Hotelly.com set to revolutionise price comparison New travel comparison site will search for best value holidays by price and customer rating Hotelly.com, a ground-breaking, new price comparison site, has been launched into the UK market. Now you can find the right holiday first time, as the innovative site is the first to offer consumers ‘best value’ holidays by price and user reviews simultaneously. Unlike some other price comparison sites where prices are subject to change throughout the booking process, Hotelly.com shows the user the final booking price from the outset, allowing for a quick and confident decision. What’s more, if you’d rather plan your great escape by getting a trusted second opinion, Hotelly.com gives you the option to book over the phone with an experienced travel agent. This personal touch helps reassure the consumer that they’re being supported by industry professionals who have the time to find the best deal for everyone. To find your ideal holiday at the right price visit www.hotelly.com or click here... for more information _________________________________ Boldly go where few travellers have gone before For those looking for a travel experience that offers something really different , cultural tour operator, The Traveller, is offering the opportunity to go beyond the usual tourist sights Their superb line up of scholarly lecturers, many of whom are past and present curators of the British Museum, can often gain exclusive entry for their tour groups to new, pioneering archaeological sites – ones otherwise closed to the public. These are extras that you won’t find with other tour operators – to read about five of the best, click here... _________________________________ Carters World Orang-Utans in Borneo Well-known travel writer and former presenter of BBC TV’s Holiday programme and Wish You Were Here, John Carter takes us on a journey through the jungles of Borneo, meeting a few orang-utans enroute. Although he is happy seeing the orang-utans in the Rehabilitation centre his intrepid companions wanted to see them in the wild, so John goes on a journey of discovery into the jungle Click here... to read about his adventure _________________________________ Safety on Holiday In the wake of the deaths of two children on holiday in Corfu, is it possible to make holidays 100 per cent safe? "Probably not, in the way that life at home can never be 100 per cent safe", says Sue Ockwell, speaking on behalf of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO, www.aito.co.uk).  There are some sensible precautions that you can take when going on holiday, however and Sue has produced a list of practical no nonsense tips that well help you keep both you and your family safe and healthy during you holiday To read the guide to safety on holiday click here... _________________________________ Namibia A unique travel experience Namibia, in South-West Africa, is a destination that offers the experienced traveller a truly different experience. From the stark, lunar like landscapes of the Kalahari and Namib deserts through the coastal town of Swakopmund to the lush wetlands of the Caprivi Strip, the arm-like projection in the north-west of the country. With twenty six parks and reserves abundant wildlife is one of Namiibia's greatest assets. Etosha National Park, in Northern Namibia, probably the best known parks, is home to 114 mammal species. Northwest of Etosha lies Kaokoland and Damaraland, world famous for the desert adapted rhino and elephant. Namibia also has the largest and healthiest population of cheetahs left in the world. To read more about what Namibia has to offer click here... _________________________________ Capital Region USA History, Culture and Gastronomy On your way to the theme parks, the Vegas Strip or the Wild West in America the plane journey goes over one of the most beautiful and interesting parts of the U.S., the Capital Region. Encompassing Washington DC and the States of Virginia and Maryland, this region is one of the most historic parts of the United States. Intrinsically linked to the very birth of the nation, it's a place where visitors can feast on culture as well as gastronomy and get a unique insight into ‘old’ America. And if all this is not enough, there's stunning natural countryside and a host of formal gardens to enjoy. For the traveller who wants to see a totally different side of the U.S. then the Capital Region is a must-visit destination. The combination of history, culture, gastronomy and scenery fill the days and nights with some truly unique visual, eating and wine drinking experiences. Click here... to read more _________________________________ Somak Holidays Great Destinations, Great Experiences and a Special Offer If you want to be inspired on your holidays, in superb locations like Africa, India, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East then Somak Holidays may be the ideal solution. Hundreds of thousands of passengers have enjoyed everything from safaris to a beach break, cultural itineraries in India to self drives along South Africa’s Garden Route. Many people travel to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary and the destinations on offer help to make the occasion truly memorable. And it’s not just the clients who are impressed, Somak has recently been awarded four major industry titles as 'Best Operator to Africa'. Somak and AMG have been working together to bring members some special deals click here... to see the first one. _________________________________ Looking for some company on holiday? Why not think about an escorted tour? Escorted tours can be the ideal solution for the more mature traveller as well as for those who are travelling alone.  With an expert tour guide on hand, you’ll get to know more about the place you’re visiting, learning about hidden gems as well as the tourist spots. Drawing on specialist local knowledge, your tour guide will help to give you a more authentic travel experience and the opportunity to soak up the real, hidden culture. To read more about a couple of recommended tour routes – Route 66 and a Southern Music Tour in the US click here... _________________________________ Follow in Billy's Foot Steps With the help of Frontier Canada The Canada Travel Experts Many of you will have seen Billy Connolly in his latest series Journey to the Edge of the World. This is an extraordinary trip that sees Billy travel from the Atlantic seaboard of Canada around the coast via the North West passage to British Columbia and the Pacific Ocean. To be able to follow in Billy’s foot steps and be inspired by the breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife and the friendliness of the  people is just a dream. However, now this dream can become a reality. Frontier Canada offer a number of itineraries that will let you ‘Follow in Billy’s Foot Steps' so that you can experience, at first hand, what you thought may have been an impossibe journey. Click here... to find out how you can Follow in Billy's Foot Steps _________________________________ Travelling to the Edge of the World with Billy Connolly Mark Jones, is the Producer of 'The Journey To The Edge of The World', the ITV series that follows Billy Connolly on his travels through the legendary Northwest Passage, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Here Mark answers some questions about Billy’s intrepid journey and talks about what went on behind the scenes. To read the full interview click here... _________________________________ Ski in Slovakia for just £499 including a lift pass Mountain Paradise are offering a £250pp saving on their March packages to the Eurozone destination that won’t break the bank If you thought that a skiing holiday was beyond your budget this year then think again. Mountain Paradise is offering a week’s skiing in Slovakia in March for just £499 per person – a saving of £250. The packages include return flights from Manchester or Luton, airport transfers, seven nights four star BB accommodation and a six day lift pass. Despite being in the Eurozone, prices in Slovakia are still a bargain, with a pint of beer, a vodka, soft drink or large sandwich costing only €1. Click here... to find out more _________________________________ Sailing into Civilisation Cruises were once the preserve of the very wealthy but these days, with much lower prices and food, accommodation and entertainment all included, they look like real value for money. Chris Hurley and her husband Peter spent eight days on the Fred Olsen ship, Black Watch last October visiting ports in France, Portugal and Spain. Here she gives a first hand account of life on board with views on everything from the food to the weather.  Click here… to read the full review _________________________________ Hidden Histories A Pousada, despite sounding like a national dish, is one of Portugal’s best kept holiday secrets. Idyllic retreats concealed within historic buildings, they offer a charismatic alternative to faceless hotels for travellers on luxury breaks. Pousadas are evocatively divided into four categories: History, Design, Charm and Nature. History includes unspoilt national monuments such as convents or castles – Design means more of the same but updated with hip interiors, Charm is in quirkier locations suited to those looking for romantic retreats and finally Nature, as the title suggests can be found in the heart of the countryside. Click here... to read Peter Morrell's report on these unique hotels that also offer discounts for people aged 55 and over _________________________________ Going it alone on holiday If you are divorced, widowed or have a partner who doesn’t share your interests or passion for travel, maybe you have thought about taking a solo break.  The prospect may seem daunting but the trend for solo travel is increasing and travel operators are responding by providing more choice and value for money for the discerning single traveller.  Nina Hasinski of Redpoint holidays discusses the benefits of going it alone. To read more click here... _________________________________ Plan your holidays carefully in this credit-crunch year We all agree that a holiday is a necessity these days – but we want to watch our budgets and get the best possible value for money.  How?  Sue Ockwell, Spokesperson for The Association of Independent Tour Operators (www.aito.com) has 10 top tips to help you enjoy the holiday you deserve without breaking the bank.  Click here... to find out more _________________________________ How to have a cut-price Holiday Learn Esperanto Learning Esperanto could help you holiday on the cheap during the credit crunch, says the Esperanto Association of Britain.  Around 1,350 Esperanto speakers in more than 85 countries offer free accommodation and hospitality to visitors with only one proviso: they have to speak Esperanto too! The hospitality scheme helps people save money but Esperanto is more than that, it’s about sharing cultures and making friends around the world.  For more information click here... _________________________________ A Gastronomic tour of Cork Peter Morrell goes on a culinary adventure to Cork Cork, in the South West of Ireland, has emerged as one of the foremost cities to enjoy the very best of Irish Food. In this series of three articles Peter explores the sheer quality and diversity of food available in Cork’s famous English Market and meets some of the driving forces behind its success. He also gets time to visit the sites that the city has to offer and eats in three distinctly different restaurants that all have a common theme. That is to offer the freshest, local, seasonal ingredients as the basis of their varied and inventive menus. To read about the English Market, click here... For a review of the restaurants, click here... And to explore the sights of Cork, click here... _________________________________ Follow in Charley’s Footsteps With the help of Explore! THE Adventure Travel Company Many of you will have been watching the enthralling Sunday night series on BBC 2 ‘Ireland to Sydney - By Any Means’ that follows the adventures of Charley Boorman and his two man team as they journey from Charley’s home town of Wicklow all the way to Australia. With all those modes of transport the planning and organisation could have been a nightmare but with the expertise of Explore!, the adventure travel company, the trip was a great success. Like many others, you may have been inspired to go and see some of the fascinating places featured for yourself. With the help of Explore! you can do exactly that. Click here... to find out how you can Follow in Charley's Footsteps. _________________________________ Financial protection for holidaymakers? It’s boring stuff until you get stung personally, lose your holiday booking and then have to fork out more money to buy another trip or simply to get home... Says Sue Ockwell, Spokesperson for Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) The recent collapse of XL, the airline, brought this home very forcefully to around 80,000 would-be passengers. However you can still book your holiday with total confidence. Click here... to read Sue Ockwell's advice on how to get peace of mind when booking your next trip _________________________________ Cruise holidays better value now than 10 years ago P&O research proves that cruising is an affordable luxury Whilst the cost of everyday household items and food increases, it seems that the cost of holidays has dropped significantly. Cruise holidays, once the preserve of the wealthy, have now become affordable and accessible. Research conducted by P&O Cruises finds that while a two week cruise holiday this summer in an ocean view cabin costs £1579 per person, the actual cost of the same holiday ten years ago was £2520. Click here... for more _________________________________ A smörgåsbord for the senses Sunvil’s New Scandanavia Program With fuel prices soaring by the day you would think that places of natural beauty and dramatic scenery are now a long and un-affordable flight away. Well you would be wrong as there are such places a lot closer to home and more affordable than you think. Sunvil, the company that has pioneered unusual travel experiences to some of the world’s most unspoilt places, has launched a brand-new programme featuring Sweden and Norway. To find out more about one of Europe's natural treasures click here... _________________________________ Realli-Ski Discounted rates to get you ready for the slopes As we look forward to lots of summer sun, our thoughts may not naturally turn to skiing.  But if you want to get yourself ready and able for the slopes this winter, now could be a very good time to think about learning to ski or brushing up your technique. At the Realli-Ski Centre beginners can learn to ski 15 times faster than on snow or a dry ski slope and there are discounts for over 60s and on summer courses.  Kate from AMG went along to see if she could improve her skiing technique. For her verdict click here... _________________________________ A Sea Change Like many fifty-somethings, Chris Hurley’s children have flown the nest and taken their buckets and spades with them.  Thinking it was time for something other than theme parks and beach holidays she enthusiastically boarded Fred. Olsen's ship, Boudicca, for six days on the Med. To find out how she fared as a first time cruise passenger click here... _________________________________ Kaimanga Lodge and Cottage Kerikeri, New Zealand. As there is an ongoing love affair with NZ at the moment we thought that we would showcase a great, get away from it all, holiday destination. Kaimanga Lodge is located in the beautiful Bay of Islands in Kerikeri, Northland, New Zealand. It is run by Susie and Martin, a very friendly couple, who will make you feel very much at home. Its tropical gardens and secluded swimming pool Kaimanga Lodge could be the ideal destination if you want to really relax and get away from it all or as an oasis of calm as part of a longer travel itinerary. Click here... for more details _________________________________ Unlock the secret to timeless holidays...   ...your key to mobile holiday home ownership in France There is an affordable way to own your holiday home in France, ready to use through the glorious spring, summer and autumn months… siblu exclusif is France’s holiday lifestyle specialist and they’ve’ve been fulfilling the mobile home ownership dreams of families for over 30 years. siblu stands out from its competitors by offering its holiday home owners more experience, more choice and holiday parcs that they own. Click here... for more info _________________________________ Unlock the secrets of Australia's finest private gradens with Ross Garden Tours One of Australia’s finest luxury tour operators, which launched its UK branch last year, has unveiled a breathtaking new tour available to British travellers, exploring the entire East coast of Australia. Visit the most stunning gardens, normally not open to the public. Click here... for more information _________________________________ Discover Menton Davina Richards travels away from the glitz and glam of destinations such as Cannes and Monaco on the Côte d'Azur to visit Menton, an out-of-the-way town on the Italian border dubbed the ‘pearl of France.’ Click here... to read more _________________________________ Dubai – “the Gateway between the East and the West” A land where everything is possible!  In this world of skyscrapers and development you can walk right into the future and travel back to the past. Let Amy Clarke show you around by clicking here...

Carters World - Greece Samos and Crete Travel writer, broadcaster and long-time presenter of TV’s Wish You Were Here programme, John Carter shares some of his favourite Mediterranean islands John takes a nostalgic journey to his ‘dream islands’ remembering the days when airports were few and far between and you reached these islands by ferry boat.  Although much easier to reach now, John finds that, if you get off the beaten track Samos and Crete are still dream island destinations.  Click here... to read more about the islands _________________________________ The cruise makes you want to shout... Lulu sails with Fred Olsen this autumn If you are a fan of Lulu, with a penchant for luxury cruising, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has a real treat for you as the singing icon will be entertaining guests on one of their winter cruises this year.   Anyone over fifty will remember when fifteen year old Lulu became a massive overnight sensation with her debut single ‘Shout.  Since the sixties, this evergreen star has pursued a stellar singing and acting career and, as a master of re-invention, it is not surprising that Lulu’s fan base spans several generations. Now, Fred. Olsen cruise guests can enjoy exclusive entertainment when Lulu performs onboard an Iberian cruise this November.  To find out more click here... _________________________________ Carters World Tuscany - May 2009 If you do not share your partner’s hobbies and interests, holidays can present a problem.  Chances are that one of you will not have a good time.  The perfect compromise could be a holiday that combines activities that interest you both.  Well-known broadcaster and long-time presenter of Wish You Were Here and the BBC Holiday programme, John Carter talks about combination holidays and how he cooked up a feast in glorious Tuscany Click here... for more _________________________________ Get Away from the Crowds Explore’s Top 10 Tourist-Free Destinations   The experience of locking eyes on one of the world’s most revered sights can often be tainted by hordes of swarming tourists. You know the type: clambering over one another snapping away with their cameras - often with little regard to those around them or the monument in question.   It’s much more rewarding to avoid the crowds and have a little bit of paradise to yourself  - and it’s easier than you think. Adventure travel specialist Explore, whose knowledge covers every corner of the world, has put together its Top 10 Tourist-Free Destinations.  Apart from a few canny travellers, it’ll just be you, your small group tour and the locals. To find out where they are click here... _________________________________ Looking for a truly unforgettable experience? Fantastic introductory offers on Journeys by Sea If you are searching for a cruise that is out of the ordinary, you should take a look at 'Journeys by Sea', a programme of tours just launched by Titan Travel, in association with National Geographic. The cruises are operated by Lindblad Expeditions, which enjoys a close association with National Geographic through its scientific research and conservation efforts and offers holidays, unlike any other, to magical destinations. During the cruise, a team of on-board experts, from conservationists to climatologists, photographers to naturalists, add a fascinating new dimension to the surroundings. They also lead a range of excursions on foot and by motorboat, revealing off-the-beaten-track secrets and seldom-seen vistas giving passengers the opportunity of privileged up close encounters with majestic wildlife. For details of some of the fantastic introductory offers click here... Discover Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC Visit the new MyCapitalGardensUSA website for your chance to win a fabulous holiday prize for two An innovative new website aimed at garden lovers and described by Monty Don - one of the UK’s best-loved TV gardeners - as encompassing ‘an extraordinary array of natural and horticultural riches’ has been launched by the Capital Region USA. Visitors to the website have the chance to win a truly memorable 11-night holiday for two to visit the fabulous gardens and national parks in the Capital Region USA. The holiday includes scheduled flights, accommodation and car rental. For more details and to find out how you can have the chance to win this fabulous prize click here... _________________________________ Walking on Water The best of both Worlds Walking enthusiasts looking for a slightly different holiday may be interested to know that Ramblers Worldwide Holidays has teamed up with Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines to provide a range of holidays featuring the luxury and comfort of sea voyages with wonderful walks on terra firma. At each new port of call a Ramblers Worldwide Holidays Leader will accompany clients on a walking and sightseeing programme making the most of each new location. Now there’s the added bonus that decreased fuel charges means a reduction in brochure prices and on board spending money is also provided with selected cruises. For more details of Walking on Water cruises click here... _________________________________ Try some new Australian experiences If you are looking for a holiday experience that you will remember for a lifetime, here are some ideas of the new activities and tours available in Australia.  Your can combine gourmet food and wine with breathtaking views while taking a guided walking tour in Sydney’s National Park, enjoy the natural beauty of the Kimberley at an eco retreat, explore the ancient Tarkine Rainforest, stay at a former gold mining town or discover Melbourne in real sixties style.  For more information on these tours click here... _________________________________ Alberta Canada Where the mountains meet the prairie In our continuing series on attractive travel destinations that also offer interesting culinary experiences we are in the Canadian Province of Alberta.  This is big country in every sense of the word. Located in western Canada, the Province is 20 per cent larger than France and the impressive Rocky Mountains rise up near the western boundary to mark the end of the prairie. Our journey starts in Calgary sampling the culture and food of this vibrant city before moving on to the Banff National Park in the Rockies. Here you find peace, tranquility and some unique mountain food making it a good place for both the body and the soul. Click here... to start the journey _________________________________ Quebec Province Wine, Dine and Sunshine A Warm and Welcome Surprise  Say Canada as a holiday destination and most people immediately think of snow and skiing. They would be right, but there is another, entirely different, face to Canada - warm sunny days, a long history, fine wine and a gourmet’s paradise. So if you would like to take a look at the warmer side of Canada, why not consider the Province of Quebec as a holiday destination?  Boasting two of Canada’s most atmospheric cities, Montreal and Quebec, the Province offers a whole range of interests from artisan food to vineyards. Click here... for the complete travel guide ________________________________ The cruise that’s on a different planet If you have a passion for space travel or maritime exploration, then Fred Olsen cruise Lines has a real treat for you. You can travel with two famous experts on these subjects onboard a spring cruise to the Canary Islands and North Africa. Walter Cunningham, the NASA astronaut; and Dr Robert Cartwright, a noted marine historian, will join the Black Watch, when she departs from Dover on 18th April, as exclusive lecturers and tour escorts for guests who have pre-booked the ‘Voyage of Discovery’ Civilisations package. Click here... to find out more. You may also like to know more about The ArtsClub on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ... which is a programme of special interests included on selected cruises. Experts are on board to give talks, demonstrations or just advice to interested guests. The range of topics is impressive and includes dance, music, antique collecting, genealogy, photography, watercolour painting, gardening, comedy, wine-tasting, wildlife and pottery. There are even cruises with an Archers theme, with members of the familiar folk from Ambridge on board. For more information click here... _________________________________ Korea Sparkling A Unique Travel Experience For the seasoned traveller it’s the perennial question. Where can I go on holiday that is new, different and interesting?   Well the answer may very well be Korea. Recently AMG were invited to the Korean Cultural Centre in London for a presentation of the country’s new tourism initiative - Korea Sparking. And what a fascinating destination it appears to be, offering a vibrant mix of old and new cultures with the choice of city, mountain and beach locations. For more information on Korea as a unique travel destination click here... _________________________________ Going Indian in Gozo Jill Fordham enjoys the ancient Ayurvedic associations that co-exist alongside this mythical Maltese island Parallels between the small and peaceful Maltese Mediterranean island of Gozo and the vast and vibrant sub-continent of India may at first seem unlikely, but in fact they are aplenty.  Jill Fordham enjoys two days at the 5 star Kempinski Hotel experiencing  the ancient Ayurvedic associations that co-exist alongside this mythical Maltese island. Click here... to read more _________________________________ Experience A Once In a Lifetime Opportunity with P & O Cruises For those who like the idea of a cruise but fancy something more adventurous than a guided coach tour, P & O are offering a new collection of shore excursions.  These feature a whole range of exciting and unusual activities on land, sea and air.  For example, you could charter a private yacht, zip-wire through the rain forest, learn to cook authentic Italian specialities or make your very own fragrance.   For more information click here... _________________________________ Rum and Revolution A Classic Tour from Journey Latin America Many Baby Boomers have done all the family beach holidays and are looking for exciting new sights and experiences. So here is a great trip with a difference that you can take with Journey Latin America. Rum and Revolution is an action packed 12 day tour that will give you a fascinating insight into Cuba - the tropical island with its own unique charm and history. Click here... to find out more. _________________________________ Taking risks abroad has no age limit Foreign Office warns of Overseas And Plastered phenomenon Although most of you might think that when your friends go on holiday it's a civilised affair, this isn't necessarily the case.  Research from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office shows 1 in 5 older travellers take risks abroad that they wouldn't contemplate at home, with favourite activities ranging from bungee jumping and parasailing to water-skiing and moped-riding. Click here... to read more. _________________________________ Saga reveals differences in regional travel tastes The Balearic resorts, generally associated with teenagers, rave music and staying up all night - are actually more popular with the over fifties than the under fifties. This is just one of a number of interesting facts about the holiday habits of people across the UK which has been revealed by research carried out by Saga to find the nation’s favourite holiday destinations. To read more click here... _________________________________ Discover Samudra Decades away from the 'Costa Del Kerala'  Located 15 kilometres south of the official state capital, Trivandrum, lies the beach resort of Kovalam, popular for decades now with travellers to India, but more recently discovered by planeloads of package tourists, encouraging development to its detriment and earning it the name 'Costa del Kerala'. Yet if you take a three-kilometre stroll north of Kovalam, you arrive at the traditional little village of Samudra, still retaining a certain allure that encompasses the real notion of rural India.  To join Jill Fordham on her journey to the tranquil beauty beyond the tourist spots click here... _________________________________ Oman - Jewel of Arabia Oman shines as the cultural haven of the Gulf Region The Cradle of Civilisation, the Gulf Region, is known for it's rich cultural heritage and backdrop of stunning coastlines, mountains, fertile plains and sandy deserts.  The Gulf Region is fast becoming the hottest destination around. Read more here... _________________________________ Skiing – and pampering – on the Bulgarian slopes Fancy hitting the slopes this winter season but looking for somewhere with a little more culture than other resorts and a spot of wellbeing? Then why not head to the Bulgarian resort of Bansko. Find out more here... _________________________________ New England New England’s heartland is the perfect destination for a relaxing and awe-inspiring road trip through majestic surroundings and national history, with the south and central areas of the region offering the most diverse scenery and culture. Amy Clarke gives a taste of the region. Read more... _________________________________ Your Safe Planet Before setting off on your travels check out this great web site. Your Safe Planet has recruited a network of trusted friends in 20 countries. They can advise you on when to visit, what to see and where is safe. This invaluable local knowledge will maximise your traval experience. To find out more click here...