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Fundays Expanding With More Luxury Motorhomes

Fundays Hire is expanding its fleet of luxury motorhomes. Due to a greater than anticipated number of enquiries Fundays Hire has added 2 new luxury motorhomes to the business which will fill a need that has presented itself in the Norfolk countryside.

NORFOLK, UK - Fundays Hire, the Norfolk based motorhome hire business, is increasing its fleet by acquiring 2 new vehicles. This is due to the greater demand than expected during 2007 and the need to meet this increasing interest in luxury motorhome hire. The new luxury motorhomes will be located at the Fundays Hire base at Guist between Dereham and Fakenham in Norfolk.

“Opening for business in February 2007 with 1 motorhome Fundays Hire expected about 10- 12 weekly hires to cover the costs and allow time to enjoy the motorhome ourselves, but what happened was brilliant! The phone kept ringing and the bookings kept coming, so with a demand that Fundays couldn’t meet with a single vehicle Fundays decided to develop the business by adding 2 new luxury motorhomes for 2008″, said Peter Lattimore, Founder of Fundays Hire. “This year has been even better with more enquiries and improved website rankings on search engines, such as Google and Yahoo due to the advice and continued hard work of our SEO Consultant, Kes Phelps”, he added.

The vehicles are Italian designed motorhomes based on Fiat Ducato chassis with 2.3cc engines and cruise control. They are very easy to drive with a 6 speed gearbox which allows them to travel the highways and by-ways of the UK or cruise the motorways and secluded lanes of Europe. The Fundays Hire motorhomes are supplied with cycle racks and also large storage areas which are accessible from outside, ready to take hiking boots, bikes and anything else required for an enjoyable vacation.

The Fundays Hire Carioca 656 is equipped with 2 double beds and 2 large bunks making them ideal for families or groups.

The fully equipped kitchen has a fridge with separate freezer compartment and a 4 burner hob allowing the flexibility to cook and eat in at the spacious dinette or dine out at restaurants along route. With blown warm air heating, touring holidays can be enjoyed whatever the weather.

Fundays Hire are making the new motorhomes available for hire from 1st May 2008, in plenty of time for the Whitsun break.

So for more information, visit their motorhome hire web site at

http://www.fundays-hire.co.uk

 or to see the details of the new luxury motorhomes visit

www.fundays-hire.co.uk/6%20Berth.aspx

Fundays Hire is a family business hiring luxury motorhomes / rv’s so that people can enjoy their holiday touring picturesque countryside and coastal terrain in a luxury motorhome. T

ravel in comfort at your own pace and stop at will to discover and explore places of interest and natural beauty.

UK’s FINEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS TOWN & COUNTRY GETAWAY

Enjoy fantastic accommodation and even a helicopter ride at The Draycott Hotel in London and Cotswold House in the English Countryside –

June 2008…/Can you really have the best of both worlds? Now you can, with the enticing “Town & Country” package from The Draycott Hotel and Cotswold House featuring traditional sophistication in London’s chic Chelsea neighborhood combined with superior modern design in the rolling English countryside.

The Town & Country Escape is a four-night, two-address getaway offering the elegant pedigree of The Draycott Hotel in the heart of the capital, as well as the stylish and luxurious comfort of Cotswold House in the quaint town of Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. These superior boutique hotels have teamed up for an exclusive package to reveal the very best of British hospitality!

The Town & Country package from The Draycott Hotel and Cotswold House includes:

• Two nights’ accommodations at the Draycott

o Dinner at nearby Aubergine – Michelin star restaurant (excluding wine to the value of £130.00)

o Tea and homemade biscuits in the Drawing Room

o Glass of champagne in the Drawing Room

o Hot chocolate before bed in the Drawing Room

o Chauffeur driven transfer to Cotswold House in the Cotswolds

• Two nights’ accommodations at Cotswold House

o Complimentary upgrade to a deluxe king guestroom

o Full English breakfast daily

o Dinner at Juliana’s (excluding wine to the value of £100)

o Half day chauffer-guided tour of the Cotswolds

o Chauffeur transfer to London/Heathrow or Gatwick (additional charges may apply)

For the ultimate indulgence, guests can also opt for a Helicopter transfer from London to Charringworth for an additional £3,500!

The Town & Country package is available from £1,700 per person, per package based on double occupancy and is available until February 28, 2009. For more information or reservations, please contact The Draycott Hotel at (011) 020-7730-6466, or reservations@draycotthotel.com; or contact Cotswold House at (011) 44-1-386-840330, or reservations@cotswoldhouse.com.

The Draycott Hotel, London

One of London’s best kept secrets, the elegant Draycott seems more like a grand Edwardian residence than a hotel. The 35 beautifully appointed rooms and suites are decorated with antiques and most have fireplaces. Special touches include complimentary tea and biscuits at 4, chilled champagne at 6 and steaming hot chocolate at bedtime, as well as complimentary WiFi 24/7. www.draycotthotel.com

Cotswold House, Chipping Campden

This hidden and unexpected gem is set in one of the most beautiful corners of the English countryside. Privately owned, the historic Regency townhouse hotel beckons charmed travelers with 30 artfully designed and superbly outfitted guest rooms and suites. Enormous beds, immense baths, cashmere throws and coal-effect fireplaces set a plush scene for indulging in the finest amenities, including satellite TV, mood lighting and a “Pillow Menu” for just the right head rest. Juliana’s Restaurant offers superb cuisine, and Hicks’ Brasserie bubbles with a full bar. The Cotswold House garden is among the finest in Chipping Campden, and tended to by a staff gardener. And the hotel is close to everything throughout Gloucestershire County, and just 90 miles due northwest of London. www.cotswoldhouse.com

Bethel Inn Resort $2.99 Gas Guarantee

To alleviate the rising costs at the pump for summer vacationers, The Bethel Inn Resort in Maine is guaranteeing a gasoline price of $2.99 per gallon round trip to the resort from any departure point within 300 miles of the resort. At check-in, the staff will calculate the round trip mileage and miles per gallon of the guest’s vehicle. The difference between the current gasoline price at the guest’s last fill-up and the $2.99 guarantee will be credited towards the guest’s vacation. A minimum two-night stay is required. The gas guarantee is available for resort vacations from Father’s Day, June 15 through Labor Day, September 1, 2008. Reservations for the guarantee must be made during the three week period, June 13-July 4, 2008.

The Bethel Inn Resort located in a historic Maine village at the base of the White Mountains offers summer vacations for families, couples and groups that are some of the most affordable in Northern New England. Comparisons of vacation rates at similar resorts in coastal and mountain locations show a savings of anywhere from 32-37% on room rates, meals and activities.

A quick three-day, two night getaway for a couple includes two nights lodging, two full country breakfasts, two four course dinners, unlimited golf, use of all the resort amenities including the health club, outdoor pool and lake house with canoes and kayaks, resort fees and taxes from $170 per person per night.

Vacationers can save on the many no-fee recreational activities in the area like hiking in the White Mountains, nature walks to visit waterfalls or to take a dip in a mountain stream, rock hounding and gem mining at abandoned quarries (a favorite with kids), visiting the Bethel Historical Society and its guided walking tour of the historic district, and sampling a free piece of fudge at the Maine Line Products Store. The community hosts special events nearly every weekend and there are free music concerts on the common.

Information on The Bethel Inn Resort and Bethel Village can be found on line at www.bethelinn.com or by phoning 800-654-0125.

Elite Islands Caribbean Island Sale

When vacationers book all-inclusive Caribbean escapes by Aug. 15 they will save as much as 50 percent with Elite Island Resorts’ new “$299 Island Sale.”

The all-inclusive nightly rate is valid for two adults per room ($60 per child sharing the same room up to two children per room).

The Caribbean sale is valid for travel now through Dec. 21 and requires a three night minimum stay. For those wishing to upgrade, they can do so for the price of $40 a night.

Elite Island Resorts’ $299 Island Sale is available for the following six Caribbean resorts:

the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort on St. Lucia, which just debuted 12 new luxury Hibiscus Suites; Antigua’s new eco-friendly resort, The Verandah Resort & Spa; St. James’s Club & Villas, with its new scuba center on Antigua; Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas, Tortola; Palm Island, a secluded private-island hideaway in The Grenadines; and the Village Inn & Spa on St. Lucia.

The all-inclusive rate includes accommodations, three meals a day, all beverages, land and water sports, hotel taxes and service charges, except at Long Bay and Windjammer Landing where a M.A.P. dining plan (breakfast and dinner) is offered.

Call 800-345-0356 or visit www.eliteislandresorts.com/site/299.html

Toronto Upcoming Sporting Events

A special block of tickets to the August 14 game between the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers is now on sale only through Tourism Toronto.

Sports fans can get in on the NFL action with packages including one night accommodation, breakfast for two and game tickets-all starting from $175 per person at www.torontotourism.com. Make it a powerhouse football weekend by catching the Toronto Argonauts on Aug. 15 as they play the rival Montreal Alouettes.

This summer Toronto also hosts the All Star spectacle as Major League Soccer (MLS) All Stars take on the West Ham United Football Club of the English Premier League.

Sports fans can book their July 24 seat at BMO Field with an MLS package from Tourism Toronto including one night accommodation, breakfast for two, game tickets and access to the sold-out MLS All-Star Official Player’s Party including two complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a limited edition commemorative keepsake, starting from $250 per person at www.torontotourism.com.

Additional summer sporting events taking place in Toronto include:

the Rogers Club, July 19 to 27; RBC Canadian Open, July 21 to 27;
Toronto Blue Jays Baseball, throughout the summer; and the Toronto Argonauts at the Rogers Centre on July 20, Aug. 1 and Aug. 18, 2008.

For more information, visit www.torontotourism.com

Worldwide Adventure with Saga Holidays

Recent research conducted by Saga Holidays reveals that two thirds (63 percent) of over 50s didn’t travel abroad on holiday until they were adults. 82 percent of respondents over 65 believe they have made up for it in later life, whilst 50-64 year olds are doing everything possible to explore new and exciting destinations.

Australia’s dramatic scenery and historical Commonwealth ties make it the most popular desired destination, with 44 percent of respondents saying they would like to explore the country. Of those who would consider releasing equity from their homes, 36 percent said they would use it to travel the world.

Gap years, once the sole domain of adventurous university students, are being taken to the next level by their parents and grandparents who continue to show they have huge amounts of energy by trekking through the old hippy trails of Nepal, clambering through jungle excursions in Borneo, and delving into the rain-forests of Costa Rica. The traditional backpacking destinations of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina are no longer reserved just for the young.

One third (30 percent) of children and grandchildren are envious of the travelling their parents and grandparents are doing. This is particularly clear for mothers and grandmothers who have just reached the age of retirement, and on average are taking nearly 2.5 holidays abroad each year. Films and books influence women in their travel decisions and aspirations with 40 percent naming literature (31 percent for men) and 26 percent naming movies (20 percent for men) as important factors, which may indicate why nearly all (91 percent) name scenery and three quarters (72 percent) name history as the main attraction of a place to visit.

There is little doubt the adventurous programme Saga Holidays offers is hitting the right spot. 80 percent of all respondents take two or more holidays per year and the company reports substantial increases in requests for special interest wildlife, music and art appreciation holidays.

Nearly all respondents (97 percent) have already visited the European mainland, and whilst only a small number has visited Antarctica (one percent), it is high on the list of places to visit (21 percent), along with South America (31 percent).

When asked if an annual event would influence them to travel to a destination, music played a large part; however at opposite ends of the spectrum, 50 year olds were more likely to choose the Rio Carnival in Brazil (19 percent), whilst 65 and over named opera festivals (15 percent).

Only six percent of all respondents to the survey, carried out by Populus, were worried their newly found freedom to travel would impact on how much they passed onto their families, preferring instead to ensure they travelled and tasted the ever changing face of travel for the over 50s.

For further details on Saga Holidays please call 0800 056 5880 or visit www.saga.co.uk/travelshop

Religious Travel Year of Faith Tourism

The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) designated 2009 as The Year of Faith Tourism.

The year-long celebrations and activities will: Highlight the New Era of Faith Tourism; Increase the awareness of the personal and communal benefits of Faith Tourism;

and contribute to the overall growth and health of the global economy, travel industry, and individual travel providers.

The official host of The Year of Faith Tourism is the World Religious Travel Association, the leading organization dedicated to the $18 billion faith-based travel, tourism, and hospitality industry.

As part of its kick-off for The Year of Faith Tourism, the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) is hosting this fall the World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference in Orlando from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1, 2008.

To learn more about The Year of Faith Tourism, visit the official website at www.faithtourism2009.com.

For more information about the World Religious Travel Association or the World Religious Travel Expo, call 800-657-1288 or visit www.religioustravelassociation.com

and www.religioustravelexpo.com

Holland America Cruises New Pan-Asian Restaurant

Holland America Line’s new Eurodam features a new Pan-Asian restaurant called Tamarind. The 144-seat restaurant will serve reservations-only lunch and dinner. The complimentary lunch menu will feature dim sum, an assortment of Asian dumplings and fusion sauces for dipping.

Soup and salad, as well as desserts-such as green tea tiramisu and mango sorbet-will also be included on the lunch menu.

For dinner, guests can order Asian-inspired cuisine off of the menu or choose Rijsttafel, a Dutch adaptation of the traditional Indonesia dinner. To complement the traditional offerings at Tamarind, Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has created Asian-inspired entrees.

The Silk Den, a new lounge adjacent to Tamarind, will overlook the magradome, offering guests a view of a new, poolside water feature. A full menu of Asian-themed specialty cocktails including Sakétinis will be served.

Dinner at Tamarind will cost $15 per person with the Rijsttafel costing $20 per person. Lunch is complimentary.

The 2,104-guest Eurodam was christened July 1 in Rotterdam with Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, followed by a maiden voyage in the Baltic region.

The ship will offer its first trans-Atlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean itineraries for the remainder of 2008.

Ritz Tours Thai Journey

Ritz Tours’ is offering a new eight-day Bangkok + Golden Triangle program. Priced from $1,661 plus tax per person, based on double occupancy, the program includes air transportation, hotel accommodations and sightseeing.

The tour begins in Bangkok and goes on to Chiang Rai. Priced from $1,661 plus taxes of $84 per person double occupancy, the Bangkok + Golden Triangle package features roundtrip airfare on Cathay Pacific Airways from Los Angeles or San Francisco (starting at $1,761 per person, double, from JFK in New York);

intra-Asia transportation; accommodations (Sofitel Central Plaza in Bangkok and the Empress in Chiang Mai); sightseeing in air-conditioned motor coaches; meals and entertainment per the itinerary; and the services of knowledgeable tour guides. The package price includes a fuel surcharge of $222 (subject to change).

Daily departure dates are available now through Oct. 31. A weekend surcharge (Friday – Sunday) of $50 per person, per way applies. Single supplements cost an additional $350 per person. Travel insurance is not included.

Add-on airfares are available for departures from various cities in the U.S. and Canada (including, but not limited to, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago and Toronto). Add-on prices start at $350 per person depending on gateway.

For more information contact Ritz Tours 800-900-2446 or visit www.ritztours.com