Jetsettersblog

Paris – Context Travel, the scholarly tour company and leader in sustainable tourism, announced today the launch of a new initiative in its Tours in the Public Interest program. During the month of July, the company will be offering a new Paris tour, Walk with Thomas Jefferson, at the token price of 5 Euro per person.

“In this age of mass tourism we think it’s important to take travelers off the beaten path and show them new ways of experiencing the great cities of the world,” says Context Travel co-Founder Paul Bennett. “For this reason, we have decided to celebrate the American Independence Day and the month of July, by offering our new “A Walk with Thomas Jefferson” tour in Paris for just 5 Euros.”

During this three-hour seminar, Context docents discuss the impact of Paris on Thomas Jefferson, while tracing a course past significant monuments and urban spaces that influenced his architectural and aesthetic sensibilities.

“Jefferson had four different residences during his five-year stay in Paris. He sent over 86 crates home to assure that he could continue his Francophile lifestyle once he returned to America,” says Context Paris Manager, Lily Heise. “The city had a major impact on his thinking, particularly his aesthetic thinking. We’re also reminded, during the course of the walk, of the long-lasting bonds of friendship and exchange between France and America.”

After the month of July, the seminar A Walk with Jefferson will be available weekly for the price of 65 Euro per person, or 290 per private group. The walk, like all Context Travel walking seminars will be capped at 6 participants and led by historians and art historians.

Founded by National Geographic writer Paul Bennett and graphic designer Lani Bevacqua, Context isa network of English-speaking scholars and professionals, including art historians, writers, architectsand gastronomes, who organize and lead walking seminars in thirteen world cities, including: Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples, Paris, London, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, DC, Istanbul, and Athens. Travel + Leisure has named Context one of the top European tour companies for its innovative approach to travel and the depth of its programs. To learn more about Context, visit its website at: www.contexttravel.com

In today’s economic climate people often think that booking a last minute holiday is a great way to save money and have a great value break away, especially if you are looking to travel abroad. There is a new holiday craze currently sweeping the UK however, and the idea of taking a ‘Staycation’ is fast becoming an appealing option for British holiday makers. Eventful Stays has a wonderful range of stunning accommodation across the UK ideal for your perfect holiday.

Here at Eventful Stays we are not surprised that the UK is experiencing a surge in the Staycation. This involves people booking holidays at home, where travel costs are kept down and the opportunity to invite friends and extended family members to join you is very appealing. The UK is often overlooked as a holiday destination as many of us consider it to be expensive, however, the amount of things to see and do will surpass your expectations and outweigh any weather concerns – this we can promise!

Great Britain has so many great towns and cities, as well as stunning beaches and beautiful countryside. When living in the UK you can forget how many diverse and stunning places there are. Eventful Stays has a holiday destination for everyone, whether you are a sports enthusiast who enjoys walking or water sports, to a culture lover who enjoys visiting historical sites of interest and relevance.

City holidays in the UK – Visit London

The UK is full of vibrant cities that will guarantee to keep you entertained for days on end! The most buzzing city of them all is the nation’s capital, and Eventful Stays can sort you out with a stunning place to stay in London for all groups and parties. London is always a hive of activity and the capital has something for everyone. Whether you are a theatre goer, enjoy museums or would like to visit the tourist attractions of the London Eye, the Tower of London, the Tate Modern or Madame Tussauds, London has it all.

There are also many events happening in London throughout the year, including fairs and exhibitions such as the BBC Proms and the London Fashion Week, as well as sporting events such as the 2012 London Olympics, ensuring all interests are catered for. If you were successful in being awarded tickets for the Olympics, why not book this fabulous modern 2 bedroom apartment in London, just minutes from the Olympic stadium.

London is a great place for everything, from a romantic break to a family holiday. Accommodation in London is available for all types of getaways and budgets. If booking a holiday in London you should book self-catering accommodation as it will give you the freedom and flexibility to come and go as you please. You will also have the ideal base from which to plan your days out in London, be near tube stations for your journeys and be able to spend quality time with loved ones after a full day out and about.

A countryside retreat for total relaxation – The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is the ideal location if you are looking for a last minute holiday to recharge your batteries. The Cotswolds is served by excellent transport links meaning that you are able to get away on your holiday quickly and conveniently with minimal fuss.

Holiday accommodation in the Cotswolds ranges from luxury stately homes, to holiday cottages that are decorated and equipped to the highest standards, ensuring that those home-from-home luxuries that are often missing when travelling abroad are on hand – and you can always get a good cup of tea!

Taking a holiday in the Cotswolds means that your staycation can be as busy or as quiet as you like. You can visit the towns of Cheltenham, Bath and Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon to see the culture and heritage of these destinations. These places also have many events going on throughout the year, including the Formula 1 British Grand Prix and the Cheltenham Festival. Again, there is something for everyone’s tastes.

Why not book this fabulous and luxurious Cheltenham Apartment for the Cheltenham Festival, or for a weekend break to the Cotswolds!

Hopefully we have shown you that booking your holiday in the UK can be a wonderful and luxurious occasion. With so many incredible properties around, there is so much opportunity for a relaxing and rewarding holiday in the UK. If you are looking for self-catering accommodation please contact us and we will be happy to help you find that ideal last minute holiday destination in the UK.

Music, dancers, majorettes, street entertainers and most importantly, fabulous flower floats – the Battle of Flowers in Jersey attracts thousands of visitors each year. The spectacular Moonlight Parade follows the next night, an evening event with floats festooned in lights providing a truly magical experience, finished with a large fireworks display.

Inaugurated in 1902 to celebrate the Coronation of Edward VII, the festival originally involved a literal battle of flowers between participants and spectators, a tradition of tearing flowers off the beautifully adorned floats and throwing them at ladies in the crowd. Although this has been discontinued for decades now, the colourful festival is still a highlight of Jersey’s summer event calendar. Not only does it attract tourists, it is also a major community project where local residents give their time to complete the amazing spectacle.

This year’s Battle of Flowers will take place in Saint Helier on Thursday, the 11th August, followed by the Moonlight Parade on the 12th. Combined with the opportunity to sample the island’s gourmet produce, including delicious fresh seafood, the famous Jersey Royals and award-winning dairy products, the parades provide a true feast for the senses and an interesting idea for an extended weekend break in the Channel Islands.

Preston Holidays (0844 770 8084, www.prestonholidays.co.uk) offer a 4-nights’ stay at the 2* Hotel De Normandie (BB) in Saint Helier, overlooking the western end of St Clements Bay with its fine sandy beach, from £389pp, including flights from London Gatwick on 10 August.

Prestige Holidays (01425 480400 www.prestigeholidays.co.uk) has launched its second dedicated winter Canaries brochure featuring the islands of Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and La Gomera. New for 2011/12 is the rural hotel La Casona de Yaiza in Lanzarote and La Palma Jardin apartments in La Palma. Prices for winter lead in at £529 per person for a week’s stay in Hacienda San Jorge apartments in La Palma including room only accommodation, flights from Gatwick, private taxi transfers and the services of Prestige’s local representative.

The brochure is also available online simply click on http://bit.ly/m6z8D2 to access.

La Casona De Yaiza is a pretty rural property built in a typically Canarian style with just nine rooms. Nestled in the white washed village of Yaiza, it features a small swimming pool, a restaurant, art gallery and chapel. Prices lead in at £695 for a week’s stay on BB including return flights and group B car hire.

La Palma Jardin offers bungalow apartments near the town of Los Llanos de Adriane in La Palma. Located in stunning countryside but just a short drive from the sea, the property has one and two bedroom bungalows, beautiful gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis court, gym and barbecue area. Prices start from £755 for a week’s stay on room only including return flights from Gatwick and group B car hire.

Prestige Holidays’ brochure features a range of added value offers like: free nights, complimentary meals, child discounts, complimentary spa packages, room upgrades and no single supplements. There are also early booking offers at a variety of hotels. Prices are just for guidance as the operator’s bookable website www.prestigeholidays.co.uk gives instant up to the minute pricing and all the latest offers.

Prestige is also featuring all inclusive options at the following hotels: Iberostar Hotel Anthelia, Iberostar Grand Hotel Salome, Roca Nivaria Gran, Sheraton La Caleta in Tenerife, Jardin Tecina in La Gomera and Los Jameos Playa in Lanzarote.

Prices for a week’s all inclusive stay start from £705 per person in December at Los Jameos Playa including: return flights from Gatwick, private taxi transfers and the services of Prestige’s local representative. All Inclusive includes all meals and a selection of national and international non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.

For further information on Prestige Holidays’ new Canaries brochure call Prestige Holidays on 01425 480400 or consult the web site www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

Ghost the Musical is currently previewing at the Piccadilly Theatre in London’s West End and has its official opening on 19 July. Relive one of Hollywood’s most romantic, yet tragic love stories that was one of the UK’s biggest grossing films 21 years ago. This time the lead roles are played by Richard Fleeshman of Coronation Street and more recently Legally Blonde fame as Sam Wheat (originally played by Patrick Swayze) and Caissie Levy who most recently played a key role in Hair as Molly Jensen (originally played by Demi Moore). A world-class creative team has adapted the Academy Award winning film for the stage with new music and lyrics by Grammy Award winning artist Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard. Short break specialist Superbreak has a range of packages available that combine tickets to the show with overnight accommodation in a range of hotels around the Capital.

The story follows Sam and Molly, who on their way back to their apartment one night are confronted by a mugger who leaves Sam wounded and dying in the street. Unable to leave Molly behind and let her go, Sam is trapped as a ghost between this world and the next and when he discovers that Molly is in grave danger he must do everything he can to find a way to communicate with her.Enter Oda Mae Brown, a storefront psychic who claims to be able to hear the dead, but never has done. That is until Sam arrives looking for help and for the first time in her life she can hear the dead. Sam must convince Oda Mae Brown to listen to him and try and get her to talk to Molly and warn her of the danger she is in before it is too late.

Sample packages include:
Three star package – from £139.00 per person staying one night b/b at the three star President Hotel and including a top priced ticket to the show. Valid Fridays in July and August. Based on two sharing.
Four Star package – from £158.00 per person staying one night b/b at the four star Danubius Hotel Regents Park including a top priced ticket to the show. Valid Saturdays in July and August. Based on two sharing.

For more information and bookings call Superbreak 0871 222 3055

or visit www.superbreak.com

New travel company Escapa www.escapa.com has created a range of exciting new itineraries that fit with the way modern travellers explore the world today.

Created by Mark Rawn, previously Product Manager at Wexas travel, Mark has over 20 years experience working across a range of disciplines in the travel industry. On a personal level Mark’s own travel adventures range from canoeing down the Zambezi River, inter railing in Europe to trekking in Southern Chile’s Torres Del Paine National Park and exploring Rajasthan.

Mark and the team at Escapa are all well travelled individuals keen to share their wealth of travel knowledge with other like-minded travellers. The driving force for launching Escapa was to provide travellers with an independent specialist operator that can offer wide a range of inspirational experience based itineraries:

“Whether for relaxing and recharging, discovering new landscapes and cultures, or simply being inspired by throwing yourself into new experiences, Escapa is committed to providing the ultimate escapes and once-in-a-lifetime adventure for discerning travellers – in some of the most spectacular natural locations in the world. Wherever our guests choose to travel to they are taken care of by extraordinary people whose mission is to ensure that each moment they spend with us meets their expectations and more.” Commented Rawn.

With the teams many years of experience in tailor-made travel, Escapa benefits from an extensive network of global partners and have created a wide range of inspired itineraries as well as offering tailored itineraries for travellers who prefer to start from scratch.

The escapes on offer are divided into ten experience based categories including; Beach and Wellbeing, Family, Wildlife Wildearth, Exclusively Yours, Short breaks, Ancient World, Inspired By, Active Adventure, Honeymoon & Romance and Discovery, there is something to suit everyone.

A fun addition for travellers who can’t make up their mind where to go is the ‘Escape’ button. Travellers entering the site can press the escape button on their own keyboard and Escapa.com will automatically generate new and exciting itineraries and destinations travellers may not have previously considered. Designed to excite the more spontaneous traveller, help those who need some inspiration or just for fun to escape the daily grind.

The ‘Inspired By’ Itineraries offer holidays that include lifestyle interests inspired by a love of coffee, wine, dance, literature and more. Itineraries on offer include the Café Columbia Tour, set in the Andean countryside. Here guests can wake to the smell coffee beans roasting at local plantation, explore the Spanish colonial backstreets of Cartagena and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Alternatively wine lovers can head to South Africa for a private luxury self drive escape. For more details or to book see www.escapa.com  or call 0207 100 3601.

Banff, Alberta, Canada – Everybody needs a break these days. After weeks of speculation on where the Royal couple would find quiet personal time during their whirlwind tour of Canada, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge finally chose Skoki Lodge in Banff National Park for a very special overnight getaway.

Set in the high alpine, normally accessed by an eleven kilometre trail up the Skoki Valley from the Lake Louise Ski Area, hikers and skiers from all over the world arrive at one of Canada’s most famous backcountry lodges. For Kate and Will it was a bit easier, flying in by helicopter, but no less special. For everyone who visits, Skoki Lodge offers breathtaking mountain ridges and alpine lakes, and the opportunity to explore five different adjoining valleys.

“Visiting this part of the world, one cannot escape the significance of this landscape and the importance of preserving it forever,” says Julie Canning, president & CEO of Banff Lake Louise Tourism. “We’re confident the young royals will be equally touched by the uniqueness and hospitality of Skoki Lodge and Banff National Park”.

The lodge, a National Historic Site, was the first facility built specifically to cater to ski-tourists on a commercial basis in Canada, and possibly North America. It was built by a group of Banff residents who formed the Ski Club of the Canadian Rockies to manage the operation. The first guests arrived for skiing in the spring of 1931. The main building was made of local logs with saddle-notched corners. A log one-storey kitchen was added in the summer of 1931. In l935-1936, Jim Boyce made a series of additions, including the upper floor and roof dormers and what is now the living room. He also added three or four log cabins for sleeping to increase the original capacity. Like the builders of several other backcountry lodges in the area, Boyce started out as a tour guide and outfitter.

Banff National Park, Canada’s first, is also a UNESCO World Site and plays host to over 3 million visitors annually.

Students who find themselves undecided on their next step upon the release of A-Level results next month will still be able to book a last-minute, life-changing gap year trip with the epic Oz-Bus London to Sydney overland trip and be in Australia in time for Christmas.

Furthermore, they can take advantage of an extended offer of up to £600 off to ease the pain of making last-minute gap year arrangements.

Oz-Bus, the company that runs trips from London to Sydney, Kathmandu and New York, has changed its policy to enable them to accept late bookings or enable passengers to join the trip once it has departed.

Oz-Bus client experience manager Rob Freeman, a former Oz-Bus passenger, says: “We are very aware of the fact that in mid August there are likely to be a lot of students who haven’t secured the place they were hoping for at university and who will be looking for an alternative experience to fill the gap. As well as being a safe way for young people to travel, this is a great and undeniably challenging way in which to meet new friends on the road, and experience a string of travel highlights which will form a remarkable start to a gap year.”

He continues: “Until now we have advised people to secure their places some months in advance, primarily to make the very complex visa arrangements, but we are now putting procedures in place that will allow us to accept bookings as late as possible. Rather than suggesting our 2012 departures, we will do our very best to get keen gappers on the Oz-Bus leaving on 4th September arriving in Sydney well in time for Christmas, or on the 8th October departure which enables them to see in the New Year in spectacular style. For those who really cannot make arrangements in time for departure, we will arrange for them to join the next bus along the route. .

The addition of Singapore to the route means Oz-Bus now travels through no fewer than 18 countries after leaving London’s Embankment on three adventure-packed months en route to Sydney.

Heading through Europe for the first 11 days, it then crosses through Turkey, Iran, India, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and onto Sydney via the Australian Outback and two more new additions for 2011, Melbourne and The Great Ocean Road.

Freeman continues: “Our September departure already has passengers from seven different nationalities booked, so it promises to be a culturally-diverse experience before it has even left British shores. “Anyone looking for an absolutely vibrant, life-changing adventure travel experience, the opportunity to meet lots of people and discover experiences from the world over in a challenging, ever-changing, but safe environment should look no further than Oz-Bus.”

The Oz-Bus journey takes 85 days with plenty of time spent in key locations for immersion in local culture, food, fun and adventures.

Accommodation with breakfast is provided every night in a mixture of hostels and hotels, together with a few nights camping in Australia for the true Outback experience. Oz-Bus is now offering passengers the chance to upgrade accommodation on a twin-share basis in hostels (subject to availability).

Those with less time on their hands, but still with the desire to travel may take advantage of a shorter trip to Kathmandu, or can join the trip in Bangkok or even hop on and hop off along the route.

The full three month September departure was initially priced at £5,299 per person, but with the extended discount it can currently be booked for £4,699 (including all travel from departure to arrival in Sydney, tour leader, local guides, accommodation and breakfast).

The October departure, which lasts two days longer and includes New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Sydney, is priced at £4,899.

Prices for sections of the journey are available at www.oz-bus.com  or on request.

“If you ever get the opportunity to jump on a bus with a bunch of strangers and travel halfway around the world, don’t hesitate. Pack your bags and get ready for the time of your life.”

For further testimonials and blogs from passengers visit www.oz-bus.com

Oz-Bus is proud to operate a responsible travel company.

For more information visit www.oz-bus.com  or telephone

(UK) 0800 7319427 (International) +44 1480 810080

Journeys of Distinction is offering savings of £400 per booking off a selection of their fully escorted luxury tours, taken before the end of 2011.

Peru in Style – 12th September & 10th October, from £3,695 per person with £400 saving per booking

Departing on 12th September and 10th October, Journeys of Distinction is offering a chance to experience the most exciting and eclectic highlights of Peru from £3,695 per person (was £3,895), saving £200pp, based on 2 guests sharing an exceptional 19-day guided touring program. Peru in Style gives a great insight to modern Peruvian life with city tours in Lima, Arequipa and Cusco as well as a look into its elaborate history with escorted tours in Colca Canyon, Puno and Machu Picchu. The tour also includes one of the world’s greatest train journeys on the Andean Explorer across the Andes. For further information visit www.jod.uk.com  or call 0161 491 7616.

http://www.jod.uk.com/en/destinations/south-america/peru/tours/pages/peru-in-style.aspx

The best of New England – 23rd September, £3,545 per person with £400 saving per booking

Luxury escorted tour operator, Journeys of Distinction is offering a £200 per person saving off a 13-day escorted tour of North America’s North Eastern state, New England departing 23rd September. The Best of New England tour visits Boston, the Pilmoth Plantation, Cape Cod, the Quechee Gorge and the Minute Man National Park and now costs £3,545 per person (was £3,745pp), saving £200 per person, based on 2 guests sharing and includes return flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation. For further information visit www.jod.uk.com  or call 0161 491 7616.

http://www.jod.uk.com/en/destinations/north-and-central-america/america/tours/pages/the-very-best-of-new-england.aspx

South Africa’s The Garden Route – 14th October, £5,195 per person with £400 saving per booking

Luxury escorted tour operator, Journeys of Distinction is now offering a £200 saving per person off a fabulous 16-day escorted tour of South Africa through Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay, the award-winning 5 star private Shamwari Game Reserve, Durban and Johannesburg. The journey also includes an overnight voyage on board the 5* Rovos Rail steam train, a name for being the most luxurious train in the world. Departing 14th October, The Garden Route tour now costs £5,195 per person (was £5,395pp) based on 2 guests sharing and includes return flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation. For further information visit www.jod.uk.com  or call 0161 491 7616.

http://www.jod.uk.com/en/destinations/africa/south-africa/tours/pages/the-garden-route.aspx

The very best of Indochina – 25th October, £4,645 per person with £400 saving per booking

Departing 25th October, Journeys of Distinction is offering a saving of £200 per person off a 20 day luxury escorted tour of Indochina from Laos to Siem Reap visiting Luang Prabang, Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City. The very best of Indochina tour now costs £4,645 per person, was £4,845, saving £200pp, based on 2 guests sharing and includes return flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation. For further information visit www.jod.uk.com or call 0161 491 7616.

http://www.jod.uk.com/en/destinations/asia/tours/pages/the-very-best-of-indochina.aspx

Summers of the Raj – 1st November, £3,245 per person with £400 saving per booking

Departing on 1st November, luxury escorted tour operator Journeys of Distinction is offering a saving of £200 per person off a 13 day escorted tour of India from Delhi to Shimia. The tour includes visits to Delhi, Amristar, Chandigah and Shimla and now costs £3,245 per person (was £3,445), based on 2 guests sharing and includes return flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation. For further information visit www.jod.uk.com  or call 0161 491 7616.

http://www.jod.uk.com/en/destinations/asia/india/tours/pages/summers-of-the-raj.aspx

Patagonia Discovery – 4th November, £3,995 per person with £400 saving per booking

For a fabulous 16-day luxury escorted tour of Chile and Argentina, Journeys of Distinction is offering a £200 per person saving for departures on 4th November. The Patagonia Discovery tour departs from Santiago through Valparaiso, Puero Natales, Torres del Paine, El Calafate, Los Glaciares National Park and Buenos Aires, and now costs £3,995 per person (was £4,195pp), saving £200pp, based on 2 guests sharing, including return flights, transfers and accommodation. For further information visit www.jod.uk.com  or call 0161 491 7616.

http://www.jod.uk.com/en/destinations/south-america/tours/pages/patagonia-discovery.aspx

4 night breaks from only £149 per person!

Due to an increase in demand for their self-drive breaks Alfa Travel have now added additional dates and resorts to their self-drive collection.

These self-drive packages give you the perfect opportunity to explore some beautiful parts of the British coastline. From the fine sands of Exmouth to the landscaped hillsides of Scarborough, you can explore your chosen area at your own pace with the convenience of your own car.

Of course once you have spent the day exploring the area you can be safe in the knowledge that you will be staying in a Leisureplex hotel, known for high standards and personal service. All are character buildings with their own unique appeal, placed in prime locations with magnificent views.

Dates start from Saturday 16th July at a price crunching £149 per person and include a sumptuous four course evening meal, room with en-suite and choice of a full British breakfast plus entertainment on most evenings.

There are selected dates throughout July and August at a number of resorts but you’ll have to be quick as they are selling fast.

For more information about Alfa Travel, or to book at one of Alfa’s wonderful Leisureplex hotels, visit the Alfa Travel website at www.alfatravel.co.uk  or call 08451 305 666

Michaela Boardman

Michaela.Boardman@alfatravel.co.uk