Archive for » February, 2012 «

The Best UK Holiday TV Shows
Thursday, February 16th, 2012 /

The holiday show is arguably the purest form of escapism, especially on a dank November evening in the UK. Nothing melts those icy winter blues better than watching what could be your next holiday unfold in front of you. Seeing other people relax on the beach and frolicking in the sea will plant ideas in your head as you eagerly dig out the holiday broachers; jealousy isn’t the only emotion you might experience when watching such shows however, some of these examples encapsulate the frustration around delayed flights and sub-par accommodation.

The UK has always had a thriving tourism industry, but an equal amount of its inhabitants look to vacate the country each summer in search of sunnier climbs. This, added to Brits down to earth attitude and propensity to not take themselves too seriously makes the UK an ideal market for a gamut of holiday shows, each with wildly varying themes and attitudes. Here are five of the best…

Airline

Focusing on the trials and tribulations of Luton Airpot, Airline follows the frustrations of staff forced to deal with angry and uncooperative passengers, most of whom have arrived too late to check in. Operating like a soap opera, Airline delved into the personal lives of check-in staff at the airport who were undoubtedly the stars of the shows!

Holiday Show-Down

In this innovative game-show type format, two very families get together, both going on each other’s ‘dream holidays’ for a week. Much hilarity ensues when middle-class wannabe aristocrats are dragged round Blackpool, and equally, when overweight alcoholic parents with hyperactive kids are introduced to an active walking holiday.

Holiday

The original and best. The late Jill Dando’s soothing, melancholy voice almost sounded like the waves lapping at your feet and the soft, exotic title music said ‘holiday’ like no other. The high-brow review show featured a number of different presenters and celebrities documenting their experiences in various popular and not so popular holiday destinations.

Club Reps

Taking a look at the hedonistic lives of a group of club reps in places like Gran Canaria and Falaraki, Club Reps was more about working on holiday than going on holiday (though how getting drunk with a group of hotel guests constitutes ‘work’ is anyone’s guess). In total contrast from a show like ‘Holiday’, drinking and debauchery are the order of the day for the Club Reps.

Holidays from Hell

Part of ITV’s ‘from hell’ mini-franchise that included ‘Neighbours from Hell’, this particular show took a glance at the grim underbelly of the travel industry, exposing hotels that didn’t deliver on their promises, providing shoddy accommodation and below-par cuisine.

Joe is a travel blogger who loves watching travel TV shows as much as he loves actually travelling! He’s looking forward to his Dubai holidays next year.

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Discovering Maroochydore, in the Sunshine Coast
Tuesday, February 07th, 2012 /

With over 65km of pure white beaches, warm subtropical seas and an ideal climate, the Sunshine Coast of Queensland has everything you need for a perfect vacation. It stands to reason, then, that Maroochydore, in the very heart of the Sunshine Coast, would be the centre of activity on the Sunshine Coast.

Many people mistakenly believe that Maroochydore is a single town. Actually, it is a collection of separate suburbs encompassing Alexandra Headland, Coolum, Maroochy and Mooloolaba. Those who know these towns know that each of them has something special to offer. They have a combined population of about fifty thousand and form the commercial centre of the Sunshine Coast.

If you haven’t yet visited Maroochydore, don’t jump to the conclusion that because it is the commercial heart of the Sunshine Coast, it is not an ideal vacation getaway spot. Yes, it has all the advantages of a city, but it has them in a relaxed, village-like atmosphere. You can find all the restaurants, shops and nightspots you could ever want, without the hustle and bustle of a big city.

The Gold Coast is famous for its theme parks. In fact, many families go to the Gold Coast just to visit Sea World or one of the other large theme works in the area. If you’ve "been there, done that" or want to enjoy the more relaxed pace of the Sunshine Coast but not deprive the kids of a theme park adventure, Maroochydore is the perfect compromise. Aussie World, conveniently located just off the Bruce Highway, is not as large (or expensive) as its Gold Coast rivals, but it is equally fun for the whole family. Hint: the teenagers and brave adults will love the Giant Redback!

Just 10 minutes away from the centre of Maroochydore is the Sunshine Castle, in Bli Bli. This authentic looking, full scale medieval castle is something the whole family will enjoy. Be sure and climb to the top of the 24 metre (about 20 yard) high lookout and take in the breathtaking view of the entire Sunshine Coast and hinterland.

If you’re a surfer, you’ll have the time of your life at the beaches and point breaks around Maroochydore. Two of the classic Queensland point breaks are located on the Sunshine Coast – Noosa Heads and Alexandra Headland. On their day, they are second to none. If you stay in Maroocydore, Alexandra Headland is at your doorstep and if that’s not working, check out the beach breaks at Coolum. Coolum is legendary for having some of the most consistent waves on the Sunshine Coast. When you can’t find a wave anyplace else, you’re almost sure to find something there.

Whether you’re a surfer looking for waves, a family looking for fun or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Maroochydore. From inexpensive family accommodations, to backpackers lodges to Five Star Resorts, there’s a Sunshine Coast Accommodation to suit every lifestyle and budget.

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Festival Fever: When to Book Your Holiday to Dubai
Monday, February 06th, 2012 /

Every year, the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai welcomes more than 10 million visitors and this number continues to grow annually thanks to the strong appeal of the city as a top shopping destination and its widespread five-star (yet surprisingly affordable) accommodation, top notch bars, restaurants and eateries and scorching desert climate. The government of Dubai (which is also considered to be the world’s fastest growing city) is recently encouraging its residents to seek permission to hold more specialist festivals for the purpose of increasing tourism levels even further. As a result, Dubai’s annual events calendar is beginning to become quite packed.

If you are looking to organise a holiday to Dubai in the future, the paragraphs below detail just a few great festivals that you could schedule your trip to coincide with. At least one of the four that I have listed below should appeal…

Dubai Shopping Festival

January

 

Image accreditation: dubaimetro.eu

Since Dubai is often considered to be the shopping capital of the world, it seems both a little odd and quite fitting that the city would host a shopping festival each year. This retail event (which launched in the year of 1996) sees shops offering extremely generous discounts on their merchandise, which already have the benefit of being tax-free. In the 2009 edition of the festival, locals and visits spent almost 10 billion DH so it looks as if the event will continue to be held for the foreseeable future!

The event (which was unnamed to begin with) was originally envisioned to create a yearly “global village” in the city, in which people of many different nationalities could come together and sell their traditional native wares and cuisine, whilst experiencing the undeniable luxury of Dubai. Even those who are not “shopaholics” are catered for through the festival’s duration, since the occasion sees many night events held, car raffles being drawn and fireworks launched.

Taste of Dubai Festival

March

 

Image accreditation: gonabit

As you might guess, this three day-long festival – held for the first time back in the year of 2007 and considered to be one of year’s biggest culinary events worldwide – is most appealing to the foodies of the world. The event attracts some of the world’s top chef’s (past guests have included Gary Rhodes, Jeff Low and Aldo Zilli) and premium alcoholic beverage brands, as well as a wide range of international live music acts. The 2012 run of the festival (15-17th March) welcomes back The Maplejacks – the Middle East’s premier party band.

The event comprises more than a handful of cookery classes and demonstrations, interactive workshops (in both cooking and food presentation), a large purpose-designed al fresco food stall district and plenty of samples to try! Mmmmm!

Dubai Summer Surprises

June – July

 

Image accreditation: jitourism.com

Dubai Summer Surprises (known simply as DSS by Dubai locals) is a month-long festival held to encourage more people to visit the city during its typically uncomfortable heat wave season. This festival – which sees the city’s hotels and more than 6,000 shops offering discounts to ticket holders  – was launched in 1998 has its very own mascot; a yellow, springy character by the name of Modhesh designed to be particularly appealing to children (much merchandise featuring Modhesh is sold during the festival).

DSS is very family orientated and as such, many of the world’s popular children’s characters are featured in Mall-based shows. Dubai’s largest mall contains a Modhesh themed entertainment space comprising sections for toddlers, pre-teens and teenagers (including a four dimensional cinema). Parents need not fear though; there is plenty to keep them entertained too.

Dubai Desert Rhythm Festival

October

 

Image accreditation: sierragoddess

Another Dubai festival with the aim of bring different nationalities together is the Desert Rhythm Festival. The event – which completely sold out and welcomed more than 12,000 individuals in 2011 – lasts for just two days in which culturally diverse food, musical artists, dance demonstrations and activities are offered to attendees. Arabic, pop, urban & soul, Caribbean and Western are just some of the musical genres played in order to see the huge crowds that are gathered uniting to the same rhythm. Amongst other western artists, this festival has introduced Kanye West and Mika to the population of the UAE since its inception in 2001.

Fire dancers, poi spinners and Shisha tents are also common sightings at this popular, tribal-inspired event. I would encourage anyone to book their holidays to Dubai to coincide with this heart-warming gathering.

Sarah McDonald is the author of this guest post.  For the best deals for late holidays to a variety of different destinations, Sarah recommends checking out the Tropical Sky website.

 

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Sleeping In a Car Can Be Comfortable
Monday, February 06th, 2012 /

Germany is famous for automobile production and advanced technology and is regarded as a center of the world car industry, so it comes as little surprise the aptly named The V8 Hotel is a dream for car enthusiasts.

Located near Boblingen’s Meilenwerk (the museum of exclusive cars), V8 Hotel was created with a motoring theme. While appointing the hotel, designers used genuine automobile accessories to make rooms look more realistic. In total, the hotel comprises of 34 rooms, but 10 of them stand out from the others.

  • One room is called “Autokino”, where a Cadillac dating from the 70s forms the bed, a selection of films from the era are available and the ceiling and walls create the illusion of a starry night.
  • Another room resembles a car-wash, complete with the large rotary brushes. Guests sleep in the Mercedes which is depicted as leaving the car-wash. The TV in this room is installed in the trunk of the car.
  • Every car enthusiast has a garage. This hotel is no exception. The room-garage, called “Werkstaff”, is fitted with wrenches, tires, spare parts of automobiles and many other tools, needed to look after your favorite car. Do not be surprised to see the legs of a mechanic sticking out from under your car, converted to a comfortable bed.
  • Need to fuel up your car? Do it with the help of “Tankstelle”, a petrol station and a room at the same time. Here you are offered all services, available at a 24-hour petrol station. The design of this room corresponds to that of a petrol station.
  • Many car owners see their vehicle as an expression of their personality and so try to personalize it or make it more advanced and up-to-date. The tuning room is appointed with high-quality materials, leather and rich fabrics and allows guests to upgrade their cars, using wider tyres, rear spoilers and twin-exhausts.
  • The hotel doesn’t ignore motorcycle fans, offering the room, “Route 66”, where parts of motocycles, natural leather and a giant panorama wall create the conditions of feeling the wind streak through your hair while racing on Route 66.
  • Formula 1 drivers’ photos adorn the wall of the Racing room as well as a real winners’ podium giving an extra air of excitement for all motorsport fans. The bed is decorated with tyres, copies of cups and black-and-white flags complete the style.
  • The rooms “Vision”, “Nostalgie” and “Camp” are also infused with a car theme.

Prices start from EUR130 per night and do not include breakfast, however you can order it at EUR15 per day. The hotel includes also standard rooms and suites, however the ten theme rooms are the most popular in the property. So if you are going to spend a night sleeping in a car, do not forget to book The Hotel V8  in advance.

By Svetlana Malukha, who is part of the team of writers as hotel reservation website Booked.net which lists hotels from across the globe, to book V8 Hotel follow this link.

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