If it's not happening in Brooklyn ... it isn't happening!
Brooklyn is America’s fourth largest city (as well as being one of New York City’s five boroughs) and it is a best bet for tourists who want hip and historic, authentic and diverse experiences and who enjoy character and characters!
Experience Brooklyn
Festivals & Concerts:
Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (April) New York City's "rite of spring," offers over 50 events and performances celebrating Japanese culture and the blossoming of BBG's 220 cherry trees
39th Annual International African Arts Festival, (July), Thousands of festival goers gather each day to enjoy live music, dance, spoken word performances, African marketplace, showcase performances, fashion, and hair shows.
Outdoor Concert Series (June- August) from Celebrate Brooklyn in Park Slope to the Northside Festival in Williamsburg, the Village Voice Siren Festival and Seaside Summer Concerts in Coney Island, Jelly’s pool party concerts on the waterfront in Greenpoint/Williamsburg, the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival in DUMBO, or the Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series in central Brooklyn, Brooklyn is the summer home of star studded entertainment from the classics to emerging artists.
West Indian American Day Carnival (September) Carnival lovers and revelers from across the United States, and abroad will converge in Brooklyn, New York in celebration of the West Indian Carnival Festival to enjoy masks, concerts and an incredible parade. Biz Bash lists this in the top 5 biggest parades and events in NYC- and bigger is better with all the big, beautiful costumed fun!
Atlantic Antic (September) New York City’s classic and largest street festival.
Food Networks New York City Food and Wine Festival (October) The Burger Bash, hosted by Rachel Ray is in Brooklyn.
Meet the cultural creators!
Bklyn Designs (May) multi day showcase for New York City’s finest, new, home furnishing designers.
NYPF (May) The New York Photo Festival delivers a dynamic, high-quality event celebrating both contemporary photography and the creative, inspirational talents of the people who produce this work.
Brooklyn Book Festival (September) This hip, smart and diverse literary event is the largest one in Northeastern America and features over 200 national and international authors presented in conversation, panels, or workshops on five stages and in four halls. Free - with a huge literary marketplace.
smART Brooklyn Gallery Hop (November) featuring free tours and bus loops to over 70 galleries in four major art districts that exhibit emerging and established artists
Come to CONEY ISLAND – More OOHS! New AHS!
America’s favorite playground offers the famous boardwalk, beach and amusements (including the landmarked Wonder Wheel and Cyclone) minor league baseball with the New York Mets farm team, the Brooklyn Cyclones, the New York Aquarium and Friday night firework shows. Don’t miss the annual Mermaid Parade (June) where glitter is clothes or the Polar Bear Day (new years day) where the bold brave a winter dip in the ocean. New this summer in Coney Island:
LUNA PARK Opened on Memorial Day weekend 2010 and named after an iconic piece of Coney’s history, the new Luna Park represents the largest investment in amusements in Coney Island in decades. The park’s inaugural season will introduce New Yorkers and tourists from around the world to 19 new rides, including the world debut of “Air Race.” The new Luna Park has been designed to reflect the spirit and personality of today’s Coney Island, while capturing the original look and feel of its namesake. With no entrance fee, Luna Park will be fully accessible to those who prefer games to rides, or to those simply taking a stroll down the Boardwalk. Brought to you by ZAMPERLA International.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents The Coney Island IlluscinationSM, (June- September, 2010) a fantasy-filled world where thrills, wonderment and unbelievable magic intersect with the outlandish fun of the circus. Illuscinator, and host of this all new Gold edition, David DaVinci along with performers from all over the world invite Children of All Ages to join them on a mystifying adventure where they will witness eye-popping illusions and thrilling circus acts all at The Greatest Show On Earth® in an air-conditioned tent on Surf Avenue and West 21st Street.
Guides & Packages
Brooklyn is proud to announce that many of our cultural institutions and attractions are now marketed in discount, multi-day passes packaged, through double-decker tour packages with Twin America (Grayline - Citysights)– www.newyorksightseeing.com and with the expertise and fun of unique tour guides:
A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours– www.asliceofbrooklyn.com
Beyond Times Square Receptive Operator – www.btsq.com
Big Onion Walking Tours – www.bigonion.com
Chassidic Discovery/Jewish Hassidic Walking Tour – www.jewishtours.com
Food on Foot Tours – www.foodonfoottours.com
Gotham Sidewalks – www.gothamsidewalks.com
Hush Tours – www.hushhiphoptours.com
Inside Out Tours – www.insideouttours.com
Levy’s Unique New York – www.levysuniqueny.com
New York Visions Brooklyn Tour – www.harlemspirituals.com
New York Water Taxi - www.newyorkwatertaxi.com
Additionally, Brooklyn is part of major destination passes through:
New York Pass: Discover the New York Pass offering free entry to over 50 attractions including 10 famous Brooklyn sites such as Juniors Restaurant, New York Aquarium and the Heart of Brooklyn cultural members! Receive a 140 page guidebook, enjoy line skipping privileges, receive over $650 worth of entrance fees as well as benefit from many special offers on theatre tickets, entry to special exhibitions, audio tours and discounts on shopping plus much more!
Smart Destination’s Explorer Pass: Explore top Brooklyn and New York City sights, museums and tours with the Explorer Pass - pick from 40 attractions – including Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Chassidic Discovery Walking Tour and many more! With savings up to 40%!
Shop Brooklyn
Dine In Brooklyn Restaurant Week (March/April) over 200 restaurants offer fine dining deals with a prix fix menu that features signature dishes.
Boutique Brooklyn Fashion Nights (August) boutiques in fashion districts entice with trunk shows, guest designers and discounts on selected nights presented by Brooklyn Tourism.
Brooklyn flea markets (spring & summer) these fleas offer tourists unique shopping opportunities to find art, vintage and designer fashion, crafts and more (ask for a list)
www.ishopBrooklyn.com for all the news on all the shopping districts in Brooklyn.
Visit Brooklyn Homes & Gardens
HOUSE TOURS (spring/summer) Brooklyn neighborhood Associations present open houses in a variety of neighborhoods from brownstones to Victorian mansions. Ticketed admissions from $10- $25 gets you INSIDE some of the most beautiful homes in Brooklyn in Fort Greene, Park Slope, downtown Brooklyn, DUMBO, Midwood, Bedford –Stuyvesant and more neighborhoods. (FYI: in the 2010 New York magazine top ten neighborhoods in NYC –Brooklyn is home to six!)
Sleep in Brooklyn
Whether you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, Water Taxi here, drive or subway to Brooklyn there’s so much to do you will want to sleep over! (and plan time for day trips to Manhattan) Brooklyn Tourism has a portfolio of hotels (four star to budget) and a unique array of bed and breakfast/inns in brownstone and Victorian neighborhoods. Brooklyn Tourism has an active hotels committee that collaborates to offer small and mid size conferences and conventions help planning unique experiences and matching tour operators to rooms.
New this summer- Sheraton Brooklyn (opened June 2010) downtown, Fairfield Inn (opening July, 2010) Park Slope, and two new Comfort Inns in Sunset Park and Atlantic Avenue in Prospect Heights. Also – check out www.VictorianBB.net, to be introduced to a network of beautiful Brooklyn bed and breakfast homes.
BROOKLYN ANNUAL EVENTS At A Glance
see www.visitbrooklyn.org for dates and details
or call 718-802-3820
JANUARY
Coney Island Polar Bears New Year’s Day Dip • Three Kings Parade
FEBRUARY
Chinese New Year Celebration
MARCH
Dine in Brooklyn – Restaurant Week (Mar-Apr) • Brooklyn Irish-American Parade
APRIL
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival
MAY
Brooklyn Designs • Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition Pier Art Show • BayBest/Blessing of the Fleet • DanceAfrica at BAM • Historic House & Garden Tours (May-Jun) • Veterans Memorial Day Parade
JUNE
BrooklynBest Festival • Brooklyn International Film Festival • Boricua Festival/Salsa at the Waterfront • Celebrate Brooklyn Performing Arts Festival (Jun-Aug) • LGBT Pride Week • NYC Native American Heritage Celebration • Mermaid Parade • Russian Heritage Week
JULY
International African Arts Festival • Giglio Festival • Bastille Day • Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series (Jul-Aug) • Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival • Seaside Summer Concert Series (Jul-Aug) • Siren Music Festival
AUGUST
Brighton Jubilee • Battle Week at the Old Stone House • Brooklyn Puerto Rican Parade • Brooklyn Dominican Parade • Puerto Rican State Parade and Festival of NY
SEPTEMBER
Brooklyn Book Festival • Atlantic Antic Street Festival • West Indian American Day Carnival & Parade • Great Irish Fair • Brooklyn Botanic Garden Chile Pepper Festival (Sep/Oct) • DUMBO Art Under the Bridge Festival • Flatbush Frolic • Puerto Rican State Festival of NY • Ragamuffin Parade
OCTOBER
Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade • Brooklyn Academy of Music: Next Wave Festival • Prospect Park Halloween Walk • Halloween Parade
NOVEMBER
Winter Festival at Prospect Park
DECEMBER
Holiday Lighting Displays
Brooklyn- Believe the HYPE!
To book your next trip to Brooklyn today, or for any of your travel needs, be sure to make Barrhead Travel your first port of call. Phone one of our expert consultants now on 0871 226 8689 or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/usa to book now!
Friday, 11 June 2010
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Barrhead Travel Destinations of the Week!
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This week at Barrhead we're going Stateside!
Fall For New England
Each year as summer drifts into autumn the northeastern region of New England comes alive. The leaves start to change colour and nature once again puts on a spectacular display. The October spectacle makes the region, made up of six states – Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and little Rhode Island – a magnet for ‘leaf-peepers’ on scenic flydrive breaks.
But it’s not all about foliage; New England also has the vibrant, historic city of Boston and the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, not to mention Acadia National Park, Atlantic beaches, heritage sites, wineries, and dozens of hospitable inns.
Typical travellers to New England tend to be second or third-time visitors looking for a more cultural/educational experience. There is so much variation across the six states that the area has wide appeal. The autumn colours will always be a major factor in attracting visitors, but you should be aware that this is also when the region is at its busiest, and most expensive.
What’s new?
The last year has seen Boston, the gateway to New England, emerging as a viable city break alternative to New York. In particular, the city has experienced strong growth in the volume and quality of accommodation it has to offer. Another option is for you to stay out of town and take advantage of the light-rail system.
Wherever you stay, add an extra night or two to take in the sights: the venerable Harvard University, the Freedom Trail (a walking tour that links the city’s historic highlights), shopping for bargains and exploring distinctive districts like Beacon Hill, the South End with its gourmet eateries, and Back Bay. And of course, nobody should leave Boston without checking out the bar from long-running TV show Cheers – in fact, there are actually two to choose from, as well as hundreds of other local hostelries. Boston likes to party!
We can package New England with New York city and/or state, or Eastern Canada – Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Quebec City, as well as Atlantic Canada. We have introduced a self-drive tour of New England for visitors in search of fall foliage this autumn.
Don’t miss
The New England coastline can get neglected in favour of the inland attractions. Must see attractions are wild, rocky shores (including Acadia National Park) and fishing ports of Maine. Massachusetts has superb beaches, especially along Cape Cod, which stretches from Martha’s Vineyard out to Province-town, a sort of American-style mini-Brighton. The Cape gets a lot of celebrities. Connecticut also has beaches on Long Island Sound while Rhode Island, America’s smallest state, is also among its most charming.
Away from the coast, New Hampshire and Vermont have some of the finest scenery, foliage, and outdoor activities, although only Vermont can lay claim to ice cream royalty Ben & Jerry’s. Wedged between New York and Massachusetts, Connecticut has Yale, with its fine buildings, art galleries, museums, shopping and food, as well as the gentle Litchfield Hills that are dotted with welcoming wineries. Connecticut also earns rave reviews for its outlet malls – you must take an empty suitcase.
Each of the six states has its own tasty twist on the region’s signature dish: New England clam chowder. You can also expect excellent seafood, maple syrup, microbrews and seasonal fruit pies.
If you are visiting either side of autumn’s peak season will find better value and availability of accommodation, as well as quieter roads, while snow-lovers can pretty much fill their boots any time after Thanksgiving. New England also does a traditional Christmas exceedingly well.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
A recent documentary hailed the National Park Service as America’s best idea, and few of those visiting Yellowstone or Yosemite, the Everglades or the Grand Canyon would disagree.
There are 58 National Parks from Florida to Washington State and Southern California to Maine, which make for great add-ons to a holiday or holidays in their own right.
Here are some of the highlights, together with details of what each has to offer the UK visitor.
Yosemite National Park
Sierra Nevada, Northern California
What to expect
This is the mother of all the National Parks, a mystical valley straight out of The Lord of the Rings. There’s a range of accommodation in the park, from camping and motor-homes to cabins, and even the venerable Ahwahnee Hotel, which you will need to book six months in advance. The alternative is to stay in a hotel or motel just outside the park.
In winter Yosemite is buried under several feet of snow; in summer it’s heaving with visitors. The best times to visit are the shoulder seasons when the waterfalls are in full flow and most trails are open. Yosemite works well twinned with San Francisco – the drive from shore to mountains takes about four hours.
Don’t miss
The magical waterfalls; the giant sequoia trees; picture-postcard views from Glacier Point; a ranger-guided hike; more than 400 species of wildlife including foxes, deer, snakes and bears.
Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
What to expect
Big, blue skies and wide open spaces are the essence of Yellowstone. Here, the visitor feels as it’s possible to feel from cities and civilisation.
Then there’s the history, the thundering geysers, and the wildlife – just don’t go looking for Yogi Bear! Accommodation is deliberately basic – cabins and campgrounds – to preserve the park’s atmosphere.
Silver Gate Cabins are a good in-park option, but they should be booked early. If you want more luxury, book the lodgings on the outskirts of Yellowstone. The park’s summer season runs from mid-April to the start of November.
Outside that period, you can expect some roads and entrances to be closed, and plenty of snow. You might want to combine Yellowstone with a winter sports break at Jackson Hole, or rent a car to add on a visit to Grand Teton National Park.
Don’t miss
The chance to spot wildlife – bears, wolves, elk and buffalo – in the Lamar and Hayden valleys; watching Old Faithful blow his top; taking a horseback ride to savour the view; hiking, biking, camping, fishing and a variety of ranger-led programs.
Grand Canyon National Park
Arizona
What to expect
The canyon is 18 miles wide and more than one mile deep. If standing on its rim doesn’t take your breath away, you should probably check your pulse. Everyone has seen it on television but nothing matches the thrill of being there.
Most see the canyon from the south rim; the north rim is higher and harder to access, especially in winter. As with all the great Western parks, accommodation is at a premium, especially in summer. In-park lodging includes seven lodges on the south rim. All are connected to restaurants, shopping and great viewpoints by free shuttle buses. Tusayan, seven miles south of Grand Canyon village, has more hotels and inns.
Don’t miss
Las Vegas. You could take a helicopter tour (from Vegas), hike or ride a mule down into the canyon, paddle a boat along the mighty Colorado River, or hop aboard for the two-hour trip on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona.
Acadia National Park
Maine
What to expect
A rocky coastline, Atlantic breakers, granite mountains and spruce-fir forests are the keynotes of Acadia. This rugged East Coast park makes a striking contrasts to the wonders out West. Home to a diversity of plants and animals, Acadia also has the highest peak on America’s East Coast.
A system of carriage roads throughout the park makes for excellent walking or biking. Acadia is very much a four-season park, with mists and brilliant foliage in the autumn, and precipitation likely in any month of the year, so pack accordingly.
There’s no lodging in the park, except for two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island and one on Isle au Haut. Nearby Bar Harbor has a variety of accommodation,
however, including the Bar Harbor Inn and new Grand Hotel. Acadia works well as part of a New England flydrive itinerary.
Don’t miss
The 20-mile Park Loop Road with stunning views of mountains, ocean and forests (the drive takes three to four hours with stops); a horse-drawn carriage tour; a ranger-led boat cruise.
Olympic National Park
Washington
What to expect
West of Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula, this park offers the perfect Pacific Northwestern blend of ocean beaches, rainforest valleys, and glacier-capped peaks, plus a host of plant and animal life.
You can combine a few days in the park with time spent in Seattle or Vancouver. It’s worth remembering to pack carefully – where the Pacific Northwest meets rainforest, a brief shower is never far away.
Within the park, Log Cabin Resort on the shore of Lake Crescent has various lodging options, as well as camping and hook-ups for motorhomes. Lake Crescent Lodge has cabins, a motel and rooms in the historic lodge. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and the Kalaloch Lodge are other good options.
Don’t miss:
Hurricane Ridge, for its mile-high visitor centre and nature trails; Hoh Rain Forest, with its subtropical trails beneath the forest canopy; rocky Rialto Beach for offshore islands and a Pacific sunset to remember.
To book your own US holiday or for any of your travel needs contact one of our expert consultants now on 0871 226 8689 or visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk and start planning your next holiday today!
This week at Barrhead we're going Stateside!
Fall For New England
Each year as summer drifts into autumn the northeastern region of New England comes alive. The leaves start to change colour and nature once again puts on a spectacular display. The October spectacle makes the region, made up of six states – Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and little Rhode Island – a magnet for ‘leaf-peepers’ on scenic flydrive breaks.
But it’s not all about foliage; New England also has the vibrant, historic city of Boston and the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont, not to mention Acadia National Park, Atlantic beaches, heritage sites, wineries, and dozens of hospitable inns.
Typical travellers to New England tend to be second or third-time visitors looking for a more cultural/educational experience. There is so much variation across the six states that the area has wide appeal. The autumn colours will always be a major factor in attracting visitors, but you should be aware that this is also when the region is at its busiest, and most expensive.
What’s new?
The last year has seen Boston, the gateway to New England, emerging as a viable city break alternative to New York. In particular, the city has experienced strong growth in the volume and quality of accommodation it has to offer. Another option is for you to stay out of town and take advantage of the light-rail system.
Wherever you stay, add an extra night or two to take in the sights: the venerable Harvard University, the Freedom Trail (a walking tour that links the city’s historic highlights), shopping for bargains and exploring distinctive districts like Beacon Hill, the South End with its gourmet eateries, and Back Bay. And of course, nobody should leave Boston without checking out the bar from long-running TV show Cheers – in fact, there are actually two to choose from, as well as hundreds of other local hostelries. Boston likes to party!
We can package New England with New York city and/or state, or Eastern Canada – Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Quebec City, as well as Atlantic Canada. We have introduced a self-drive tour of New England for visitors in search of fall foliage this autumn.
Don’t miss
The New England coastline can get neglected in favour of the inland attractions. Must see attractions are wild, rocky shores (including Acadia National Park) and fishing ports of Maine. Massachusetts has superb beaches, especially along Cape Cod, which stretches from Martha’s Vineyard out to Province-town, a sort of American-style mini-Brighton. The Cape gets a lot of celebrities. Connecticut also has beaches on Long Island Sound while Rhode Island, America’s smallest state, is also among its most charming.
Away from the coast, New Hampshire and Vermont have some of the finest scenery, foliage, and outdoor activities, although only Vermont can lay claim to ice cream royalty Ben & Jerry’s. Wedged between New York and Massachusetts, Connecticut has Yale, with its fine buildings, art galleries, museums, shopping and food, as well as the gentle Litchfield Hills that are dotted with welcoming wineries. Connecticut also earns rave reviews for its outlet malls – you must take an empty suitcase.
Each of the six states has its own tasty twist on the region’s signature dish: New England clam chowder. You can also expect excellent seafood, maple syrup, microbrews and seasonal fruit pies.
If you are visiting either side of autumn’s peak season will find better value and availability of accommodation, as well as quieter roads, while snow-lovers can pretty much fill their boots any time after Thanksgiving. New England also does a traditional Christmas exceedingly well.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
A recent documentary hailed the National Park Service as America’s best idea, and few of those visiting Yellowstone or Yosemite, the Everglades or the Grand Canyon would disagree.
There are 58 National Parks from Florida to Washington State and Southern California to Maine, which make for great add-ons to a holiday or holidays in their own right.
Here are some of the highlights, together with details of what each has to offer the UK visitor.
Yosemite National Park
Sierra Nevada, Northern California
What to expect
This is the mother of all the National Parks, a mystical valley straight out of The Lord of the Rings. There’s a range of accommodation in the park, from camping and motor-homes to cabins, and even the venerable Ahwahnee Hotel, which you will need to book six months in advance. The alternative is to stay in a hotel or motel just outside the park.
In winter Yosemite is buried under several feet of snow; in summer it’s heaving with visitors. The best times to visit are the shoulder seasons when the waterfalls are in full flow and most trails are open. Yosemite works well twinned with San Francisco – the drive from shore to mountains takes about four hours.
Don’t miss
The magical waterfalls; the giant sequoia trees; picture-postcard views from Glacier Point; a ranger-guided hike; more than 400 species of wildlife including foxes, deer, snakes and bears.
Yellowstone National Park
Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
What to expect
Big, blue skies and wide open spaces are the essence of Yellowstone. Here, the visitor feels as it’s possible to feel from cities and civilisation.
Then there’s the history, the thundering geysers, and the wildlife – just don’t go looking for Yogi Bear! Accommodation is deliberately basic – cabins and campgrounds – to preserve the park’s atmosphere.
Silver Gate Cabins are a good in-park option, but they should be booked early. If you want more luxury, book the lodgings on the outskirts of Yellowstone. The park’s summer season runs from mid-April to the start of November.
Outside that period, you can expect some roads and entrances to be closed, and plenty of snow. You might want to combine Yellowstone with a winter sports break at Jackson Hole, or rent a car to add on a visit to Grand Teton National Park.
Don’t miss
The chance to spot wildlife – bears, wolves, elk and buffalo – in the Lamar and Hayden valleys; watching Old Faithful blow his top; taking a horseback ride to savour the view; hiking, biking, camping, fishing and a variety of ranger-led programs.
Grand Canyon National Park
Arizona
What to expect
The canyon is 18 miles wide and more than one mile deep. If standing on its rim doesn’t take your breath away, you should probably check your pulse. Everyone has seen it on television but nothing matches the thrill of being there.
Most see the canyon from the south rim; the north rim is higher and harder to access, especially in winter. As with all the great Western parks, accommodation is at a premium, especially in summer. In-park lodging includes seven lodges on the south rim. All are connected to restaurants, shopping and great viewpoints by free shuttle buses. Tusayan, seven miles south of Grand Canyon village, has more hotels and inns.
Don’t miss
Las Vegas. You could take a helicopter tour (from Vegas), hike or ride a mule down into the canyon, paddle a boat along the mighty Colorado River, or hop aboard for the two-hour trip on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona.
Acadia National Park
Maine
What to expect
A rocky coastline, Atlantic breakers, granite mountains and spruce-fir forests are the keynotes of Acadia. This rugged East Coast park makes a striking contrasts to the wonders out West. Home to a diversity of plants and animals, Acadia also has the highest peak on America’s East Coast.
A system of carriage roads throughout the park makes for excellent walking or biking. Acadia is very much a four-season park, with mists and brilliant foliage in the autumn, and precipitation likely in any month of the year, so pack accordingly.
There’s no lodging in the park, except for two campgrounds on Mount Desert Island and one on Isle au Haut. Nearby Bar Harbor has a variety of accommodation,
however, including the Bar Harbor Inn and new Grand Hotel. Acadia works well as part of a New England flydrive itinerary.
Don’t miss
The 20-mile Park Loop Road with stunning views of mountains, ocean and forests (the drive takes three to four hours with stops); a horse-drawn carriage tour; a ranger-led boat cruise.
Olympic National Park
Washington
What to expect
West of Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula, this park offers the perfect Pacific Northwestern blend of ocean beaches, rainforest valleys, and glacier-capped peaks, plus a host of plant and animal life.
You can combine a few days in the park with time spent in Seattle or Vancouver. It’s worth remembering to pack carefully – where the Pacific Northwest meets rainforest, a brief shower is never far away.
Within the park, Log Cabin Resort on the shore of Lake Crescent has various lodging options, as well as camping and hook-ups for motorhomes. Lake Crescent Lodge has cabins, a motel and rooms in the historic lodge. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and the Kalaloch Lodge are other good options.
Don’t miss:
Hurricane Ridge, for its mile-high visitor centre and nature trails; Hoh Rain Forest, with its subtropical trails beneath the forest canopy; rocky Rialto Beach for offshore islands and a Pacific sunset to remember.
To book your own US holiday or for any of your travel needs contact one of our expert consultants now on 0871 226 8689 or visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk and start planning your next holiday today!
Friday, 14 May 2010
Barrhead Travel's Destination of the Week: Costa Brava
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Wild, Wild Coast
Stretching from Blanes, some 45 miles north of Barcelona, right up to the French border at Portbou is Spain’s legendary Costa Brava, or Wild Coast. Part of the distinctive Catalonia region, the Costa Brava was one of the first Spanish coastlines developed for mass tourism in the 1950s.
While this oft-maligned area is best known for the seemingly brash resort of Lloret de Mar, much of the coastline, especially the north, remains dotted with fishing villages, pine forested coves (calas), sheer cliffs and pristine beaches.
Why Costa Brava?
With Girona Airport only 19 miles from Lloret de Mar and other resorts, the Costa Brava has benefited from quicker, easier access over the years.
The Costa Brava region received another boost in March when its most famous chef, Ferran Adria of El Bulli restaurant, was announced as the new face of Spanish tourism.
Costa Brava’s Boom Town
Whatever your views on it, Lloret de Mar is Costa Brava’s mainstream crowd-pleaser. Built-up and touristy it may be, but it is a resort that delivers. Its plethora of bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels attract young families and 18-30 clubbers, and theme parks such as WaterWorld, Arbre Aventura and Gnomo Park have become firm favourites.
This stretch of the Costa is also renowned for the botanical gardens of Santa Clotilde, Pinya de Rosa and Marimurtra between Lloret and Blanes, further south. Blanes itself, a former fishing village turned tourist boom town, offers holidaymakers a good range of accommodation and dining options.
Past Lloret lies the beach resort of Tossa de Mar. Although significantly developed, its medieval walls and turrets attract holidaymakers seeking a Spanish feel without compromising on amenities.
Approaching Tossa de Mar by boat is an attraction in itself, as its Vila Vela (old town) unfolds on the shoreline. North of here are the lively beach resorts of Sant Feliu de Guixols and Platja d’Aro, second only to Lloret, with numerous family attractions, such as the AquaDiver waterpark and Magic Park fairground.
Northern Costa Brava
It is after the resort town and yachting harbour of Palamós that the coastline takes on a more low-key demeanour. It’s worth detouring inland to the scenic town of Palafrugell (two miles from the coast) and the ancient Greek ruins at Empúries.
Palafrugell is also a good base for exploring the neighbouring beaches – for example, Calella, Llafranc and picturesque Tamariu – all lapped by the Costa’s deep blue waters. The medieval village of Pals is also nearby, as is Begur with its 10th-century castle.
One of the towns in this northern stretch making its mark on the tourist map is L’Estartit. It is a fully developed holiday resort but is renowned for its nature activities, such as coastal trails past the dunes and marshes of birdwatchers’ paradise Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park and the traffic-free ‘greenways’, former railway tracks converted into cycle routes.
L’Estartit’s proximity to the marine paradise of the Medes Islands is another plus. Last year, they were designated an official Marine Reserve and feature some of the Mediterranean’s best diving.
Further north, unique settings such as the Bay of Roses offer more spectacular coastline, dotted with attractions such as medieval Castello d’Empuries and Roses itself, a thriving holiday destination. Roses is best known for the El Bulli restaurant, located by Cala Montjoi beach, while the Aqua Brava water park has one of Europe’s biggest wave pools.
The fishing village of Cadaqués, once Salvador Dali’s home, remains an escape for peaceseekers during the off-season – its bohemian vibe a result of its artistic community.
Around this peninsula is the spectacular Cap de Creus Nature Preserve, one of Spain’s most diverse nature parks, home to many rare birds.
During the winter, monster waves make for picturesque scenes. On the north side of the peninsula is the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, set 500 metres above the fishing village of El Port de Selva with panoramic ocean views.
And the rest…
Although inland, one of the region’s highlights is the town of Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali and home to the Dali Museum and a lively café-lined rambla.
The city of Girona is also worth a wander with its historic Jewish quarter, cobbled streets and impressive cathedral.
Golfers can choose from 10 championship golf courses, two of the finest being TorreMirona Golf and Spa Resort and Club Golf d’Aro-Mas Nou at Platja d’Aro, one of the Costa’s oldest courses.
An increasing number of hotels offer full-service spas, such as Spa Terraza in Roses and Wellness and Spa Institut GEM in Lloret, part of the Guitart spa resort group.
Catalan cuisine is also renowned. El Bulli and El Celler de Can Roca (in Girona) received three Michelin stars in 2009, taking the region’s total to 18 stars for 13 restaurants.
For lighter wallets, seafood is especially good value especially in the smaller coastal towns. Wine connoisseurs can enjoy the vineyards (bodegas) in the south-central Empordà wine region.
Book the best Costa Brava holidays with Barrhead Travel! Call one our friendly consultants now on 0871 226 2673 or visit online at www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk and start planning your Costa Brava holiday today!
Wild, Wild Coast
Stretching from Blanes, some 45 miles north of Barcelona, right up to the French border at Portbou is Spain’s legendary Costa Brava, or Wild Coast. Part of the distinctive Catalonia region, the Costa Brava was one of the first Spanish coastlines developed for mass tourism in the 1950s.
While this oft-maligned area is best known for the seemingly brash resort of Lloret de Mar, much of the coastline, especially the north, remains dotted with fishing villages, pine forested coves (calas), sheer cliffs and pristine beaches.
Why Costa Brava?
With Girona Airport only 19 miles from Lloret de Mar and other resorts, the Costa Brava has benefited from quicker, easier access over the years.
The Costa Brava region received another boost in March when its most famous chef, Ferran Adria of El Bulli restaurant, was announced as the new face of Spanish tourism.
Costa Brava’s Boom Town
Whatever your views on it, Lloret de Mar is Costa Brava’s mainstream crowd-pleaser. Built-up and touristy it may be, but it is a resort that delivers. Its plethora of bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels attract young families and 18-30 clubbers, and theme parks such as WaterWorld, Arbre Aventura and Gnomo Park have become firm favourites.
This stretch of the Costa is also renowned for the botanical gardens of Santa Clotilde, Pinya de Rosa and Marimurtra between Lloret and Blanes, further south. Blanes itself, a former fishing village turned tourist boom town, offers holidaymakers a good range of accommodation and dining options.
Past Lloret lies the beach resort of Tossa de Mar. Although significantly developed, its medieval walls and turrets attract holidaymakers seeking a Spanish feel without compromising on amenities.
Approaching Tossa de Mar by boat is an attraction in itself, as its Vila Vela (old town) unfolds on the shoreline. North of here are the lively beach resorts of Sant Feliu de Guixols and Platja d’Aro, second only to Lloret, with numerous family attractions, such as the AquaDiver waterpark and Magic Park fairground.
Northern Costa Brava
It is after the resort town and yachting harbour of Palamós that the coastline takes on a more low-key demeanour. It’s worth detouring inland to the scenic town of Palafrugell (two miles from the coast) and the ancient Greek ruins at Empúries.
Palafrugell is also a good base for exploring the neighbouring beaches – for example, Calella, Llafranc and picturesque Tamariu – all lapped by the Costa’s deep blue waters. The medieval village of Pals is also nearby, as is Begur with its 10th-century castle.
One of the towns in this northern stretch making its mark on the tourist map is L’Estartit. It is a fully developed holiday resort but is renowned for its nature activities, such as coastal trails past the dunes and marshes of birdwatchers’ paradise Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park and the traffic-free ‘greenways’, former railway tracks converted into cycle routes.
L’Estartit’s proximity to the marine paradise of the Medes Islands is another plus. Last year, they were designated an official Marine Reserve and feature some of the Mediterranean’s best diving.
Further north, unique settings such as the Bay of Roses offer more spectacular coastline, dotted with attractions such as medieval Castello d’Empuries and Roses itself, a thriving holiday destination. Roses is best known for the El Bulli restaurant, located by Cala Montjoi beach, while the Aqua Brava water park has one of Europe’s biggest wave pools.
The fishing village of Cadaqués, once Salvador Dali’s home, remains an escape for peaceseekers during the off-season – its bohemian vibe a result of its artistic community.
Around this peninsula is the spectacular Cap de Creus Nature Preserve, one of Spain’s most diverse nature parks, home to many rare birds.
During the winter, monster waves make for picturesque scenes. On the north side of the peninsula is the Monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, set 500 metres above the fishing village of El Port de Selva with panoramic ocean views.
And the rest…
Although inland, one of the region’s highlights is the town of Figueres, birthplace of Salvador Dali and home to the Dali Museum and a lively café-lined rambla.
The city of Girona is also worth a wander with its historic Jewish quarter, cobbled streets and impressive cathedral.
Golfers can choose from 10 championship golf courses, two of the finest being TorreMirona Golf and Spa Resort and Club Golf d’Aro-Mas Nou at Platja d’Aro, one of the Costa’s oldest courses.
An increasing number of hotels offer full-service spas, such as Spa Terraza in Roses and Wellness and Spa Institut GEM in Lloret, part of the Guitart spa resort group.
Catalan cuisine is also renowned. El Bulli and El Celler de Can Roca (in Girona) received three Michelin stars in 2009, taking the region’s total to 18 stars for 13 restaurants.
For lighter wallets, seafood is especially good value especially in the smaller coastal towns. Wine connoisseurs can enjoy the vineyards (bodegas) in the south-central Empordà wine region.
Book the best Costa Brava holidays with Barrhead Travel! Call one our friendly consultants now on 0871 226 2673 or visit online at www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk and start planning your Costa Brava holiday today!
Friday, 7 May 2010
Barrhead Travel's Destination of the Week: Atlantic Canada
~
Feast on The East
In the face of stiff competition from big-draw cities such as Montreal and Toronto, and the Rockies and Vancouver out west - not to mention the US states across the border such as New England and New York - Canada's rugged Atlantic coastline has remained stubbornly off the mainstream radar for UK tourists.
In a bid to rewrite the rulebook, the country's four eastern provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador have joined forces, teaming up as one destination, Atlantic Canada, to boost the region's profile in the UK.
It also has some spectacular scenery; expansive Atlantic beaches; excellent whale and wildlife-watching opportunities; open roads, ripe for exploring on a flydrive; an old-fashioned pace of life; great lobster fishing (and eating, of course); harbour towns full of welcoming locals; and accommodation options ranging from bed and breakfasts, cabins and resort hotels to houseboats and lighthouses.
Here's a brief breakdown of what each of the four provinces has to offer.
Nova Scotia
Wherever you are in Nova Scotia, the ocean is no more than half an hour away. This is a province of stunning seascapes, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. The Cabot Trail, on Cape Breton Island, is one of the world's most scenic drives. Cape Breton is also known for its wildlife, folk art, traditional music and warm nightlife.
Driving is the opposite of hassle and navigating is dead easy. When not at the wheel (or in the saddle of a motorbike!), you will be tempted to explore Nova Scotia's national parks on foot, or take to the water in a boat or sea kayak.
Halifax, the province's capital and gateway city has excellent museums and heritage sites, as well as great dining options aplenty. In fact, Nova Scotia has a surprising abundance of mouth-watering treats, from blueberries and maple syrup, to locally-caught lobster and homegrown wines.
New Brunswick
When it comes to outstanding natural beauty, The Bay of Fundy is hard to beat. Every day 100 billion tonnes of seawater roll into the bay, giving it the world's highest tides. In the summer, you can expect to share the shoreline with tens of thousands of birds, as well as passing pods of whales.
Other holiday highlights include kayaking through the soaring Hopewell Rocks and getting up-close and personal with your first humpback whale.
New Brunswick also has hundreds of miles of beaches, and some of the warmest salt water north of Virginia. Kouchibouguac National Park's miles of sand dunes make it a magnet for birdwatchers (the park is home to the endangered piping plover as well as North America's second-largest tern colony) as well as spotters of grey and harbour seals.
Inland from its dramatic coastline, New Brunswick is renowned for its colourful fall foliage. There are also eight cities to stroll around, including Fredericton, which holds an annual jazz festival.
Newfoundland and Labrador
St John's, Newfoundland is less than five hours from the UK, so you can catch a lunchtime flight and arrive in time for a lobster dinner! After exploring St John's, you will want to move on to Gros Morne National Park.
Here you can go hiking or kayaking, or take a boat trip through the fjords to spot breaching whales (July and August), dolphins and porpoises, or maybe even glimpse the odd iceberg drifting south.
Canada's newest national park, Torngat Mountains, offers insights into local Inuit culture. At the Inuit base camp, visitors can chat with tribal elders as well as experience traditional activities such as fishing for char, walking on the tundra and storytelling.
Beyond the parks, the region's coastal towns have great charm and some great characters.
Prince Edward Island
In a part of the world that's not exactly hectic, Prince Edward Island is known for its gentle pace of life. People come here for the endless beaches and luxury resorts, but most of all to unwind.
Popular activities include beachcombing, cycling, a round of golf at one of the island's 30 courses, exploring Prince Edward Island National Park, holistic spa treatments and fine dining.
To enjoy the very freshest lobster, take a fishing trip to catch and then cook your own king of crustaceans. Alternatively just get together with locals at a beach clambake.
The island's capital, Charlottetown, makes a perfect base and has a historic boutique hotel, The Great George, that's handy for the city's shopping, theatre district, and tranquil waterfront.
For more information on Atlantic Canada or for any of your travel needs be sure to make Barrhead Travel your first port of call. Phone us now on 0871 226 2673 or visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk and start planning your holiday to Atlantic Canada today!
Feast on The East
In the face of stiff competition from big-draw cities such as Montreal and Toronto, and the Rockies and Vancouver out west - not to mention the US states across the border such as New England and New York - Canada's rugged Atlantic coastline has remained stubbornly off the mainstream radar for UK tourists.
In a bid to rewrite the rulebook, the country's four eastern provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador have joined forces, teaming up as one destination, Atlantic Canada, to boost the region's profile in the UK.
It also has some spectacular scenery; expansive Atlantic beaches; excellent whale and wildlife-watching opportunities; open roads, ripe for exploring on a flydrive; an old-fashioned pace of life; great lobster fishing (and eating, of course); harbour towns full of welcoming locals; and accommodation options ranging from bed and breakfasts, cabins and resort hotels to houseboats and lighthouses.
Here's a brief breakdown of what each of the four provinces has to offer.
Nova Scotia
Wherever you are in Nova Scotia, the ocean is no more than half an hour away. This is a province of stunning seascapes, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. The Cabot Trail, on Cape Breton Island, is one of the world's most scenic drives. Cape Breton is also known for its wildlife, folk art, traditional music and warm nightlife.
Driving is the opposite of hassle and navigating is dead easy. When not at the wheel (or in the saddle of a motorbike!), you will be tempted to explore Nova Scotia's national parks on foot, or take to the water in a boat or sea kayak.
Halifax, the province's capital and gateway city has excellent museums and heritage sites, as well as great dining options aplenty. In fact, Nova Scotia has a surprising abundance of mouth-watering treats, from blueberries and maple syrup, to locally-caught lobster and homegrown wines.
New Brunswick
When it comes to outstanding natural beauty, The Bay of Fundy is hard to beat. Every day 100 billion tonnes of seawater roll into the bay, giving it the world's highest tides. In the summer, you can expect to share the shoreline with tens of thousands of birds, as well as passing pods of whales.
Other holiday highlights include kayaking through the soaring Hopewell Rocks and getting up-close and personal with your first humpback whale.
New Brunswick also has hundreds of miles of beaches, and some of the warmest salt water north of Virginia. Kouchibouguac National Park's miles of sand dunes make it a magnet for birdwatchers (the park is home to the endangered piping plover as well as North America's second-largest tern colony) as well as spotters of grey and harbour seals.
Inland from its dramatic coastline, New Brunswick is renowned for its colourful fall foliage. There are also eight cities to stroll around, including Fredericton, which holds an annual jazz festival.
Newfoundland and Labrador
St John's, Newfoundland is less than five hours from the UK, so you can catch a lunchtime flight and arrive in time for a lobster dinner! After exploring St John's, you will want to move on to Gros Morne National Park.
Here you can go hiking or kayaking, or take a boat trip through the fjords to spot breaching whales (July and August), dolphins and porpoises, or maybe even glimpse the odd iceberg drifting south.
Canada's newest national park, Torngat Mountains, offers insights into local Inuit culture. At the Inuit base camp, visitors can chat with tribal elders as well as experience traditional activities such as fishing for char, walking on the tundra and storytelling.
Beyond the parks, the region's coastal towns have great charm and some great characters.
Prince Edward Island
In a part of the world that's not exactly hectic, Prince Edward Island is known for its gentle pace of life. People come here for the endless beaches and luxury resorts, but most of all to unwind.
Popular activities include beachcombing, cycling, a round of golf at one of the island's 30 courses, exploring Prince Edward Island National Park, holistic spa treatments and fine dining.
To enjoy the very freshest lobster, take a fishing trip to catch and then cook your own king of crustaceans. Alternatively just get together with locals at a beach clambake.
The island's capital, Charlottetown, makes a perfect base and has a historic boutique hotel, The Great George, that's handy for the city's shopping, theatre district, and tranquil waterfront.
For more information on Atlantic Canada or for any of your travel needs be sure to make Barrhead Travel your first port of call. Phone us now on 0871 226 2673 or visit www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk and start planning your holiday to Atlantic Canada today!
Thursday, 6 May 2010
BARRHEAD TRAVEL AND CONTINENTAL AIRLINES HELP CHARITY DONATIONS SOAR
- Travel firm helps out at Dunfermline fundraising event -
Barrhead Travel in partnership with Continental Airlines helped Dunfermline-based Mary Leishman Foundation raise over £20,000 at a fundraising dinner held last month.
Scotland’s largest independent travel agency, with a branch located beside Tesco at Duloch Park, teamed up with Continental Airlines to donate a prize of a trip to New York for the raffle during the event held in Dunfermline’s Glen Pavillion. Continental provided 2 return tickets from Edinburgh and Barrhead Travel donated four nights’ accommodation in New York.
The Ball was organised by the Mary Leishman Foundation as part of its ongoing commitment to raise funds for deserving causes throughout Scotland.
Set up in 2009 by Dunfermline’s director of football Jim Leishman in memory of his wife, the Foundation supports charities, organisations and individuals throughout Scotland
Jim said: “Mary was a big inspiration to everyone she met and brought boundless enthusiasm to everything she did. Mary's closest friends and I decided the best way to celebrate her life would be to carry her legacy on by creating a charitable foundation in her name.
“The Mary Leishman Foundation aims to “Encourage Potential and Ease Distress”
Barrhead Travel chief executive Sharon Munro said: “The Mary Leishman Foundation provides vital support to charities throughout Scotland and Barrhead Travel is committed to supporting such deserving causes. We were delighted to be able to donate a prize to the raffle and help the Foundation raise such a significant amount of money on the night.”
Tom Sneddon, Continental Airlines’ Sales Manager Scotland, said: “We welcome the opportunity to show our support for the local community and to contribute to such a worthy cause.”
Visit Barrhead Travel's website today at: www.barrheadtravel.co.uk
Barrhead Travel in partnership with Continental Airlines helped Dunfermline-based Mary Leishman Foundation raise over £20,000 at a fundraising dinner held last month.
Scotland’s largest independent travel agency, with a branch located beside Tesco at Duloch Park, teamed up with Continental Airlines to donate a prize of a trip to New York for the raffle during the event held in Dunfermline’s Glen Pavillion. Continental provided 2 return tickets from Edinburgh and Barrhead Travel donated four nights’ accommodation in New York.
The Ball was organised by the Mary Leishman Foundation as part of its ongoing commitment to raise funds for deserving causes throughout Scotland.
Set up in 2009 by Dunfermline’s director of football Jim Leishman in memory of his wife, the Foundation supports charities, organisations and individuals throughout Scotland
Jim said: “Mary was a big inspiration to everyone she met and brought boundless enthusiasm to everything she did. Mary's closest friends and I decided the best way to celebrate her life would be to carry her legacy on by creating a charitable foundation in her name.
“The Mary Leishman Foundation aims to “Encourage Potential and Ease Distress”
Barrhead Travel chief executive Sharon Munro said: “The Mary Leishman Foundation provides vital support to charities throughout Scotland and Barrhead Travel is committed to supporting such deserving causes. We were delighted to be able to donate a prize to the raffle and help the Foundation raise such a significant amount of money on the night.”
Tom Sneddon, Continental Airlines’ Sales Manager Scotland, said: “We welcome the opportunity to show our support for the local community and to contribute to such a worthy cause.”
Visit Barrhead Travel's website today at: www.barrheadtravel.co.uk
How to Save Money on Business Travel
HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON BUSINESS TRAVEL
Louisa Livingston, Business Travel Consultant at UK Travel Agent of the Year, Barrhead Travel
Trying to organise your own business travel can be a false economy - your time is valuable and can probably be better utilised in your own field. Business travel agents are very experienced in finding the best deal in the travel arena, so if your job requires regular travel, it will save you both time and money to use a reputable agent.
Agents have the technology required to quickly compare all suitable fares and carriers, including no frills airlines. The time it would take to search all the no frills carriers as well as airlines such as British Airways and KLM would be a huge amount of work for those out with the travel business, but not for agents.
Business Travel agents and travel management centres can also provide their customers with online booking tool solutions, where they have the option of self booking, or simply checking flights and costs before passing the actual reservation onto their agent. The fees charged by the agent are reduced to reflect this. It's easy to get carried away and waste a lot of time checking prices yourself online, but with a good online tool and the travel agent's expertise, you can get the job done quickly and get back to doing what you do best.
Travel agents have huge bargaining power with travel suppliers, so there are potentially savings to be had through the deals they can strike due to their buying in bulk, resulting in negotiated lower fares and rates.
It's easy to assume that low cost carriers are always cheaper, but it's not always the case, particularly if you are booking close to your departure date, so it makes sense to check prices against scheduled airlines as well. And obstacles such as getting to and from inconvenient airports should be taken into account as well, along with the price of buying food and drink as opposed to full service carriers.
Book early wherever possible, to take advantage of the best prices in most areas of travel. If there's a chance you may have to cancel or change, weigh up whether the cancellation fees are worth paying rather than taking the chance of a higher fare nearer the departure date. It sounds simple, but it's amazing how many people don't read the small print regarding a hotel or airline's cancellation policy, before they buy. You may have to pay out a large amount because the booking is non changeable and non refundable.
Consider overnight flights, which will save on the cost of accommodation. Again, you'll have to weigh up whether you would rather be refreshed after a night in a hotel, or save money by travelling instead. Or take early flights out and late flights back wherever possible – that way, on a 2 day trip, you'll save on a night's accommodation cost.
Wherever possible, schedule meetings during off peak times – you'll generally benefit from cheaper travel prices and accommodation. Conference rooms, for example, will be cheaper when the schools are on holiday.
Taxis can be very expensive, especially from airports, so try to use rail services instead. Many cities have excellent airport rail connections into the centre of town, representing savings on the standard taxi fare. These include Amsterdam, Oslo, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Alternatively, use local taxi companies, rather than expensive airport ones. The company you are visiting may have a reputable one they can put you in touch with. Some airlines, such as Emirates, offer free chauffeur cars to and from the airport if you are travelling in Business or First class, so check what you're entitled to before you commit to a carrier.
Take into account that car hire runs in 24 hour blocks, so make sure you return the car in plenty of time, as dropping the car off just an hour later can result in another day's cost, adding a hefty whack to your bill. And fill up the car before returning it – car rental companies generally charge a huge premium if you don't.
Earn points when you travel by joining airline, hotel and car hire loyalty schemes, and use these companies wherever possible to clock up miles quickly. Points can mean freebies such as upgrades or free travel that are very worthwhile.
Sometimes, it's actually cheaper to stay on the executive floor of a hotel, as the complimentary food and drink can outweigh the difference in room rate.
Fly via a European hub – you'll pay less because the airlines want to encourage you to use them so that they have the traffic to feed into their longhaul network. Direct flights generally cost more – for a few hours of extra travel time, you could save hundreds of pounds. Weigh up whether the extra time you would gain from flying direct outweighs the additional fare cost. Choose less obvious carriers who have to try harder to gain business, like Middle Eastern airlines who can have fabulous service and great prices, but might not be an obvious choice for a trip to the Far East or Australia.
For more info visit Barrhead Travel's specialist business travel website, www.businesstravelsolutions.com
Louisa Livingston, Business Travel Consultant at UK Travel Agent of the Year, Barrhead Travel
Trying to organise your own business travel can be a false economy - your time is valuable and can probably be better utilised in your own field. Business travel agents are very experienced in finding the best deal in the travel arena, so if your job requires regular travel, it will save you both time and money to use a reputable agent.
Agents have the technology required to quickly compare all suitable fares and carriers, including no frills airlines. The time it would take to search all the no frills carriers as well as airlines such as British Airways and KLM would be a huge amount of work for those out with the travel business, but not for agents.
Business Travel agents and travel management centres can also provide their customers with online booking tool solutions, where they have the option of self booking, or simply checking flights and costs before passing the actual reservation onto their agent. The fees charged by the agent are reduced to reflect this. It's easy to get carried away and waste a lot of time checking prices yourself online, but with a good online tool and the travel agent's expertise, you can get the job done quickly and get back to doing what you do best.
Travel agents have huge bargaining power with travel suppliers, so there are potentially savings to be had through the deals they can strike due to their buying in bulk, resulting in negotiated lower fares and rates.
It's easy to assume that low cost carriers are always cheaper, but it's not always the case, particularly if you are booking close to your departure date, so it makes sense to check prices against scheduled airlines as well. And obstacles such as getting to and from inconvenient airports should be taken into account as well, along with the price of buying food and drink as opposed to full service carriers.
Book early wherever possible, to take advantage of the best prices in most areas of travel. If there's a chance you may have to cancel or change, weigh up whether the cancellation fees are worth paying rather than taking the chance of a higher fare nearer the departure date. It sounds simple, but it's amazing how many people don't read the small print regarding a hotel or airline's cancellation policy, before they buy. You may have to pay out a large amount because the booking is non changeable and non refundable.
Consider overnight flights, which will save on the cost of accommodation. Again, you'll have to weigh up whether you would rather be refreshed after a night in a hotel, or save money by travelling instead. Or take early flights out and late flights back wherever possible – that way, on a 2 day trip, you'll save on a night's accommodation cost.
Wherever possible, schedule meetings during off peak times – you'll generally benefit from cheaper travel prices and accommodation. Conference rooms, for example, will be cheaper when the schools are on holiday.
Taxis can be very expensive, especially from airports, so try to use rail services instead. Many cities have excellent airport rail connections into the centre of town, representing savings on the standard taxi fare. These include Amsterdam, Oslo, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Alternatively, use local taxi companies, rather than expensive airport ones. The company you are visiting may have a reputable one they can put you in touch with. Some airlines, such as Emirates, offer free chauffeur cars to and from the airport if you are travelling in Business or First class, so check what you're entitled to before you commit to a carrier.
Take into account that car hire runs in 24 hour blocks, so make sure you return the car in plenty of time, as dropping the car off just an hour later can result in another day's cost, adding a hefty whack to your bill. And fill up the car before returning it – car rental companies generally charge a huge premium if you don't.
Earn points when you travel by joining airline, hotel and car hire loyalty schemes, and use these companies wherever possible to clock up miles quickly. Points can mean freebies such as upgrades or free travel that are very worthwhile.
Sometimes, it's actually cheaper to stay on the executive floor of a hotel, as the complimentary food and drink can outweigh the difference in room rate.
Fly via a European hub – you'll pay less because the airlines want to encourage you to use them so that they have the traffic to feed into their longhaul network. Direct flights generally cost more – for a few hours of extra travel time, you could save hundreds of pounds. Weigh up whether the extra time you would gain from flying direct outweighs the additional fare cost. Choose less obvious carriers who have to try harder to gain business, like Middle Eastern airlines who can have fabulous service and great prices, but might not be an obvious choice for a trip to the Far East or Australia.
For more info visit Barrhead Travel's specialist business travel website, www.businesstravelsolutions.com
Barrhead Travel - Top UK Travel Employer 2010
BARRHEAD TRAVEL IS THE TOP UK TRAVEL EMPLOYER FOR 2010
- Scots firm named number one in national survey –
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 10 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. The firm already has a substantial presence in Scotland with branches in all major cities including Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh and has aspirations to extend operations south of the border. 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 our website now at www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk
- Scots firm named number one in national survey –
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 10 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. The firm already has a substantial presence in Scotland with branches in all major cities including Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh and has aspirations to extend operations south of the border. 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 our website now at www.BarrheadTravel.co.uk
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