walls.

The hotel is embracing eco-conscious travellers by offering an 'eco-chic' suite. Designed by eco-designer Kelly LaPlante, the Lexus Hybrid Living Suite has been created with organic and recyclable materials, and guests are offered a green specialist tour guide and complimentary use of a hybrid Lexus car.

What to do
A visit to San Francisco isn't complete without a boat trip to the imposing Alcatraz prison. For an overview of the city, try Mr Toad’s Tours in eco-friendly propane- powered 1930s cars

We reckon that you'll have a few more holiday ideas now! To book travel to any one of these tempting destinations, find out more information or for any assistance with your travel needs contact Barrhead Travel today on 0871 226 2673 or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk

It's all happening @ Barrhead!

It surely is, a massive One Day Cruise & River Cruise Sale Day, our famous Club 18-30 Night and we're bringing Australia to Glasgow!

Yep, it's a busy few weeks ahead at Barrhead. First up it's the return of our legendary Club 18-30 Night, it's back and better than ever:

The Big Club 18-30s Night! THURSDAY AUG 27th

6pm - 9pm | Glasgow Superstore - 85 Oswald Street, Glasgow

Barrhead Travel’s big Club 18-30’s night is back and it’s bigger than ever!

Vanessa from Galaxy Scotland’s breakfast show will be in-store on the decks spinning your favourite tunes. There will be exclusive Barrhead Travel offers, free places on group bookings for Summer 2010 and late deals on the night as well as freebies, snacks and drinks. Come along and meet the experts, advance register your Club place for 2010 with deposits from as little as £1.

And if that’s not enough, anyone who makes a booking on the night will be entered into a prize draw to WIN A FREE HOLIDAY!

If that's a little too rowdy for you then perhaps it's time to take to the water:


Barrhead Travel Cruise and River Cruise 1 Day Sale. SATURDAY 29th AUGUST.

10am - 6pm | Glasgow Superstore - 85 Oswald Street, Glasgow

Whether it's your first or fifteenth cruise there's never been a better time to book. Whatever you want to cruise to, there is a ship or river boat there, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. So, if you fancy clear the clear blue waters of the Caribbean the South Pacific, the glaciers of Alaska or the rivers of Europe, we have a cruise to suit everyone at the best price.

Representatives from P&O Cruises, Cunard, NCL, Ocean Village, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Thomson/Island Cruises , Princess Cruises, Viking River Cruises, Fred Olsen Lines and Hurtigruten will be attending.

Great discounts, extra onboard spend, upgrades and exclusive offers available!

And then last but by no means least ... it's Australia time!

Discover Australia Evening. WEDNESAY 2nd SEPTEMBER.

6pm - 8.30pm | Glasgow Superstore - 85 Oswald Street, Glasgow

Australia comes to Glasgow for one night only!

Join us in store for our Australia event at our Glasgow Superstore. We'll have experts from all the leading Australian tour operators, hoteliers and tourist boards, giving you specialist advice on how to create your dream trip Downunder. There will be huge savings to be made on the day with exclusive rates and big discounts on some of the fantastic holiday options Australia has to offer!

With representatives from: Tourism Australia, Qantas Holidays, APT Touring, Emirates, Tourism Queensland, Tourism Victoria, Tourism Tasmania, Tourism Western Australia, South Australian Tourism Commission and many more…

Come along to one or all of them, they're all free of course. To register just visit:

www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/events

Bellissimo! Lake Garda Bargain!

Just in today, a sensational offer for a holiday at Italy's beautiful Lake Garda. 7nts 4* Half Board accommodation in stunning Riva for just £399 per person. That's a massive discount on the brochure price of £728 per person.

Departures are available on 9 & 16 September on direct flights from Prestwick Airport.

As well as the half-board breakfast and dinner there is also a complimentary brunch buffet every day between 11:00 - 12:30, we can't say fairer than that!

Well actually we can! ... because what's more every booking made through Barrhead Travel on this amazing offer will receive a free upgrade to a balcony room!

Why wouldn't you book? Call Barrhead Travel today on 0871 226 2673 or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk

Stuff the Credit Crunch, we want holidays!

We're pleased as punch at some of the media coverage that Barrhead Travel received over the weekend. We've been saying for some time that our customers are not being put off holidaying by the credit crunch and now some of the major newspapers have picked up on it.

The Sunday Herald (http://bit.ly/SxeJZ) reports on our current expansion amidst a market where others are struggling. We're seeing high levels of demand though, for last gasp summer 09 holidays as well as winter breaks and a lot of early bookings for summer 2010.

The Sunday Mail meantime (http://bit.ly/4DBZFt) discuss our chairman's comments that travellers are returning to traditional package holidays in numbers rather than taking a gamble on DIY holidays.

It all just goes to show what we've been saying all along - it takes more than some so-called credit crunch to stop us from going our holidays!

For all your holiday needs call Barrhead Travel today on 0871 226 2673 or book online at www.barrheadtravel.co.uk

Austria Bargains!

When we say bargain we mean bargain. It's Lakes and Mountains time. We have a couple of stunning offers for Austria at the end of the month.

Dep Glasgow Saturday 29 August, 7nts Half Board for only £299pp! That's almost half brochure price!

Direct flights from Glasgow to Salzburg (with great flight times) and accommodation in either St Johann or St Gilgen, on a half board basis.

Hotels are St Johann - Hotel Gasthof Mauth and in St Gilgen - Hotel Jodlerwirt.

Yodelayheehee!

Call Barrhead Travel today on 0871 226 2673 or visit www.barrheadtravel.com

Dates for the Diary!

Not one but two big events coming up from Barrhead Travel!

First up we have the return of our big Club 18-30 Night! It's back and better than ever. On Thursday 27 August from 6pm to 9pm Club 18-30 is taking over our Glasgow Superstore.

Vanessa from Galaxy Scotland's Breakfast Show will be in-store on the decks and spinning all your favourite tunes. There will be amazing, exclusive Barrhead Travel Offers, free places on group bookings for Summer 2010 and late deals on the night as well as freebies, snacks and drinks.

Come along and meet the experts, advance register your Club place for 2010 with deposits from as little as £1!

And ... if that's not enough, anyone who makes a booking on the night will be entered into a prize draw to WIN A FREE HOLIDAY!

To register log onto www.barrheadtravel.co.uk

and that's not all ...

On Saturday 29 August we're having an amazing Cruise and River Cruise ONE DAY SALE! Again hosted in our Glasgow superstore, it will run from 10am to 6pm and we'll have representatives from all of the big cruise lines with some amazing special offers and prices available for one day only. We'll also be serving refreshments throughout the day ... Shiver me timbers!

Get your tickets for this great event now. Call our ticket hotline on 0871 226 2953 today!

Visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk for all of our best deals and more.

Philly Flyers!

With daily non stop flights from London, Manchester and Birmingham and Summer departures from Glasgow, Philadelphia is a fantastic destination for a city break. Alternatively if you are travelling onwards, with flights to over 230 destinations including the popular holiday hotspots of Orlando and Las Vegas, Philadelphia is a great “gateway” to the USA and ideal for a few nights stay.

As the second largest city on the east coast of the United States, Philadelphia is dynamic and full of big city excitement and still maintains the small town charm and history that will capture your imagination.

Known throughout the world for the founding of the United States, Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, two of the most treasured monuments celebrating American freedom.
Philadelphia boasts a wealth of cultural and historic attractions and an abundance of exciting dining and nightlife options, making the city a must visit destination!

From South Street to Rittenhouse Row and Jewellers’ Row, Philadelphia is a shopper’s paradise. The city offers incredible shopping complexes and one-of-a-kind specialty stores. Get more than you bargained for in the historic heart of the USA and see how much you can save! You’ll save hundreds of $$$ on tax-free clothing and shoes!

Here's just a couple of some of the great Philly offers that Barrhead Travel have:

PHILLY CITYBREAK
May 2010 Departures
3nts
3*Radisson Plaza Warwick £529
4* Crowne Plaza £539
5* Loews £569


PHILLY & ORLANDO
Sep 09 Departures
2nts 3* Comfort Inn Downtown & 8nts 3* Comfort Inn Universal
From £ 729

PHILLY & LAS VEGAS
Sep 09 Departures
2nts 3* Comfort Inn Downtown & 8nts 3* Excalibur Hotel
From £ 829

To book or for any more info contact Barrhead Travel today, call 0871 226 2673 or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk

follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/BarrheadTravel

We're All Going to Sunny Spain!

With the spotlight firmly focused on up and coming non euro destinations such as Turkey and Egypt, it’s easy to forget the huge and enduring popularity of Spain.

The Balearics

The balmy climate and beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands are still a big draw and they remain some of the most popular destinations for the British market. Last year, nearly 3.4 million Brits visited the Balearics, and that level has remained stable over the last decade.

Hoteliers are dropping prices, there are fabulous special offers and customers can expect the same next year. It’s not just the hotels; restaurants also know they can’t expect Brits to pay too highly, so visitors will find plenty of meal deals.

Majorca

Package tourism on the largest of the Balearics started in 1952 and Brits have been flocking there ever since. Majorca is the most versatile destination you can think of, in terms of the different types of resort. There’s a constant investment, which keeps standards high.

It’s a year round destination with something for families, older couples, the young and lively, as well as the high end of the market. The classic beach break is still available; Alcudia is very family focused and Magaluf and Palma Nova are great for younger more boisterous groups.

The city of Palma has developed into a lovely city break location, with its sun-warmed sandstone offering a contrast to the dramatic Gothic architecture. Visitors can lose themselves wandering around the historic city centre, indulge in a spot of shopping, then retreat to a bar for a cocktail or some tapas as the sun sets over the bay.

The Tramuntanta mountain range that runs up Majorca’s backbone, provides great terrain for walkers and cyclists in the cooler shoulder season, and a quiet rural retreat in summer.

On the east coast the Arta Caves is a network of fascinating caverns nearly 50 metres above the sea. The island has 19 golf courses and a wealth of spa product, with a well-established tradition of luxury hotels. The first deluxe hotel, the Gran Hotel in Palma, opened in 1903, and is now a cultural centre.

Menorca

Majorca’s quieter little sister has its own distinctive charm – not least its beaches, which number more than Majorca’s and Ibiza’s put together.

Perhaps surprisingly, considering an annual average of 2,712 hours of sunshine, the island is very green, with beautiful rolling fields. Menorca was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1993, with the S’Albufera d’es Grau national park, a bird-filled wetland, at its heart.

There’s plenty for history buffs, too, with the oldest preserved building in Europe, the Naveta des Tudons, among other archaeological treasures.

The capital, Mao, which has a large harbour popular with cruise ships, and the former capital, the small and picturesque Ciutadella, are both worth a visit for a spot of sightseeing and to indulge in the café culture.

Easy-going and laid-back, the island’s resorts tend to be low-rise, and the family market is particularly strong. However, it also has much to offer couples and groups looking for a more peaceful break. You won’t find big hotels in Menorca. Everything has a real Spanish feel. It’s great for chilling out.

Ibiza

The island’s reputation as superclub central isn’t unearned; it’s still one of the best places for those who want to dance all night. The south, particularly San Antonio, is the palce for those who yearn for the hedonistic party scene. Most of the large clubs are in San Antonio or Ibiza Town, or on the road that connects the two.

However, as many tourists are discovering, there’s much more to Ibiza. Hippy communities flocked here in the 1960s and there are still hippy markets and a general anything goes, tolerant, tie dyed sort of atmosphere.

Ibiza Town, though it has its fair share of party potential, is an absolutely stunning walled city, with winding streets inside the sun-kissed fortress walls and a glitzy marina, where millionaires’ yachts moor up. It’s a wonderful place to wander, or visit a museum or gallery, before hitting the restaurants and bars.

There are plenty of family-friendly areas, particularly Playa d’en Bossa, which has large family hotels and a theme park called Fiestaland.

The north of the island is much quieter, full of forested hills and secluded bays. There are plenty of accommodation options, or it’s easy to explore with a hire car from a busier resort.

For pretty beaches head to Benirras or Cala Xuclar, or turn inland and visit historic hamlets such as Balafia, where you can see the beautifully simple white-walled Ibizan houses and churches that inspired architects such as La Corbusier. Luxury is a developing market in Ibiza, which has a rash of chic, high-end hotels.

Formentera
The kind of expansive white beaches and warm, clean, azure sea you might expect from the Caribbean can be found much closer to home in Formentera. This small, tranquil island is just south of Ibiza, where visitors need to fly into before taking a boat across.

Formentera is a place to escape to – there aren’t many inhabitants and it’s easy to get around by bike. It’s great for those who want to do nothing in its quiet resorts, but also for those who like to explore unspoilt landscapes. The latter can visit La Mola, to see the dramatic cliff face and lighthouse, see ancient megalithic villages in the Barbaria area, or take a boat trip to Espalmador for a mud bath in the lagoon.


Castilla y Leon

Despite being the largest region in Spain, Castilla y Leon, which comprises the former kingdoms of Castilla (Old Castile) and Leon, is often overlooked by UK travellers.

The region, to the north of Madrid, is home to over half of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can explore more than 200 castles, almost 400 museums and 11 cathedrals, not to mention Salamanca’s charming Plaza Mayor, the Roman aqueduct in Sergovia and the historic walled city of Avila, while the food is so good it makes buttons pop off.

And if all that gastronomy and culture doesn’t sate your appetite, the region is also home to 21 ski resorts, 38 golf courses and wonderful walking trails.

Urban Delights / Green & Gothic

One of Europe’s greenest cities, by the River Arlanzon and overlooked by its castle, is the instantly appealing Burgos. After entering the impressive Gate of Santa Maria, the highlight is the steeple-strewn 13th century Gothic cathedral, also the final resting place of the medieval fighter El Cid.

In the perfectly preserved old quarter, it’s not unusual to see pilgrims on the Route to Santiago. The riverside Paseo del Espolon is a great way to soak up Burgos’ relaxed river town feel.

Hidden Gems

A couple of hours southwest, by the River Pisuerga in the Ribera del Duero wine region, is Valladolid. The highlights being the cathedral, Church of San Pablo and university façade. Spain aficionados may experience a sense of déjà vu upon entering Plaza Mayor, as its arcaded design has inspired many of the country’s other squares, most notably Madrid’s and Salamanca’s.

Piece de Resistance
Salamanca is the liveliest, most cosmopolitan hub of Castilla y Leon, home to Europe’s oldest surviving university and the beautiful Baroque-style arcaded Plaza Mayor, lined with restaurant terraces.

There are two cathedrals, the old and new, which are joined to each other. Both are appropriately elaborate, but look closely at the 18th century façade and you’ll find an astronaut and a demon with an ice cream – added by 20th century restorers with a sense of humour. The distinctive golden hue of the historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is best appreciated from atop the cathedral tower.

Castles & Aqueducts

The walled city of Segovia is a heart capturing sort of place, its Roman aqueduct towering over the entrance. At the other end is the Alcazar de Segovia, a turreted, blue-roofed castle fortress on a rocky hillock, supposedly inspiring Disney’s Cinderella castle (the resemblance is uncanny).

Walking through the historic Jewish quarter, past the majestic cathedral and Moorish architecture, is a reminder of how these culture, Jewish, Muslim and Christain, have shaped the city.

Just outside Segovia is the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. The sumptuous interior is fascinating, but its gardens and fountains, commissioned by Philip V, the King of Spain in the 18th century, to recapture his childhood at the French court, are the real highlight.

Medieval Magic

Save the best until last? Perhaps. It’s like stepping back in time in Avila, the entire medieval walled city is a World Heritage Site. It’s 1.6 mile long walls, Spain’s best conserved, are the world’s largest floodlit monument.

From the Cuatro Postes (Four Posts) monument, views over the city and Gothic cathedral satisfy the appetite of even the most jaded traveller.

Gastro Giants

Castilla y Leon takes its food seriously. At Segovia’s family-run Meson de Candidio, situated by the aqueduct since 1786, dining is positively ceremonial. The speciality, cochinillo, legs splayed post-roasting, is “introduced” to the diners by the host who demonstrates its tenderness by slicing it using a plate edge. The restaurant also specialises in Castillian white bean and pork soup, and punch cake, a liqueur-soaked marzipan sponge.

At the Meson del Cid in Burgos, the speciality is lechazo, roast suckling lamb. Hanging hams are a familiar sight, especially in Salamanca, which produces 60% of Spain’s Iberian cured jamon. Other dishes worth a try include the spicy sausage, farinato, and hornazo Salmantino – a chorizo, pork, ham and egg pie.

Valladolid is home to the region’s newest Michelin-starred restaurants, Ramiro’s. Set in the Science Museum building, the 10th floor restaurant overlooks the River Pisuerga and serves up morsels of gourmet cuisine, such as mussel soup and ice cream made at the table.

Wine Growers

Nine of the region’s wines hold a Designation of Origin. Castilla y Leon is renowned for its fresh, fruity whites from the Verdejo grape. In Rueda, close to Valladolid, the Yllera family co-own the Grupo Yllera winery. Individual and group visits/tastings can be booked in advance. Nearby is their former winery, located above a 14th century underground cellar. The 0.6 mile tunnel is now used to store sparkling and reserve wines and there is a huge dining room for private parties.

For any Spanish travel needs or to anywhere else you might fancy contact Barrhead Travel today or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk