Tag Archives: traveling

Digital Detoxes to Celebrity Chefs, Experience Next Year’s Biggest Travel Trends

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Digital detoxes, farm-to-fork cuisine and opulent spa treatments are just a few of the travel trends predicted to attract holidaymakers in 2014. With travellers demanding more than ever from their well-earned holidays, Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.’s luxury hotels, trains and cruises offer a range of on-trend experiences and packages to cater to the 21st-century traveller’s every whim.

travel trends

Holidays are no longer seen as an excuse to over-indulge, with an increasing number of travellers looking to maintain their exercise regime during a ‘Fitness Fusion’ break. Guests at Napasai on Koh Samui, Thailand can discover the ancient art of Muay Thai in the hotel’s authentic Thai boxing ring; La Residencé Phou Vao in Luang Prabang, Laos has introduced archery lessons in its UNESCO World Heritage garden; and golf enthusiasts can improve their swing during a golf tour on The Royal Scotsman, the UK’s only luxury sleeper train. Athletic types can discover local sites during a jogging tour with a personal trainer at Hotel Caruso in Ravello, Italy or take on even tougher fitness challenges such as the Angkor Wat Half Marathon at La Residencé d’Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia and the Madrid Marathon at Hotel Ritz Madrid in Spain.

Given that many people now sleep next to their mobile phones, it’s unsurprising they crave a ‘Digital Detox’ to escape the demands of modern technology while on holiday. Luxury river cruisers Orcaella and Road to Mandalay in remote Myanmar offer the ultimate switch-off experience, with no Wi-Fi or phone reception to distract guests from the spectacular backdrop of golden temples and remote villages. Limited internet access on board the barges of Afloat in France also encourages quality family time, as children abandon their iPads to help the crew navigate through scenic Burgundy.

The public’s passion for ‘Celebrity Chefs’ shows no signs of waning in 2014 and travellers can now engage with their favourite culinary masterminds on holiday. Next year, some of the UK’s most celebrated chefs including Marcus Wareing, James Martin, Tom Kerridge and Raymond Blanc are set to create pop-up dinners on board luxury UK day train the British Pullman, while Ken Hom will front a new Pan Asian restaurant at the iconic Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

Travellers are increasingly eager to broaden their skillset on holiday with ‘Brain-Boosting Experiences’ led by experts. Next November, acclaimed author Alexander McCall Smith will lead an intimate six-day safari through the setting of his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series at Eagle Island Camp, Savute Elephant Camp and Khwai River Lodge in Botswana, Southern Africa. Guests at Jimbaran Puri Bali in Jimbaran Bay, Bali can create their own scent during a perfume making workshop, while drink connoisseurs can meet winemakers during Afloat in France’s week-long Grands Crus Cruise and take a four-night whisky tour on board The Royal Scotsman, partnered with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Back in the UK, budding chefs can spend a day in the Michelin starred kitchen at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire.

People have never been more conscious of what they eat, with an increasing focus on locally produced, ‘Farm to Fork’ cuisine that extends to their holiday. Guests at Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa can experience the trend first hand during an urban foraging experience, collecting culinary treats from the local landscape which are then prepared by the hotel chefs. In another nod to sustainable produce, El Encanto in Santa Barbara, California produces branded cheese using milk from the hotel’s own cow, Ellie, and prepares restaurant dishes using ingredients from an on-site organic garden.

Spas are getting even more creative with their treatments, with a focus on opulent and unusual ‘Treasure Treatments’ in 2014. Charleston Place in South Carolina, USA offers an exclusive 24-carat gold facial, guests at Reid’s Palace on Madeira, Portugal can indulge in a luxurious body treatment using caviar and the spa menu at La Residencia in Deia, Mallorca includes a purifying treatment containing diamond dust.

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences are more popular than ever as travellers strive to make the most of their time away with ‘YOLO’ (‘you only live once’) and ‘FOMO’ (‘fear of missing out’) activities. Guests at La Residencé d’Angkor can capture the ultimate Kodak moment during an open-sided helicopter ride over Cambodia’s world-famous Angkor temple complex. Hotel das Cataratas in Iguassu, Brazil, offers a thrilling flight over the spectacular Iguassu Falls and luxury sleeper train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, evokes the golden age of travel during an unforgettable journey from Venice to Istanbul, passing through Bulgaria, Bucharest, Budapest and Vienna.

Further details or to book, please call the UK Reservations team on 0845 077 2222 or visit www.orient-express.com.

Erin O’Connor Unveils Personal Shopping at Heathrow

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We went along to see Erin O’Connor unveil personal shopping at Heathrow International airport. I had a chat with some of the personal shoppers, who let me know that animal prints, silks and print are going to be huge trends into 2014.

In an international airport first, customers can now enjoy Personal Shopping at Heathrow with an accredited stylist, free of charge and individually tailored, ensuring passengers can make the most of the precious moments before take-off.

 

The ground breaking Personal Shopping service at Heathrow brings together over 300 outlets at the airport with a bespoke consultation that can be booked ahead of time or accessed on arrival at the airport.  Supermodel sensation, Erin O’Connor, who co-hosted an event at Somerset House to launch Heathrow’s new service, shared her experiences of how helpful the expertise from personal shoppers is to her;

 

‘Travel has been and still is a huge part of my life.  The Personal Shoppers at Heathrow have incredible fashion and beauty insight which means they can pull a selection for me before I even arrive at the airport.  I can make the most of my time before I board my flight and know that I will have everything I want for my trip.’

 

Whether it’s an extraordinary dress for an evening event, a new season update or even advice on the latest beauty trends, the airport’s Personal Shoppers are available from the first to last flight.  Fluent in Russian, Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, Heathrow’s multilingual team are qualified to assist passengers from right across the globe.

Erin O'Connor unveils Heathrow's new personal shopping services at London's Somerset House Erin O'Connor unveils Heathrow's new personal shopping services at London's Somerset House Erin O'Connor unveils Heathrow's new personal shopping services at London's Somerset House Erin O'Connor unveils Heathrow's new personal shopping services at London's Somerset House Erin O'Connor unveils Heathrow's new personal shopping services at London's Somerset House Erin O'Connor unveils Heathrow's new personal shopping services at London's Somerset House Erin O'Connor unveils Heathrow's new personal shopping services at London's Somerset House

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Personal Shopping is just the latest of a range of unique services designed to help Heathrow passengers make the most of their time including:

  • Home delivery
  • Online product reservation
  • Free beauty treatments
  • Shop and Collect

Some of the available brands and treatments are below.

Brand Treatment
Estee Lauder The Estee Lauder 5-step face Look more even toned instantlyFatigue FighterInstant Line Smoother

Make Makeup Last

Beautiful Eyes Made Easy

Simple Smokey Eyes

Advanced Night Repair Skincare Advice
Crème De La Mer Where Miracles BeginAgeing InterruptedBright Future

Eye Focus

Deep Calm

Hand And Arm Indulgence
Chanel Specialist consultations in:SkincareMakeup

Fragrance
Lancome AurasMini MakeoversSkincare consultations
Clinique 3-step consultationFoundation fittingCreating a smile

Tape test

Brighter eyes
Christian Dior Complimentary makeovers
Yves Saint Laurant Skincare and makeup
Clarins Skincare consultationsAnti-ageing
M.A.C Complimentary makeovers
Jo Malone Complimentary hand and arm massages
Bobbi Brown Instant prettySecret to perfect skinCheeks and Lips

Smokey eyes

Teenage Beauty

Bridal makeup party

Pretty powerful
CLARINS Skincare consultationsAnti-ageing
Sisley Paris Make oversRefresh & Fly mini facialsHand massages
Guerlain Instant Skin Bronzing
Benefit Fake itFix itMaking the best of your brows
Elizabeth Arden Skin Scanner DiagnosticPersonal regime demonstrationsFace finishing- powder or bronze
Biotherm Flight planning for your skinSkin hydration checking and personal routine planning
Tom Ford Colour demonstrationFull Tom Ford LookLip Demonstration

Eye demonstration

Private blend fragrance mixing lesson
Kiehls Skin ConsultationFacial for me or womenHand massage
Elemis Hand and Arm Massage Mini FacialsEye treatment
Dr Sebagh Mini Facial
Dermalogica Face Map Skin AnalysisPre Flight prep treatment

Plan early to keep holidays on budget says Loveholidays.com

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20130714-132550.jpgTravel and saving money rarely goes together but don’t let that put you off, we got Love Holidays to give us some tips. Recent media stories* have highlighted that holidays are potentially stretching the budgets of the average UK holiday maker by over £200, however loveholidays.com has the answer to keeping budgets in check.

 

The online travel agent suggests there are five easy steps to keeping a budget in check:

 

  1. Book a holiday early and pay for it in instalments
  2. Purchase holiday extras such as transfers or hold luggage at the time of booking
  3. Double check everything you do to ensure your dates, names, departure/arrival airports etc. are correct
  4. Book all-inclusive or half-board accommodation to keep down the cost of dining out
  5. Stay in hotels that are located in the centre of resorts or within easy walking distance of the beach and attractions

 

Alex Francis, MD of loveholidays.com commented: “Blowing your budget is something that really need not occur if holidaymakers are sensible in their planning and purchasing when they book.  It’s all about taking time to carefully select the most appropriate holiday and booking in advance to ensure there is time to plan and organise.

 

loveholidays.com also offers its users a ‘lowest price promise guarantee’ meaning that they are the cheapest option available for breaks to hotels and destinations featured by the company.

*Caxton FX claims: One in five Britons blows their holiday budget, with an average overspend of £211

*Thomas Cooks raised correction fees for airline tickets: £30 each way for any spelling changes made online, up from £20, and £50 over the phone. At the airport the charge is £100.

 

Boris voted as UK’s favourite political buddy

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The Prime Minister is left at the airport, as Boris Johnson is voted preferred getaway companion for UK holidaymakers

We all dream about the perfect holiday destination, but when it comes to choosing a holiday companion who would you pick? When asked about which politician they’d most like to go away with, more than half of Brits elected Boris Johnson as their ideal beach buddy.

The findings emerged in a study carried out by social travel website Gogobot. 58.6% of the 1,400 people polled voted for the Mayor of London, with David Cameron coming in second place (14.5%), followed by Ed Milliband (9.9%) and Nick Clegg (9.1%) in fourth place. Despite coming in third, Ed can console himself with the fact that he beaten his brother yet again, with David coming in at fifth place.

What’s more, it seems that Boris’ charm spans the generations; he topped the polls across all age groups surveyed. He was most popular amongst 18-24 year olds, getting 65% of their vote. Young people also put Nick Clegg in second place putting David Cameron in third, perhaps suggesting that Nick would make a better drinking buddy? For holidaymakers aged over 65 David Cameron also slips into third place, behind Ed Milliband.

Men were more likely than women to choose Boris. He took 58% of the male vote, followed by David Cameron in second place with 15% of the male vote. Boris managed to pick up 54% of the female vote, followed by Ed Milliband (at 26%).

Across the pond the presidential election race is hotting up, but Obama is edging ahead in the holiday stakes. In a separate survey, Americans said they would prefer to go away with Barack Obama (54.6%) to Mitt Romney (45.4%). American women to dream of having Obama as their beach buddy; he collected nearly two thirds of their votes, whilst the male vote was split evenly.

Brits preferred the idea of a holiday with Barack Obama, with over 70% of people booking flights with the current President, instead of Romney.

Travis Katz, CEO of Gogobot said: “The survey shows just how important it is that your holiday companion has the full package; brains and the personality to match. This week Arnold Schwarzenegger backed Boris, clambering on board a Boris Bike to show his support for Boris as a Prime Ministerial candidate. Arnie seems to think it’s his intelligence and charm which make him a good political candidate, and It seems that it’s Boris’ sense of fun that makes him a popular great candidate for a holiday too!

Travis Katz continued: “There is so much choice when it comes to planning a holiday, whether it’s trekking in the Andes, shopping in New York or Skiing in the Alp’s, we all need someone there to make it memorable. Maybe Boris has a more relaxed travelling style than David, hopefully he’s got some travel recommendations he can share with us!”

Top five UK politicians to go on holiday with:

1. Boris Johnson (58.6%)

2. David Cameron (14.5%)

3. Ed Milliband (9.9%)

4. Nick Clegg (9.1%)

5. David Milliband (7.9%)


Top five UK politicians for men

1. Boris Johnson (63.3%)

2. David Cameron (13.2%)

3. Ed Milliband (9.2%)

4. Nick Clegg (7.3%)

5. David Milliband (6.9%)

Top five UK politicians for women

1. Boris Johnson (54.5%)

2. David Cameron (16%)

3. Ed Milliband (11.3%)

4. Nick Clegg (10.1%)

5. David Milliband (8.1%)

US presidential candidates

UK response:

Barack Obama (70.8%)

Mitt Romney (28.2%)

Men

Barack Obama (66.3%)

Mitt Romney (33.7%)

Women

Barack Obama (76.8%)

Mitt Romney (23.2%)

US response:

Barack Obama (54.6%)

Mitt Romney (45.4%)

Men

Barack Obama (51%)

Mitt Romney (49%)

Women

Barack Obama (58.1%)

Mitt Romney (41.9%)

Inspired by the Olympics? Try a Sports Holiday in Lanzarote!

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Nicknamed ‘Europe’s Hawaii’, Lanzarote is blessed with strong Atlantic winds and year round warm waters– the perfect combination for activity based breaks. Lanzarote holidays are just a four hour flight from London and boast a combination of long sandy beaches and sheltered bays. With the Olympics fast approaching everyone is a little bit more conscious about being healthy so why not incorporate it into your annual summer holiday?

 

Surfing

 

Lanzarote is one of Europe’s top surfing destinations. In summer the waves can reach heights of 4ft and in winter they’re even bigger. Experienced surfers head for the northern and north eastern shores of Lanzarote. The beaches near Jameos Del Agua are particularly popular, the waves break across a volcanic reef and shouldn’t be tackled by beginners. Famara’s award winning beach is another top spot. This large bay has consistent conditions and enough space for both beginners and experts.

 

Whether you’re a first timer or if you want to improve your skills, there are plenty of surf schools on the island, such as Surf School Lanzarote. You can rent boards and equipment from any places from around €10 a day.

 

Windsurfing

 

Lanzarote is also ideal for windsurfing. In fact, it is so good that Costa Teguise regularly plays host to the PWA World Windsurfing Championships. Both beginners and experts can windsurf in Lanzarote, although beginners are advised avoid the afternoons when the wind gets really strong. Afternoon windsurfing really is just for the experienced, especially in May, June, July and August when conditions are at their best.

 

If you’ve never windsurfed before or you want to improve your technique, then there are a number of schools and board rental outlets on Lanzarote. Head for Playa Blanca, Tias, or Las Cucharas. Companies like Windsurf Paradise can rent boards and provide tuition.

 

Kite Surfing

 

Lanzarote’s Atlantic swells and winds are perfect for kite surfing. Popular locations include Playa Honda, near the airport, and Matagorda, north of Puerto del Carmen, although Famara Beach is the most famous location for kite surfing. There are a number of operators who rent to equipment or run courses, including Surf and Kite Lanzarote in Famara.

 

Diving

 

Lanzarote’s Atlantic waters are home to some stunning underwater scenery. Add to that visibility of 20 meters and an average year-round temperature of between 17 and 22 degrees and it’s easy to understand why diving is so popular here. There are a number of PADI registered dive operations on the island, including The Dive Shop Lanzarote and Manta Diving Lanzarote. The south and south eastern coasts are particularly good for diving as the waters are calmer. Underwater treats include wrecks, volcanic caves and the man-made reef at Puerto del Carmen

 

When it comes to action and adventure in the water it doesn’t get much better than holidays to Lanzarote. Whether you fancy surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing or diving, there’s something for every level of experience.

How To Survive Travelling With Teenagers.

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Thelma & Louise’s Travel With Teens Survival Guide

Members of the women’s online travel community have offered their top tips for avoiding the holiday hell of teenage tantrums

Members of women’s online travel community Thelma & Louise aren’t keeping to the “Mum’s the Word” mantra of old when it comes to dealing with wayward teens on their travels. Travelling with a teenager can bring a host of challenges, but the Thelma & Louise ladies have been sharing their top tips on the best ways to travel without a teenage tantrum in sight.

The women-only website (www.thelmaandlouise.com) has members of all ages, and although the site is a tool to meet like-minded travel companions, many members have husbands and families at home. When a member asked a question about the best ways to family fun, not holiday hell, other mums were quick to share their tips.

Thelma & Louise member Deborah Klaassen, who has also written on this topic for the Airtours blog, said, “Relaxing holidays might seem beyond reach when teenagers are involved, but there is a way to get through travelling with teens. I suggest starting the holiday off on the right foot with generosity and kindness, and make sure teens don’t get bored by bringing games, magazines and other things that they might find interesting.”

“If teens start to act up, try to understand what they’re going through. Don’t be too harsh if you feel that they’re spoiling the holiday by being moody, lazy or difficult. Have some empathy. Don’t make fun of them, embarrass them or tell their secrets. All you can do is address these subjects in private.”

Seeming to join the discussion, Psychotherapist Kitty Hagenbach wrote in The Times Weekend in early November 2011, “Before puberty there’s a huge increase in the number of neurones in the brain. At puberty these are pruned back so we can become ready for the complexities for adult life… The brain is effectively being completely rewired, so parents need to moderate their expectations. You can’t expect someone to behave in an adult way when he or she is in a half-baked place”

Christine Davies, one of the founders of Thelma & Louise knows all too well the trials and tribulations of teen travel. “I was blessed with twins, so had double the trouble when we travelled as a family. Although we had our moments, now my family is fully grown we cherish the times we spent on adventures together. To see Thelma & Louise members inspiring and guiding each other on matters like this brings another great resource to the website – real advice for real women. Long may it continue.”

Inspired by the great advice coming from the members, Thelma & Louise have drawn up a survival guide for travel with teenagers:

1. STAY CONNECTED: For the Facebook generation nothing is more important that staying in touch with their friends. Allow teens an allotted amount of time each day to read their mail and chat online with their friends. If they have this time to connect and chat, they will be more willing to do family activities as well.

2. PRIVACY & SPACE: Give teens some space to be themselves. Consider booking them their own room, or interconnecting rooms so supervision is close but not too close. Give them the opportunity to learn to do things on their own, obviously making sure that they are safe. They should learn that responsibility will bring trust and freedom.

3. CHOICE: Ask teens in advance to make a contribution to the holiday in the form of ideas and suggestions. Ask them to draw up a list of things that they would like to do, and try to dedicate time to activities they’ve chosen. A fresh approach to travel or a new activity might bring joy to all the family.

4. FREEDOM: Discuss your rules with teens, and listen to their objections. Denying them the right to freedom altogether is setting up for a failure. Tell teens where they are and where they aren’t allowed to go, what behaviour is acceptable, and what time they have to be back. Be strict about these rules, but be reasonable too.

5. TECHNOLOGY: Take at least two mobile phones on holiday, ensuring they function abroad, so a teen can carry one if they spend time away from the family. Explain that they’ll have to pay the bill themselves if they use the phone to call their friends back home.

6. WOW FACTOR: Think of a way to give teens a special experience during the holiday, something that they will never forget. If they are looking forward to something that will make their friends say, “Wow, I wish my parent would do that”, their interest will be peaked. Look out for a local concert, a theme park, an adrenalin sport or an activity popular with their idols.

7. CRUISE: On a family-friendly cruise line, life on the ocean waves is a fantastic holiday for teens. Many modern ships are filled with activities, special attractions and experiences that appeal to a young crowd. Encourage teens to make friends as they will be in a fairly safe environment and can be independent for most of the time.

8. PATIENCE: Avoid escalating fraught situations by learning what is really important and what doesn’t matter in the bigger picture. Conflict isn’t always avoidable, but be reasonable and don’t lose your temper. And keep in mind that teens will eventually grow out of it.

As one member said, “I’m sure I was a horrible teenager to travel with, but now I’m really grateful my parents dragged me around lots of incredible places and gave me many amazing memories.”

Thelma & Louise is a free, online community where women, friendship and travel come together. For more information or to become a member, please go to www.thelmandlouise.com

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt To Quit Acting: “We Had a Good Run”

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Angelina Jolie has revealed that she “doesn’t love” acting as much as she used to.

Jolie was in tears when she was honoured for her controversial war movie, The Land Of Blood And Honey, at the Sarajevo Film Festival. She was praised for her directing debut, which is about a Muslim woman and a Serbian man during the Bosnian war in the 1990s. However, Jolie also said that she and Brad plan to quit acting soon.

“As Brad and I get older, we’re going to do fewer films,” she said. “I’ve been working for a long time, he’s been working for a long time. We’ve had a nice run and don’t want to be doing this our whole lives.”

Jolie added: “I’ve never not been grateful to be an actor. But I think when I was younger, I needed [acting] more. I was trying to question things in life, so you find these characters that help you find things and grow. I’m older and I know who I am, and I’m less interested in the character helping me answer something than in being able to answer it for myself, as a woman, as an adult, with my family.”

Jolie was Forbes highest paid actress in 2009 and 2011, and she and boyfriend Brad Pitt are parents to six children, Maddox, 9, Pax, 7, Zahara, 6, Shiloh, 5 and twins Vivienne and Knox, 3.

She said: “Home is wherever we are. I’m very bad at staying in one place. I’m also bad at sitting still. There’s so much to explore in the world, so I love travel. If you can travel I think it’s the best way to raise kids.”