RSS Feeds :: Holiday Guardian - Posts http://80.82.120.223/TravelBlog.html Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:06:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 en Know before you Go… http://80.82.120.223/TravelBlog.html http://80.82.120.223/PostComments-182.html Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:19:59 +0000 Ed Kaan http://holidayguardian.com/blog/?p=182 Earlier this month, Italy introduced more than 150 ‘public security’ laws, many of which were met with surprise by both the Italian press and tourists alike due to their curious nature.

One such law implemented in Vigevano, near Milan bans people from sitting in the shade at the foot of a local monument – much to the surprise of a local couple who were promptly fined €160 each for taking a moment out of the hot afternoon sun.  And last week, The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) recently reported that Britons spend twenty minutes longer cleaning their house before they go abroad than they do researching the local laws and customs of where they are travelling to.
 

 
The last thing holidaymakers want to feel on holiday is the long arm of the law, but with many destinations across the globe beginning to clamp down more strictly on tourists who do not obey local regulations, it pays be ‘in the know’ before arriving abroad.  Skyscanner’s Top Ten this week takes a closer look at some of the most bizarre and unusual laws around the world to help tourists stay out of hot water on holiday.

 

Singapore
In a bid to keep the streets of this super-efficient city clean, the authorities in Singapore decided in 1992 to ban chewing gum completely. Stick to a mint to freshen up after dinner.

 

 

Eraclea, Italy
Many holidaymakers escape to the sandy beach at Eraclea, near Venice, to escape the hordes of tourists in the ‘City of Water’. Unfortunately those who enjoy building sandcastles can think again – it’s forbidden.

 

 

Amsterdam, Netherlands
A curious loophole in the law means that smoking tobacco in a public place such as a coffee shop in Amsterdam is banned, while puffing away on pure cannabis is entirely legal.

 

 

Florida, USA
For those who are young, free and single and enjoy jumping out of planes in their spare time, be careful if you’re in Florida - unmarried women who parachute here on Sundays can be jailed.

 

 

Switzerland
The Swiss must have excellent post-dinner bladder control - flushing the toilet in apartment here after 10pm is actually illegal. It is also against the law for a man to relieve himself whilst standing up after 10pm, although we’re not sure how this particular charge would stand up in court.

 

 

Eboli, Italy
Honeymooners might be best to avoid hiring a car in Eboli, just south of Naples - kissing in a moving vehicle here can carry a fine of up to €500. An easy way of kissing holiday money goodbye.

 

 

Capri, Italy
Locals in Capri, northern Italy, must value their peace and quiet - a couple were arrested recently simply for wearing excessively noisy flip-flops, following the introduction of a ban on ‘noisy footwear’. The authorities are clearly putting their foot down in Italy this year.

 

 

Alabama, USA
Locals in Alabama seem to have blind faith in their driving ability, but unfortunately the Southern American state now has a law in place which states that it’s illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle.

 

 

Dubai, UAE
Dubai’s luxurious resorts and stunning beaches may seem like the ideal place to spend a romantic holiday, but don’t get too affectionate - kissing in public here is illegal, and many tourists have fallen foul of this law in recent years.

 

 

South-East Asia
The durian, a fruit native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, has a smell so incredibly strong that it is banned from many public places in South-East Asia. While not strictly a law, it’s probably best to avoid bringing a durian back to the hotel for everyone’s sake. Mind you, busking fans could always try a spot of \'Durian Durian\' if they end up on the street.
 

]]> Earlier this month, Italy introduced more than 150 ‘public security’ laws, many of which were met with surprise by both the Italian press and tourists alike due to their curious nature.

One such law implemented in Vigevano, near Milan bans people from sitting in the shade at the foot of a local monument – much to the surprise of a local couple who were promptly fined €160 each for taking a moment out of the hot afternoon sun.  And last week, The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) recently reported that Britons spend twenty minutes longer cleaning their house before they go abroad than they do researching the local laws and customs of where they are travelling to.
 

 
The last thing holidaymakers want to feel on holiday is the long arm of the law, but with many destinations across the globe beginning to clamp down more strictly on tourists who do not obey local regulations, it pays be ‘in the know’ before arriving abroad.  Skyscanner’s Top Ten this week takes a closer look at some of the most bizarre and unusual laws around the world to help tourists stay out of hot water on holiday.

 

Singapore
In a bid to keep the streets of this super-efficient city clean, the authorities in Singapore decided in 1992 to ban chewing gum completely. Stick to a mint to freshen up after dinner.

 

 

Eraclea, Italy
Many holidaymakers escape to the sandy beach at Eraclea, near Venice, to escape the hordes of tourists in the ‘City of Water’. Unfortunately those who enjoy building sandcastles can think again – it’s forbidden.

 

 

Amsterdam, Netherlands
A curious loophole in the law means that smoking tobacco in a public place such as a coffee shop in Amsterdam is banned, while puffing away on pure cannabis is entirely legal.

 

 

Florida, USA
For those who are young, free and single and enjoy jumping out of planes in their spare time, be careful if you’re in Florida - unmarried women who parachute here on Sundays can be jailed.

 

 

Switzerland
The Swiss must have excellent post-dinner bladder control - flushing the toilet in apartment here after 10pm is actually illegal. It is also against the law for a man to relieve himself whilst standing up after 10pm, although we’re not sure how this particular charge would stand up in court.

 

 

Eboli, Italy
Honeymooners might be best to avoid hiring a car in Eboli, just south of Naples - kissing in a moving vehicle here can carry a fine of up to €500. An easy way of kissing holiday money goodbye.

 

 

Capri, Italy
Locals in Capri, northern Italy, must value their peace and quiet - a couple were arrested recently simply for wearing excessively noisy flip-flops, following the introduction of a ban on ‘noisy footwear’. The authorities are clearly putting their foot down in Italy this year.

 

 

Alabama, USA
Locals in Alabama seem to have blind faith in their driving ability, but unfortunately the Southern American state now has a law in place which states that it’s illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle.

 

 

Dubai, UAE
Dubai’s luxurious resorts and stunning beaches may seem like the ideal place to spend a romantic holiday, but don’t get too affectionate - kissing in public here is illegal, and many tourists have fallen foul of this law in recent years.

 

 

South-East Asia
The durian, a fruit native to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, has a smell so incredibly strong that it is banned from many public places in South-East Asia. While not strictly a law, it’s probably best to avoid bringing a durian back to the hotel for everyone’s sake. Mind you, busking fans could always try a spot of \’Durian Durian\’ if they end up on the street.
 

]]> http://80.82.120.223/blog/?feed=rss2&p=182 Win a Playstaion Portable… http://80.82.120.223/TravelBlog.html http://80.82.120.223/PostComments-178.html Tue, 19 Jan 2010 03:48:02 +0000 admin http://holidayguardian.com/blog/?p=178 Holiday Guardian is giving away Playstaion Portable

 

YOUR chance to win a PSP with Holiday Guardian.

 

All you have to do is to Sign Up and registar and Post your recent Hotel Review on Holiday Guardian.... Really is that simple!!!

 

The best part is... there is NO charge to sign up with Holiday Guardian, its absolutely FREE!

 

 

Competition Terms and Conditions

 

a. Holiday Guardian prize draw is open to all UK residents, except employees of Coohat Ltd trading as HolidayGuardian.com (Holiday Guardian) or their families. Overseas residents are not eligible.

 

b. There is one prize, drawn at random from those participants entering the prize draw, which consists of an PSP console  as thet prize.

 

c. No purchase necessary to enter the competition. To enter the prize draw the participant has to Sign Up and registar and to post  a recent hotel review on Holiday Guardian. No automated entries or third party are permitted!

 

d. All entries must be received by 31 Jan 2010 with the prize draw taking place on 10 Feb 2010.

 

e. The prizewinners will be notified by email within 14 days of the draw date of 10 Feb 2010 and are required to accept their prize by email within 7 days of notification. In the event of non-acceptance within the specified period, we reserves the right to reallocate the prize awarded to the next randomly drawn valid entry (and the same acceptance period, as provided under this condition, will apply). Winners will have their names displayed on website.

 

f. The Judges decision is final and no correspondance will be entered in to.

]]> Holiday Guardian is giving away Playstaion Portable

 

YOUR chance to win a PSP with Holiday Guardian.

 

All you have to do is to Sign Up and registar and Post your recent Hotel Review on Holiday Guardian…. Really is that simple!!!

 

The best part is… there is NO charge to sign up with Holiday Guardian, its absolutely FREE!

 

 

Competition Terms and Conditions

 

a. Holiday Guardian prize draw is open to all UK residents, except employees of Coohat Ltd trading as HolidayGuardian.com (Holiday Guardian) or their families. Overseas residents are not eligible.

 

b. There is one prize, drawn at random from those participants entering the prize draw, which consists of an PSP console  as thet prize.

 

c. No purchase necessary to enter the competition. To enter the prize draw the participant has to Sign Up and registar and to post  a recent hotel review on Holiday Guardian. No automated entries or third party are permitted!

 

d. All entries must be received by 31 Jan 2010 with the prize draw taking place on 10 Feb 2010.

 

e. The prizewinners will be notified by email within 14 days of the draw date of 10 Feb 2010 and are required to accept their prize by email within 7 days of notification. In the event of non-acceptance within the specified period, we reserves the right to reallocate the prize awarded to the next randomly drawn valid entry (and the same acceptance period, as provided under this condition, will apply). Winners will have their names displayed on website.

 

f. The Judges decision is final and no correspondance will be entered in to.

]]> http://80.82.120.223/blog/?feed=rss2&p=178 All About Lanzarote http://80.82.120.223/TravelBlog.html http://80.82.120.223/PostComments-174.html Sat, 16 Jan 2010 05:02:26 +0000 Joanne Harding http://holidayguardian.com/blog/?p=174


 

Lanzarote enjoys hot weather and little rain. It only rains for about 16 days a year – the least of all the Canary Islands, and generally only in the winter. While the weather is hot, the effect is not unpleasant as there are also strong breezes across the island – too strong at times. Most visitors are British, Irish, German or Dutch.

 

Lanzarote, like the rest of the Canary Islands, was formed in volcanic activity about three million years ago. This is still obvious in the landscape, which is mostly devoid of trees. The soil and some of the sand is clearly volcanic, while the malpais (volcanic badlands) cover large portions of the west of the island. Lanzarote is a UNESCO2 Biosphere reserve, with the aim of protecting its cultural heritage. The island has enough tourist attractions to pleasantly pass a fortnight there.

 

 

 

The Influence of Cesar Manrique

 

Manrique was a Lanzarotean artist who had a great deal of impact on his island. He wanted to use his art to take full advantage of the natural features of the island and turn them into tourist attractions. His influence in this can be seen primarily at Jardin de Cactus, Mirador del Rio and Jameos del Agua. You can also visit his house, from where the Cesar Manrique foundation is run, which continues his good work. He also designed the mobiles which add interest at many of the roundabouts of the island. Manrique was tragically killed in a car accident in 1992 at the age of 73.

 

 

 

Northern Lanzarote

 

 

Mirador del Rio

 

As in Jardin de Cactus, the exterior hides what is inside, which is a lookout point, designed by Manrique, perched on the northern tip of the island overlooking the small Isla Graciosa as well as three smaller islands. It was built in a natural hollow in the cliffs, with outdoor viewing platforms and an evening restaurant with fabulous views.

 

 

 

Jameos del Agua

 

This not-to-be-missed site was also improved by Manrique. It can be, perhaps, best described as a grotto. It was created when Mount Corona erupted 3000 years ago, leaving lava tunnels underground. The first thing you see is a restaurant, but the main site is just around the corner. This is an astonishingly clear lagoon filled with blind albino crabs, a species not found anywhere else in the world.

 

At the other side, Manrique has covered an area of the lava in white (the contrast between the dark lava and the white is a trademark found at most of his sites) and filled it with a swimming pool, although it\'s only for show! Further along still is a beautiful underground concert hall, built there to take advantage of the acoustics. Above the pool are shops and an exhibition discussing the volcanic activity.

 

 

 

Cueva de los Verdes

 

This means \'Cave of the Greens\'. The Greens was a nickname for a group of locals who used this volcanic four-mile cave system (part of the same system as Jameos del Agua) as a hideout from pirates and slavers. Guides take you on a tour through approximately one mile of it, talking in English and Spanish, and there is a surprise at the end – take a camera with flash. The tour takes about 50 minutes but some passages are narrow or low, so you have to be at least averagely agile.

 

 

 

Jardin de Cactus

 

This cactus garden has been built in a disused quarry. Manrique bordered the garden, rising on several different levels, with the local volcanic stone. The soil is also volcanic but is broken up by the additions of many different species of cactus. There are a series of small pools filled with fish and a windmill from which great views can be seen. There is also a nice restaurant for lunch and a small souvenir shop.

 

 

 

 

Central Lanzarote

 

 

Cesar Manrique\'s House

 

The modern-day headquarters of the Cesar Manrique Foundation are in his old house, which in itself is very unusual. The outside is designed to fit in with the traditional architecture of the region, although embellished with sculptures, a mural and a mobile. The lower levels of the house, however, are made from lava tunnels. As this was Manrique\'s house, they are, of course, whitewashed. Each room is different – one has a tree growing up through a hole in the roof, another has a fountain. Outside is Manrique\'s swimming pool. There is also a souvenir shop and café.

 

 

 

Arrecife

 

The capital is mainly worth a visit for its shopping. The only place on the whole island that is clearly a city (although a small one) it has a range of shops, many more than other towns in Lanzarote. Dominating the skyline is the only high-rise building on the island, which was gutted by fire a few years ago.

 

    *

 

      Castillo de San Gabriel - This tower, connected to the city centre by a bridge, is now an archaeological museum. It shows artefacts as well as the skeleton of a Guanche, the original inhabitants of the island before the Spanish took over. There is an observatory on the roof.

    *

 

      Castillo de San Jose - This tiny fort was built as part of a job creation scheme in the late 17th Century, when locals were starving after major volcanic eruptions (see Timanfaya National Park, below). It is now a museum of modern art housing some of the work of local artists including Manrique. Entry is free.

 

 

 

 

Southern Lanzarote

 

 

Timanfaya National Park

 

In 1730, a series of volcanic eruptions began which were to eventually cover a third of the island, including some of its best agricultural land (causing great food shortages on the rest of the island) and burying 11 villages. This activity left behind many volcanoes including the \'Mountains of Fire\', as they are known. The eerie malpais lava field covers 20 square miles and photographs of this area were shown to the first astronauts in order to prepare them for the Moon! The area was made a National Park in 1974.

 

All of the main features are at the car park area, including El Diablo (the Devil) restaurant and an area where attendants demonstrate the volcanic heat under the surface by pouring water down a tube into the ground - a few seconds later it shoots up like a geyser. They also put dry scrub into an open hole where it takes just seconds to catch fire from the subterranean heat. The only way to explore the park is on one of the coach tours. These are free once you have paid for entry into the park and give commentary in English, German and Spanish. It is also possible to take a 20-minute camel tour.

 

 

 

Other Places of Interest

 

 

Beaches

 

Good beaches can be found all over the island, although it is worth bearing in mind that some are volcanic beaches of black sand. Some of the best beaches on the island can be found at Playa Blanca, the most southerly resort on the island. Boat trips also leave from here for nearby Fuerteventura.

 

 

Marinas

 

Puerto Calero has one of the nicest marinas on the island, from which boat and submarine tours leave regularly.

 

 

Watersports

 

Lanzarote is a popular place for windsurfers – particularly on the east coast, and scuba divers are also well catered for in Lanzarote.

 

 

Nightlife

 

Puerto del Carmen is the liveliest resort, with a mixture of bars, clubs and restaurants lining the main road through the town for several miles. It also has a casino.

]]>


 

Lanzarote enjoys hot weather and little rain. It only rains for about 16 days a year – the least of all the Canary Islands, and generally only in the winter. While the weather is hot, the effect is not unpleasant as there are also strong breezes across the island – too strong at times. Most visitors are British, Irish, German or Dutch.

 

Lanzarote, like the rest of the Canary Islands, was formed in volcanic activity about three million years ago. This is still obvious in the landscape, which is mostly devoid of trees. The soil and some of the sand is clearly volcanic, while the malpais (volcanic badlands) cover large portions of the west of the island. Lanzarote is a UNESCO2 Biosphere reserve, with the aim of protecting its cultural heritage. The island has enough tourist attractions to pleasantly pass a fortnight there.

 

 

 

The Influence of Cesar Manrique

 

Manrique was a Lanzarotean artist who had a great deal of impact on his island. He wanted to use his art to take full advantage of the natural features of the island and turn them into tourist attractions. His influence in this can be seen primarily at Jardin de Cactus, Mirador del Rio and Jameos del Agua. You can also visit his house, from where the Cesar Manrique foundation is run, which continues his good work. He also designed the mobiles which add interest at many of the roundabouts of the island. Manrique was tragically killed in a car accident in 1992 at the age of 73.

 

 

 

Northern Lanzarote

 

 

Mirador del Rio

 

As in Jardin de Cactus, the exterior hides what is inside, which is a lookout point, designed by Manrique, perched on the northern tip of the island overlooking the small Isla Graciosa as well as three smaller islands. It was built in a natural hollow in the cliffs, with outdoor viewing platforms and an evening restaurant with fabulous views.

 

 

 

Jameos del Agua

 

This not-to-be-missed site was also improved by Manrique. It can be, perhaps, best described as a grotto. It was created when Mount Corona erupted 3000 years ago, leaving lava tunnels underground. The first thing you see is a restaurant, but the main site is just around the corner. This is an astonishingly clear lagoon filled with blind albino crabs, a species not found anywhere else in the world.

 

At the other side, Manrique has covered an area of the lava in white (the contrast between the dark lava and the white is a trademark found at most of his sites) and filled it with a swimming pool, although it\’s only for show! Further along still is a beautiful underground concert hall, built there to take advantage of the acoustics. Above the pool are shops and an exhibition discussing the volcanic activity.

 

 

 

Cueva de los Verdes

 

This means \’Cave of the Greens\’. The Greens was a nickname for a group of locals who used this volcanic four-mile cave system (part of the same system as Jameos del Agua) as a hideout from pirates and slavers. Guides take you on a tour through approximately one mile of it, talking in English and Spanish, and there is a surprise at the end – take a camera with flash. The tour takes about 50 minutes but some passages are narrow or low, so you have to be at least averagely agile.

 

 

 

Jardin de Cactus

 

This cactus garden has been built in a disused quarry. Manrique bordered the garden, rising on several different levels, with the local volcanic stone. The soil is also volcanic but is broken up by the additions of many different species of cactus. There are a series of small pools filled with fish and a windmill from which great views can be seen. There is also a nice restaurant for lunch and a small souvenir shop.

 

 

 

 

Central Lanzarote

 

 

Cesar Manrique\’s House

 

The modern-day headquarters of the Cesar Manrique Foundation are in his old house, which in itself is very unusual. The outside is designed to fit in with the traditional architecture of the region, although embellished with sculptures, a mural and a mobile. The lower levels of the house, however, are made from lava tunnels. As this was Manrique\’s house, they are, of course, whitewashed. Each room is different – one has a tree growing up through a hole in the roof, another has a fountain. Outside is Manrique\’s swimming pool. There is also a souvenir shop and café.

 

 

 

Arrecife

 

The capital is mainly worth a visit for its shopping. The only place on the whole island that is clearly a city (although a small one) it has a range of shops, many more than other towns in Lanzarote. Dominating the skyline is the only high-rise building on the island, which was gutted by fire a few years ago.

 

    *

 

      Castillo de San Gabriel - This tower, connected to the city centre by a bridge, is now an archaeological museum. It shows artefacts as well as the skeleton of a Guanche, the original inhabitants of the island before the Spanish took over. There is an observatory on the roof.

    *

 

      Castillo de San Jose - This tiny fort was built as part of a job creation scheme in the late 17th Century, when locals were starving after major volcanic eruptions (see Timanfaya National Park, below). It is now a museum of modern art housing some of the work of local artists including Manrique. Entry is free.

 

 

 

 

Southern Lanzarote

 

 

Timanfaya National Park

 

In 1730, a series of volcanic eruptions began which were to eventually cover a third of the island, including some of its best agricultural land (causing great food shortages on the rest of the island) and burying 11 villages. This activity left behind many volcanoes including the \’Mountains of Fire\’, as they are known. The eerie malpais lava field covers 20 square miles and photographs of this area were shown to the first astronauts in order to prepare them for the Moon! The area was made a National Park in 1974.

 

All of the main features are at the car park area, including El Diablo (the Devil) restaurant and an area where attendants demonstrate the volcanic heat under the surface by pouring water down a tube into the ground - a few seconds later it shoots up like a geyser. They also put dry scrub into an open hole where it takes just seconds to catch fire from the subterranean heat. The only way to explore the park is on one of the coach tours. These are free once you have paid for entry into the park and give commentary in English, German and Spanish. It is also possible to take a 20-minute camel tour.

 

 

 

Other Places of Interest

 

 

Beaches

 

Good beaches can be found all over the island, although it is worth bearing in mind that some are volcanic beaches of black sand. Some of the best beaches on the island can be found at Playa Blanca, the most southerly resort on the island. Boat trips also leave from here for nearby Fuerteventura.

 

 

Marinas

 

Puerto Calero has one of the nicest marinas on the island, from which boat and submarine tours leave regularly.

 

 

Watersports

 

Lanzarote is a popular place for windsurfers – particularly on the east coast, and scuba divers are also well catered for in Lanzarote.

 

 

Nightlife

 

Puerto del Carmen is the liveliest resort, with a mixture of bars, clubs and restaurants lining the main road through the town for several miles. It also has a casino.

]]> http://80.82.120.223/blog/?feed=rss2&p=174 Why Write a Holiday Review? http://80.82.120.223/TravelBlog.html http://80.82.120.223/PostComments-171.html Sun, 10 Jan 2010 05:41:39 +0000 admin http://80.82.120.223/blog/?p=171 Welcome to Holiday Guardian

Let’s make 2010 the year of no more Holidays from Hell. Since the birth of the world wide web, people have turned to online travel websites to find the best possible holiday deals on package holidays and hotels. Using the holiday reviews provided by other Holiday Guardian users, you could feel more confident when making a holiday accommodation booking.

Holiday reviews today have become an integral part of booking a holiday. Whether its user-generated video footage on popular online video sites, like youtube, or holiday resort ratings on travel sites, holiday reviews indicate real user opinion,

Write a Holiday Review?

Thousands of people use Holiday Guardian every day, if your last holiday was excellent good, average, bad or a complete nightmare, Holiday Guardian wants to hear from you. Inform other Holiday Guardian users about your holiday experience. You could help someone stop wasting their hard earned money on substandard holidays.

Your Review!

A holiday review should be informative; the review should include as much information about your holiday as possible. The condition of the hotel inc. reception/lobby, room, pool, garden and the restaurant, the quality of food on offer, the service of the staff, nearby facilities and transport. If you have any tips and advice from your recent experience, Holiday Guardian would love to hear about them.

]]> Welcome to Holiday Guardian

Let’s make 2010 the year of no more Holidays from Hell. Since the birth of the world wide web, people have turned to online travel websites to find the best possible holiday deals on package holidays and hotels. Using the holiday reviews provided by other Holiday Guardian users, you could feel more confident when making a holiday accommodation booking.

Holiday reviews today have become an integral part of booking a holiday. Whether its user-generated video footage on popular online video sites, like youtube, or holiday resort ratings on travel sites, holiday reviews indicate real user opinion,

Write a Holiday Review?

Thousands of people use Holiday Guardian every day, if your last holiday was excellent good, average, bad or a complete nightmare, Holiday Guardian wants to hear from you. Inform other Holiday Guardian users about your holiday experience. You could help someone stop wasting their hard earned money on substandard holidays.

Your Review!

A holiday review should be informative; the review should include as much information about your holiday as possible. The condition of the hotel inc. reception/lobby, room, pool, garden and the restaurant, the quality of food on offer, the service of the staff, nearby facilities and transport. If you have any tips and advice from your recent experience, Holiday Guardian would love to hear about them.

]]> http://80.82.120.223/blog/?feed=rss2&p=171 2010’s Top 50 most searched destinations http://80.82.120.223/TravelBlog.html http://80.82.120.223/PostComments-157.html Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:39:37 +0000 Andy Pandy http://holidayguardian.com/blog/?p=157 The top 50 most searched for destinations from UK airports for travel in 2010 have been revealed.

Malaga is in the top spot, moving up one place from last year.

 
 
Tenerife and Alicante are second and third, meaning Spain takes the top three positions.
 
 
Spain is yet again the most popular country for Britons to visit, with 11 Spanish destinations within the top 50, five of which are in the top 10.

Orlando is a new entry into the top ten, rising 12 places since last year.

 
 
Skyscanner  SearchTop 50:
 

1.    Malaga, (Spain) [+1]
2.    Tenerife (Spain) [+2]
3.    Alicante (Spain)[0]
4.    Orlando (USA) [+12]
5.    Dalaman (Turkey) [0]
6.    Faro (Portugal) [0]
7.    New York (USA) [+5]
8.    Palma (Spain) [-1]
9.    Lanzarote (Spain) [+4]
10.    Geneva (Switzerland) [-2]

11.    Bangkok (Thailand) [+11]
12.    Paphos (Cyprus) [-3]
13.    Barcelona (Spain) [+1]
14.    London (UK) [-13]
15.    Bodrum (Turkey) [-4]
16.    Paris (France) [+1]
17.    Rome (Italy) [-2]
18.    Gran Canaria (Spain) [+1]
19.    Larnaca (Cyprus) [+1]
20.    Sydney (Australia) [+7]

21.    Johannesburg (South Africa) [New Entry]
22.    Amsterdam (Netherlands) [-4]
23.    Murcia (Spain) [-13]
24.    Dublin (Ireland) [-1]
25.    Ibiza (Spain) [+5]
26.    Prague (Czech Republic) [-2]
27.    Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) [+11]
28.    Auckland (New Zealand) [+11]
29.    Venice (Italy) [+4]
30.    Luqa (Malta) [+5]

 
31.    Krakow (Poland) [-5]
32.    Las Vegas (USA) [+13]
33.    Cape Town (South Africa) [New Entry]
34.    Melbourne (Australia) [New Entry]
35.    Fuerteventura (Spain) [-10]
36.    Berlin (Germany) [+1]
37.    Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) [New Entry]
38.    Marrakech (Morocco) [-9]
39.    Milan (Italy) [-7]
40.    Dubai (UAE) [New Entry]

41.    Madrid (Spain) [-5]
42.    Hong Kong (Hong Kong) [New Entry]
43.    Perth (Australia) [New Entry]
44.    Edinburgh (UK) [-16]
45.    Munich (Germany) [New Entry]
46.    Salzburg (Austria) [-15]
47.    Crete (Greece) [-6]
48.    Brisbane (Australia) [New Entry]
49.    Sofia (Bulgaria) [-2]
50.    Nice (France) [-2]

]]> The top 50 most searched for destinations from UK airports for travel in 2010 have been revealed.

Malaga is in the top spot, moving up one place from last year.

 
 
Tenerife and Alicante are second and third, meaning Spain takes the top three positions.
 
 
Spain is yet again the most popular country for Britons to visit, with 11 Spanish destinations within the top 50, five of which are in the top 10.

Orlando is a new entry into the top ten, rising 12 places since last year.

 
 
Skyscanner  SearchTop 50:
 

1.    Malaga, (Spain) [+1]
2.    Tenerife (Spain) [+2]
3.    Alicante (Spain)[0]
4.    Orlando (USA) [+12]
5.    Dalaman (Turkey) [0]
6.    Faro (Portugal) [0]
7.    New York (USA) [+5]
8.    Palma (Spain) [-1]
9.    Lanzarote (Spain) [+4]
10.    Geneva (Switzerland) [-2]

11.    Bangkok (Thailand) [+11]
12.    Paphos (Cyprus) [-3]
13.    Barcelona (Spain) [+1]
14.    London (UK) [-13]
15.    Bodrum (Turkey) [-4]
16.    Paris (France) [+1]
17.    Rome (Italy) [-2]
18.    Gran Canaria (Spain) [+1]
19.    Larnaca (Cyprus) [+1]
20.    Sydney (Australia) [+7]

21.    Johannesburg (South Africa) [New Entry]
22.    Amsterdam (Netherlands) [-4]
23.    Murcia (Spain) [-13]
24.    Dublin (Ireland) [-1]
25.    Ibiza (Spain) [+5]
26.    Prague (Czech Republic) [-2]
27.    Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) [+11]
28.    Auckland (New Zealand) [+11]
29.    Venice (Italy) [+4]
30.    Luqa (Malta) [+5]

 
31.    Krakow (Poland) [-5]
32.    Las Vegas (USA) [+13]
33.    Cape Town (South Africa) [New Entry]
34.    Melbourne (Australia) [New Entry]
35.    Fuerteventura (Spain) [-10]
36.    Berlin (Germany) [+1]
37.    Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) [New Entry]
38.    Marrakech (Morocco) [-9]
39.    Milan (Italy) [-7]
40.    Dubai (UAE) [New Entry]

41.    Madrid (Spain) [-5]
42.    Hong Kong (Hong Kong) [New Entry]
43.    Perth (Australia) [New Entry]
44.    Edinburgh (UK) [-16]
45.    Munich (Germany) [New Entry]
46.    Salzburg (Austria) [-15]
47.    Crete (Greece) [-6]
48.    Brisbane (Australia) [New Entry]
49.    Sofia (Bulgaria) [-2]
50.    Nice (France) [-2]

]]> http://80.82.120.223/blog/?feed=rss2&p=157 Its Cold and Very Cold http://80.82.120.223/TravelBlog.html http://80.82.120.223/PostComments-154.html Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:32:12 +0000 Barramore Holiday Apartments http://holidayguardian.com/blog/?p=154 As Britain struggles to cope with a few inches of snow, spare a thought for the travellers who were trapped on the train in Mongolia.

Snow drifts several metres deep meant an army of rescue workers had to be sent out to free the passengers from their carriages.

Heavy snow and unusually harsh winter weather snarled up transport across India, northern China and South Korea.

 

]]> As Britain struggles to cope with a few inches of snow, spare a thought for the travellers who were trapped on the train in Mongolia.

Snow drifts several metres deep meant an army of rescue workers had to be sent out to free the passengers from their carriages.

Heavy snow and unusually harsh winter weather snarled up transport across India, northern China and South Korea.

 

]]> http://80.82.120.223/blog/?feed=rss2&p=154 Happy Christmas!! http://80.82.120.223/TravelBlog.html http://80.82.120.223/PostComments-148.html Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:33:08 +0000 Ed Kaan http://holidayguardian.com/blog/?p=148 Happy Christmas!!


Its been an extremely eventful year, 2009 was simply incredible and memorable for all of us.


We would like to thank you for using Holidayguardian.com . Without you, our service wouldn\'t be one of the best.


It is our commitment to provide you with the best and truly independent travel information website.


Thanks for the great memories in 2009. Lets make 2010 even better!!


Holiday Guardian wishes you a Merry and Joyful Christmas...and a Very Happy 2010.


Wherever you are - Have fun!


Sincerely


Team HG


Sales & Marketing


Holiday Guardian


"Helping you make an informed choice"

 

]]> Happy Christmas!!

Its been an extremely eventful year, 2009 was simply incredible and memorable for all of us.

We would like to thank you for using Holidayguardian.com . Without you, our service wouldn\’t be one of the best.

It is our commitment to provide you with the best and truly independent travel information website.

Thanks for the great memories in 2009. Lets make 2010 even better!!

Holiday Guardian wishes you a Merry and Joyful Christmas…and a Very Happy 2010.

Wherever you are - Have fun!

Sincerely

Team HG

Sales & Marketing

Holiday Guardian

"Helping you make an informed choice"

 

]]> http://80.82.120.223/blog/?feed=rss2&p=148 budget hotels in delhi | budget hotels in new delhi http://80.82.120.223/TravelBlog.html http://80.82.120.223/PostComments-145.html Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:19:09 +0000 Ed Kaan http://holidayguardian.com/blog/?p=145 There are bundles of reasons for visiting the Delhi city. It is one of the fastest emerging cities in the world. The city sprawls over the western bank of Yamuna River. It can be divided into two parts- Old Delhi and New Delhi. The narrow and busy streets of old Delhi and stunning corporate explosion at New Delhi makes the city the ultimate diversified place to be in. The city presents you the finest mixture of modernity as well as ancient culture. It has some exceptional features including beautiful historical monuments including some blooming forts, temples and tombs, lively markets including various shopping joints and malls, zoos, water parks, discos, and several other rocking places.

Although there are several places in Delhi where you can easily access budget hotels. But the place renowned for its hotels especially budget hotel in Delhi is the Auranewdelhi. The Place has some of the most wonderfully designed and well-accomplished budget hotels. The place is regarded as the best budget hotels destination due to its wonderful location. The place is best suited for national and international visitors.
 

Budget hotels in new Delhi typically target the well heeled domestic tourists who intend to come to Delhi either on a business or leisure trip. Unlike star category hotels that typically target the international tourists and customize the menu and dcor according to their tastes and preferences.
 

Budget hotels in New Delhi provide an option for those looking at mid priced
accommodation in the metropolis of Delhi. Most budget hotels in Delhi are located close to the railway stations or major bus depots. here they get a catchment area of domestic business/leisure tourists.
 

Budget hotels in Delhi tailor their menu and dcor according to Indian tastes and preferences. In some of these hotels you would find theme based dcor where all elements of the dcor revolve around a particular theme. So you will find within these deluxe hotels, restaurants having a village style, ethnic dcor or a Mediterranean or oriental dcor. The dcor is always in sync with the kind of dishes being served on the menu. Of late, however the trend is to stick to a contemporary, business like dcor.

However , some of the drawbacks that budget hotels in New Delhi suffer from is that their bouquet of amenities and services is not wide enough. Unlike star class hotels where the customer is spoilt for choice, options here are limited and the consumer may have to fend for himself.
 

http://www.articlealley.com/article_1307433_29.html

]]> There are bundles of reasons for visiting the Delhi city. It is one of the fastest emerging cities in the world. The city sprawls over the western bank of Yamuna River. It can be divided into two parts- Old Delhi and New Delhi. The narrow and busy streets of old Delhi and stunning corporate explosion at New Delhi makes the city the ultimate diversified place to be in. The city presents you the finest mixture of modernity as well as ancient culture. It has some exceptional features including beautiful historical monuments including some blooming forts, temples and tombs, lively markets including various shopping joints and malls, zoos, water parks, discos, and several other rocking places.

Although there are several places in Delhi where you can easily access budget hotels. But the place renowned for its hotels especially budget hotel in Delhi is the Auranewdelhi. The Place has some of the most wonderfully designed and well-accomplished budget hotels. The place is regarded as the best budget hotels destination due to its wonderful location. The place is best suited for national and international visitors.
 

Budget hotels in new Delhi typically target the well heeled domestic tourists who intend to come to Delhi either on a business or leisure trip. Unlike star category hotels that typically target the international tourists and customize the menu and dcor according to their tastes and preferences.
 

Budget hotels in New Delhi provide an option for those looking at mid priced
accommodation in the metropolis of Delhi. Most budget hotels in Delhi are located close to the railway stations or major bus depots. here they get a catchment area of domestic business/leisure tourists.
 

Budget hotels in Delhi tailor their menu and dcor according to Indian tastes and preferences. In some of these hotels you would find theme based dcor where all elements of the dcor revolve around a particular theme. So you will find within these deluxe hotels, restaurants having a village style, ethnic dcor or a Mediterranean or oriental dcor. The dcor is always in sync with the kind of dishes being served on the menu. Of late, however the trend is to stick to a contemporary, business like dcor.

However , some of the drawbacks that budget hotels in New Delhi suffer from is that their bouquet of amenities and services is not wide enough. Unlike star class hotels where the customer is spoilt for choice, options here are limited and the consumer may have to fend for himself.
 

http://www.articlealley.com/article_1307433_29.html

]]> http://80.82.120.223/blog/?feed=rss2&p=145 Holidayguardian.com - Provides Free Online direct traffic for Hotels http://80.82.120.223/TravelBlog.html http://80.82.120.223/PostComments-142.html Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:18:43 +0000 Ed Kaan http://holidayguardian.com/blog/?p=142 Holiday Guardian, a travel service company providing a truly independent prospective on holiday and hotels worldwide.

Holiday Guardian is one of the few holiday reviews site to provide free hotel marketing services; the marketing program will send traffic directly to hotel websites.
 
London - Holidayguardian.com, an independent site for holiday and hotel reviews and hotel ratings, has announced today, it is offering a FREE hotel Internet marketing program to assist hotel managers and owners with direct customers to their own websites. Holidayguardian.com is one of the few online holiday and hotel reviews site to offer this hotel marketing services for free.
 
As one of the fastest growing country, area, resort, holiday and hotel resources online, we\'re pleased to extend this free hotel Internet marketing program to hotel owners and managers and send customers directly to their hotels. 
 
Holidayguardian.com has found through customer feed back that visitors highly value having official phone numbers and direct website links alongside links to online travel agencies. This program will allow visitor on holidayguardian with the accurate information they need, and a strong relationships with hotels at the same time.
 
We are pleased to participate in online marketing programs designed to add mutual benefits for travellers and hotels alike. Holidayguardian believe that customer feedback is critical to our ongoing success and all of our properties value honest unbiased independent holiday and hotel reviews from travellers.  
 
Hotel owners and managers are encouraged to visit holidayguardian.com to ensure that their website and phone numbers are included and up-to-date. Property managers can submit changes or additions to their contact information as well as submit amenities information and upload photos of their hotel, apartment or resort. All submissions are thoroughly checked by the holidayguardian.com product team, and all of these hotel marketing services are free of charge. If a hotel is not currently listed on Holidayguardian.com, hotel owners and managers can request it be added, all for free.
 
Additionally, holidayguardian.com offers a unique hotel video for each hotel. Hotel owners and managers are encouraged to check to see if we feature their hotel video, if not they are encouraged to contact our product team to get the hotel video live for their property.
 
Holidayguardian.com also offers small medium and major hotel chains paid advertising programs for additional exposure, traffic and branding throughout Holidayguardian.com.
 
 
About Holidayguardian.com

Founded in March of 2005, Holidayguardin.com is a truly independent and impartial source for unbiased holiday and hotel reviews and hotel ratings. The site features over many hotel reviews and personal holiday and hotel photos and video posted by real travellers and is one of the fastest growing online travel resources on the web. For more information please visit http://www.holidayguardian.com.

]]> Holiday Guardian, a travel service company providing a truly independent prospective on holiday and hotels worldwide.

Holiday Guardian is one of the few holiday reviews site to provide free hotel marketing services; the marketing program will send traffic directly to hotel websites.
 
London - Holidayguardian.com, an independent site for holiday and hotel reviews and hotel ratings, has announced today, it is offering a FREE hotel Internet marketing program to assist hotel managers and owners with direct customers to their own websites. Holidayguardian.com is one of the few online holiday and hotel reviews site to offer this hotel marketing services for free.
 
As one of the fastest growing country, area, resort, holiday and hotel resources online, we\’re pleased to extend this free hotel Internet marketing program to hotel owners and managers and send customers directly to their hotels. 
 
Holidayguardian.com has found through customer feed back that visitors highly value having official phone numbers and direct website links alongside links to online travel agencies. This program will allow visitor on holidayguardian with the accurate information they need, and a strong relationships with hotels at the same time.
 
We are pleased to participate in online marketing programs designed to add mutual benefits for travellers and hotels alike. Holidayguardian believe that customer feedback is critical to our ongoing success and all of our properties value honest unbiased independent holiday and hotel reviews from travellers.  
 
Hotel owners and managers are encouraged to visit holidayguardian.com to ensure that their website and phone numbers are included and up-to-date. Property managers can submit changes or additions to their contact information as well as submit amenities information and upload photos of their hotel, apartment or resort. All submissions are thoroughly checked by the holidayguardian.com product team, and all of these hotel marketing services are free of charge. If a hotel is not currently listed on Holidayguardian.com, hotel owners and managers can request it be added, all for free.
 
Additionally, holidayguardian.com offers a unique hotel video for each hotel. Hotel owners and managers are encouraged to check to see if we feature their hotel video, if not they are encouraged to contact our product team to get the hotel video live for their property.
 
Holidayguardian.com also offers small medium and major hotel chains paid advertising programs for additional exposure, traffic and branding throughout Holidayguardian.com.
 
 
About Holidayguardian.com

Founded in March of 2005, Holidayguardin.com is a truly independent and impartial source for unbiased holiday and hotel reviews and hotel ratings. The site features over many hotel reviews and personal holiday and hotel photos and video posted by real travellers and is one of the fastest growing online travel resources on the web. For more information please visit http://www.holidayguardian.com.

]]> http://80.82.120.223/blog/?feed=rss2&p=142 California kicks off big campaign http://80.82.120.223/TravelBlog.html http://80.82.120.223/PostComments-134.html Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:11:27 +0000 Ed Kaan http://holidayguardian.com/blog/?p=134 California Tourism’s new campaign, California Calling, offers a member of the UK public the opportunity to star alongside David Beckham in a television advert.

In addition, a special trade version of California Calling is running on ttglive.com, giving agents the opportunity to be part of a star-studded fam to southern California with California Tourism and Virgin Holidays. The fam will take in Los Angeles, Anaheim and \'the OC\' plus San Diego, and culminate in a visit to the film set to watch the advert being filmed.

Andy Price, travel trade director, California Tourism UK & Ireland, said: "We are delighted to launch the trade version of the California Calling campaign, which gives the trade a second chance to win. We know there are some real stars in the UK travel industry, so in addition to the opportunity to become the main star, we are looking for four lucky agents to join us on a VIP fam trip of lifetime to southern California."

California Calling, which launched this week, invites members of the public to audition for the starring role in the advert by uploading YouTube videos to www.californiacalling.co.uk. Entrants should explain, as creatively as possible, why they should appear in the advert, and videos will be put to a public vote before the winner is selected in March 2010. The winner will be whisked off to California and treated like a star while filming the segment, which will air on British television next April. Other stars in the film include Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rob Lowe, Vanessa Williams and Jay Leno.

A pop-up film studio was erected in London’s Westfield shopping centre on Monday for three days, encouraging people to take time out from their Christmas to make their videos and enter the competition. Shoppers in Milton Keynes will have the use of the film studio today and tomorrow, and shoppers in Newcastle can make their videos on Saturday and Sunday in the Metrocentre. Visitors to the studio have access to a choice of green screen California backgrounds and props to assist them in filming their entry. There are also California giveways and money off Virgin Holidays to California.

Price added: "The dedicated trade exclusive is part of our continued support and partnership with the travel industry. The VIP fam trip will showcase California’s finest experiences and will visit the set to watch the UK star filming their spot for the advert.
 
"We want the UK travel industry to spread the word to friends, colleagues and customers encouraging them to enter and most importantly vote for each other to become a California star!’ ttg

]]> California Tourism’s new campaign, California Calling, offers a member of the UK public the opportunity to star alongside David Beckham in a television advert.

In addition, a special trade version of California Calling is running on ttglive.com, giving agents the opportunity to be part of a star-studded fam to southern California with California Tourism and Virgin Holidays. The fam will take in Los Angeles, Anaheim and \’the OC\’ plus San Diego, and culminate in a visit to the film set to watch the advert being filmed.

Andy Price, travel trade director, California Tourism UK & Ireland, said: "We are delighted to launch the trade version of the California Calling campaign, which gives the trade a second chance to win. We know there are some real stars in the UK travel industry, so in addition to the opportunity to become the main star, we are looking for four lucky agents to join us on a VIP fam trip of lifetime to southern California."

California Calling, which launched this week, invites members of the public to audition for the starring role in the advert by uploading YouTube videos to www.californiacalling.co.uk. Entrants should explain, as creatively as possible, why they should appear in the advert, and videos will be put to a public vote before the winner is selected in March 2010. The winner will be whisked off to California and treated like a star while filming the segment, which will air on British television next April. Other stars in the film include Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rob Lowe, Vanessa Williams and Jay Leno.

A pop-up film studio was erected in London’s Westfield shopping centre on Monday for three days, encouraging people to take time out from their Christmas to make their videos and enter the competition. Shoppers in Milton Keynes will have the use of the film studio today and tomorrow, and shoppers in Newcastle can make their videos on Saturday and Sunday in the Metrocentre. Visitors to the studio have access to a choice of green screen California backgrounds and props to assist them in filming their entry. There are also California giveways and money off Virgin Holidays to California.

Price added: "The dedicated trade exclusive is part of our continued support and partnership with the travel industry. The VIP fam trip will showcase California’s finest experiences and will visit the set to watch the UK star filming their spot for the advert.
 
"We want the UK travel industry to spread the word to friends, colleagues and customers encouraging them to enter and most importantly vote for each other to become a California star!’ ttg

]]> http://80.82.120.223/blog/?feed=rss2&p=134