Very few destinations can compete with the breathtaking scenery of the Alaskan region and the famous Rocky Mountains. Now cruise specialist Reader Offers (www.readeroffers.travel) have teamed up with Princess Cruises to offer a truly unforgettable 14 night holiday, providing passengers not only with a luxury cruise of the region but with the added experience of a six night ''Heart of the Rockies'' land tour with the added bonus of a journey on the famous Rocky Mountaineer Train.

This exceptional cruise holiday aboard the luxurious Golden Princess departs on 10th May, 24th May and 28th June 2009 and early bookers can take advantage of some heavily discounted introductory rates just announced by Reader Offers. Prices start from only £2,295 per person - a saving of over £1200 on the normal brochure fare, and just a 10% deposit will secure the cabin of your choice.

Passengers on this voyage will fly from the UK to Calgary and spend their first night at the Delta Bow Valley Hotel before embarking on a six-day land tour. The journey then continues through the picturesque regions of Calgary, Banff and Jasper where they will join the exclusive Rocky Mountaineer Train, experiencing the comfort and luxury of the famous Red Leaf standard service. The stunning scenery of the region will provide passengers with endless photographic opportunities including the Thompson River and the Pyramid Falls. Passing through Kamloops the itinerary continues on to Vancouver and then across to Seattle where passengers will embark the Golden Princess in readiness for the next exciting stage of the tour - a fantastic 7 nights Alaskan cruise.

The Golden Princess offers a wealth of 5-star facilities with world class entertainment, bars and restaurants. Flexible dining options are available for passengers to enjoy the first class cuisine wherever and whenever they wish.

After departing Seattle the cruise begins with a full day at sea providing the perfect opportunity to explore this popular luxury cruise liner. The days that follow will take passengers on an unforgettable journey through fjords, forested islands and spectacular glaciers visiting Juneau, Skagway, Tracey Arms, Ketchikan and on to Victoria. Here passengers can enjoy a visit around this beautiful town before heading back to Seattle where they will board their direct flight back to the UK.

Prices include direct return flights to and from the UK, accommodation, meals as stated throughout the tour and full board dining throughout the cruise. Complimentary Stateroom upgrades are offered exclusively by Reader Offers, plus free travel insurance for all passengers booking Outside Staterooms and above.

Reader Offers Ltd was incorporated in 1995 and has rapidly become one of the UK''s leading cruise agents as well as the Number 1 World Cruise Specialist. The discounts negotiated by the ABTA and ATOL licensed operator are substantial and offer unrivalled value for money.

This amazing promotion from Reader Offers is the ideal opportunity to enjoy the combined pleasures of a luxury Alaskan cruise and a superb Rocky Mountain land tour at a truly affordable price.

To book please call Reader Offers any day between 8.30am and 8.00pm on 0845 458 8909. For further information visit the Readers Offers website at www.readeroffers.travel or Google ROL Cruise.

 

Foreign Office highlights highway horrors including motorway mugging as part of its ‘Steer Clear’ road safety campaign

More than two thirds of Brits aged over 55 who have driven abroad have run into problems, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) research* reveals today. These range from very serious incidents such as ‘motorway-mugging’ to more common driving errors which can end up having serious consequences, such as driving on the wrong side of foreign roads or getting badly lost.

Crime can be a real issue, with a growing number of British motorists, particularly those towing caravans, being targeted by ‘highway pirates’ and losing their valuables in a ‘motorway mugging’. David Andrews from Brighton found out the hard way in Spain. David said: “My car tyres were slit while I was filling up at a petrol station and when my car rolled to a stop a couple of miles later I was robbed while I was underneath the car replacing a tyre.”

With its research showing that the over 55’s are the holidaymakers most likely to drive a car abroad, the FCO is urging them to prepare before they set off. Over half of those who drive their own car abroad don’t take their driving license and car registration documents and nearly two thirds don’t carry details of their breakdown policy. Almost three quarters of over 55’s wouldn’t be prepared in an emergency as they don’t carry telephone numbers for local emergency services, breakdown services or the local British Consulate.

Because it’s so easy to hop over the Channel to France, many people take a day trip by car, coach or train. But as it’s such a short trip, they often don’t take out travel insurance. Pamela Deegan, Vice-Consul in Lille, France, says: “A lot of people think that it’s not worth taking out travel insurance just for a day trip, but if you fall ill or injure yourself abroad and require medical treatment it can be extremely costly if you don’t have insurance. Additionally, if you are on medication it’s important to pack extra in case your train or boat home is delayed.”

It’s not just drivers who face problems on foreign roads. Almost half of over 55’s have had trouble as a pedestrian with 28% having been annoyed or scared by drivers abroad. Almost a third of coach travellers have felt that the road conditions were not suitable for the vehicle and a fifth have been concerned that a coach was not of a high enough safety standard.

Tips and advice on driving and road safety abroad can be found on the FCO’s website – www.fco.gov.uk/travel. Travel advice by country, which includes specific information on road travel and safety, can also be found on the website, or from the Travel Advice line – 0845 850 2829. The FCO’s ‘Steer Clear of Trouble on Foreign Roads’ campaign will be running throughout the summer in partnership with a number of driving-related travel companies.

*Survey of 2012 UK adults aged 16+ undertaken on behalf of the FCO by Tickbox in May 2008

Please note, the advice below is not comprehensive. Driving rules differ between countries so the FCO recommends that you also visit the country-specific information at www.fco.gov.uk/travel for the most up to date advice for your destination.

Before you go

• Familiarise yourself with the driving laws of your holiday destination, including the local speed limits and which side of the road to drive on! You will be subject to these laws when driving abroad and if you are stopped by the police it is not an excuse to say that you were unaware of them. The FCO’s country-specific travel advice gives specific information on driving – www.fco.gov.uk/travel

• Consult your insurance company to check that you are fully covered to drive abroad and for any medical expenses that could result from an accident

• Even if you have extended your car insurance to cover driving abroad, you may not be covered for breakdown. You should buy a separate breakdown policy with your holiday insurance or from your motor insurer

• Some countries require you to have a Green Card, which provides the minimum insurance

• necessary in that country. Check whether your holiday destination requires you to have one

• Check whether your holiday destination requires you to obtain an International Driving Permit

• Service your car before leaving the UK and check that it complies with the vehicle requirements of the countries you will visit

• Plan your route thoroughly before you leave and make sure you have maps of your journey

• Pack an emergency kit for your car including basic first aid equipment

When you’re away

• You should carry your registration documents, driving licence, passport, insurance documents, breakdown policy and a Green Card if required at all times when driving

• Make sure you have all relevant emergency helpline numbers on you, including emergency services, breakdown assistance and insurance company

• If you are involved in an accident you should contact your insurer immediately and take photographs of any damage to your vehicle

• Drive defensively – expect the unexpected

• Do not drive when you are tired and take regular breaks at service stations or designated stopping points while you are on the road

• Always wear a seatbelt and ensure that all passengers wear theirs too

• Do not drink and drive. Be aware that the alcohol limit may be lower abroad than in the UK and in some countries there is zero tolerance for drink driving

• Never use your mobile phone while driving

• Do not overload your vehicle and ensure that you can see out of the back window

• Be aware that the local style of driving may be different to that in the UK. Always give the car in front of you plenty of room

• You should have a clearly visible GB sticker on the back of your car if your number plate does not include this information

• You should use a set of headlamp converters when driving on the right-hand side of the road

• You should carry a warning triangle, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit and spare bulbs in the boot of your car

If you are driving a hire vehicle

• Only hire a vehicle from a reputable hire company, the cheapest deal will not always be the best

• The insurance provided by the hire company can often be limited to the legal minimum level of the country you hire in. In order to ensure you are fully covered you should purchase top-up insurance from your tour operator or insurer

• When crossing the road, remember that traffic may from coming from the opposite direction to that you expect

• When walking around at night, wear light coloured clothing so that you are clearly visible to drivers.  It’s also a good idea to take a torch with you to help you see your way in dimly lit areas where the ground could be uneven and possibly unsafe

• Do not assume that drivers will stop at zebra crossings

• Be aware that jay-walking is illegal in many countries – always cross at designated points

• When walking along the roadside it is better to face the oncoming traffic – this way you will be able to see vehicles approaching you

• If you have concerns over the safety of the vehicle do not get on and inform the tour rep or organiser

• Wear a seatbelt if one is available

• Avoid travelling in overcrowded vehicles

10 Million brits return without their friendship...

You expect to lose something on holiday – your sunglasses, your camera, your innocence  – but 10 million* Brits have lost a good friendship; due to the fatal mistake of not testing ‘holiday friendship compatibility’ before embarking on a seven or fourteen days break together.

New research by Travelodge has revealed one in five Brits have experienced a ‘friends holiday from hell’ because they did not invest in a short break together first; to see whether  they were well-matched to go on a long trip together. Seven per cent of these holidaymakers even terminated their holiday within the first few days because they could not bare to spend another minute in their friend’s company. 

The report also found 55% of Brits holidaying with friends have two serious arguments. Listed below are the top five main causes for the disagreements:

• Clash of personality (finding out what your friend is really like to live with) (13%)

• Not having the same interests regarding activities and choice of food (25%)

• Experiencing your friends annoying habits that you did not know such as: snoring, being untidy and borrowing things without asking (25%)

• Fancying the same person, not approving of friends holiday romance or vice versa (11%)

• Money – who has paid for what and how the kitty is spent (5%)

To further the budget chain’s analysis of its ‘friends holiday from hell’ research, Travelodge also conducted an independent study amongst its 330 Hotel Managers, to find out if they had experienced friction between customers who were sharing a room with friends. Findings revealed that 35% of hotel managers regularly get asked by customers who are sharing with their friend’s if they can book a separate room after the first night. The main reason for the additional room is predominantly down to one party snoring and talking in their sleep.

Paul Anstey, Travelodge Operations Director said: “Around 60% of our customers stay for leisure. A large proportion of these consumers are friends who are travelling or holidaying together. Our findings illustrate you can know someone for many years but it’s only when you share a room together for the first time, that you really get to know that person. This experience can be true test of a friendship”

Anjula Mutanda, Psychologist and Life Coach said: “It’s a very common issue - friendships breaking up on holiday. The idea of going away with someone you know and trust sounds good in theory but it’s so easy for it to go wrong. Never underestimate just because you’re good friends, going away together for a one or two weeks break will be easy. It’s a big risk holidaying with someone for the first time; this is when you will discover what they are really like.

I would suggest, before committing to a friend’s holiday, first go for trial run such as a weekend break to access your compatibility. This will be beneficial for both parties and will not just save you money and heartache but most importantly your friendship”.

See below for Anjula Mutanda’s five steps ‘Holiday Friendship Compatibility’ plan:

• Ensure the friends you go away with, have similar interests

• Do a trial run first and go away on a short break before investing on a one/two week holiday  

• Decide on holiday arrangements beforehand such as: are you having a kitty, sleeping arrangements and what type of activities you would like to do

• Give each other space, you don’t have to live in each pockets during the whole holiday 

• Be extra considerate to your friend’s needs when holidaying together  



The Travelodge poll of 3400 adults also investigated the nation’s views on holidaying with friends and findings revealed: 

• Brits feel three is the maximum number of friends to go away with

• 65% of Brits prefer to go away with a mixed group of friends rather than the same sex

• Tempers are more likely to flare on a friends holiday on the third and fourth day

• 69% of Brits will take one holiday a year with friends

• 13% of  Brits have constantly argued with friends on holiday

• A beach holiday is the most popular type of holiday to go away with friends

• 30% of Brits have regretted going away with friends and vowed not to do it again

• 50% of Brits said you should always invest in a short break with friends before investing in a one/two week holiday to ensure you are compatible

Innovative online car rental broker CarDelMar.com plans three classic road trips across three iconic destinations

It’s time for a REV-olution in summer holiday travel. Forget the drag of a coach bound fixed itinerary, free yourself from the confines of a hotel resort and let your mind escape from the trappings of public transport. Get behind the wheel of a car.

Car rental provides the freedom to explore and discover remote hot spots and hidden glory of holiday destinations.

Whether it’s the ultimate automobile ride down the backbone of the USA on route 66, following the trail of the Tour de France or coasting through the Italian Riviera, CarDelMar provides pick up and drop off points at the start and end of every dream drive.

Route 66. Collect car from: Chicago; return car to: Los Angeles

Experience the kicks you can get on the iconic route 66. Hit the road Jack Kerouac style and travel along the historic Mother Route, a cord connecting towns, cultures and regions of a vast country. Be astounded by the huge variety of places you experience between the steel and glass canyons of the Miracle Mile in Chicago to Grand Canyon National Park. The rich fields of the Midwest transform into red rock desert and back again once you arrive in central California. Take your time – this could be your last chance to see the final picture show. There are only 500 drive-in movies left in America. Let your car transport you back to the days of outdoor films, tail fins and innocent fun. A Chevrolet Avro can be hired from £24.80 per day, based on 14 days hire.

Please note, a return fee of the car of up to US$500 may apply for driving from Chicago to LA.

Tour de France. Collect car from: Brest airport; return car to: Paris

Follow the bike trail and discover hidden villages, remote countryside and authentic French hospitality as you drive the road as familiar to two wheels as four. Be wowed by the mountainous range of both the Alps and the Pyrenees, visit the wine regions of the south France and shop with the fashion elite in Paris. France is bigger than you think, so let the car take the strain.  A Renault Clio can be hired from £22.90 per day, based on 14 days hire.



Italian Job – don’t blow the doors off. Collect car from: Imola; return car to: Monza

Embrace your freedom as you take the exhilarating ‘Italian Job’ route from Imola to Monza. Ease your speed and enjoy the famous film locations in Turin, coast through the side streets of Venice and experience the thrills and spills of Formula 1 territory in Monza. Sit back, relax and turn the music up as you try to keep the doors on your hired car and enjoy a real taste of Italy. A Lancia Ypsilon can be hired from £18 per day, based on 14 days hire.



For even bigger savings, CarDelMar’s ground breaking internet technology – My Price - offers customers the chance to bid for the car they want at the price they want making the service highly competitive.

Visitors to www.cardelmar.com will discover competitive prices, as CarDelMar has a policy of negotiating daily to secure the best rates for the customer.