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Thinking of travelling further afield this year?
If so then don't miss our brilliant Longhaul Exhibition next Saturday, 6th March, from 10am - 5pm in our Oswald St, Glasgow Superstore!
We'll have experts on hand from tourist boards and tour operators in some of the world's very best travel destinations. There will also be some amazing offers and discounts that are only available on the day and if it takes your fancy you'll be able to book your next far-flung holiday there and then!
Be sure not to miss this ever-popular free event and you might just end up planning your very own holiday of a lifetime.
Register for free online now at: http://www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/LonghaulExhibition
Friday 26 February 2010
Wednesday 24 February 2010
Barrhead Travel Destinations of the Week!
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This week we look at Latin America, Malta and Middle East golfing!
Middle East Golf
In barely 20 years, the Middle East has come in from the golfing wilderness to become one of the top regions anywhere in the world for the sport.
Golf was first introduced to the Middle East in the 1880s, when the British opened courses in Egypt. More recently, it was the arrival of Dubai’s Emirates Golf Club with its signature tented clubhouse in 1988 which really kick-started the golf revolution. Its Majlis course was the first all-grass championship golf course in the Middle East and is known as the “Desert Miracle”. Others soon followed, and courses have since blossomed in desert sands throughout the Gulf, from UAE states Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah to Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. Egypt, too, has seen a huge golf boom in the past 12 years.
The region now stages three European Tour championship events early each year as part of its Desert Swing. The Dubai Desert Classic at Dubai’s Majlis course follows the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the Qatar Masters. The season-long competition to find the Tour’s top golfer, now called the Race to Dubai, culminates in the Dubai World Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estate’s new Earth Course by Greg Norman, in November.
When Dubai was recognised as the Emerging Golf Destination of the Year back in 2002, it was already on its way to becoming a golf destination which most enthusiastic golf travellers were aware of. To mark its rise, seven years later it was voted Established Golf Destination of the Year. But the draw of spectacular golf in this fast-evolving region has kept a steady flow of golfers heading out to the Gulf states primarily to indulge their favourite pastime.
Key golf destinations include:
Dubai
Very rarely has a destination risen to such golfing prominence so quickly, but Dubai with its year-round sunshine, luxury service and world-class golf facilities has confirmed its position on the golfing world stage for amateurs and professionals alike. Golf is a significant cog in the Dubai tourism wheel with the UK accounting for about 30% of rounds on Dubai courses, more than any other market.
The newest of Dubai’s eight courses are the Earth Course and The Els Club designed by South Africa’s Ernie Els in Dubai Sports City. Tiger Woods’ first-ever design, Al Ruwaya Golf Course is among several more planned.
Sample package
A three-night spring golf break on a B&B basis at the Metropolitan Deira Hotel with two rounds of golf on the Majlis and Dubai Creek courses cost from £429 excluding flights.
Abu Dhabi
Dubai’s UAE neighbour is now leading the line in terms of rolling out new golf courses and golf resorts in the region and all of them by top course architects. The emirate’s sole championship course to date has been the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club by Gary Player opens for public play on March 1. It is set alongside a six-mile white-sand beach on Saadiyat Island, where multimillion-dollar cultural facilities being built include Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim art gallery.
The Yas Links golf course opens this summer on nearby Yas Island, home to the new Formula 1 circuit.
There are plans for a further six courses linked to major developments. Golf plays an important role in helping Abu Dhabi realise its tourism plans. Green fees in Abu Dhabi are slightly cheaper than Dubai.
Sample package
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast in a five-star hotel with three rounds of golf on Abu Dhabi Golf Course from £1,149, including flights via Doha.
Egypt
The land of ancient pharaohs is now also a land of verdant fairways. Just two nine-hole courses survived into the late 1990s from colonial times, including the Mena House golf course towered over by Giza’s Pyramid of Cheops. The imminent opening of two new Cairo courses – the Allegria by Jack Nicklaus and Katameya Dunes by Nick Faldo – will take it to almost 20. Egypt’s courses span everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and the length of the Nile from Alexandria to Luxor. Egypt is increasingly developing tourism segments such as golf.
Areas seeing resort development with new golf courses include the Red Sea Riviera and Mediterranean coast. Among new resort areas which have seen golf courses opening are Madinat Makadi, Soma Bay, Taba Heights and Ain Soukhna on the Red Sea and Porto Marina, near El Alamein, on the newly-rebranded “White Med” coast. New Mediterranean charter destination Marsa Matruh is also set to gain a course in the future.
Sample package
Seven nights’ half-board at Taba Heights including four rounds, golf buggy and unlimited practice from £645 including flights and transfers.
Other Destinations
Oman is one of the latest Gulf countries to embrace golf, with its first grass course, the 18-hole Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club now open. A golf academy opens there later this year. Green fees are just under £100, including buggy. The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain opened in early 2009 designed by Colin Montgomerie. Green fees are around £100
Malta
Malta has always been a big draw for UK holidaymakers, whether they be sun-seeking budget fans, families or active types. But while the country may be more synonymous with budget travel, there’s no shortage of options at the high end either.
For travellers with deep pockets, there’s plenty in these balmy Mediterranean islands to spend your money on - from jewellery shopping at Jos Debono in Valletta to chartering Roman Abramovich’s 170-metre yacht, and from fine dining and spa treatments to gambling and enjoying the theatre your cash will flow away like a delicate Maltese wine should you choose.
Malta has a rich history of attracting royals, high society and international footballers, while recent celebrities have included Madonna, Brad Pitt, Rachel Weisz and Bruce Willis. Visitors can even do the foxtrot in the Grand Ballroom of the Phoenicia Hotel where Queen Elizabeth danced in her younger years.
The attraction of Malta to top-end visitors is due to a combination of factors including high standards of accommodation, the extravagant experiences that can be enjoyed and the fact that high-profile guests can enjoy a break in peace, which isn’t always true of other well-known luxury Mediterranean destinations.
The good news is that Malta’s luxury offerings are of the affordable variety, offering great value for money. There are not many places in the world where you can stay at a five-star hotel from as little as £35 per person per night.
In addition to the wide variety of budget flights available from the UK, Air Malta offers Club Class from London and regional departure points. This provides enhanced seating, three-course hot meals, complimentary drinks, a free 30kg baggage allowance and access to the new-look La Vallette lounge in Malta and airport lounges in the UK.
Malta’s luxury sector has also remained relatively unaffected by the global recession and the fluctuations of sterling against the euro.
Malta is evolving into a niche destination for both spa and golfing breaks. There are some excellent new hotels coming on line with comprehensive dedicated facilities.
Luxury Hotels
Xara Palace
This luxurious boutique hotel, a member of the Relais & Chateaux collection, is centrally located in the ancient and so-called “silent city” of Mdina. It boasts just 17 individually designed rooms and suites, four of which have outdoor whirlpool baths on their private terraces.
Hotel Juliani
Don’t be fooled by the four-star status. This converted townhouse property in St Julian’s bills itself as Malta’s only small design boutique hotel. The hotel, which overlooks the bay, has 44 rooms and a rooftop pool.
The Phoenicia
The only five-star property located in the capital Valletta, the Phoenicia has 136 rooms and suites and has just been refurbished.
The George
June will see the addition of another small luxury hotel in St Julian’s with the opening of The George. It will be an urban boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and mod cons such as wireless internet, iPod docking stations and flatscreen TVs.
The Gran Hotel Excelsior
This waterfront five-star spa hotel offers breathtaking views of Marsamxett Harbour and is in striking distance of Valletta.
The Kempinski St Lawrenz
For those who prefer a resort-style property, the St Lawrenz in Gozo is a substantial five-star luxury property in a quiet setting, and is a good option for families. The spa, which has just reopened following a refurbishment, offers a wide range of spa treatments.
Radisson Blu Resort St Julian’s
If you are in the market for a five-star resort but their budgets won’t stretch to the Kempinski, or they simply want to be based on Malta as opposed to Gozo, suggest the Radisson Blu Resort in St Julian’s.
Ta’ Cenc
Another relaxing option for those seeking the slower pace of Gozo, Ta’ Cenc’s unique selling point is its idyllic clifftop location. However, the property would benefit from some investment to help justify its five-star status.
Latin America
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s volcanoes, cloud forests and beaches have long been popular with the adventure and nature tourism markets, and a steady flow of American tourists has resulted in extremely good infrastructure.
Holidaymakers are able to book all-inclusive breaks in three to five-star properties on the country’s beautiful north Pacific coast, presenting a new alternative to Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Luxury Travel
Outside certain hotspots such as Rio de Janeiro, South America hasn’t historically been renowned as a luxury choice. However, recent years have seen a great increase in luxury product and properties, especially in areas traditionally strong in the UK, such as Brazil, Argentina and Peru.
The Luxury Collection is opening three hotels in Peru over the next two years; the Relais & Chateaux association now has 11 hotels in South America on its books; and new deluxe properties range from city boutiques and jungle lodges to barefoot-style island hideaways.
From next month TAM will begin offering a first-class service on its daily Heathrow-Sao Paulo flight.
We can offer gaucho breaks in Argentina and samba lessons in Rio and have extended our Latin America programme this year. The types of experiences that we offer are amazing, with the perfect combination of culture, outstanding scenery, soft adventure and some great beaches as well. There are also some excellent luxury properties, which are essential for our customers. We believe the region is on the up, with the direct flights into Rio and Buenos Aires.
Central America
Traditionally the little sister to South America, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama offer a wide range of adventurous options, from rainforests and beaches to ancient Mayan culture. These countries may be more unexplored, but they have fantastic infrastructure and good hotels.
Star Clippers has chosen Central American destinations for new sailing trips in 2010, with Star Flyer visiting Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua.
Colombia Cool
Like an unpleasant hangover, Colombia’s reputation as a dangerous destination has hung around for too long. While some remote rural areas are still risky, you are unlikely to encounter problems in the main tourist spots on a trip organised by a reputable operator.
Highlights include the walled colonial city of Cartagena, Cali, the home of salsa, the green coffee fields of the Zona Cafetera, Bogota’s great shopping and nightlife and the beaches of the Tayrona National Park.
Mexico Bounce Back
The impact of last year’s swine flu outbreak on Mexico’s travel market seems to have been mercifully short-lived, with operators reporting a swift bounceback for the region.
TUI Travel has reported a strong revival in popularity of the country over the past two months, with its upturn continuing to grow week by week. Operators and hoteliers are fanning the flames of this already demand by offering competitive prices and good value deals.
Galapagos Islands
Last year’s anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the writing of On the Origin of Species threw the spotlight on the Galapagos Islands, already a popular, if price, holiday choice. This year should see more travellers able to take this trip of a lifetime, with deals and discounts on Galapagos cruises.
For the best travel deals to all of this week's destinations, or elsewhere, make Barrhead Travel your first port of call. Pop in to your local branch today, phone on 0871 226 2673 or book online at www.barrheadtravel.co.uk Let's Holiday!
This week we look at Latin America, Malta and Middle East golfing!
Middle East Golf
In barely 20 years, the Middle East has come in from the golfing wilderness to become one of the top regions anywhere in the world for the sport.
Golf was first introduced to the Middle East in the 1880s, when the British opened courses in Egypt. More recently, it was the arrival of Dubai’s Emirates Golf Club with its signature tented clubhouse in 1988 which really kick-started the golf revolution. Its Majlis course was the first all-grass championship golf course in the Middle East and is known as the “Desert Miracle”. Others soon followed, and courses have since blossomed in desert sands throughout the Gulf, from UAE states Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah to Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. Egypt, too, has seen a huge golf boom in the past 12 years.
The region now stages three European Tour championship events early each year as part of its Desert Swing. The Dubai Desert Classic at Dubai’s Majlis course follows the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the Qatar Masters. The season-long competition to find the Tour’s top golfer, now called the Race to Dubai, culminates in the Dubai World Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estate’s new Earth Course by Greg Norman, in November.
When Dubai was recognised as the Emerging Golf Destination of the Year back in 2002, it was already on its way to becoming a golf destination which most enthusiastic golf travellers were aware of. To mark its rise, seven years later it was voted Established Golf Destination of the Year. But the draw of spectacular golf in this fast-evolving region has kept a steady flow of golfers heading out to the Gulf states primarily to indulge their favourite pastime.
Key golf destinations include:
Dubai
Very rarely has a destination risen to such golfing prominence so quickly, but Dubai with its year-round sunshine, luxury service and world-class golf facilities has confirmed its position on the golfing world stage for amateurs and professionals alike. Golf is a significant cog in the Dubai tourism wheel with the UK accounting for about 30% of rounds on Dubai courses, more than any other market.
The newest of Dubai’s eight courses are the Earth Course and The Els Club designed by South Africa’s Ernie Els in Dubai Sports City. Tiger Woods’ first-ever design, Al Ruwaya Golf Course is among several more planned.
Sample package
A three-night spring golf break on a B&B basis at the Metropolitan Deira Hotel with two rounds of golf on the Majlis and Dubai Creek courses cost from £429 excluding flights.
Abu Dhabi
Dubai’s UAE neighbour is now leading the line in terms of rolling out new golf courses and golf resorts in the region and all of them by top course architects. The emirate’s sole championship course to date has been the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club by Gary Player opens for public play on March 1. It is set alongside a six-mile white-sand beach on Saadiyat Island, where multimillion-dollar cultural facilities being built include Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim art gallery.
The Yas Links golf course opens this summer on nearby Yas Island, home to the new Formula 1 circuit.
There are plans for a further six courses linked to major developments. Golf plays an important role in helping Abu Dhabi realise its tourism plans. Green fees in Abu Dhabi are slightly cheaper than Dubai.
Sample package
Seven nights’ bed and breakfast in a five-star hotel with three rounds of golf on Abu Dhabi Golf Course from £1,149, including flights via Doha.
Egypt
The land of ancient pharaohs is now also a land of verdant fairways. Just two nine-hole courses survived into the late 1990s from colonial times, including the Mena House golf course towered over by Giza’s Pyramid of Cheops. The imminent opening of two new Cairo courses – the Allegria by Jack Nicklaus and Katameya Dunes by Nick Faldo – will take it to almost 20. Egypt’s courses span everywhere from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and the length of the Nile from Alexandria to Luxor. Egypt is increasingly developing tourism segments such as golf.
Areas seeing resort development with new golf courses include the Red Sea Riviera and Mediterranean coast. Among new resort areas which have seen golf courses opening are Madinat Makadi, Soma Bay, Taba Heights and Ain Soukhna on the Red Sea and Porto Marina, near El Alamein, on the newly-rebranded “White Med” coast. New Mediterranean charter destination Marsa Matruh is also set to gain a course in the future.
Sample package
Seven nights’ half-board at Taba Heights including four rounds, golf buggy and unlimited practice from £645 including flights and transfers.
Other Destinations
Oman is one of the latest Gulf countries to embrace golf, with its first grass course, the 18-hole Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club now open. A golf academy opens there later this year. Green fees are just under £100, including buggy. The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain opened in early 2009 designed by Colin Montgomerie. Green fees are around £100
Malta
Malta has always been a big draw for UK holidaymakers, whether they be sun-seeking budget fans, families or active types. But while the country may be more synonymous with budget travel, there’s no shortage of options at the high end either.
For travellers with deep pockets, there’s plenty in these balmy Mediterranean islands to spend your money on - from jewellery shopping at Jos Debono in Valletta to chartering Roman Abramovich’s 170-metre yacht, and from fine dining and spa treatments to gambling and enjoying the theatre your cash will flow away like a delicate Maltese wine should you choose.
Malta has a rich history of attracting royals, high society and international footballers, while recent celebrities have included Madonna, Brad Pitt, Rachel Weisz and Bruce Willis. Visitors can even do the foxtrot in the Grand Ballroom of the Phoenicia Hotel where Queen Elizabeth danced in her younger years.
The attraction of Malta to top-end visitors is due to a combination of factors including high standards of accommodation, the extravagant experiences that can be enjoyed and the fact that high-profile guests can enjoy a break in peace, which isn’t always true of other well-known luxury Mediterranean destinations.
The good news is that Malta’s luxury offerings are of the affordable variety, offering great value for money. There are not many places in the world where you can stay at a five-star hotel from as little as £35 per person per night.
In addition to the wide variety of budget flights available from the UK, Air Malta offers Club Class from London and regional departure points. This provides enhanced seating, three-course hot meals, complimentary drinks, a free 30kg baggage allowance and access to the new-look La Vallette lounge in Malta and airport lounges in the UK.
Malta’s luxury sector has also remained relatively unaffected by the global recession and the fluctuations of sterling against the euro.
Malta is evolving into a niche destination for both spa and golfing breaks. There are some excellent new hotels coming on line with comprehensive dedicated facilities.
Luxury Hotels
Xara Palace
This luxurious boutique hotel, a member of the Relais & Chateaux collection, is centrally located in the ancient and so-called “silent city” of Mdina. It boasts just 17 individually designed rooms and suites, four of which have outdoor whirlpool baths on their private terraces.
Hotel Juliani
Don’t be fooled by the four-star status. This converted townhouse property in St Julian’s bills itself as Malta’s only small design boutique hotel. The hotel, which overlooks the bay, has 44 rooms and a rooftop pool.
The Phoenicia
The only five-star property located in the capital Valletta, the Phoenicia has 136 rooms and suites and has just been refurbished.
The George
June will see the addition of another small luxury hotel in St Julian’s with the opening of The George. It will be an urban boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and mod cons such as wireless internet, iPod docking stations and flatscreen TVs.
The Gran Hotel Excelsior
This waterfront five-star spa hotel offers breathtaking views of Marsamxett Harbour and is in striking distance of Valletta.
The Kempinski St Lawrenz
For those who prefer a resort-style property, the St Lawrenz in Gozo is a substantial five-star luxury property in a quiet setting, and is a good option for families. The spa, which has just reopened following a refurbishment, offers a wide range of spa treatments.
Radisson Blu Resort St Julian’s
If you are in the market for a five-star resort but their budgets won’t stretch to the Kempinski, or they simply want to be based on Malta as opposed to Gozo, suggest the Radisson Blu Resort in St Julian’s.
Ta’ Cenc
Another relaxing option for those seeking the slower pace of Gozo, Ta’ Cenc’s unique selling point is its idyllic clifftop location. However, the property would benefit from some investment to help justify its five-star status.
Latin America
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s volcanoes, cloud forests and beaches have long been popular with the adventure and nature tourism markets, and a steady flow of American tourists has resulted in extremely good infrastructure.
Holidaymakers are able to book all-inclusive breaks in three to five-star properties on the country’s beautiful north Pacific coast, presenting a new alternative to Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Luxury Travel
Outside certain hotspots such as Rio de Janeiro, South America hasn’t historically been renowned as a luxury choice. However, recent years have seen a great increase in luxury product and properties, especially in areas traditionally strong in the UK, such as Brazil, Argentina and Peru.
The Luxury Collection is opening three hotels in Peru over the next two years; the Relais & Chateaux association now has 11 hotels in South America on its books; and new deluxe properties range from city boutiques and jungle lodges to barefoot-style island hideaways.
From next month TAM will begin offering a first-class service on its daily Heathrow-Sao Paulo flight.
We can offer gaucho breaks in Argentina and samba lessons in Rio and have extended our Latin America programme this year. The types of experiences that we offer are amazing, with the perfect combination of culture, outstanding scenery, soft adventure and some great beaches as well. There are also some excellent luxury properties, which are essential for our customers. We believe the region is on the up, with the direct flights into Rio and Buenos Aires.
Central America
Traditionally the little sister to South America, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama offer a wide range of adventurous options, from rainforests and beaches to ancient Mayan culture. These countries may be more unexplored, but they have fantastic infrastructure and good hotels.
Star Clippers has chosen Central American destinations for new sailing trips in 2010, with Star Flyer visiting Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua.
Colombia Cool
Like an unpleasant hangover, Colombia’s reputation as a dangerous destination has hung around for too long. While some remote rural areas are still risky, you are unlikely to encounter problems in the main tourist spots on a trip organised by a reputable operator.
Highlights include the walled colonial city of Cartagena, Cali, the home of salsa, the green coffee fields of the Zona Cafetera, Bogota’s great shopping and nightlife and the beaches of the Tayrona National Park.
Mexico Bounce Back
The impact of last year’s swine flu outbreak on Mexico’s travel market seems to have been mercifully short-lived, with operators reporting a swift bounceback for the region.
TUI Travel has reported a strong revival in popularity of the country over the past two months, with its upturn continuing to grow week by week. Operators and hoteliers are fanning the flames of this already demand by offering competitive prices and good value deals.
Galapagos Islands
Last year’s anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the writing of On the Origin of Species threw the spotlight on the Galapagos Islands, already a popular, if price, holiday choice. This year should see more travellers able to take this trip of a lifetime, with deals and discounts on Galapagos cruises.
For the best travel deals to all of this week's destinations, or elsewhere, make Barrhead Travel your first port of call. Pop in to your local branch today, phone on 0871 226 2673 or book online at www.barrheadtravel.co.uk Let's Holiday!
Monday 22 February 2010
Club 18-30 Night this Thursday at Barrhead Travel!
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Only three days to go until Barrhead Travel's Big Club 18-30 Night! We have Galaxy Scotland's DJ Vanessa in store and on the decks, we have a FREE Club 18-30 Holiday for 2 to be won on the night and we have Club reps in store with all the latest on the hottest holidays destinations for 2010.
The night kicks off at 6pm this Thursday in our Oswald Street superstore, Glasgow and you don't want to miss it. And what's more, it's free!
Register online now for Barrhead's big Club 18-30 Night this Thursday! Don't miss it!
www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk/Club.18-30
Only three days to go until Barrhead Travel's Big Club 18-30 Night! We have Galaxy Scotland's DJ Vanessa in store and on the decks, we have a FREE Club 18-30 Holiday for 2 to be won on the night and we have Club reps in store with all the latest on the hottest holidays destinations for 2010.
The night kicks off at 6pm this Thursday in our Oswald Street superstore, Glasgow and you don't want to miss it. And what's more, it's free!
Register online now for Barrhead's big Club 18-30 Night this Thursday! Don't miss it!
www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk/Club.18-30
Wednesday 17 February 2010
Barrhead Travel: Recruiting now for Web Developers.
Barrhead Travel are recruiting for web developers now. The positions will be based in our busy, friendly, fast-paced city centre office and any developers in the area with experience (knowledge of .net a plus) and looking for an exciting new challenge should get in touch.
Barrhead Travel is the largest independent Travel Agent in Scotland and one of the Top 10 in the UK. If you are interested in a career with Barrhead Travel and wish to apply call us on 0871 226 8682 or send a cv by email to recruitment(at)barrheadtravel.com.
Barrhead Travel is the largest independent Travel Agent in Scotland and one of the Top 10 in the UK. If you are interested in a career with Barrhead Travel and wish to apply call us on 0871 226 8682 or send a cv by email to recruitment(at)barrheadtravel.com.
Barrhead Travel's Club 18-30 Night.
Barrhead Travel's legendary Club 18-30 Night is back!
Come along to our Glasgow Superstore at 85 Oswald Street next Thursday, 25th February, between 6 and 9pm for your chance to win a FREE Club 18-30 holiday for 2! You'll be able to meet Club 18-30 reps and discover this year's hottest and most hyped destinations. We'll also have Vanessa from Galaxy Scotland's morning show in store and on the decks and there'll be some fantastic Club 18-30 exclusive offers that you won't find anywhere else.
Barrhead Travel's big Club 18-30 Night ... Don't miss it!
All our latest event news is www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/Events
Come along to our Glasgow Superstore at 85 Oswald Street next Thursday, 25th February, between 6 and 9pm for your chance to win a FREE Club 18-30 holiday for 2! You'll be able to meet Club 18-30 reps and discover this year's hottest and most hyped destinations. We'll also have Vanessa from Galaxy Scotland's morning show in store and on the decks and there'll be some fantastic Club 18-30 exclusive offers that you won't find anywhere else.
Barrhead Travel's big Club 18-30 Night ... Don't miss it!
All our latest event news is www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/Events
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Barrhead Travel at the SECC Holiday Show this weekend!
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It's that time of year again! This weekend from Friday to Sunday sees the 2010 Holiday Show at Glasgow's SECC. As ever, Barrhead Travel will be on hand to offer visitors expert advice and the best holiday deals. And we've got exclusive free tickets for the show!
The Holiday Show offers you the chance to see the world and consult with experts before making this year's all-important holiday decisions.
With exhibitors ranging from tour operators and travel agents to airlines, tourist information organisations and places of interest there truly is something for every one.
The show will also feature a vast range of exotic long-haul destinations, specialist UK and European short-break locations, Travel Talk Theatres with guest presenters, direct access to airline representatives and a packed programme of fun activities to ensure a great day out for all the family.
With Scotland's largest booking agent Barrhead Travel you will also be able to save by booking directly at the show. In addition, there is a new Barrhead Travel Travel Talk Theatre with talks and presentations taking place all day long from companies such as;
NCL, Complete Cruise Solution, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Prestige, Trinidad & Tobago Tourism, MSC Cruises, Paradise Park Hotel, World of Discovery / Universal, Gold Medal, Silverseas / Barbados Tourist Board, Tourism British Columbia/Travel Alberta/Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, Quantas Holidays & Kuoni.
The Travel Talks Theatre will give visitors the chance to listen first hand to experts who will be sharing their travel insights and ideas and answering questions about specific holiday destinations.
And let's not forget the kids! There is a programme of fun activities for children such as face painting, Marco the Clown plus Punch and Judy, as well as sand pits to play in and deck chairs to relax in (Mum and Dad might be grateful for those too).
The Holiday & Travel Show Glasgow SECC
Dates:
12 - 14 February 2010
Opening Times:
10 am – 5 pm
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Pop in to your nearest Barrhead Travel branch any time this week to pick up exclusive free tickets for the show! Call on 0871 226 2673 or visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk for more info!
It's that time of year again! This weekend from Friday to Sunday sees the 2010 Holiday Show at Glasgow's SECC. As ever, Barrhead Travel will be on hand to offer visitors expert advice and the best holiday deals. And we've got exclusive free tickets for the show!
The Holiday Show offers you the chance to see the world and consult with experts before making this year's all-important holiday decisions.
With exhibitors ranging from tour operators and travel agents to airlines, tourist information organisations and places of interest there truly is something for every one.
The show will also feature a vast range of exotic long-haul destinations, specialist UK and European short-break locations, Travel Talk Theatres with guest presenters, direct access to airline representatives and a packed programme of fun activities to ensure a great day out for all the family.
With Scotland's largest booking agent Barrhead Travel you will also be able to save by booking directly at the show. In addition, there is a new Barrhead Travel Travel Talk Theatre with talks and presentations taking place all day long from companies such as;
NCL, Complete Cruise Solution, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Prestige, Trinidad & Tobago Tourism, MSC Cruises, Paradise Park Hotel, World of Discovery / Universal, Gold Medal, Silverseas / Barbados Tourist Board, Tourism British Columbia/Travel Alberta/Rocky Mountaineer Vacations, Quantas Holidays & Kuoni.
The Travel Talks Theatre will give visitors the chance to listen first hand to experts who will be sharing their travel insights and ideas and answering questions about specific holiday destinations.
And let's not forget the kids! There is a programme of fun activities for children such as face painting, Marco the Clown plus Punch and Judy, as well as sand pits to play in and deck chairs to relax in (Mum and Dad might be grateful for those too).
The Holiday & Travel Show Glasgow SECC
Dates:
12 - 14 February 2010
Opening Times:
10 am – 5 pm
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Pop in to your nearest Barrhead Travel branch any time this week to pick up exclusive free tickets for the show! Call on 0871 226 2673 or visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk for more info!
Monday 8 February 2010
Barrhead Travel are recruiting!
We're looking for new people to join up for all areas of our business. We have vacancies in our existing stores and in new branches opening soon in: East Kilbride, Inverness, Glasgow Fort, Ayr and Prestwick!
Come and work for the largest independent Travel Agent in Scotland and one of the Top 10 in the UK. We're a successful and expanding business and are constantly seeking self-motivated sales people to join our existing team.
Call our recruitment team today on 0871 226 8682, e-mail us at recruitment(at)barrheadtravel.com or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/jobs to apply online now!
What are you waiting for?
Come and work for the largest independent Travel Agent in Scotland and one of the Top 10 in the UK. We're a successful and expanding business and are constantly seeking self-motivated sales people to join our existing team.
Call our recruitment team today on 0871 226 8682, e-mail us at recruitment(at)barrheadtravel.com or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/jobs to apply online now!
What are you waiting for?
Tuesday 2 February 2010
Barrhead Travel Destinations of the Week.
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Hello and welcome to another of our Barrhead Travel Destination of the Week features! This week we look at a number of idyllic spots in the Indian Ocean and also at some of the best family holiday destinations in Europe and beyond.
Mission Possible
Many visitors to the Indian Ocean region want nothing more than an idyllic beach and a pampering spa. But there’s plenty here to keep adrenalin junkies happy too.
Maldives & Seychelles
Although holidays in the Maldives are usually reserved for pampered honeymoon indulgence, one extreme sport is taking off at the region’s resorts. Kitesurfing is the latest craze to emerge and it offers thrill-seekers the chance to use wind power to reach speeds up to 50mph on a kite board – the fastest way to sail on the water.
Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, teetering on the edge of the Maldives archipelago and exposed to the necessary winds, introduced the sport to the islands in 2001. Despite the extreme tag no experience is required; there’s plenty of space for beginners and seasoned experts to fly across the water.
Kuredo Island Resort, located in Lhaviyani Atoll, 80 miles north of Male’s international airport, also offers kitesurfing and wakeboarding at its watersports centre. Instructors give free introductory lessons to help tourists get the bug.
The sport is also developing in the Seychelles, and is now offered alongside other adventures such as swimming with 40ft whale sharks.
Sample price: Seven nights at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort from £1,349 per person half-board including return flights. Kitesurfing costs around $55 for a day’s equipment hire and $80 for a day’s instruction.
India
For tourists interested in high-altitude, high-octane activities, the Himalayas in India offer the perfect playground with a variety of thrills available. For keen climbers, the Stok Kangri mountain, a beast whose peak exceeds 6,000m, with challenges including a number of steep cliff climbs at high altitude and long treks. Visitors acclimatise by first visiting the remote villages of Ladakh above the Indus Valley.
We also offer a gruelling mountain bike escapade – a chance for enthusiasts to teeter across two of the highest passes in the world, cycling from Manali to Leh in the Ladakh region. Only the toughest thighs will conquer the winding roads of the western Himalaya, close to the borders of China and Tibet. Tourists will be expected to cover at least 40 miles every day, 50% of which is on craggy paths. While the climate will be warm during the day, the tour group has to huddle together at night when temperatures drop to -4C.
Sample price: The Manali to Leh ride (18 days’ half-board) costs from £1,799. Flights are included, bike hire is £145. The Stok Kangri climb costs £1,899, including accommodation and flights.
Mauritius
One way to see the island’s java deer and wild boar is on a quad bike tour. The three-hour tour encourages thrill-seekers to get muddy while touring the L’Etoile & Ferny Reserve on four wheels. This is a 3,500-hectare estate, found off the beaten track in the eastern part of Mauritius.
Or head south to the Saint Felix sugar estate where visitors are offered an unusual way to experience impressive views of banana plantations and waterfalls. Take part in a trek with a twist – the trail includes 11 zip lines that let you shuttle from tree to tree 30m up, only stopping midway for a bracing freshwater swim.
Sample price: The zip line experience costs £88 for a full day, and the quad bike tour is priced at £131 per person.
Sri Lanka
Perhaps you fancy a bit of speleology in Sri Lanka? To the uninitiated, this means cave exploration into 500 million years of history, squeezing through dark nooks in complete darkness with only a head torch to guide you.
Eco Team Sri Lanka offers pot-holing tours in Waulpane Cave, where amateurs and experts can explore the “cave of bats”. This is home to thousands of the cave’s namesakes and luminous fish lurking beneath an 80ft underground waterfall.
White-water rafting holidays are also on the rise and Eco Team offers a white-knuckle adventure into the shooting rapids of the Kelani river in Kithulgala, west Sri Lanka. Also known as the wet-zone rainforest and one of the dampest places in the country, this is a real test for hardy explorers. In between rapids, check out the location where much of Oscar-winning The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed, before braving the larger grade five rapids of the Kelani gorges. Before the river run, a briefing is given on paddling techniques and “man overboard” procedures.
Sample price: A seven-day white-water rafting experience in Kithulgala costs £365 per person including half-board hotel/camping accommodation. Caving in Waulpane is also available and costs £90 per day.
Mum and Dad Are Happy Too
This year sees a raft of new beach resorts. Here are some which have the most to offer to the family market.
Hilton Dalaman Golf Resort and Spa, Turkey
Located on its own stretch of beach where the Dalaman River meets the sea, the Hilton Golf Resort and Spa is an excellent hotel for an active family holiday. The hotel boasts seven outdoor and three indoor swimming pools, tennis courts and a water sports centre where guests can learn to windsurf, jet-ski, wake board and dive. Children will love the dedicated Kidz Club and the Aqua Park filled with water slides. Out of the water, one of the main attractions for this hotel will be the 18-hole golf course and nine-hole golf academy, due for completion in 2010. Nearby attractions include hot springs and nesting turtle sites.
Sample price: A week for a family of four in the first week of July, all-inclusive, from £3,189 including flights.
Hotel Villas Resort, Sardinia
The resort offers good family accommodation in the form of two-bedroom suites with their own living room and spacious terrace. Helpful services include pushchair hire and babysitting, as well as room service and a laundry service. Excursions around the island such as boat trips, horse-riding and quad safaris have real family appeal, as does the hotel pool. The beach of Castiadas is 500m from the hotel and can be reached by complimentary golf buggy shuttle. The beach is wide, white and sandy, gently shelving into the sea. There is a semi-private area for hotel guests with parasols and sun loungers for hire. The hotel is less than a mile from the popular Costa Rei resort and 45 miles from Cagliari airport.
Sample price: A seven-night stay in early July from £2,773 for a family of four half-board, including car hire but excluding flights.
Verdura Golf and Spa Resort, Sicily
This new Rocco Forte Collection property is situated on the south-west coast of Sicily. The luxurious hotel is set in a valley of olive groves near the small town of Verdura, an hour away from Palermo airport. Many of its rooms open right on to the pebble beach. The hotel, which opened at the end of July 2009, is strongly courting the family market, with an introductory family offer of 50% off the interconnecting room and free or discounted lunches for children. Pool and beach areas are supervised at all times. There’s a kids-only pool and range of activities that end each day with a turn-down service complete with bedtime milk, cookies and a storyteller. For teenagers, there's a hangout area and opportunity to try sailing, tennis, windsurfing and golf.
Sample price: A seven-night stay from £11,705 per family. Price is based on two adults sharing a junior suite and two children under 12 in an adjoining deluxe room on a B&B basis. Includes flights and transfers.
Hesperia Lanzarote, Canaries
The newly-opened Hesperia Lanzarote is a great option for a family holiday in the Canaries. The five-star hotel boasts a spa treatment centre, four pools and gym. It also has an on-site dive centre which is particularly family-friendly. The hotel provides free cots for babies aged up to two years, and children aged 2-12 can have an extra bed in the room for an additional charge. Adjoining rooms are available on request.
Sample price: Seven nights from £3,082 for a family of four (B&B) including flights in July 2010.
Eleon Grand Resort & Spa, Zante
The five-star all-inclusive Eleon Grand Resort & Spa in Zante opens this May. Facilities include three freshwater pools, tennis courts, a spa and a dive centre. Young tots will be happy for hours in "aqua land" with water slides and kids' pools, plus there'll be a daily animation programme. The 174 rooms are set out in low-rise buildings around the pool.
Sample price: Seven nights at this hotel for £679 per adult, £259 for the first child and £505 for the second child, with flights, in peak season.
Movenpick Resort and Marine Spa, Tunisia
Located on the shoreline of Sousse, the resort is a short drive from Habib Bourguiba Monastir airport. The hotel has 618 rooms and six different restaurants. As well as direct access to the beach, children can play in the four pools and make the most of the tennis, beach volley, camel riding and water activities available. Parasols are available on the beach and lifeguards are always on duty. The resort opens in spring 2010.
Sample price: Seven nights all-inclusive from £779 per adult and £415 for the first child, including flights.
Real Marina Hotel and Spa, Algarve
A short drive from Faro airport, this resort is set to open in May 2010. The hotel is not on the beachfront but the new marina currently under construction will offer leisure facilities. The east coast's renowned beaches are a short boat ride away, but children will have their own swimming pool at the hotel and the Realito Kids Club promises to keep them entertained for hours.
Sample price: A classic room with a sea view starts from €298 per person for a double and a suite with a sea view starts from €596 per person in high season.
Mazagan Beach Resort, Morocco
This summer will be the first full season for the five-star Mazagan Beach Resort, 55 miles south of Casablanca. The Kerzner resort has three different kids' clubs. The Baby Club is for tots over three months. The Kidz Club (ages 3-11) has its own pool. For 12s and over, The Rush Club offers sports, films and nightly discos. Horse riding is also available. The spa, casino and golf courses will appeal to parents, and there are eight restaurants.
Sample price: Four nights' B&B from £885 per adult and £320 for the first child under 11, with flights.
For more information or to book to go to any of these tempting travel destinations contact one of our expert consultants now by calling 0871 226 2673 or visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk and start planning your next holiday today!
Hello and welcome to another of our Barrhead Travel Destination of the Week features! This week we look at a number of idyllic spots in the Indian Ocean and also at some of the best family holiday destinations in Europe and beyond.
Mission Possible
Many visitors to the Indian Ocean region want nothing more than an idyllic beach and a pampering spa. But there’s plenty here to keep adrenalin junkies happy too.
Maldives & Seychelles
Although holidays in the Maldives are usually reserved for pampered honeymoon indulgence, one extreme sport is taking off at the region’s resorts. Kitesurfing is the latest craze to emerge and it offers thrill-seekers the chance to use wind power to reach speeds up to 50mph on a kite board – the fastest way to sail on the water.
Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, teetering on the edge of the Maldives archipelago and exposed to the necessary winds, introduced the sport to the islands in 2001. Despite the extreme tag no experience is required; there’s plenty of space for beginners and seasoned experts to fly across the water.
Kuredo Island Resort, located in Lhaviyani Atoll, 80 miles north of Male’s international airport, also offers kitesurfing and wakeboarding at its watersports centre. Instructors give free introductory lessons to help tourists get the bug.
The sport is also developing in the Seychelles, and is now offered alongside other adventures such as swimming with 40ft whale sharks.
Sample price: Seven nights at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort from £1,349 per person half-board including return flights. Kitesurfing costs around $55 for a day’s equipment hire and $80 for a day’s instruction.
India
For tourists interested in high-altitude, high-octane activities, the Himalayas in India offer the perfect playground with a variety of thrills available. For keen climbers, the Stok Kangri mountain, a beast whose peak exceeds 6,000m, with challenges including a number of steep cliff climbs at high altitude and long treks. Visitors acclimatise by first visiting the remote villages of Ladakh above the Indus Valley.
We also offer a gruelling mountain bike escapade – a chance for enthusiasts to teeter across two of the highest passes in the world, cycling from Manali to Leh in the Ladakh region. Only the toughest thighs will conquer the winding roads of the western Himalaya, close to the borders of China and Tibet. Tourists will be expected to cover at least 40 miles every day, 50% of which is on craggy paths. While the climate will be warm during the day, the tour group has to huddle together at night when temperatures drop to -4C.
Sample price: The Manali to Leh ride (18 days’ half-board) costs from £1,799. Flights are included, bike hire is £145. The Stok Kangri climb costs £1,899, including accommodation and flights.
Mauritius
One way to see the island’s java deer and wild boar is on a quad bike tour. The three-hour tour encourages thrill-seekers to get muddy while touring the L’Etoile & Ferny Reserve on four wheels. This is a 3,500-hectare estate, found off the beaten track in the eastern part of Mauritius.
Or head south to the Saint Felix sugar estate where visitors are offered an unusual way to experience impressive views of banana plantations and waterfalls. Take part in a trek with a twist – the trail includes 11 zip lines that let you shuttle from tree to tree 30m up, only stopping midway for a bracing freshwater swim.
Sample price: The zip line experience costs £88 for a full day, and the quad bike tour is priced at £131 per person.
Sri Lanka
Perhaps you fancy a bit of speleology in Sri Lanka? To the uninitiated, this means cave exploration into 500 million years of history, squeezing through dark nooks in complete darkness with only a head torch to guide you.
Eco Team Sri Lanka offers pot-holing tours in Waulpane Cave, where amateurs and experts can explore the “cave of bats”. This is home to thousands of the cave’s namesakes and luminous fish lurking beneath an 80ft underground waterfall.
White-water rafting holidays are also on the rise and Eco Team offers a white-knuckle adventure into the shooting rapids of the Kelani river in Kithulgala, west Sri Lanka. Also known as the wet-zone rainforest and one of the dampest places in the country, this is a real test for hardy explorers. In between rapids, check out the location where much of Oscar-winning The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed, before braving the larger grade five rapids of the Kelani gorges. Before the river run, a briefing is given on paddling techniques and “man overboard” procedures.
Sample price: A seven-day white-water rafting experience in Kithulgala costs £365 per person including half-board hotel/camping accommodation. Caving in Waulpane is also available and costs £90 per day.
Mum and Dad Are Happy Too
This year sees a raft of new beach resorts. Here are some which have the most to offer to the family market.
Hilton Dalaman Golf Resort and Spa, Turkey
Located on its own stretch of beach where the Dalaman River meets the sea, the Hilton Golf Resort and Spa is an excellent hotel for an active family holiday. The hotel boasts seven outdoor and three indoor swimming pools, tennis courts and a water sports centre where guests can learn to windsurf, jet-ski, wake board and dive. Children will love the dedicated Kidz Club and the Aqua Park filled with water slides. Out of the water, one of the main attractions for this hotel will be the 18-hole golf course and nine-hole golf academy, due for completion in 2010. Nearby attractions include hot springs and nesting turtle sites.
Sample price: A week for a family of four in the first week of July, all-inclusive, from £3,189 including flights.
Hotel Villas Resort, Sardinia
The resort offers good family accommodation in the form of two-bedroom suites with their own living room and spacious terrace. Helpful services include pushchair hire and babysitting, as well as room service and a laundry service. Excursions around the island such as boat trips, horse-riding and quad safaris have real family appeal, as does the hotel pool. The beach of Castiadas is 500m from the hotel and can be reached by complimentary golf buggy shuttle. The beach is wide, white and sandy, gently shelving into the sea. There is a semi-private area for hotel guests with parasols and sun loungers for hire. The hotel is less than a mile from the popular Costa Rei resort and 45 miles from Cagliari airport.
Sample price: A seven-night stay in early July from £2,773 for a family of four half-board, including car hire but excluding flights.
Verdura Golf and Spa Resort, Sicily
This new Rocco Forte Collection property is situated on the south-west coast of Sicily. The luxurious hotel is set in a valley of olive groves near the small town of Verdura, an hour away from Palermo airport. Many of its rooms open right on to the pebble beach. The hotel, which opened at the end of July 2009, is strongly courting the family market, with an introductory family offer of 50% off the interconnecting room and free or discounted lunches for children. Pool and beach areas are supervised at all times. There’s a kids-only pool and range of activities that end each day with a turn-down service complete with bedtime milk, cookies and a storyteller. For teenagers, there's a hangout area and opportunity to try sailing, tennis, windsurfing and golf.
Sample price: A seven-night stay from £11,705 per family. Price is based on two adults sharing a junior suite and two children under 12 in an adjoining deluxe room on a B&B basis. Includes flights and transfers.
Hesperia Lanzarote, Canaries
The newly-opened Hesperia Lanzarote is a great option for a family holiday in the Canaries. The five-star hotel boasts a spa treatment centre, four pools and gym. It also has an on-site dive centre which is particularly family-friendly. The hotel provides free cots for babies aged up to two years, and children aged 2-12 can have an extra bed in the room for an additional charge. Adjoining rooms are available on request.
Sample price: Seven nights from £3,082 for a family of four (B&B) including flights in July 2010.
Eleon Grand Resort & Spa, Zante
The five-star all-inclusive Eleon Grand Resort & Spa in Zante opens this May. Facilities include three freshwater pools, tennis courts, a spa and a dive centre. Young tots will be happy for hours in "aqua land" with water slides and kids' pools, plus there'll be a daily animation programme. The 174 rooms are set out in low-rise buildings around the pool.
Sample price: Seven nights at this hotel for £679 per adult, £259 for the first child and £505 for the second child, with flights, in peak season.
Movenpick Resort and Marine Spa, Tunisia
Located on the shoreline of Sousse, the resort is a short drive from Habib Bourguiba Monastir airport. The hotel has 618 rooms and six different restaurants. As well as direct access to the beach, children can play in the four pools and make the most of the tennis, beach volley, camel riding and water activities available. Parasols are available on the beach and lifeguards are always on duty. The resort opens in spring 2010.
Sample price: Seven nights all-inclusive from £779 per adult and £415 for the first child, including flights.
Real Marina Hotel and Spa, Algarve
A short drive from Faro airport, this resort is set to open in May 2010. The hotel is not on the beachfront but the new marina currently under construction will offer leisure facilities. The east coast's renowned beaches are a short boat ride away, but children will have their own swimming pool at the hotel and the Realito Kids Club promises to keep them entertained for hours.
Sample price: A classic room with a sea view starts from €298 per person for a double and a suite with a sea view starts from €596 per person in high season.
Mazagan Beach Resort, Morocco
This summer will be the first full season for the five-star Mazagan Beach Resort, 55 miles south of Casablanca. The Kerzner resort has three different kids' clubs. The Baby Club is for tots over three months. The Kidz Club (ages 3-11) has its own pool. For 12s and over, The Rush Club offers sports, films and nightly discos. Horse riding is also available. The spa, casino and golf courses will appeal to parents, and there are eight restaurants.
Sample price: Four nights' B&B from £885 per adult and £320 for the first child under 11, with flights.
For more information or to book to go to any of these tempting travel destinations contact one of our expert consultants now by calling 0871 226 2673 or visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk and start planning your next holiday today!
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