Cheap Holidays 2012

Sep 30, 2011 by holidays 2012

Here are some tips to help you find cheap holidays in 2012

The economy is still not doing well across the UK and around the world. This means that people have less money than usual to spend on holidays and other leisure activities. It means that people are spending less money which in turn leads to cheaper prices for breaks away.

Our hot tip for finding cheap 2012 holidays is to keep an eye on which countries are hit hardest by the recession. Greece is just one example of a country with severe economic problems. This could lead to holiday prices being heavily discounted. Greece is a great place for a trip because of it’s excellent tourism infrastructure and beautiful locations. The weather feels like summer most of the year round and there are many islands and mainland beach hot spots to choose from. Look out for late deals and year round discounts from travel agents.

Another way to find a great deal is to go online. The internet travel industry is booming at the moment. Competition is fierce with so many websites offering package deals. This means that prices are often cheaper than high street travel agents. There are some excellent travel sites like Trip Advisor which offer reviews from holidaymakers as well as travel writers. Conde Naste is just one site which features articles from respected travel writers.

Package Vs DIY: Most of the time it is worth buying a package holiday. They usually work out cheaper because tour operators buy flights and hotel rooms in bulk. The DIY option is usually only best for those that want a tailor made trip such as multiple destinations, or for those that want to visit somewhere off the beaten track.

Avoiding school breaks is a very simple way to get a great deal. Prices always rise at the peak times of summer (June to early September), spring for Easter, and winter over Xmas and new year. Anyone without school children should avoid these times.

 

 

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Luxury in 5 Star Hotels Abroad

Feb 18, 2012 by holidays 2012

Not everyone can afford regular luxury holidays but there are times when splashing the cash is the thing to do. Honeymoons are the most popular reason to take a luxurious trip abroad. Many newly weds dream of spending a week on a tropical paradise island. A milestone wedding anniversary of special birthday are also other reasons to make the move up to 5 star hotels and resorts. Below we are going to take a look at some of the best destinations in the world for a luxury holiday in 2012.

Perfect tropical islands

The Maldives is probably the most popular spot in the world for that postcard perfect romantic break. Many of the resorts are rated as 5 star hotels and they are often situated on their own private island. These hotels are not high rises like you find in a city. Instead expect to find beach villas or bungalows in lush surroundings. There are often less amenities but who really needs a massive plasma TV when in such a beautiful setting. Visitors to the Maldives want a different kind of luxury. This means personal service and accommodation that blends into the flora and fauna. You will often find resorts with traditional architecture and local materials used. The best places combine this with modern comforts and 5 star service. This is the place to be if you want privacy and relaxation. Many resorts have world class spa facilities.

Luxury Safaris

If relaxing on a beach is not your thing then you should consider an African safari. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many people so staying in a 5 star resort is well worth paying for. Flights to Africa are more expensive than many destinations but luxury tour operators have some goof offers bundled in with excellent resorts. When booking look for a place which has a room with a balcony. One of the highlights of a luxury safari holiday is relaxing on a terrace with a great view of the outdoors. This is enjoyable before a day out with the wildlife and also very satisfying just before sunset after the days activities have ended. African countries are only slightly ahead of the UK time wise but you will want to wake up earlier than usual to make good use of the day.

Yo will find packages available from www.onlyexclusivetravel.com

 

 

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All Inclusive Holidays

Dec 19, 2011 by holidays 2012

All inclusive holidays are packages which include not only the flight and hotel, but also all food and soft drinks. These offers are usually great value. They are ideal for hotels and resorts which are in isolated positions. If you plan on spending your time only in the resort then all inclusive deals are certainly worth looking into. With the savings it is usually still good to go for this type of package even if you plan on dining out occasionally.

Benefits of all inclusive holidays

- Cheap prices. The resort buys their food and drink in bulk and passes the savings on to you the holidaymaker.
- No hassles. There is no need to worry about choosing restaurants to eat in or bars to visit as everything is included within the hotel.
- Improved facilities. Usually the types of hotels which offer this type of package are larger resorts. They are more likely to have excellent entertainment in house and well as other amenities to keep guests happy on the site.

Disadvantages of all inclusive package holidays

- Less options. These resorts are often isolated from the outside world and guests may feel trapped or bored after a while.
- Poor quality. Cheap all inclusive holidays offers are more likely to have food and drink which is bland or unpleasant. Think big buffets and wine which tastes like vinegar.

When going for one of these deals remember that you can save money, but be wary of the lowest priced options. If unsure about the quality you can check reviews online from previous holiday makers. Simply find a deal and then visit a consumer review site like Trip Advisor where people rate their own experiences. This will help you to ensure that there is plenty to do, a good level of service, plus decent food and drink. If you end up in a place with bad food you will just end up eating out all of the time. There is nothing worse than feeling like you are trapped in a bad resort for your holiday.

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School Holidays 2012

Nov 21, 2011 by holidays 2012

What are the UK school holidays dates in 2012?

The UK is made up of many boroughs. Not all areas have exactly the same dates. Also some school holidays are different from others. The dates below are a general guide. You will need to check with your own school to get the exact dates.

- The Christmas and New Year break starts on Saturday 17th December. Most kids will be back at school on Tuesday 3rd January 2012.

- The February half term break starts on Saturday 11th. It is back to work on Monday 20th February. This week is known as spring half term.

- Easter holiday dates 2012 begins on Saturday 31st March, then back in on Monday 16th April.  Good Friday is on the 6th April and Easter Monday on the 9th.

- The summer half term break is the week from Saturday 2nd June. The children are due back in school the following Monday 11th.

- Summer holidays 2012 are the dates most likely to vary from borough to borough and even schools within areas may have different dates. For most kids the summer holidays begin on Saturday 21st July. Then it is back for the new school year on Monday 3rd September.

Private schools often have a longer summer holiday. Parents reading this should try to book trips abroad at the beginning or end of the breaks to get the best prices. The highest travel rates come in the middle of the summer break.

We will add the dates for the next school year as soon as they are announced.

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Holidays in December

Nov 4, 2011 by holidays 2012

Everyone loves to take holidays in December. It is the perfect way to avoid the cold weather and maybe even Christmas.

Sometimes it is just nice to avoid all the commotion of Xmas. A sunny break abroad is the perfect way to end the year and see in 2012.

Most hotels have excellent entertainment for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Why not let someone else do all the work this year?

Best Destinations for Holidays in December

1. Egypt is very pleasant in December. There is an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius which is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This basically means it is hot enough to swim in the pool or the sea. It is perfect for those that find places like Egypt too hot in the summer months. It is worth taking a cardigan or sweater for the nights when the temperature can get slightly chilly sometimes. The Red Sea is the place to head for where Sharm El Sheikh and other resort towns offer excellent accommodation. The scuba diving is world class.
2. The Canary Islands are also far south enough to guarantee warm weather in winter. The average temperature in the Canaries is 24 Celsius which is 74 Fahrenheit. It is still warm enough to sunbathe and enjoy the sea. Again it is worth taking something to wear at night in case you feel slightly cold whilst out. Tenerife is the most popular island with the famous volcanic black sand beaches.
3. Dubai is our 3rd pick for a December holiday. This country has quickly become one of the best value places to take a luxury trip away. They now even have a 7 star hotel which is widely regarded as the best luxury hotel in the world. Dubai has hot weather all year round and the average temperature in December is 30 Celsius or 85 Fahrenheit. There is no need to take a sweater here as the heat will keep you cozy all night. The great thing about visiting this part of the world in winter is that the humidity is lower than at other times.

The number one rule for winter breaks abroad is to choose somewhere farther south than usual. You want to get as close to the equator as possible to guarantee great weather. Prices are higher than ever over the festive and new year season. There are still some very reasonable deals to be found, especially online. Consider going earlier in the month if possible for a cheap deal.

December Bank Holidays

• Christmas day is on a Sunday in 2011. For some people this is a bad thing because it means one less day off work.
• Boxing Day is on Monday the 26th December and should give everyone a chance to relax and finish off all the turkey from the day before.

 

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Exotic Destinations for Holidays in 2012

Oct 22, 2011 by holidays 2012

The travel industry has suffered just like any other recently, which means that holidays 2012 are likely to be great value. Why not try something different such as a trip outside of Europe?

Destinations in the Indian Ocean like the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius are seen as luxury holiday destinations for the rich and those on a honeymoon. However prices have never been so reasonable as resorts there struggle to fill rooms. Booking online will give you access to the cheapest deals. Online travel agents have less overheads and the competition is fierce. That means consumers can find a great deal for holidays that were once considered out of most people’s reach.

Another area to consider is the Far East. It is a longer flight (often two) to get to destinations like Thailand and Bali, but the extra travel time is worth it. Asian countries often have very interesting culture, not to mention amazing beaches. The Asian travel industry has exploded in recent years which means there is an abundance of quality hotels and high levels of service.

For the best prices book online and use sites like Trip Advisor to get feedback from other travellers. That site compares prices too, but it is worth spending an hour or so checking out different travel agents and comparison flights. Package holidays are still the cheapest way to get a great deal in 2012. Travel agents who have a more personal touch will let you choose multiple stops within a single trip.

 

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Bank Holidays 2012 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Sep 30, 2011 by holidays 2012

There are 9 holidays in a normal year. These include the following public and bank holiday dates. Assume they fall on a Monday unless mentioned. The following dates apply to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are some differences in Scotland which are mentioned:

1. New Years Day Sunday 1st January. A day off to celebrate a new year. For many this means nursing a large hangover from the night before.
2. The first Monday of the year 2nd January. A bonus day to recover from the festive season. For most people this is the time to begin any new years resolutions and prepare for the year ahead.
3. Good Friday 6th April. This is a national break to mark the day that Jesus Christ was killed on the cross. Christians are expected to attend church.
4. Easter Monday 9th April. This is always after Easter Sunday which is the day of the resurrection of Christ. It is not a holiday in Scotland.
5. Early May Bank Holiday 7th May. This is better known in England and Wales as May Day and originated in Roman times to celebrate the beginning of the summer season.
6. Spring Bank Holiday 4th June. Most years this falls on the last Monday of May but this year it has been pushed forward to coincide with the Royal celebrations (see below).
7. Summer Bank Holiday 27th August. The last Monday of August is a day off for everyone to celebrate the end of summer. In Scotland it is held on the 1st Monday of September.
8. Christmas Day 25th December. Xmas Day falls on a tuesday in 2012. It is of course the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
9. Boxing Day 26th December. Many people do not know what Boxing Day is all about. It is actually a day to share the ‘Christmas Box’ with the poor. Many people use this as a day to go shopping in the sales these days. In the middle ages it was a time for workers to go home and see their families with a box of gifts from their employers.

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