Funny asides.......

& Quick Quips............

All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Enjoy a cruise in Cornwall

HELFORD RIVER CRUISES in Cornwall is under new management. Tom and Hetty Wildblood of Koru Kayaking have been asked by the Budock Vean Hotel to take over the running of the cruises.

‘We are excited to be able to show people Helford River and Creeks from another perspective,’ says Hetty. ‘We look forward to offering private charters, which are ideal for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and engagements in addition to daily cruises. We were delighted when our cruise was joined by a pod of dolphins recently too!’

Hetty and Tom have been running Frenchman’s Creek Koru Kayak Adventures from the Budock Vean Hotel foreshore for more than two years now.

Tom said: ‘We love the peace and tranquillity of the Helford River. The cruises will allow us to share even more of the Helford River and Creeks with our customers. The cruises will be in a beautiful blue, 19-foot Cygnus – the Hannah Molly – which seats up to 12 people.

The 90-minute cruise takes holidaymakers along the Helford River past Trebah and Glendurgan Gardens and up Frenchman’s Creek. 

www.helfordrivercruises.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Take tea in the Cotswolds

COTSWOLD cottage company www.manorcottages.co.uk has teamed up with The Chipping Norton Tea Set – www.chippingnortonteaset.co.uk – to offer Manor guests the opportunity to enjoy a unique Cotswold Afternoon Tea experience in their own holiday cottage.

Managing director of Manor Cottages Chris Grimes says: ‘Just because our guests choose the freedom of staying self-catering, it shouldn't mean they can't indulge in a few little luxuries. Taking Afternoon Tea is the norm in hotels, restaurants and tea rooms across the UK, so why should our cottages be any different? The team at Chipping Norton Tea Set are true tea enthusiasts and certainly deliver Afternoon Tea in style. One of my personal favourites is the Luxury Cotswold tea, but there is plenty to choose from.’

For parties of 15 and under, the tea is delivered to the door, set up with vintage china and linen. After a few hours, the 'tea set' return to clear the table and pack everything away … no washing up required.

www.chippingnortonteaset.co.uk

www.manorcottages.co.uk 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

All aboard for Barcelona …

RAIL-BOOKING specialist Loco2.com has announced that tickets are available for an additional daily direct TGV train from Paris to Barcelona. The fourth service will be added to the timetable on July 6.

The direct Paris-Barcelona TGV train from Paris to Barcelona was launched in December 2013, quickly becoming one of Loco2’s top-selling routes. Prior to the launch of the high-speed service, the trip between two of Europe’s most popular cities took almost 12 hours via night train. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Now that's funny...............

OK, so what's the speed of dark?

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Hands-on at Kennedy

KENNEDY SPACE CENTRE in Florida is offering guests hands-on, science-based Activity Adventures. 

The activities, each from 90 minutes to two hours, provide guests the opportunity to launch a water rocket, create and then land a rover on “Mars” or race a jet car. The activities are offered at different times each day at the visitor complex, which recently extended its daily operating hours.

‘We created these fun activities to engage guests and provide a fun way to learn about some of the incredible technology and science that they see at Kennedy Space Centre,’ said Therrin Protze at the visitor complex. ‘We want to continue to build on the approach we took in creating the new Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction, which features more than 60 interactive, touch-screen experiences and high-tech simulators.’

www.KennedySpaceCenter.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

No rest for the workers!

THIS year 73 percent of managers will check work e-mail while on holiday according to research by the employment law resource Employersguide, which questioned more than 2,500 managers in a range of industries.

More than 50 percent of managers says they will make at least one telephone call into the office while away.

Alan Price, managing director of Employersguide, said: ‘If you wish to take a proper holiday, leave the phone and laptop at home - it's a no brainer. My advice is to put an out-of-office response on your e-mail and this will let people know that you are not to be contacted.

‘The whole point of getting away is that you can re-charge your batteries, allowing you to return to work feeling refreshed and energized.’

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

New Dublin-Toronto flights

AIR CANADA ROUGE has started a year-round service from Dublin to Toronto.

Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada’s new leisure carrier, will operate four weekly flights from the Irish capital to its Toronto. This service will increase to daily during the summer peak from June 23. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Travel matters............

"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home." James Michener

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Where’s my bag?

AIRLINE industry association IATA has chosen lost property recovery service HomingPIN as a strategic partner in an effort to reduce the millions of pounds that mislaid baggage costs the industry every year.

HomingPIN uses secure luggage tags which have a unique code linked to the owners’ contact details. Working with air transport industry specialists SITA, the system has been integrated into WorldTracer, operated by 2,200 airports globally, enabling airlines to enter the code to alert passengers to their bags’ whereabouts.

HomingPIN managing director Andrew Hopwood explained: ‘Without any information to identify a bag’s owner, it can take up to six days for airlines to return luggage as they need to match a mislaid bag report with the bag’s description, such as size and colour. This delay is one of the largest sources of airline complaints, often resulting in compensation. It can also ruin a holiday or business trip, impacting the airline’s relationship with its customers and damaging its reputation in the process. By using HomingPIN, travellers will get their luggage back far more quickly, saving considerable time and hassle, as well as cost to the airline.’

According to SITA’s Baggage Report 2013, the cost to the industry of mislaid baggage last year was $2.09 billion/£1.23 billion.

HomingPIN is available for purchase online from the HomingPIN.com website and selected stockists.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Party by the Med

Bastille Day – celebrating the July 14, 1789, storming of Bastille, a symbol of the French monarchy’s oppression – sees cities, towns and villages across France in party mood, but nowhere more so than in Nice, where festivities feature dance parties on the beach, parades, fireworks and French air force displays.

Patriots watch the traditional military parade while music lovers enjoy four concerts along the Promenade des Anglais. At the Hotel Negresco, French pop stars attract crowds for a musical celebration of freedom. At night, people head to the Casino Ruhl for great views of fireworks lighting up the Med.

  

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Sails up for the race

MORE THAN 45 tall ships have signed up to take part in the race from Falmouth to London and the five-day Royal Greenwich regatta.

The race starts in Falmouth on August 31, and the regatta opens in Greenwich on September 5.

www. royalgreenwich.gov.uk/tallships

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Kvarna to Dubrovnik ferry service resumes for summer 2014

THE twice-weekly ferry service from Rijeka to Dubrovnik is to be resumed for the summer season. The 'Liburnija' will take visitors from the Kvarner region to southern Croatia, providing an easier and a scenic way to see the country from the clear waters of the Adriatic. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

US passengers accept higher flying costs

DESPITE passengers having to pay more to fly, overall satisfaction with airlines has improved for the second consecutive year, driven primarily by an increase in satisfaction with cost and fees, according to the J.D. Power 2014 North America Airline Satisfaction Study.

The study measures passenger satisfaction with North America airlines based on performance in seven factors including cost and fees, in-flight services, boarding, baggage,  flight crew, check-in, and reservation.

At a time when tickets prices are rising due to airline consolidation, fuel costs, additional taxes and fees, and new efforts by airlines to increase revenue, overall passenger satisfaction with airlines is at a record high of 712 (on a 1,000-point scale).

"It isn't that passengers are satisfied with fees; it's that they are simply less dissatisfied because they realize that fees have become a way of life with air travel," said Rick Garlicky at J.D. Power. ‘Passengers are over the sticker shock of being charged more to fly, having to pay for checked bags, expedited security clearance, or for preferred seating.’

Garlick says airlines are easing the price pain by adding value in such other areas as easier check-in processes and additional in-flight services such as Wi-Fi. 

‘The airline industry is doing a better job of pleasing passengers, but there still is a lot of room for improvement,’ said Garlick. ‘Satisfaction in improving, but it's a stretch to say passengers are truly happy.’

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Cornwall on show

DISCOVER the best of the West Country at the Royal Cornwall Show in Wadebridge from June 5 to June 7.

See show livestock, agricultural machinery, and sample local food in the Women’s institute tent or the Food and Farming Pavilion.

Entertainment includes the RAF Falcons and a freestyle Motocross display.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Where not to buy a Club Sandwich …

GENEVA has retained the top spot as the most expensive city in the world to order a Club Sandwich, at an average of $32.60 (£19.40), according to research released by Hotels.com.

Paris took the No. 2 spot with an average of $29.36 (£17.45), followed by Helsinki at $24.35 (£14.48).

New Delhi remained the cheapest destination for a Club Sandwich, with an average of $8.78 (£5.22).

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Travel facts.........

KHARDUNG LA in Ladakh, India is regarded as one of the highest driveable roads in world, at 17,582 feet.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Beware tourist taxes, Africa warned

CONCERNS about the negative impact of a tourism tax on air passengers and hotel guests – currently being discussed by members of the African Union – have been expressed by Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

Tourism is one of the main contributors to Africa’s balance of payments, a source of livelihood for millions, and one of the sectors where the region has a major competitive advantage in international markets.

‘A tourism tax in Africa is a threat to the competiveness of the region and to all African economies which increasingly have tourism as a key pillar to their development,’ said Mr Rifai. ‘Any decision on the possible imposition of a tourism tax in Africa should be carefully evaluated as to the negative impact it will have on tourism demand, economic growth and jobs’.

International tourism in Africa has been growing steadily in recent years. In 2013, Africa received 56 million tourists, up from 26 million in 2000. International tourism generates US$34 billion (£20.22 billion) in exports in Africa, accounting for seven percent of all exports.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Belt up for landing … and look at that view!

NICE CÔTE D'AZUR airport has topped a global poll of the world's most scenic airport landings. Private jet booking service, PrivateFly.com, asked international travel experts and travel fans for their most scenic airport landings.

Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly, and an experienced pilot, says: ‘Nice Côte D'Azur is a well-deserved winner. The breathtaking approach embodies the timeless glamour and character of the Côte D'Azur:  you couldn't be anywhere else. It offers a winning combination of blue sea, sky and mountains, along with glimpses of the stunning homes, yachts and helicopters buzzing below.’

The full top ten is :

1) Nice Côte D'Azur, France

2) St Maarten, French Caribbean

3) Barra, Scotland

4) Los Angeles

5) Aruba, Dutch Caribbean

6) Rio De Janeiro

7) Gibraltar

8) Squamish, Canada

9) London City

10) Queenstown, New Zealand

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

They come, they see, they spend …

SPEND in the UK’s shops and attractions is set to soar with an influx of foreign tourists looking to take home their part of  Brand Britain, according to a Barclays Bank report.

Research by Barclays’ Retail, Hospitality and Leisure teams have predicted inbound tourism spend will reach more than £27 billion by 2017, an increase of 34 percent on the 2013 total.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Brits flock to Croatia

THE first four months of 2014 saw a record number of UK visitors to Croatia, with arrivals up six percent compared to the same period last year. A total of 21,557 UK visitors headed to Croatia between January and April, while visits from Ireland increased by one percent. April was a particularly successful month for Croatian tourism, with a 27 percent increase in UK visitors compared to 2013 and a 17 percent increase in visitors from Ireland.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Island plan for heritage tourism

TOURISM has been a crucial economic driver on St. Croix – US Virgin Islands – for many years, yet the island has been careful to avoid over-development that might detract from its natural and cultural assets. 

As part of the island's strategic plan to increase visitor numbers, St. Croix has been exploring ways to differentiate itself from its competitors by offering a diverse tourism product focused on its authentic heritage.

St. Croix is a destination teeming with natural beauty, rich culture, quality cuisine, and a complex but fascinating history.  In addition to its stunning beaches and rainforests, there are historical sites, including the African- and Danish-influenced Christiansted National Historic Site and Salt River Bay, the only known site where members of a Christopher Columbus expedition set foot on what is now US territory.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

The Churchills at war

AN exhibition highlighting Blenheim Palace's role in WW1 is to remain open until July.

A Great Estate at War – Land, Sea and Air was originally due to close at the end of April, but it will now remain open until July 1 due to its popularity.

The exhibition explores the wartime stories of both the Spencer Churchill family, including Sir Winston Churchill, and workers on the estate, as well as the palace's use as a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Brits spend more abroad

BRITISH travellers are spending more on their overseas trips, says the Office of National Statistics. UK residents made 3.5 percent more overseas visits in 2013, compared with 2012, and £2.5 billion, up by 7.6 percent.

Spending on holidays, which saw a four percent growth to 37.6 million holidays, the main destination regions being Europe and North America.

Spain continues to be the most popular overseas destination, accounting for 11.7 million visits. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Hey!...it's a universal law

Law of Gravity;

Any tool, when dropped, will roll to the least accessible corner.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Climb the mine!

MOUNTAINEER Sir Chris Bonington was among a select group given a sneak preview of a new underground climbing experience inside a Lake District mountain.

The subterranean Climb the Mine experience at Honister Slate Mine has vertical climbs and rope-bridge crossings deep inside the 2,126ft 'Fleetwith Pike'.

Open seven days a week, the all-weather, guided climb follows the route of the original underground mine workings. Each Climb the Mine adventure for groups of up to 12 lasts around 90 minutes.

Sir Chris said: ‘Climb the Mine is absolutely fabulous! The beauty of it is that it really doesn't matter how old you are or what previous climbing experience you have. Today, the youngest taking part was 12 years old, while I'm nearly 80. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.’

Climb the Mine is suitable for anyone aged 10 years+ with good levels of fitness and a healthy sense of adventure. Experienced climbers keep a watchful eye on participants at all times. Visitors wear helmets and safety harnesses, and are given safety instructions. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Time for tea!

FOR a fittingly fine way to enjoy the quintessentially English custom of Afternoon Tea, visit the Treasure Houses of England's consortium of historic homes, palaces and castles to indulge in this traditional pastime in stately style.

Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire – The quintessential English tradition of Afternoon Tea is said to have been popularized around 1840 by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford, who entertained her friends at Woburn Abbey.  Visitors today can experience Afternoon Tea at Woburn at the Duchess' Tea Room or at the Estate's hotel The Inn at Woburn (pre-booking required).

Beaulieu, Hampshire – A scrumptious Afternoon Tea with a wide selection of cakes and pastries baked in-house in the Brabazon Coffee Shop and Restaurant. 

Burghley House, Lincolnshire – Enjoy a range of Afternoon Teas in the Orangery Restaurant at Burghley, designed by Capability Brown in the 18^th century. The gothic windows provide an elegant space to indulge in homemade scones, cakes and a range of teas while overlooking the Rose Garden.

Castle Howard, Yorkshire – Enjoy an afternoon treat at Castle Howard in either the bistro-style Courtyard Cafe or the more traditional Fitzroy Room. 

Chatsworth, Derbyshire – Enjoy a British tradition at Chatsworth with an Afternoon Tea in the Cavendish Restaurant, built in the 18th century stables.

Harewood House, Yorkshire –Relax on the south-facing terrace with spectacular views over the award-winning formal parterre and Capability Brown's landscape as Red Kites soar overhead.

Leeds Castle, Kent – Have an afternoon treat with a cream tea in the 17^th century oak-beamed Fairfax Hall or outside terrace overlooking the castle. 

www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

BUDGET carrier easyJet reports H1 revenue rise

EASYJET has seen revenue for the six months to March 31st 2014 increase to £1.7 billion, up 6.3 percent on the same period last year. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Thomson targets Dubrovnik

THOMSON will increase flights from Britain to Dubrovnik from next year. Flights will be available from Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Bristol.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Massive Attack at Secret Solstice

THE world's most northerly capital city, Reykjavik, will be hosting the very first Secret Solstice music festival on June 20-22 June, providing an epic combination of live music and 72 hours of daylight.

There will be more than 130 acts, headliners such as Massive Attack.

Thanks to Iceland's location close to the Arctic Circle, the sun won't set for three days over the festival weekend during the summer solstice. Festival- goers will be treated to a natural light show as the sun makes an almost unending arch through the sky.

Other attractions include a volcano-powered geo-thermal pool, and tours to see some of the country's waterfalls.

Tickets at ISK19,900 (£105) for the three days can be brought on the office website: secretsolstice.is, with flights to Iceland available from London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Bristol.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Want to throw a mango?

THE quirky MangoMania Tropical Fruit Fair returns for 18^th year this summer. The two day festival (July 19-20) takes place on the sub-tropical Pine Island, off the Florida Gulf Coast … and hails all things mango.

Festival highlights include mango cook-offs, mango pie eating competitions, mango juggling competitions and the longest mango throwing competition.

Other tropical fruits grown on the island, including lychee, carambola, longan, papaya and chocolate pudding fruit will be also be available to sample. 

www.mangomaniafl.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

BA boosts London-Newcastle service

BRITISH AIRWAYS is to increase its flights from London to Newcastle from June 2.

New return flights on Mondays and Wednesdays will mean passengers have 41 flights each week from which to choose.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Travel facts.......

THE Austrian flag dates back to 1230 making it the second oldest national flag in the world, the oldest being the Danish flag!

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Family fun in Cheshire

BOLESWORTH INTERNATIONAL is a four-day show-jumping and entertainment event held in the grounds of Bolesworth Castle, Cheshire, from June 12 to June 15. Now in its seventh year, it has gained three-star international status for attracting riders from all over the world.

It features entertainment for the whole family and free admission for the under 12s, with extreme sports, classic cars, and opportunities to see rare birds and animals. The Bolesworth Food, Fashion and Lifestyle Festival will also celebrate the very best in local food and drink, holistic beauty and lifestyle with fashion shows and family entertainment, including an open-air concert starring the boy band, Blue.

www.bolesworthinternational.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Nature at LEGOLAND

LEGOLAND Windsor - www.legoland.co.uk - has joined forces with the RSPB to give nature a home in a specially created LEGO wildlife garden in the heart of the resort.

With unique habitats made entirely from LEGO bricks, the garden has been created to mark the first anniversary of the RSPB's Giving Nature a Home campaign.

The resort's model makers have created six habitats from thousands of individual bricks – a frogitat, a series of hogitats (hedgehog houses) plus a bird bath and bat box – in landscaped greenery. A wealth of wildlife is already on the resort's 150 acres, and the hope is that other species will be attracted to the garden.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Passenger numbers up at Heathrow

A TOTAL of 6.2 million passengers passed through Heathrow in April 2014, up 6.7 percent on the month when compared to last year. Taking into account the Easter timing change from 2013, underlying growth was 1.9 percent.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Funny asides...........

& Quick quips:

How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a camp fire?

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Mammoth show uncovers Ice Age giants

MAMMOTH can be much over-used adjective these days, but when it comes to a major exhibition opening at London’s Natural History Museum tomorrow (May 23) it’s a description that can’t be bettered.

WoollyMammothsMural, illustration by Velizar Simeonovski © The Field Museum

Mammoths: Ice Age Giants showcases the fascinating creatures which met their end less than 4,000 years ago, which makes them – arguably – more relevant than the dinosaurs which ruled the planet more than 65 million years ago.

The exhibition is centred on the most complete remains of a mammoth yet found, Lyuba, a 37-day-old animal which died 42,000 years ago. 

Lyuba © International Mammoth Committee and Francis Latreille

Discovered in 2007 in Russia, Lyuba was preserved in the Siberian permafrost. Through genuine fossils –many of them vast – skeletons, modern replicas, and interactive story boards, the show traces the rise and fall of these magnificent creatures over a period spanning approximately five million years. There are some interesting things for the kids to touch … including Mammoth poo!

As distant cousins of our modern elephants, their story echoes many of the problems the planet and its wildlife face today. The Mammoths were impacted by climate change and human intervention, leading to population reduction and eventual extinction.

The exhibition runs from May 23 to September 7. Adult entry is £9.00, children and concessions £5.40, family tickets are £25 and entry for children under four is free.

www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/news/2014/may/emotional-welcome-for-beautiful-mammoth-lyuba130851.html

http://www.nhm.ac.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Best deals for breakdown cover

WITH the holiday season fast-approaching and large numbers of motorists planning to set-off on longer journeys, cover against roadside breakdown is a must. To help travellers choose the most suitable, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com) has compiled a guide comparing the top roadside assistance policies in the UK.  The guide is available in the Know Before You Go section of the website at www.aph.com/roadassistance.

The research compares 18 major car breakdown insurance companies including AA, Churchill Breakdown Cover, and RAC, highlighting the cost of the individual schemes and what is incorporated in the policy, including additional call-out charges, caravan and trailer cover as well as assistance for break-down at home.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

BA, US Airways in codeshare deal

BRITISH AIRWAYS and US Airways are launching a codeshare arrangement which will allow BA passengers access to almost 40 destinations in North America and the Caribbean.

US Airways passengers will be able to fly with British Airways to more than 70 destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Apartment plan for La Cala

A PLAN for a luxury apartment development the La Cala golf resort close to Marbella and Malaga in southern Spain have been unveiled.

The development will comprise 60 apartments with an estimated gross value of € 17.5 million (£14.27 million).  Construction is planned to start in the autumn, with the first apartments to be handed over in 2016. 

www.lacala.com/the-resort

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Sport-mad Brits swap breaks abroad for UK get-aways

MANY sport-mad Brits intend to holiday at home this summer to catch the biggest sporting events in the calendar, according to luxury cottage rental firm Rural Retreats. The company saw a 40 percent increase in stays at some of its properties during Wimbledon earlier this year. It recorded a similar increase in bookings during The Ashes last year, when some properties saw a 25 percent uplift in visitors.  A 61 percent rise in UK holiday bookings last year was noted. 

Charles Millward, chief executive of Rural Retreats, said: ‘We’ve noticed an increasing trend for UK holidaymakers to plan their summer holidays around sporting events, such as Wimbledon and The Ashes. Domestic get-aways are proving popular because they allow people to relax in luxury, scenic surroundings with the comforts they would find at home – including being able to watch all the sporting action which might not be so easily accessible when abroad.’

‘The London Olympics rekindled people’s passion for the UK, and helped to convince many to re-asses their holiday options.’

Top 10 2014 staycation destinations:

1. London  2. Edinburgh  3. Lake District  4. Cornwall  5. Brighton   6. Dorset  7. Devon  8. North Wales  9. Blackpool  10. York

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

NYC tops car rental price league

NOWHERE in the United States is renting a car more costly than it is in New York City, according to a survey by CheapCarRental.net. Drivers there pay an average of $76 (£45) a day for the cheapest available rental car. The runner-up is Detroit, at an average daily rate of $69 (£40.90).

The least expensive car rental city is Orlando, Florida, with an average rate of $25 (£14.80) a day.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Rent a mansion!

PLANNING a very, very large family gathering? 

Luxury Cotswold Rentals at www.luxurycotswoldrentals.co.uk  has added Langton Park –a 13 bedroom Georgian mansion in 85 acres of Wiltshire parkland – to its portfolio.

Near Chippenham – an hour from London – it has nine bedrooms, table tennis and billiard rooms,  a heated swimming pool, tennis court, and its own night club. The dining room can seat up to 22 people.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Travel facts.......

WESTRAY and Papa Westray, two of the Orkney Islands with a population of 700 and 85 respectively, have the shortest scheduled air route in the world. 

The flight time between the two islands is just 1.5 minutes.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Hever in Bloom

A WEEK celebrating the award-winning gardens at Hever Castle runs from June 23 to June 29. Hever in Bloom showcases the gardens at the height of their summer beauty, with one of the finest displays in Kent, the Garden of England.

Join the gardeners for free daily tours to find out about garden’s history. The gardening team will be on hand throughout the week to answer questions from visitors, who will be able to meet the castle’s florist and attend her daily floral arrangement workshops. Expect some professional tips and tricks of the trade to try in your own home.

Not to be missed are nostalgic displays of poppies in several bays along the Pompeiian Wall in The Italian Gardens and around the grounds to commemorate the centenary of World War One.

Hever Castle’s gardens were laid out between 1904 and 1908 by Joseph Cheal and Son to display William Waldorf Astor’s unique collection of Greek and Roman statuary collected while he was the US ambassador in Rome.

www.hevercastle.co.uk

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Heathrow tables “congestion” charge idea

HEATHROW AIRPORT has proposed a congestion charge as part of its argument for a third runway to the Airports Commission. The airport has suggested that a fee for cars would help limit the amount of traffic going into the airport should a third runway be built, while also improving air quality for nearby residents.

It comes as the airport hopes to increase the number of passengers travelling to terminals by public transport, particularly as improvements to rail such as Crossrail, High Speed 2 and a revamped Piccadilly Line are underway.

The congestion charge, says Heathrow, would discourage drop-off and pick-up to and from the airport, with some of the funds collected going to public transport schemes.

Go Holiday editor David Kernek writes: It’s obvious that the so-called congestion charge has done nothing at all to reduce traffic congestion in central London; it’s simply a tax, which is precisely what Heathrow’s managers are suggesting – a tax justified by the vague hope that at some unspecified time in the future more people might get to the airport by public transport.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

More Brits discover Tahiti

IN the first two months of 2014, Tahiti and its islands welcomed more than 24,800 tourists overall, with the UK market achieving an increase of 74 percent compared to the same period a year ago. In February, the figures show an 89 per cent increase in visitors from Britain.  

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Travel matters...........

"One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things." Henry Miller.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

See Guernsey by jet ski

IT might still give the impression of being a tranquil island catering for an older, genteel market – and that much is still true – but there is another side to Guernsey.

Outdoor Guernsey is launching jet ski safaris. They will launch next month (June) and will be available daily with departures from St Sampson's on the north-east of the island.

Working with www.wisescheme.org to ensure minimal impact to Guernsey's marine wildlife, the tours will offer a heart-pounding way of seeing the stunning coastline of Guernsey from the sea.

The tours will last two hours, and will cost from £70 per person.

 www.outdoorguernsey.co.uk or www.visitguernsey.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

New restaurant opens in North Cornwall

NAMED after the rocky outcrop at the south end of the beach between Watergate Bay and Whipsiderry, comes Zacry’s, a new restaurant at the Watergate Bay Hotel, North Cornwall.

 The interior style at Zacry’s blends Cornish attitude with the features of a classic brasserie, while the food draws on international influences, local inspiration and the chef’s passion for contemporary American cuisine.

Non-residents are welcome, and booking is recommended.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

New routes to the States …

FOLLOWING the merger agreement between American Airlines and US Airways last year,   the combined airline is launching a number of new routes this month (May).

On May 23, it starts a daily service from Manchester to Charlotte, North Carolina, giving passengers convenient access to the airline’s East Coast shuttle – an almost hourly service connecting major cities on America’s eastern seaboard.

There will also be new services from Lisbon, Barcelona and Brussels to North Carolina. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Hey!...it's a universal law

Law of Variation; 

If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now (works every time).

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

Colonial luxury in the Caribbean

BLUE SKY LUXURY has expanded its villa portfolio and exclusive Concierge Can service to the dual-nation Caribbean island of St. Martin/St. Maarten, where it now has 35 villas on its books.

The company has more than 250 properties across the six Caribbean destinations of Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St Martin/St. Maarten, and St. Lucia.

Said Kathy-Dawn Burke at Blue Sky Luxury: ‘The villas are as varied as the appeal of St Martin, a cultural melting pot that is the culinary capital of the Caribbean, a duty-free shopping mecca, a beach-lovers paradise, and so much more.’

The two- to nine-bedroom properties – on hillsides and beachfronts – range in price from US$415 (£247) to US$10,570 (£6,292.00) a night.

One half of the island is a Dutch colony, the other French.

 www.blueskyluxury.com

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

More flock to London

LONDON welcomed more than 16 million international visitors for the first time in 2013, according to the Office of National Statistics.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: ‘This record-breaking figure is a tribute to the outstanding mix of culture, art, music and sport to be found here, and more is planned. With major international sporting events including the Rugby World Cup and the Tour de France and spectacular exhibitions at the Tate and the British Museum this year, it is clear that this wonderful city will not rest on its laurels.’

Visits and tourist spends were up in all of the nations which comprise the UK.

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk