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By Alan, on March 31st, 2012
Trade unions are planning to strike in Spain, which has meant hundreds of flights between the UK and the country have had to be cancelled. Officials fear that the strike in Spain is going to bring the country to a standstill which is going to make transport in the country incredibly difficult. The foreign office is urging all people who are set to fly to Spain in the next few weeks to check the situation with their airline before they travel.
Over 200 flights have been cancelled by the Spanish airline, Iberia. It is possible for passengers to transfer to another airline or apply for a refund from the company until the 15th of next month. BA has also cancelled a significant number of flights, with close to 70 percent of their flights to Spain being cancelled. The airline has said that they will allow people to travel on replacement flight services until 6 April.
Many domestic flights in Spain have also been cancelled and the budget airline easyJet has also said that it is expecting significant disruption to its flight schedule over the next few days as Spanish workers start to strike. EasyJet said they have cancelled nearly 30 flights including popular routes such as Stansted to Malaga and Gatwick to Madrid. Another popular budget airline, Ryanair, have also cut flights to Spain.
Vueling, the Barcelona-based airline, has also cancelled the majority of its flights running between Barcelona and the UK. They have however said that any passengers who are unable to travel on their scheduled flight, will be able to travel on the next available flight at no charge.
The foreign office has warned travellers that there are likely to be demonstrations in major Spanish cities which are likely to disrupt transport across the country, worsening the situation from the strikes.
By Alan, on March 31st, 2012
If you are looking for a great destination for some adventure in Malaysia then you should consider heading to Sabah. This area can be found on Borneo Island, which is the world’s third-largest island. Sabah is located right in the North and it is an area that has attracted people interested in wildlife for a very long time.
It has a wide range of rainforest, as well as many other areas of outstanding natural beauty. For those who enjoy the beach, there are stunning strips of white sand with beautiful, clear, tropical waters. As well as being a fantastic destination for its nature, the people in Borneo are warm and friendly and will make any trip delightful.
For those visiting Borneo it would be amiss of them not to go to Mt Kinabalu, which stretches up to over 4000 metres. The summit of this mountain is the highest point in Southeast Asia and it is regarded as sacred by the local people. People come from all over the world to trek to its peak, and the view from the top is absolutely outstanding. Around the base of the mountain there is also a fascinating botanical paradise which has numerous rare plants including orchids, pitcher plants and even the rafflesia, which is the world’s largest flower.
If you are looking to come into contact with some of Malaysia’s most beautiful animals then you should go to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. This is located in the middle of a beautiful rainforest and spans over 40 square kilometres. This centre is dedicated to helping orang utans who’ve been captured return to their natural environment.
Those animals that have been orphaned are also taught the basic skills they need to survive, such as how to climb. One of the best times to visit would be when the animals are feeding, as seeing them enjoy their daily meal of bananas and milk is a wonderful experience.
Borneo is known for attracting nature lovers, and Danum Valley Rainforest is an area that shouldn’t be missed. This area is far away from civilisation and because of this it is in its most natural state.
One of the few constructions in this area is the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. This is a wonderful resort that has been made from entirely traditional materials including timber. It has the comforts of a great hotel and is in a setting quite like any other. From this resort you will be able to see some of Borneo’s most amazing creatures including monkeys, elephants, rhinos and nearly 300 different species of bird.
If you are tired of all the sightseeing then taking a day’s break to visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Park by boat can be a great option. There is a 30 minute boat ride that takes you out of the islands and they are a place that are known for being a sanctuary away from the busyness elsewhere in Malaysia.
You will find white sand beaches that are perfect for relaxing on and getting a bit of a tan. For those who enjoy snorkelling, the crystal clear water couldn’t be better. Sunshine here is almost constant and it is a wonderful place to have a barbecue under the sun.
For those who prefer a bit more adrenaline in their activities, they should consider white-water rafting. Some of the best thrills in the world can be found in this part of Malaysia and rafting down the Padas River is thrilling. The rafting goes on for about five kilometres over a grade 3 River and is an experience you will find really gets the heart racing.
By admin, on March 30th, 2012
With hectic lifestyles, long working hours, and so many demands on our time, it is little wonder that there are so many single men and women out there who would love to meet that somebody special, but always seem to be in the wrong place at the right time. Dating agencies are nothing new, they have been around since the middle of the 20th century, and are much parodied in films for their spectacular lack of success.
Irish dating differs from some areas of the UK in that it has parts that are very remote and rural, with vast expanses of countryside between. If you are a single woman in one village, and your dream man is several villages away, the chances of meeting them are as about remote as the locality. This is where Parship Ireland comes into its own; this forward thinking dating service brings together the singletons of Ireland with great success.
Parship Ireland is a bespoke dating service that specialises in those who are seeking long term relationships, if you are just after some fun, don’t waste your time looking for people on Parship, just head to your nearest nightclub on a Saturday night. They also have an advantage over other sites in that you have complete control over who sees your photos and has access to your profile.
If you meet your dream partner through Parship, you are spoilt for choice in Ireland where you can go for romantic days out or short breaks. If you are a lover of the great outdoors, the wild mountains and moors and glacial valleys of County Wicklow ticks all the boxes. Quaint fishing villages, white sandy beaches and abbeys and castles nestling in the lush countryside make this a great place for a break with your partner.
A weekend break in an olde worlde establishment with a roaring fire and old fashioned good service is very appealing to those who work in the city all week, and Ballinderry Park in County Galway ticks all these boxes, and many more besides. Loving restored, this Georgian sits on a small hill and looks like a life sized dolls house from outside. Peace, quiet and privacy is guaranteed, and special memories will be formed of your time here,
lthough you may have lived in Ireland all your life, when you take a break with a new partner you see everything with new eyes, and the joy of discovering things together is priceless.
Published for Parship Ireland
By admin, on March 30th, 2012
There are many who are still under the misguided and outdated misconception that if you are taking a cruise around the Mediterranean it is settling for lesser quality. While it may be a lot closer to home that the likes of the Caribbean or Australasia, there is so much more to our own continent than crowded beaches, concrete hotels and bad fish and chips.
The delights you get to experience on a Mediterranean cruise surprise even those seasoned travellers who think they have seen it all. The diversity of the cultures between the countries, the sights and sounds, the shopping and cuisine all make for the kind of magical that so many think they have to travel thousands and thousands of miles for, yet it is all just a few hours from home
Taking a cruise around the Med with Celebrity Cruises truly lets you see the best of Europe, and gives you a unique insight into those countries we think we know everything about. They have cruises of varying lengths and with differing itineraries. Take the 11 day cruise for example; starting off in Venice, you call in at Sicily, Messina, Rome, Naples, Malta, Kotor, Split before heading back to Venice.
Imagine Cruising are one of the tops sites for these kind of holidays, and their excellent site will give you all the up to date information on everything to do with Celebrity Cruises; ships, itineraries etc. It is also one of the quickest and hassle free ways to book a Celebrity Cruise, then you can just relax and count down the days until you board your ship and embark on your incredible cruise.
There are other advantages of cruising around the Mediterranean as well as the ones previously mentioned. There is no long flight to meet your ship as it will either sail from the UK or from a European port, the sea is a relatively calm body of water without tides so there is little risk of seasickness, there are few days spent on board looking at miles of endless sea and they are invariably cheaper than long haul cruises.
The ships are also t he last word in luxury, so for that time at sea between ports you will be spoilt for choice as far as activities on board are concerned. Floating, luxury hotels are a pretty accurate description, and a Celebrity Cruise will give everyone a real holiday to remember.
Guest Article for Imagine Cruising
By Alan, on March 30th, 2012
Many of us are hoping to fly off to sunnier climes, but with the threat of redundancies and less disposable income than ever, more and more are leaving it until the last minute to try and grab a great deal. The fact is that the late deals are very scarce these days, and that fantastic offer you see in the travel agents window, or on Teletext, will either have gone, the price will have increased or the price will be bumped up through small print.
The best way still is to head online, find a reputable site that offers cheap holidays, and book it that way. You see everything in front of you, there are no hidden charges, and you get to choose where you want to go as there will be dozens of hotels for where and when you want to go, and you can view them in price ascending or descending, whichever you want, and you can see exactly what you are getting for your money.
Let’s say, for example, you are planning your next holiday to Benidorm. This fabulous resort on the Costa Blanca has been a favourite for British holidaymakers for decades, and its popularity shows no sign of waning. The problem can arise from the fact that is so big, there are hundreds and hundreds of hotels to stay in, and the location is all important as you want to be more or less central to the beaches, shops, restaurants, etc.
By heading online, and not going to the ones that push the ‘allocated on arrival’ accommodations, by easily filtering by facilities etc it is relatively easy to track yourself down a great holiday at a good price. Even if you go to the same hotel and book it through the same company, it is worth having a look at what the other sites can offer as the price can vary a lot more than you think, even for exactly the same accommodation.
If it is your first trip to Benidorm, have a look at some images online of some of the areas. The most popular area in beside the Levante Beach, so invariably the prices are higher. The old town in also very picturesque, and more expensive, so check the hotel information to see exactly where it is in terms of the action, particularly if you are going for the nightlife and you want to be within crawling distance of your accommodation.
Article on behalf of Sunshine.co.uk
By admin, on March 29th, 2012
When I envision my honeymoon I see an idyllic getaway with sand and sun, a place we can stroll hand in hand down sleepy lanes, where we gaze into each others’ eyes over dinner at a quaint restaurant. I’m now certain that the perfect reality of this hoped for paradise is a Greek Island holiday.
My must-see stop is the isle of Santorini. It is said that Santorini offers the best vantage points to view the most beautiful sunsets in all the world, and what better way to while away my time, wrapped in my lover’s arms, than in front of a magnificent sunset. The island is famous for its wines; we get to sample product directly from the actual makers themselves. Every Friday night at the Wine Museum they celebrate Greek Night with amazing food and dancing.
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and will give us a slightly different turn than the others, offering a trendier and more cosmopolitan atmosphere. There are many ruins and historical sites to visit, such as the Palace of Knossos, but as this is my honeymoon, I’m fairly certain that I’ll be in too playful a mood for museums. My answer for this is to visit the nude beaches of Crete. Filaki, the only official nude beach, is separated by natural rock formations from the clothed portion and is open all summer long. An unofficial nude beach, but the most popular on the island, is Red Beach. Here, we may have to suit back up, depending on the amount of clothing on everyone around us. On the days when we are feeling less uninhibited, we’ll happily visit Balos Beach, purported to be the most beautiful on Crete. The beach affords only a little shack serving drinks, but looks out over a pristine lagoon of emerald and turquoise waters. When we’re not relaxing on the warm sand, we can wade out in the shallow water to a small islet.
Our final romantic destination, and some distance from the other two, is the island of Corfu. Off the coast of Albania, Corfu is highly popular with UK travelers. Kerkyra, the Old City, is a maze of narrow allies, paved with cobblestones, for us to wend along in pursuit of shopping. The esplanade, which connects the Old City to the Venetian Citadel, is peppered with bistros and restaurants that will beckon us in with their wonderful Greek fare. There are a number of isolated beaches where we can escape. Barbati, for example, is known as the best beach on the eastern side of the island, however, it’s not overrun with hotels and buildings like many in the area, and is, instead, rather undeveloped. Along the great length of the beach, there is enough room for us to quietly enjoy each others’ company, basking in the sun and playing in the warm, clear water.
This article was written by Ross Fraser who is a travel blogger and writer specialising in European holidays.
By Alan, on March 28th, 2012
If you are seeking a holiday somewhere that has pure white beaches fringed with palm tree, crystal clear waters that sparkle in the sun, plenty to see and do but at such a relaxed pace that you will come home feeling like a whole new person, you should consider the Maldives. This collection of over 1000 islands nestling in theIndian Ocean really are the stuff that dreams are made of, and going there has never been easier.
Only 200 of the islands are actually inhabited, and offer a holiday experience that is totally unique. There is such an ambience of relaxation and solitude that you could actually imagine that you were on your own desert island. The ocean surrounding the islands is teeming with life, and offers the tourist some great opportunities for swimming, diving, snorkelling, scuba diving and the like.
With regular flights from the UK, this Indian Ocean paradise is served by many travel operators and some excellent deals can be found online if you shop around. ITC Classics are a company who specialise in holidays to luxury, far flung locations and their choice of resorts and accommodation in the Maldives is second to none. Whether you are travelling as a couple or a family, their user friendly site will help you find your perfect spot in no time at all.
This is a part of the world that is renowned for indulgent resorts that really are the last word is luxury. There are over 25 of these to choose from on the ITC website and you can see everything that they have to offer in order to make an informed decision on where you will be going. With such exotically names island to choose from such as Cocoa, Baros and Madivaru, the world really is your oyster.
Some resorts, such as Conrad, are spread across two islands, in this case Rangalinolhu and Rangali, giving you the best of both worlds as you have everything your resort has to offer coupled with wide open spaces and bays where you can retreat to for total relaxation and solitude. Some resorts are better known than other, such as the Banyan Tree on Vabbinfaru Island.
The main airport in at Male, the capital of the Maldives and situated onMaleIsland. From here small boats will take you to your resort, and this boat hopping is the only way to get around the islands if you want to see as many as you can during your stay.
ITC Classics featured article
By admin, on March 28th, 2012
 You don’t have to go far or spend a fortune to enjoy the perfect city break. Europe really does have it all with a wealth of intriguing cities. And with Flybe, it could be much cheaper than you thought. Whether you’re after a romantic weekend away in Paris, a cultural adventure in Prague or to soak up the sun in Malaga, there’s a world of exciting cities to explore. So whatever top European city break you choose, you won’t be disappointed.
We’ve put together a list of the top five European city destinations, all just a short plane ride away, with some great things to see and do, you’ll want to visit them all and you can.
1) Paris. The perfect romantic getaway, you can’t beat Paris for a weekend away for two. Cruise down the Seine, stroll by the Arc De Triomphe, take in the sumptuous Palaces of Versailles or share a kiss at the top of the Eiffel Tower, you’re bound to find love in this beautiful city.
2) Amsterdam. If it’s culture you’re after or for a lazy weekend away, you can’t beat Amsterdam. Cycle through the city streets or take in a gallery or two, this majestic town has something for everyone. Whether you’re an art or history buff or its nightlife you’re after. Amsterdam has it all.
3) Prague. Prague is fast becoming one of Europe’s trendiest cities. Bursting with character you’ll find a wealth of museums and bars as well as some of Europe’s finest baroque architecture. Sit back and sample some of the local cuisine or enjoy a world famous Czech beer, Prague is ideal for a fast, fun and fantastic European city break.
4) Budapest. Budapest has long been said to be one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Straddling the banks of the Danube it’s a fabulous place to visit all year round. Treat yourself to a scrub at the opulent Budapest Baths, Take in a little culture at the Opera house or dance the night away in one of the cities many bars and nightclubs. Feeling hungry? Why not sample some of the finest of Europe’s cuisine at one of Budapest’s world class restaurants.
5) Malaga. For those in need of a ray of sunshine, there’s no better place to head for than Malaga. Situated on the Andalucian coast it’s great for a quick break in the Mediterranean sun. With fabulous beaches, some of Spain’s finest historical buildings, magnificent Moorish architecture and great galleries such as the Picasso museum, you’ll want to return time and time again. Luckily, cheap flights to Malaga are available all year round.
Europe really does have some of the greatest cities in the world, and you don’t have to go far to enjoy them. There are some short and easy flights to some of the greatest cities in Europe, whatever destination you choose, it’s easy to explore one these sensational cities.
Whether its romance you’re after, art or history, sun and sand, you can’t go wrong for a weekend away, so why not enjoy a top European city break now. You deserve it.
By Alan, on March 17th, 2012
Corfu, as a holiday destination, is probably most famous for its bars and beaches. However, this is not all there is to see in this fantastic place and if you want a break from the beach scene then there are some fantastic locations you can visit while on holiday here.
For those who are coming to Corfu for the first time they should definitely spend some of the holiday visiting Corfu town. Here you will find many popular locations including a 16th century fortress and from the top of this fortress you will be able to enjoy a spectacular view over the entire town.
If you are interested in doing some shopping then exploring the narrow, cobbled streets of the town is a good idea. There are many retailers selling fascinating items such as sculptures made from olive wood and various types of local ceramic and leather goods.
Achillion Palace is one of the most popular attractions for visitors in Corfu and it is located in the east. It was created as a summer palace for an Austrian empress and it is a very beautiful building with wonderful gardens and a fantastic architectural style. The palace is also famous for appearing in the James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only.
One of the most beautiful locations in Corfu is thought to be Paleokastritsa. This is a place where there are six individual bays which are surrounded by enormous cliffs. One of the best things to do here is rent a boat and use it to explore the various caves that are located in the bays. It is also worth visiting a monastery that has been constructed on the headland. It is most famous for being the location of the famous carving the ‘tree of living.’
To enjoy views over the entire of Corfu, you can drive your car up to the highest point on the island. This is the top of Mount Pantokrator, which is over 1000 metres high. You will also find plenty of fascinating villages to stop into and explore while you are driving up the mountain.
By Alan, on March 8th, 2012
 Mykonos has a well-deserved reputation as a sun-soaked summer destination, packed with tourists from across Europe who come to pack the beaches and enjoy the cheap and cheerful bars and restaurants. Whether you are a young family looking for a friendly and safe resort or young adults looking for somewhere to let your hair down,Mykonoswill have the perfect resort for you.
Even visitors who want to experience the real Greece will not be disappointed, with pretty whitewashed villages along the coast and in the hills and tourist day trips to some of the ancient sites on the island. However, it is on the coast that My konosreally comes to life.
Be prepared for the beaches and bars to get very busy in the summer months; some people will like this as it creates a great party atmosphere but My konos is unlikely to be your kind of place if you are looking for somewhere to relax. The natural landscape on the island has created huge sweeping beaches, which mean you will always be able to find a patch of sane to call your own, no matter how busy the resorts are.
The main beach is Platis Yialos, a patchwork of coloured sunbeds and parasols which are available to rent for the day. This is the place to come if you want to try out water sports, and it is only a short bus ride away from the main resort of Chora. Water taxis take visitors from Platis Yialos to other beaches on the south coast of the island; a unique start to your day in the sun.
Of these southern beaches, the best are Agrari and Elia, which actually run into each other to create a long stretch of sand, backed by cheap and cheerful beach bars and typical Greek tavernas. Agrari is the slightly quieter of the two, though in the height of the summer there is little difference. As well as the water taxi from Plaris Yialos, the two beaches can also be reached via the regular bus route from Chora.
Party animals will want to head to Paradise Beach, where most of the all-night bars and clubs are located, including the huge Cavo Paradiso complex – a giant nightclub with access to the beach and its own swimming pool.
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