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 |  | PLANNING YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAY OVERSEAS? |
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Article
Why not ditch the departure lounge in favour of a steady road trip? It’s often more cost effective than a package trip to the Costa Del Sol.
If the hidden flight costs of taxes, surcharges, luggage allowance and pre-booked seats have left you searching for your bank statements rather than your brochures this summer then you may want to rethink the way you holiday overseas.
Motoring abroad offers ample opportunity to set your own pace whilst you soak up the countryside views, stop off for leisurely rest breaks, and gently unwind as you head across the continent to your destination.
To help you on your way, Halfords has come up with 10 top tips to ensure you can set off safely, legally and hassle free wherever your journey might take you. |
1. Do you know where you’re going to?
Surely one of the worst ways to start your holiday is getting lost. With a wide selection of satellite navigation products available, and with expert advice and fitting in-store, it’s never been easier to plan your route before you go. The Garmin Nuvi 350T Europe Traffic sat nav system is available priced £299.99. Featuring a 3.5” touch screen display, turn-by-turn voice guidance, pre-loaded UK and Europes street level mapping, built-in MP3 player, currency converter, travel guide, the unique ‘Garmin Lock’ anti-theft system, and much more, this is the ideal travelling companion. A free set up and demo is also provided by a Halfords in-store specialist if you are new to sat nav or just need a refresher to get you moving. |
2. European Motoring Essentials
Laws in many European destinations require drivers to carry motoring essentials such as a warning triangle, headlamp beam reflectors, spare bulbs, a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and even a GB sticker at all times. You should be able to pick up all of your essential items in store for under £50, a small investment when compared to the high cost of a fine or penalty points later on. Number plates that include the GB euro symbol, legal since March 2001, make the display of a GB sticker unnecessary within the EU. However, be aware that if you stray outside of the EU a conventional GB sticker is still required even with euro number plates. Available from Halfords, prices start from just £2.49 for a GB sticker. |
3. Got it covered?
It is strongly recommended that you obtain an International Motor Insurance Certificate (green card), from your motor insurer. It is important to check with your motor insurer or broker what cover you have abroad as a Green Card may not always be issued. See your policy documents for more details, and if you find you are not covered arrange for extra insurance to offer peace of mind for your trip and consider taking out a European breakdown policy. |
4. No passport? No travel
Ensure that all members of your party have a full 10 year passport, and that it will be valid for the full duration of your trip. If you are visiting Bulgaria, CIS or Romania and hold a UK passport, you will also need a visa. |
5. Pit Stop
Avoid the high costs associated with many service station meals and roadside restaurants, and instead choose to re-fuel without even leaving your vehicle. Simply stock up and pack a Halfords Cool Box. Prices start from £29.99, (was £44.99) for an eight-litre Electric Cool Box. Driving when tired and eating whilst driving is an offence and can cause accidents, so always ensure that you pull over in a safe place for regular rest and refreshments. |
6. Avoid overloading
Overloading your car can result in costly fines, and may even invalidate your travel/motoring insurance cover. If you really have to take everything but the kitchen sink then why not invest in a roof box? Priced from £99.99 Halfords has a wide range of own brand and Thule branded roof boxes providing up to the equivalent extra boot space of a large estate car. What’s more, we’ll even fit it for you. |
7. Are we nearly there yet?
How often have you heard that cry? Keeping kids entertained while on the move has never been easier. Choose from Halfords extensive selection of in-car entertainment systems such as the great value Prestigio 7" Twin Screen DVD player priced £119.99. |
8. Safety for little ones
If you are driving the kids around this summer, you must take the same precautions as you would if travelling at home. Don’t be tempted to let the kids nod off laid out across the back seat, even on the quietest back roads. A child car seat is essential for any car journey. Halfords has a wide range of child car seats available in store suitable from birth. Our fully qualified fitting staff are also on hand in store to offer fitting, demonstration and advice for peace of mind. |
9. Permission to travel
All valid UK Driving Licences should be accepted when driving in Europe, however motorists with old style all green UK licences are advised to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), an internationally recognised permit which allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle without additional formality. Alternatively update your licence voluntarily before you travel. Whenever you drive in Europe it is mandatory to carry your original Vehicle Registration Document. |
10. Arrive, relax and enjoy
For all your camping and caravanning needs simply see in-store. Halfords boasts an impressive range of tents and camping accessories including BBQs, camping stoves, cook sets, lights, rucksacs, tables, chairs and leisure batteries. Halfords tent packs comprising of tents, mats and sleeping bags are available from £39.99. |
For details of your nearest Halfords store call 08457 626625 or see www.halfords.com
www.halfords.com
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Brittany Ferries does more to entertain the kids this summer
Keep the kids entertained whilst cruising to your French or Spanish holiday destination this summer, when Brittany Ferries play host to specially choreographed fun-packed shows to entertain the young and the young at heart.
Be treated to a superb mix of comedy, music, singing and dance when the cast of ‘Who Stole Summer?’ take to the stage on selected sailings of the Bretagne between St Malo and Portsmouth. With surprises galore, join the cast for a fun-filled afternoon where they are determined the find the summer. Every day, a lucky passenger will win a family hamper of Mars® chocolates during the show! |
It’s time for you to “Come on Down!” on board the Pont-Aven, travelling between Plymouth and Santander this summer*. Brittany Ferries and the ‘Game show Greats’ cast host its own glitzy game show. Back due to popular demand from last season join Nolan Dean, our compere, and his two stunning assistants in this specially devised game show which allows all to enjoy the very best of TV’s game shows from the last thirty years, in one fun-packed show.
Contestants on the Plymouth to Santander sailings will compete to win fantastic new Garmin in-car satellite navigation systems. With pre-loaded Europe maps, the winning contenders will be ready to guide their way through Spain and beyond. Contestants travelling the Santander to Plymouth route will have chances to win equally great prizes too – including a channel crossing for your family with a car and ensuite accommodation!
Book online at www.brittanyferries.co.uk/holidays or call 0871 244 1444.
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Fruska Gora and Sremski Karlovci provide a charming contrast to Belgrade and Novi Sad...
... and the makings of a great day out!
The Fruska Gora National Park became a designated National Park in 1960 and covers an area of 87 sq mi. In addition to being beautiful and unspoilt, it is home to 17 monasteries that are dotted in and around the heavily forested hills and gently sloping vineyards. These beautiful Orthodox monasteries are of extreme importance to Serbia faith; they contain many priceless works of art and are second only in significance to Mount Athos in Greece. |
In spring and summer both Fruska Gora and the charming adjacent small town of Sremski Karlovci reveal their true beauty. These are the months that many domestic and international visits escape Belgrade, which is within one hour’s drive, and Novi Sad, that is only 20 minutes away, to enjoy the beautiful countryside and make a tour of the monasteries and churches that have made this region famous.
The monasteries in Fruska Gora have been resting in the hills since the 16th century making their history date back to the time of the Turkish invasion when the Serbs were forced further north into this part of the country that is close to the Hungarian border. When the monasteries were built, Fruska Gora quickly became one of the most important areas in Serbia since the Despot rulers moved the church’s treasures and relics into the region.
Although the Fruska Gora National Park is now the epitome of relaxed rural Serbian life, this area has in fact seen its far share of wars over the centuries, from the Greater Vienna War in the 17th century up to World War II with
some damage still visible on the historic structures. In its heyday, this ‘Northern Mount Ethos’ had a total of 35 monasteries, but sadly over the centuries 18 were destroyed. Some of those that do survive have had to have been rebuilt, but the work has been done sympathetically to preserve the historical charm of the original monasteries.
A notable monastery in Fruska Gora is Krusedol which sits at the foot of a beautiful forested hillside. A Despot of Serbia had the monastery built in 1509 many of the original artefacts survive including paintings in the narthex dating back to 1543. During the 18th century, Krusedol was restored to its current state including the addition of the bell tower creating a majestic focal point in the beautiful natural landscape.
North of Krusedol and at the bottom of the Fruska Gora Mountain lies the small historic town of Sremski Karlovci. There has been a settlement here since the 3rd century when the Roman Empire ruled this part of Europe. The Roman influence can be seen throughout the city from the layout to the buildings to the artefacts around the town. Sremski Karlovci served as an important economic, cultural and spiritual capital of Serbia during the 17th century until the beginning of the 20th century after the area’s main export, wine, was ravished by a phylloxera infestation. The vineyards are now back and in production and a visit to well preserved town is sure to delight any visitor.
A trip to Fruska Gora and Sremski Karlovci taking in a tour of local vineyards and two or three of the monasteries is an idyllic day out and a great contrast to the vibrant cities of Serbia.
www.serbia.travel
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Do something meaningful with your annual leave this year - volunteer!
Gap Year For Grown Ups, the UK’s leading gap travel provider, has a number of programmes that require short term support over the next few months - typically from two to four weeks and involve a range of activities – from helping to build a floating school in Brazil to conserving the Australian natural environment.
Traditionally gap travel has been perceived to be the domain of school leavers but the Gap Year for Grown Ups customer base is a different story. 61% are 25-50, 27% are over 50 and only 12% under 25. |
Our volunteer programmes match our strict criteria of being sustainable and meaningful for the communities or natural heritage areas in which they are based, as well as rewarding and value for money for the participant. These programmes are designed to add value through the most important currency of all – people. Without the volunteer’s time, energy, enthusiasm or skills none of these programmes would succeed.
Why not try the Construction Programme in Nepal? Giving volunteers the opportunity to assist in the construction of a Child Day Care Centre, experience in building work is useful but not necessary whereas enthusiasm and a positive attitude are!
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Or how about The Israel Archaeology Programme? Located in the Mount Scopus area of Jerusalem this is your chance to discover something amazing that is priceless and could change our understanding of history.
What about The Floating School Project in Brazil, located in the unique and beautiful Island Archipelago of Tinhare, Cairu? You will help build a floating school, which will tour the islands teaching English to remote communities. During your stay you will also learn the traditional fight dance of Capoeira with local experts.
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In Swaziland, one of the poorest countries in Africa, there are four programmes for volunteers to get involved with - orphan care, construction, teaching or conservation.
In India volunteers are needed for labour work restoring and decorating project buildings and social development work in nutrition and healthcare. Choose to live in the Rajasthan desert area or stay in Himachal Pradesh high up in the Western Himalayas
In Australia your help is needed to protect Australia’s natural environment. There are over 20 conservation projects all over the country.
For details of all the programmes on offer visit www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk or call us on 01892 701881
www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk
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Enjoy the spa treatments of the Maasai and yoga overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro!
A trip to Tanzania may not be your conventional idea of a ‘well being’ escape, one that takes in spa, massage, beauty treatments and Yoga. But then again there is nothing conventional about the ‘wellbeing’ treatments practiced by the Maasai or taking a Yoga class over looking Africa’s tallest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Aim 4 Africa offers tailor made relaxation safari’s to Tanzania, a country unmatched for its cultural and colourful diversity. It is a country that embraces life in the great outdoors – and invites you to do the same. So when you have finished an exhilarating safari what could be more wonderful than a rejuvenating massage in an idyllic sanctuary where you can leave the world outside? |
Allow yourself to be touched by the wisdom and traditions of the Maasai at the African Living Spa at Gibbs Farm, Tanzania. Drawing from 50 different indigenous plant-based medicines, a team of traditionally trained healers have developed a range of innovative remedies for travellers. This personalised approach to alleviating stress and wellness issues draws its healing energy from nature. Local medicinal materials are freshly gathered, harvested and prepared by hand.
The Living Spa experience is amplified by the various places where guests can choose to have their treatments. Ranging from the Farm Cottage Massage Bed, the cow skin on the floor of the indigenous healing hut, the veranda overlooking the Ngorongoro Forest, the Garden Vishy Shower or under the healing branches of the Oreteti Tree at the heart of the Ngorongoro Forest.
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For those wanting to try their hand at a Yoga Safari, a visit to the Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge in Arusha offers Wellness and Cultural Therapy Retreats. The lodge is set in lush gardens, amid forest and crystal clear waters on the slopes of Mount Meru with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro. You can experience daily yoga classes from qualified, international instructors. Your Yoga safari will take you to the wild Bush and National Parks for your classes or you can enjoy private tuition by a lake, stream or under the forest canopy.
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Whatever relaxation safari you would like, Aim 4 Africa can develop a unique experience just for you. So if you fancy taking a traditional safari followed by a relaxing spa break by the sea in Zanzibar, Aim 4 Africa can organise this. After all what would be better than after a long safari taking a break in a haven of luxurious surroundings, soothing sounds and rippling waters, your whole mind, body and soul are balanced, restoring a sense of serenity and vitality. To find out more information contact Aim 4 Africa Ltd at www.aim4africa.com or call 0845 4et up over four years ago by Nancy Cutinha, who was born and raised in Tanzania, Aim 4 Africa’s main ethos is responsible tourism.
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Aim4Africa helps with the development of local communities, creating more permanent employment, taking part in community and conservation projects so that the local people and the environment benefit from tourism and clients get to enjoy their holiday knowing they have helped make a difference to the local communities. Aim4Africa is a member of ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association, www.atta.org.uk), EAWS (the East African Wildlife Society) and TIES (The International Ecotourism Society).
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Leave a smaller footprint on your holiday
Travel is to blame for a quarter of the world's pollution, with long haul flights and cruises being two of the worst offenders. According to the Energy Saving Trust, 70% of people in Britain want to be green*. Why then, will millions of people continue to holiday in irresponsible ways this summer, despite their values and regardless of the damage they are inflicting on the environment? |
People simply don't understand how exactly to be greener. Is it better to cross the Channel by train or ferry? Is cycling and walking pollution free?
How does carbon offsetting work? The issues around responsible travel can be confusing to say the least...
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A new book is on hand to explain how you can be a greener traveller, whether in the UK or beyond, for work or holiday. The Green Travel Guide by Paul Jenner and Christine Smith (Crimson Publishing) is full of practical help and suggestions. It covers:
• The truth about travel and climate change
• The pros and cons of carbon offsetting and other schemes
• The greenest ways to travel
• The best green travel organisation
• Great destinations for guilt-free green holidays
• Interesting ways to actively counter pollution
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The Green Travel Guide sets the record straight about the environmental impact of different forms of transport, whether you go by foot, train, car, boat or plane. Not only does it give you an idea of how green these types of transport are, but this fascinating book also explores how they may develop in the future.
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The Green Travel Guide also suggests loads of brilliant green travel ideas at home, in Europe and further afield, such as:
• Enjoying wildlife - at the wetlands centre in Barnes, London or spotting eagles, seals, dolphins and monsters at Loch Ness
• Go glamping (glamorous camping) - sitting around wood burners in yurts in Herefordshire
• Transform your lawn into a taste of the desert with an authentic tent, sumptuous carpets, drapes, lanterns and a hookah pipe
• Go surfing in Cornwall - and watch the world famous Annual Rip Curl Boardmasters competition in Newquay |
• Active holidays in Europe - such coastal walks in Belgium, walking in the Black Forest, Germany, cycling in France
• If you are daring go bugging in Scotland - (extreme white water rafting on a blow up armchair) or canyoning in Snowdonia (jump off a waterfall into a caluldren of blue water)
There is even a green travel calculator so that you can work out how eco-friendly your holiday really is. This straight talking, easy to understand guide equips you with all the information you need to ditch the guilt and help save the planet.
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Ten ways to reduce your travel impact on the environment
• Always choose the nearest suitable destination. In other words, for a beach holiday opt for Britain or France or Spain rather than the Caribbean.
• Always choose coach or rail in preference to flying or driving.
• When you do drive it should be in a car capable of 50 miles to the gallon or better.
• If your car has empty seats, share – or switch to coach/rail.
• Cross the Channel by the Channel Tunnel. |
• Don’t cruise, except on sailing boats.
• Always offset your pollution generously.
• Choose accommodation that minimises the impact on the environment.
• Avoid environmentally damaging holiday activities – quad bikes, jet skis and hunting, for example.
• Don’t make business trips if the telephone, internet and video conferencing can do the job just as well.
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With fuel prices rising, more holidaymakers see the sense of using Brittany Ferries
Recent soaring fuel prices in France has seen a rise in the number of travellers choosing Brittany Ferries as a smarter way to save on fuel, save on driving unnecessary miles, and more importantly, save on precious holiday time when travelling to the Brittany and Normandy regions of France. |
There is a great choice of routes and ways to cross the Channel. 5 Brittany Ferries’ routes
take you to Western France, departing from the UK ports of Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth. Plus you can take a leisurely cruise by day or overnight, or be whisked on our high-speed services to France from a little as 135 minutes.
And those seeking even better value will be reassured by the fact that unlike many other tour operators struglling to cope with the poor pound/euro exchange rates, there are no fuel or currency surcharges on Brittany Ferries Holidays.
All holidays can be booked online at www.brittanyferries.co.uk/holidays or by calling 0871 244 1444.
www.brittanyferries.co.uk/holidays
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