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Ahoy!
Launch dates for 2011 & 2012 cruises have just been released and you can pre-register with Barrhead Travel now to ensure that you're amongst the very first in line on the day the cruises go on sale so that you can get the very best deals!
Selected dates are:
SATURDAY 24 APR
P&O Cruises Gold Tier Portunas Club - Adonia 9 - 11am
P&O Cruises Gold Tier Portunas Club - All P&O Cruises ships - 11am - 5pm
Princess Cruises - Past Passenger/Captains Circle Members - Europe sailings
MONDAY 26 APR
Cunard World Club Members from 1pm
Princess Cruises Europe from 8am
TUESDAY 27 APR
P&O Cruises - March, April & May cruises on sale
Princess Cruises Europe - on sale
Cunard - on sale
WEDNESDAY 28 APR
P&O Cruises - June, Jul & August cruises on sale
Princess Cruises Europe - on sale
Cunard - on sale
THURSDAY 29 APR
P&O Cruises - September, October & November cruises on sale
Princess Cruises Europe - on sale
Cunard - on sale
FRIDAY 30 APR
P&O Cruises - remaining cruises including 2012 Spring Med and Caribbean fly programmes
Princess Cruises Europe - on sale
Cunard - on sale
Pre-Register with Barrhead now to be the first to book for next year. Click Here to give us your details online or call our specialist cruise team now on 0871 226 8688.
Barrhead Travel - The First Port of Call for Cruise Holidays!
Friday 26 March 2010
Friday 19 March 2010
NCL announce more Norwegian Epic details:
The Barrhead Travel cruise team are all eagerly awaiting the launch of NCL's latest ship, the Norwegian Epic, and our appetites have been whetted even further with the details of dining options on board that have just been announced:
Norwegian Cruise Line have announced that its largest, most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic, will feature an extensive number of complimentary Freestyle dining options – 11 out of 21 total – that are included in the cruise fare. The additional 10 dining options will have a nominal cover charge.
Guests on board Norwegian Epic can select from a variety of cuisines, dining styles and atmospheres on board with a total of 21 dining options. Those that will be free of charge are:
• Taste, the atrium restaurant serving traditional and contemporary cuisine;
• Manhattan Room, reminiscent of an elegant supper club complete with music, dancing and entertainment;
• O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, serving American favorites and comfort food, 24 hours;
• Garden Café, Norwegian's signature action station casual restaurant;
• Great Outdoors, the pool-side grill;
• Spice H20, serving Latin and Asian-influenced cuisine in the adults-only complex;
• Atrium Cafe and Wine Bar;
• Studio Lounge, serving snacks and light fare;
• Epic Club, the elegant, exclusive eatery available to Norwegian Epic's Suite and Villa guests;
• Courtyard Grill, the more casual, outdoor area of the Epic Grill, open for breakfast and lunch; and
• 24-hour room service.
Norwegian Epic’s 21 Dining Options
“It’s important for our guests to know that Freestyle Cruising on Norwegian Epic will offer the ultimate in freedom and flexibility, especially when it comes to dining,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “With that flexibility comes a wide-range of complimentary dining venues and options.”
In addition, Norwegian also announced the cover charges for Norwegian Epic’s specialty dining/entertainment venues:
• La Cucina, Tuscan-style eatery serving regional Italian specialties, $10 per person;
• Cirque Dreams & Dinner, two shows nightly including a three-course meal, $15 for general seating/$20 per person for preferred seating;
• Shanghai’s, Norwegian Epic’s new Chinese restaurant serving a delicious mix of Chinese dishes and noodle bar specialties, $15 per person;
• Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, a la carte pricing;
• Wasabi, expansive sushi and sake bar, a la carte pricing;
• Le Bistro, Norwegian’s elegant bistro serving classic French cuisine with an American flair, $20 per person;
• Moderno Churrascaria, expansive salad bar and choice of a variety of meats served by tableside passadors, $18 per person;
• Cagney’s Steakhouse, the line’s signature American steakhouse, $25 per person;
• Teppanyaki, the largest signature Japanese experiential restaurant at sea, $25 per person; and
• Pizza delivery, $5, available 24 hours around the ship.
"With our specialty restaurants, some guests may choose to dine in one of these venues just once or twice during their cruise to celebrate a special occasion," added Kevin Sheehan. "At the same time, others may want to sample a different specialty restaurant each evening to experience a new type of cuisine. That’s the great thing about Freestyle Cruising – the choice is up to our guests to decide how they want to customize their trip.”
Norwegian Epic
World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group will perform their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams and Dinner, written and directed by Neil Goldberg, will present a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, tribute show, will be featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City improvisational comedy and Howl at the Moon, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation.
In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.
The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas.
For more information on Norwegian Epic and to book your NCL Cruise today be sure to make Barrhead Travel your first port of call. Visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk/NCL now!
Norwegian Cruise Line have announced that its largest, most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic, will feature an extensive number of complimentary Freestyle dining options – 11 out of 21 total – that are included in the cruise fare. The additional 10 dining options will have a nominal cover charge.
Guests on board Norwegian Epic can select from a variety of cuisines, dining styles and atmospheres on board with a total of 21 dining options. Those that will be free of charge are:
• Taste, the atrium restaurant serving traditional and contemporary cuisine;
• Manhattan Room, reminiscent of an elegant supper club complete with music, dancing and entertainment;
• O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, serving American favorites and comfort food, 24 hours;
• Garden Café, Norwegian's signature action station casual restaurant;
• Great Outdoors, the pool-side grill;
• Spice H20, serving Latin and Asian-influenced cuisine in the adults-only complex;
• Atrium Cafe and Wine Bar;
• Studio Lounge, serving snacks and light fare;
• Epic Club, the elegant, exclusive eatery available to Norwegian Epic's Suite and Villa guests;
• Courtyard Grill, the more casual, outdoor area of the Epic Grill, open for breakfast and lunch; and
• 24-hour room service.
Norwegian Epic’s 21 Dining Options
“It’s important for our guests to know that Freestyle Cruising on Norwegian Epic will offer the ultimate in freedom and flexibility, especially when it comes to dining,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “With that flexibility comes a wide-range of complimentary dining venues and options.”
In addition, Norwegian also announced the cover charges for Norwegian Epic’s specialty dining/entertainment venues:
• La Cucina, Tuscan-style eatery serving regional Italian specialties, $10 per person;
• Cirque Dreams & Dinner, two shows nightly including a three-course meal, $15 for general seating/$20 per person for preferred seating;
• Shanghai’s, Norwegian Epic’s new Chinese restaurant serving a delicious mix of Chinese dishes and noodle bar specialties, $15 per person;
• Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, a la carte pricing;
• Wasabi, expansive sushi and sake bar, a la carte pricing;
• Le Bistro, Norwegian’s elegant bistro serving classic French cuisine with an American flair, $20 per person;
• Moderno Churrascaria, expansive salad bar and choice of a variety of meats served by tableside passadors, $18 per person;
• Cagney’s Steakhouse, the line’s signature American steakhouse, $25 per person;
• Teppanyaki, the largest signature Japanese experiential restaurant at sea, $25 per person; and
• Pizza delivery, $5, available 24 hours around the ship.
"With our specialty restaurants, some guests may choose to dine in one of these venues just once or twice during their cruise to celebrate a special occasion," added Kevin Sheehan. "At the same time, others may want to sample a different specialty restaurant each evening to experience a new type of cuisine. That’s the great thing about Freestyle Cruising – the choice is up to our guests to decide how they want to customize their trip.”
Norwegian Epic
World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group will perform their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams and Dinner, written and directed by Neil Goldberg, will present a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, tribute show, will be featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City improvisational comedy and Howl at the Moon, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation.
In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon at Sea offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.
The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas.
For more information on Norwegian Epic and to book your NCL Cruise today be sure to make Barrhead Travel your first port of call. Visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk/NCL now!
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Barrhead Blog. Travel with Teens and how to fly Business Class for less!
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Teen Dreams
As anyone with teenagers or children approaching their teens knows, it’s a difficult age. Even if your teens and tweens don't fit the sulky, lazy and uncommunicative stereotype, keeping them occupied for long enough is a struggle – particularly on holiday.
Teenagers are probably the most difficult age group to cater for. Many hotels offer children’s clubs but these often only go up to the age of 12. After this age, children are less inclined to want to attend clubs unless they are very much geared to their requirements.
Mark Warner properties in Turkey and Sardinia
Mark Warner properties offer clubs for two age groups. Its Kidz Club caters for 10 to 13-year-olds and has a lively programme of activities and watersports throughout the day, with entertainment and games in the evening.
The Indy Club, for 14 to 17-year-olds, aims to give older kids some independence so they can decide what activities to take part in. Options include windsurfing, sailing and beach cricket in the day and Indy dinners and entertainment in the evening.
The four-star Sea Garden, near Bodrum, the only all-inclusive property in the Mark Warner programme; the five-star Select Maris resort, Datca, a boutique hotel with the emphasis on watersports and wellness; and the four-star Hotel Garden Beach, Cala Sinzias, Sardinia, which is surrounded by calm waters that are good for learner sailors.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
Dubai itself is well suited to this market, with great beaches, attractions such as the Wild Wadi Water Park, Dreamland Aqua Park and Ski Dubai, as well desert adventures and plenty of trendy shopping.
However, there is so much going on at Atlantis The Palm that it is possible for teens and tweens to stay happy here for the duration of the holiday.
On offer is a 42-acre Aquaventure waterpark with tunnels, vertical drops, water rapids and cascades; the chance to get up close with dolphins at Dolphin Bay and The Lost Chambers, a labyrinth of linked chambers filled with exotic marine life.
Teenagers have their own, fully supervised ‘no adults’ private club, called Club Rush and, with 17 dining venues, there will be something to suit even the most fickle of palates.
Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort, Crete
This five-star resort has been a good option for families since it opened its own attraction, the Minoan Amusement Park, in 2007. Parents have the option of either exploring the games, rides and interactive rooms with their children or leaving them to enjoy the park with childcare staff.
The resort itself resembles a Cretan village and is set on its own peninsula, surrounded by a botanical park and extensive gardens, a small river, three beaches and a small zoo.
Hotel Jagerwirt, Kitzbuhel, Austria
No teen or tween could possibly moan about being bored on this Austrian adventure. There are lots of outdoor options to choose from including rafting for the whole family on the Tiroler Ache river, followed by a barbecue, or a forest high-rope course on which your young ones can learn abseiling and wall-climbing skills and go ape on the rope swings.
This package, new for 2010, can suit children of all ages but has been particularly designed for 10 to 17-year-olds.
Gran Caribe Real Resort & Spa, Cancun
Cosmos’s second most popular hotel for summer 2010, this four-star all-inclusive has created a subtly supervised club, T-Zone, for teenagers aged 13 to 17. It was designed after extensive research with the people who use it. The outcome is a club that is trendy and not over-organised.
Cancun itself has 14 miles of beaches, with nearby attractions including Dolphin Discovery Island. The islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, just off Cancun, are easily reached by boat. Away from the beaches, teens and tweens can burn off some of their energy exploring Mexico’s ecosystem, wildlife and Mayan ruins.
Le Meridien Limassol, Cyprus
The big draw here is Le Meridien’s top-notch kids’ clubs: Penguin Village, for three to 12-year-olds, and Leisure Land, for teenagers. Both offer extensive facilities. Leisure Land has tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a football pitch, mini golf, pool tables, table tennis, archery and a bowling centre.
The five-star resort also boasts spacious rooms, five outdoor swimming pools and plenty of eating options. Cyprus itself has plenty to occupy teens and tweens, including archaeological sites, nature trails, cycling in the Troodos mountains, rock-climbing and 4x4 adventures.
The Price Is Right
Families need holidays. A recent study by a psychotherapist for Kuoni confirmed as much. And in the current economic downturn, providing a value-for-money holiday is more important than ever.
The good news is that this year operators are focusing on value for the family market. As result, the problem lies not in searching out options but choosing which one is best for you.
For example, Keycamp has extended its programme to Greece, with bungalow accommodation at the Camping Areti site in Halkidiki starting at £854 for a family of four, accommodation-only, in August. This specially selected park offers a fantastic option for families seeking a spot of traditional Greek charm without breaking the bank.
Closer to home, the Edinburgh Residence hotel has launched a family adventure short break in conjunction with Wilderness Scotland, an award-winning adventure travel and ecotourism company. Three nights for a family of four costs £2,247 in July and August, including entrance fees to nature reserves, private guides, bike hire, breakfast every day and dinner on the first night.
For families with a bit more brass, the first family-friendly resort in the Seychelles, the four-star Constance Ephelia, has just opened on Mahe, offering 12 family villas with private pools. And with Air Seychelles offering special fares for 2010, this year is a great time to go. Prices start at £7,292 for a family of four, with breakfast and flights.
The Maldives
The destination has the best of both worlds because the school summer holidays fall in the Maldives’ low season, yet the climate is pretty consistent year-round.
One property ideal for young children is the small island retreat of Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort. It offers plenty of shade and multi-coloured fish that swim up to the water villas.
Turkey
Already the top-selling summer destination for 2010, this year has seen more family-friendly properties coming on to the market in Turkey.
Cosmos has introduced the Kefaluka Resort in Akyarlar Bay, Turgetreis, not far from Bodrum. Akyarlar Bay has shallow waters and a sandy beach, with superb scenery and a range of watersports.
Facilities to keep the kids entertained include a water park, children’s à la carte restaurant, family rooms, kids’ club for three to 12-year-olds and a teens’ club, not to mention a private beach.
As a bonus for families, the transfer journey time is short because the resort is just nine miles from Bodrum airport.
The Red Sea
The plentiful resorts on the Red Sea offer some fantastic value-for-money breaks for families. For example, Red Sea Hotels charges a fixed child price of £399 year-round and for 2010 is offering a ‘free all-inclusive upgrade’ for children whose parents have booked either bed and breakfast, half-board or full-board.
A particularly good property for families is the five-star Makadi Palace hotel on Makadi Bay, 18 miles from Hurghada. It has a secluded, unspoilt beach, large pool with children’s section, a full range of sports and activities, plus a children’s club.
Switzerland
Crystal Lakes is throwing in a three-day local transport pass for the family at the four-star Hotel Lago di Lugano.
The hotel, which is new for the operator for 2010, is in Lugano, in Switzerland’s most southerly region. A good option for outdoor types looking for more than a beach holiday, the property has children’s clubs for youngsters up to age 14, games room, outdoor activities and free canoe, dinghy, pedalo, windsurf and cycle hire.
Spain
The La Manga Club in Murcia is launching a family programme, Funlandia, with activities and events for the summer and half-term holidays.
Funlandia activities will include sports matches and tournaments, karaoke and discos, kids’ dinner and movie nights and family bingo. Funlandia is in addition to La Manga Club’s Junior Academy courses, which offer safe and fun sports coaching.
Free meals for children under five are also on offer at a selection of the resort’s restaurants.
Jersey
Easily accessible, and with the chance of better weather than on the UK mainland, Jersey is a good value option for families. The short flying time means it’s perfect for little ones, while families on a budget can opt instead to get there by channel ferry.
Les Ormes is an ideal location for holidays or short breaks, with options ranging from self-catering coastal cottages to luxury lodges with their own private outdoor hot tub.
Kids’ activities include morning fun camps, tennis, golf and swimming lessons. Two miles away is sister park La Pulente, next to a sandy beach and within a good walking and cycling area.
A Better Class For Less Cash
Anyone who thinks they can cadge an upgrade to business class by dressing smartly, asking nicely and pleading that it’s a special event should speak to a good agent ... and should think again.
Unless you are a frequent flier with a gold loyalty card, the chances of getting bumped up are slim, unless it’s your 70th wedding anniversary and economy is way over-booked. Unfortunately, the best way to guarantee a posh seat is to pay for one, which is expensive.
There are however things we can suggest to soften the blow for people on the look out for a premium cabin bargain.
Times & Dates
One solution is to alter date and time of departure. Business travel to major cities like New York drops sharply at certain times like August, when corporate road warriors head to the beaches, so there is always a rash of cut-price premium offers and two-for-one deals. Other specific dates in the year provide an opportunity to get a cheaper seat in the front cabin. Many think of jetting off for Christmas, but few actually travel on Christmas Day, when most airlines that are operating are forced to cut UK rates to attract sales.
To get a lower premium fare, the booking must include a Saturday night stay, as this prevents business travellers from travelling on the cheaper tickets. Similarly, on destinations where there are several frequencies a day, such as New York, fares can vary dramatically on individual departures. A flight to JFK on Saturday lunchtime will cost a lot less than one leaving on Monday morning that delivers a corporate customer to Wall Street in time to do an afternoon’s work.
Fare Categories
Once the date and individual departure has been sorted, there is the question of fare category, another way in which we can score for you, particularly if you are prepared to book a long way in advance. British Airways revised its Club Europe fare categories in the spring so that some are now cheaper than full-fare economy if booked in advance.
Indirect Flights
However, it is on long-haul once-in-a-lifetime journeys such as to Australia that there is more scope for finding cheaper premium fares.
Many clients save for years for a special occasion and are delighted to find there are some reasonable premium fares to be had if they fly indirect. To the east, the growth of the Middle Eastern carriers has made this possible, while to the west, new partnerships, mean customers can be sent on a cheaper routing, for example from London to Los Angeles via Chicago.
Early Booking
If you are not time-constrained, indirect is always cheapest, and when combined with a restricted fare category and a booking long in advance, business class can be affordable.
Etihad, for example, usually offers four business fare categories ranging from totally restricted with no refunds or changes allowed to a completely unrestricted tariff. Savings of around 30% off the full fares are available to early bookers that choose restricted fares and many leisure travellers are booking premium cabins for longer trips.
Comfort is the thing people want these days, especially to Australia. The additional cost is minimal in terms of what you get for a 23-hour flight. The whole experience is well worth it – you also get a limo at both ends and lounge access.
That's all for this week. Remember to make Barrhead Travel your first port of call for all of your travel needs. To book your next holiday today visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk
Teen Dreams
As anyone with teenagers or children approaching their teens knows, it’s a difficult age. Even if your teens and tweens don't fit the sulky, lazy and uncommunicative stereotype, keeping them occupied for long enough is a struggle – particularly on holiday.
Teenagers are probably the most difficult age group to cater for. Many hotels offer children’s clubs but these often only go up to the age of 12. After this age, children are less inclined to want to attend clubs unless they are very much geared to their requirements.
Mark Warner properties in Turkey and Sardinia
Mark Warner properties offer clubs for two age groups. Its Kidz Club caters for 10 to 13-year-olds and has a lively programme of activities and watersports throughout the day, with entertainment and games in the evening.
The Indy Club, for 14 to 17-year-olds, aims to give older kids some independence so they can decide what activities to take part in. Options include windsurfing, sailing and beach cricket in the day and Indy dinners and entertainment in the evening.
The four-star Sea Garden, near Bodrum, the only all-inclusive property in the Mark Warner programme; the five-star Select Maris resort, Datca, a boutique hotel with the emphasis on watersports and wellness; and the four-star Hotel Garden Beach, Cala Sinzias, Sardinia, which is surrounded by calm waters that are good for learner sailors.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
Dubai itself is well suited to this market, with great beaches, attractions such as the Wild Wadi Water Park, Dreamland Aqua Park and Ski Dubai, as well desert adventures and plenty of trendy shopping.
However, there is so much going on at Atlantis The Palm that it is possible for teens and tweens to stay happy here for the duration of the holiday.
On offer is a 42-acre Aquaventure waterpark with tunnels, vertical drops, water rapids and cascades; the chance to get up close with dolphins at Dolphin Bay and The Lost Chambers, a labyrinth of linked chambers filled with exotic marine life.
Teenagers have their own, fully supervised ‘no adults’ private club, called Club Rush and, with 17 dining venues, there will be something to suit even the most fickle of palates.
Out of the Blue Capsis Elite Resort, Crete
This five-star resort has been a good option for families since it opened its own attraction, the Minoan Amusement Park, in 2007. Parents have the option of either exploring the games, rides and interactive rooms with their children or leaving them to enjoy the park with childcare staff.
The resort itself resembles a Cretan village and is set on its own peninsula, surrounded by a botanical park and extensive gardens, a small river, three beaches and a small zoo.
Hotel Jagerwirt, Kitzbuhel, Austria
No teen or tween could possibly moan about being bored on this Austrian adventure. There are lots of outdoor options to choose from including rafting for the whole family on the Tiroler Ache river, followed by a barbecue, or a forest high-rope course on which your young ones can learn abseiling and wall-climbing skills and go ape on the rope swings.
This package, new for 2010, can suit children of all ages but has been particularly designed for 10 to 17-year-olds.
Gran Caribe Real Resort & Spa, Cancun
Cosmos’s second most popular hotel for summer 2010, this four-star all-inclusive has created a subtly supervised club, T-Zone, for teenagers aged 13 to 17. It was designed after extensive research with the people who use it. The outcome is a club that is trendy and not over-organised.
Cancun itself has 14 miles of beaches, with nearby attractions including Dolphin Discovery Island. The islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, just off Cancun, are easily reached by boat. Away from the beaches, teens and tweens can burn off some of their energy exploring Mexico’s ecosystem, wildlife and Mayan ruins.
Le Meridien Limassol, Cyprus
The big draw here is Le Meridien’s top-notch kids’ clubs: Penguin Village, for three to 12-year-olds, and Leisure Land, for teenagers. Both offer extensive facilities. Leisure Land has tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a football pitch, mini golf, pool tables, table tennis, archery and a bowling centre.
The five-star resort also boasts spacious rooms, five outdoor swimming pools and plenty of eating options. Cyprus itself has plenty to occupy teens and tweens, including archaeological sites, nature trails, cycling in the Troodos mountains, rock-climbing and 4x4 adventures.
The Price Is Right
Families need holidays. A recent study by a psychotherapist for Kuoni confirmed as much. And in the current economic downturn, providing a value-for-money holiday is more important than ever.
The good news is that this year operators are focusing on value for the family market. As result, the problem lies not in searching out options but choosing which one is best for you.
For example, Keycamp has extended its programme to Greece, with bungalow accommodation at the Camping Areti site in Halkidiki starting at £854 for a family of four, accommodation-only, in August. This specially selected park offers a fantastic option for families seeking a spot of traditional Greek charm without breaking the bank.
Closer to home, the Edinburgh Residence hotel has launched a family adventure short break in conjunction with Wilderness Scotland, an award-winning adventure travel and ecotourism company. Three nights for a family of four costs £2,247 in July and August, including entrance fees to nature reserves, private guides, bike hire, breakfast every day and dinner on the first night.
For families with a bit more brass, the first family-friendly resort in the Seychelles, the four-star Constance Ephelia, has just opened on Mahe, offering 12 family villas with private pools. And with Air Seychelles offering special fares for 2010, this year is a great time to go. Prices start at £7,292 for a family of four, with breakfast and flights.
The Maldives
The destination has the best of both worlds because the school summer holidays fall in the Maldives’ low season, yet the climate is pretty consistent year-round.
One property ideal for young children is the small island retreat of Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort. It offers plenty of shade and multi-coloured fish that swim up to the water villas.
Turkey
Already the top-selling summer destination for 2010, this year has seen more family-friendly properties coming on to the market in Turkey.
Cosmos has introduced the Kefaluka Resort in Akyarlar Bay, Turgetreis, not far from Bodrum. Akyarlar Bay has shallow waters and a sandy beach, with superb scenery and a range of watersports.
Facilities to keep the kids entertained include a water park, children’s à la carte restaurant, family rooms, kids’ club for three to 12-year-olds and a teens’ club, not to mention a private beach.
As a bonus for families, the transfer journey time is short because the resort is just nine miles from Bodrum airport.
The Red Sea
The plentiful resorts on the Red Sea offer some fantastic value-for-money breaks for families. For example, Red Sea Hotels charges a fixed child price of £399 year-round and for 2010 is offering a ‘free all-inclusive upgrade’ for children whose parents have booked either bed and breakfast, half-board or full-board.
A particularly good property for families is the five-star Makadi Palace hotel on Makadi Bay, 18 miles from Hurghada. It has a secluded, unspoilt beach, large pool with children’s section, a full range of sports and activities, plus a children’s club.
Switzerland
Crystal Lakes is throwing in a three-day local transport pass for the family at the four-star Hotel Lago di Lugano.
The hotel, which is new for the operator for 2010, is in Lugano, in Switzerland’s most southerly region. A good option for outdoor types looking for more than a beach holiday, the property has children’s clubs for youngsters up to age 14, games room, outdoor activities and free canoe, dinghy, pedalo, windsurf and cycle hire.
Spain
The La Manga Club in Murcia is launching a family programme, Funlandia, with activities and events for the summer and half-term holidays.
Funlandia activities will include sports matches and tournaments, karaoke and discos, kids’ dinner and movie nights and family bingo. Funlandia is in addition to La Manga Club’s Junior Academy courses, which offer safe and fun sports coaching.
Free meals for children under five are also on offer at a selection of the resort’s restaurants.
Jersey
Easily accessible, and with the chance of better weather than on the UK mainland, Jersey is a good value option for families. The short flying time means it’s perfect for little ones, while families on a budget can opt instead to get there by channel ferry.
Les Ormes is an ideal location for holidays or short breaks, with options ranging from self-catering coastal cottages to luxury lodges with their own private outdoor hot tub.
Kids’ activities include morning fun camps, tennis, golf and swimming lessons. Two miles away is sister park La Pulente, next to a sandy beach and within a good walking and cycling area.
A Better Class For Less Cash
Anyone who thinks they can cadge an upgrade to business class by dressing smartly, asking nicely and pleading that it’s a special event should speak to a good agent ... and should think again.
Unless you are a frequent flier with a gold loyalty card, the chances of getting bumped up are slim, unless it’s your 70th wedding anniversary and economy is way over-booked. Unfortunately, the best way to guarantee a posh seat is to pay for one, which is expensive.
There are however things we can suggest to soften the blow for people on the look out for a premium cabin bargain.
Times & Dates
One solution is to alter date and time of departure. Business travel to major cities like New York drops sharply at certain times like August, when corporate road warriors head to the beaches, so there is always a rash of cut-price premium offers and two-for-one deals. Other specific dates in the year provide an opportunity to get a cheaper seat in the front cabin. Many think of jetting off for Christmas, but few actually travel on Christmas Day, when most airlines that are operating are forced to cut UK rates to attract sales.
To get a lower premium fare, the booking must include a Saturday night stay, as this prevents business travellers from travelling on the cheaper tickets. Similarly, on destinations where there are several frequencies a day, such as New York, fares can vary dramatically on individual departures. A flight to JFK on Saturday lunchtime will cost a lot less than one leaving on Monday morning that delivers a corporate customer to Wall Street in time to do an afternoon’s work.
Fare Categories
Once the date and individual departure has been sorted, there is the question of fare category, another way in which we can score for you, particularly if you are prepared to book a long way in advance. British Airways revised its Club Europe fare categories in the spring so that some are now cheaper than full-fare economy if booked in advance.
Indirect Flights
However, it is on long-haul once-in-a-lifetime journeys such as to Australia that there is more scope for finding cheaper premium fares.
Many clients save for years for a special occasion and are delighted to find there are some reasonable premium fares to be had if they fly indirect. To the east, the growth of the Middle Eastern carriers has made this possible, while to the west, new partnerships, mean customers can be sent on a cheaper routing, for example from London to Los Angeles via Chicago.
Early Booking
If you are not time-constrained, indirect is always cheapest, and when combined with a restricted fare category and a booking long in advance, business class can be affordable.
Etihad, for example, usually offers four business fare categories ranging from totally restricted with no refunds or changes allowed to a completely unrestricted tariff. Savings of around 30% off the full fares are available to early bookers that choose restricted fares and many leisure travellers are booking premium cabins for longer trips.
Comfort is the thing people want these days, especially to Australia. The additional cost is minimal in terms of what you get for a 23-hour flight. The whole experience is well worth it – you also get a limo at both ends and lounge access.
That's all for this week. Remember to make Barrhead Travel your first port of call for all of your travel needs. To book your next holiday today visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk
Friday 12 March 2010
Barrhead Travel: 28th Best Company in the UK to work for!
BARRHEAD TRAVEL IS THE TOP UK TRAVEL EMPLOYER FOR 2010
Scotland's largest independent travel agency, Barrhead Travel, has been named the UK’s best travel employer in an independent survey published this week.
The company was one of just 8 Scottish organisations to be recognised on the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2010 list, which recognises dynamic, effective and highly-engaged workplaces. It was also the only UK travel agency to make it in to the top 100.
Launched in 2000, the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For celebrates firms who value their staff and provide a positive working environment. Employees are asked to answer a comprehensive questionnaire on 8 clearly-defined areas including Leadership, Wellbeing, My Manager, My Team, Fair Deal, Giving Something Back, My Company and Personal Growth.
Barrhead Travel scored especially high in the My Team and My Manager categories. The firm ranked 8th out of the 100 companies for how staff felt about one another and was judged to be in the top 10 based on employee feedback of managers.
Barrhead Travel chief executive, Sharon Munro, said: “I am delighted, but not surprised, by the positive responses we had from our employees. Barrhead Travel has always been a company that works hard and plays hard and I'm really pleased that our emphasis on teamwork, motivation and reward is working. Our philosophy is that if we look after our employees, they in turn will look after our customers”.
The organisation also scored highly in the Wellbeing category with 82% of staff reporting their stress levels were low, and 77% saying their home life was not affected by work.
A key contributor to Barrhead Travel’s success in the poll was the firm’s in-house training department with 81% of employees stating they felt they could make a valuable contribution to the success of the firm.
Sharon said: “We believe that it is vital to commit to training and development, as well as improving skills, it motivates and develops our staff and keeps them moving forward.
“We also place great emphasis on external supplier training, and send as many of our employees as possible on trips to familiarise themselves with new products and destinations. I believe the results we've seen are a direct response to the effort we have put into this area.”
Barrhead Travel has set its sights on expansion in the coming year. Having recently announced its intention to charter its own flights this summer, the company also has aspirations to extend operations outside of Scotland. This energy and ambition is echoed in the attitude of the firm’s employees with 83% stating they are excited about where the company is going, a score that was 4th highest in the Top 100.
Visit the Barrhead Travel website now: www.barrheadtravel.co.uk
ENDS
Issued by Barrhead Travel
For further information please contact Mark Brock on 0141 242 1290
Notes to Editors
About Barrhead Travel
Founded in 1975 by an ex-bank worker, Bill Munro, and operating from an unremarkable shop in the south Glasgow suburb of Barrhead with just 4 staff, Barrhead Travel's first steps in the travel business were tentative and small. But fast – forward 35 years, and the company has mushroomed into a multi-faceted travel giant with over 450 staff in 16 branches – and is one of the largest and most successful travel agencies in the UK.
In 2002, Barrhead Travel opened the first city centre travel superstore in the UK, right in the heart of Glasgow. One of the largest travel agencies in Europe, it was also the first “experience” store in Scotland, allowing their customers' imagination to run riot, as they climbed onboard the deck of a cruise ship, wandered down a boulevard in Paris, or even relaxed on a desert island as they booked their long haul holiday.
The company has won many awards over the years, including the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Best Business in Glasgow and Best Travel Agency in Scotland for 10 years running. However, 2009 was an exceptional year, when Barrhead Travel was voted Best Travel Agent in the
UK, Best Cruise Agent in the UK, and Best UK Travel Web Site.
Scotland's largest independent travel agency, Barrhead Travel, has been named the UK’s best travel employer in an independent survey published this week.
The company was one of just 8 Scottish organisations to be recognised on the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2010 list, which recognises dynamic, effective and highly-engaged workplaces. It was also the only UK travel agency to make it in to the top 100.
Launched in 2000, the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For celebrates firms who value their staff and provide a positive working environment. Employees are asked to answer a comprehensive questionnaire on 8 clearly-defined areas including Leadership, Wellbeing, My Manager, My Team, Fair Deal, Giving Something Back, My Company and Personal Growth.
Barrhead Travel scored especially high in the My Team and My Manager categories. The firm ranked 8th out of the 100 companies for how staff felt about one another and was judged to be in the top 10 based on employee feedback of managers.
Barrhead Travel chief executive, Sharon Munro, said: “I am delighted, but not surprised, by the positive responses we had from our employees. Barrhead Travel has always been a company that works hard and plays hard and I'm really pleased that our emphasis on teamwork, motivation and reward is working. Our philosophy is that if we look after our employees, they in turn will look after our customers”.
The organisation also scored highly in the Wellbeing category with 82% of staff reporting their stress levels were low, and 77% saying their home life was not affected by work.
A key contributor to Barrhead Travel’s success in the poll was the firm’s in-house training department with 81% of employees stating they felt they could make a valuable contribution to the success of the firm.
Sharon said: “We believe that it is vital to commit to training and development, as well as improving skills, it motivates and develops our staff and keeps them moving forward.
“We also place great emphasis on external supplier training, and send as many of our employees as possible on trips to familiarise themselves with new products and destinations. I believe the results we've seen are a direct response to the effort we have put into this area.”
Barrhead Travel has set its sights on expansion in the coming year. Having recently announced its intention to charter its own flights this summer, the company also has aspirations to extend operations outside of Scotland. This energy and ambition is echoed in the attitude of the firm’s employees with 83% stating they are excited about where the company is going, a score that was 4th highest in the Top 100.
Visit the Barrhead Travel website now: www.barrheadtravel.co.uk
ENDS
Issued by Barrhead Travel
For further information please contact Mark Brock on 0141 242 1290
Notes to Editors
About Barrhead Travel
Founded in 1975 by an ex-bank worker, Bill Munro, and operating from an unremarkable shop in the south Glasgow suburb of Barrhead with just 4 staff, Barrhead Travel's first steps in the travel business were tentative and small. But fast – forward 35 years, and the company has mushroomed into a multi-faceted travel giant with over 450 staff in 16 branches – and is one of the largest and most successful travel agencies in the UK.
In 2002, Barrhead Travel opened the first city centre travel superstore in the UK, right in the heart of Glasgow. One of the largest travel agencies in Europe, it was also the first “experience” store in Scotland, allowing their customers' imagination to run riot, as they climbed onboard the deck of a cruise ship, wandered down a boulevard in Paris, or even relaxed on a desert island as they booked their long haul holiday.
The company has won many awards over the years, including the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Best Business in Glasgow and Best Travel Agency in Scotland for 10 years running. However, 2009 was an exceptional year, when Barrhead Travel was voted Best Travel Agent in the
UK, Best Cruise Agent in the UK, and Best UK Travel Web Site.
Friday 5 March 2010
Barrhead Travel's Longhaul Exhibition tomorrow ...
~
A final reminder that we're having our latest Longhaul Holiday Exhibition from 10am to 5pm tomorrow in our Glasgow Superstore.
It's the perfect opportunity to come along, meet experts from some of the top travel destinations in the world and plan your very own holiday of a lifetime!
For full details and to register for tomorrow's free event see: www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/LonghaulExhibition
Don't miss it!
A final reminder that we're having our latest Longhaul Holiday Exhibition from 10am to 5pm tomorrow in our Glasgow Superstore.
It's the perfect opportunity to come along, meet experts from some of the top travel destinations in the world and plan your very own holiday of a lifetime!
For full details and to register for tomorrow's free event see: www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/LonghaulExhibition
Don't miss it!
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Barrhead Travel Longhaul Exhibition this Saturday!
~
Only a couple of days left until our Longhaul Exhibition in our Glasgow Superstore this Saturday. We've had even more tourist boards and tour operators sign-up in the last few days and there will be experts on hand from Antigua & Barbados, Egypt, St Kitts, the Sandals holiday group and many, many more.
If you're thinking of a far-flung holiday either in the near or distant future be sure to come along to our event on Saturday, meet the experts, have a glass of wine and get all the information on some of the very best holiday destinations worldwide.
There will also be some amazing offers and discounts that are only available on the day! For more information and to register for this free event visit our website now: www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/LonghaulExhibition
Only a couple of days left until our Longhaul Exhibition in our Glasgow Superstore this Saturday. We've had even more tourist boards and tour operators sign-up in the last few days and there will be experts on hand from Antigua & Barbados, Egypt, St Kitts, the Sandals holiday group and many, many more.
If you're thinking of a far-flung holiday either in the near or distant future be sure to come along to our event on Saturday, meet the experts, have a glass of wine and get all the information on some of the very best holiday destinations worldwide.
There will also be some amazing offers and discounts that are only available on the day! For more information and to register for this free event visit our website now: www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/LonghaulExhibition
Barrhead Travel are recruiting!
~
If you're in Scotland and want to work for the biggest travel agency in the country ... get in touch!
We have vacancies in our offices and branches across Scotland in many different areas of our business.
View all our current opportunities now at www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/jobs to see full job descriptions, download application forms and apply online.
What are you waiting for?
If you're in Scotland and want to work for the biggest travel agency in the country ... get in touch!
We have vacancies in our offices and branches across Scotland in many different areas of our business.
View all our current opportunities now at www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/jobs to see full job descriptions, download application forms and apply online.
What are you waiting for?
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