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Traveltime Newsletter Issue 18 – Winter / Spring 2012

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Traveltime

KENYAITIS !!!

Well what can I say I have officially got the disease called “Kenyaitis” I was warned about this when I visited.  They call it this because once you have been you will want to return.

I went out there in September this year and although this was my 2^nd trip was just so excited in returning again.

We arrived in the North of Mombasa after travelling overnight with Kenya Airways and was transferred to the Travellers club and hotel in Bamburi Beach.

Hotel first impressions were very nice clean, welcoming and were shown to the room.  The room had a double bed and a single in it and over looked the pool area and also could see the beach from the balcony. Bathroom had a bath shower loads of space hairdryer etc and lots of hot water.

The food the hotel was great and will say that everyone was catered for, so no one went hungry.   Breakfasts were to die for, everything you could think of, and they even made your omelettes and waffles while you wait!!  All served buffet style so could have as much as you wanted!!!,  not good for anyone watching the waistline though!!!!

The pools were great, just at the right temperature and there was also a children’s pool and a quiet end of the hotel for the more reserved amongst you.  The main pool was large with a swim up bar in the middle which was great and was never ever crowded even though the hotel was busy.  There was always plenty of sun beds scattered around for your use.

The animation team put on a good show and there was always plenty to do for the more energetic amongst you like Beach Volley ball, pool volley ball, water polo, water aerobics   or just sleep and sunbath if you wished to do that.  The sun is always hot.

Evening entertainment was put on each night in the the hotel  and this varied from Masai Dancers to fantastic acrobatic shows to reptile shows etc.

The beach itself was a vast expanse of white soft powdery sand and the sea was just so, so warm like a bath, and just a pleasure to be in.  Yes, there are beach boys but they are not that bad and once you have established who is the boss they will leave you alone and to be honest, they are really great to talk to and very helpful.

A safari was booked for the middle of the first week and this was arranged privately before I went with a private tour company that was recommended to me, but can be arranged with a tour operator as an organised group or even through the beach boys on the beach, but I would only use recommended ones.

I chose Tsavo East and West this time, I will be honest that it was not as nice as the Masai Mara which I visited last time but there was still so much to see.

Before I go any further, I will say wherever you choose to go there is a fair amount of travelling to do by road, (if you can call them roads, more like dirt tracks although you do see some tarmac sometimes !!!) but it does give you the chance to see some of the cultural life as you pass through villages, towns etc.  If you can afford to do the Flying safaris, this is where you fly to a landing strip near your preferred safari destination, then this is highly recommended as cuts out lots of travelling time.

Awesome, is the only word I can describe seeing these animals up close and personal, so to speak, and to see your first lion in the wild is truly a very moving and emotional experience (well was for me anyway!) just wild and literally “Born Free”

Giraffes run freely alongside Elephants, Zebras, Buffalo, Wildebeast, Hyenas, etc.  You just have to see it to believe it and no matter how many times you do a safari there will always be something different to look at.

Lion in Kenya

The lodges we stayed in were spectacular to say the least and in particular Salt Lick Lodge, which was built on stilts so to speak and you have all the elephants coming around, underneath you etc to the watering holes through the day and night, and a sight not to be missed.  These lodges are comfortable, great food and to be quite honest after a days safari all you want is your bed as you are so tired!!!

We also stayed at Ngulia Lodge and the highlight of this one is that they put food out for the leopards at night and you can come and watch them feed, totally awesome experience once again.

We stopped and had lunch at a lodge called “Voi” and this lodge has the most spectacular views all over.

So you see the choice is amazing and there are loads of these to choose from  the biggest decision is which one to choose.

My choice has already been made and I am returning next year and this time I will be giving a bit back to the community by helping out in some local orphanages, which I know is going to be a very heart rendering but rewarding experience, for which I can’t wait

Don’t forget Kenya this is a 3^rd world country and is very poor but despite that they are so so happy with no cares in the world and would do anything for you.  I made friends with loads of them and know that when I go back (which will be next year) they will be there waiting with a beaming smile and Karibu (Welcome) and it will be like going home!!

Nicki

Bio: Nicki is a travel consultant at Traveltime Watlington. You can talk to Nicki about Kenya and other holidays on 01491 614614

Magical Morocco – An out of the ordinary family break

Offering lively souks and miles of golden coastline, Morocco is an appealing destination for a sun-drenched and out of the ordinary family break.

Outside the tree tops are reddening and the temperature is cooling. Trips to the park are no longer lingering, sun-baked affairs, but rather a bracing opportunity for my toddler, Josh, to crunch his scooter through heaps of dry, auburn leaves whilst I admire the beauty of the crisp sky and the bronzed tree tops.

At home, it’s time to give the sand and water table one last wash, before packing it into the garden shed, it’s a cold abode until next Spring. Josh helps to pick the last green tomatoes, to ripen on a bright windowsill. I check to see if last winter’s fleeces still fit.

What I do not do, however, is feel gloomy. Yes, the evenings are darker and the trees will soon be shrugging off their golden manes. But there is still time for one more blast of heat and sunshine. Ice-creams, buckets and spades. Not in the UK, but in a short-haul, affordable, family friendly destination: Morocco.

Enthralling Arabia

Three years ago, when I gave birth to Josh, my husband and I were in the midst of a Foreign Office posting to Morocco. It was a beautiful posting: with our adored new baby snuggled into his Maxi-Cosi, our trusty Landrover covered hundreds of miles from sea-shore to mountain retreat.

As an avid social networker, I was conscious that Josh and his little friends were spending fun, warm mornings in his splash pool; whilst glum updates about the dreary weather were regularly tweeting their way over from England. October half term in Morocco was – and still is – characterised by fine weather and T-shirts.

Here are my top choices for a family-friendly, sunshine break in Morocco:

Essaouira

Essaouira is a magical white-washed port which is situated on the North Atlantic coastline. This windswept walled-town is an enchanting place: oozing quaint art galleries, French-style cafés and medina stalls laden with inspiring Moroccan arts and crafts. Essaouira is known for its luminous light, salty harbour and a generous sweep of golden coastline. Essaouira is a laid back town: even the most rumbumptious of tots is bound receive a warm welcome from the locals, and will have acres of clean, sandy beach and promenade on which to ramble and roam.

Not to miss is a visit to the quay at sunset, to welcome in the fleet of little fishing vessels as they dock and bring their catch ashore. The bustle of activity, seagulls swooping and cawing, sea breeze blowing, banter amongst the fishermen, is an image that had us mesmerized.

The best way to access this quiet paradise is to fly to Marrakech, hire a car, and drive the simple and scenic two hour journey towards the coast. We stayed in the Sofitel Essaouira Medina and Spa, which presides grandly on the seafront esplanade. It has a richly Moroccan flavour; from the opulent red façade, through to the traditional pastries and mint tea that we were offered on arrival. The outdoor pool is stunning and warm, and I’d recommend a trip to the spa to indulge in a traditional ‘argan’ oil massage.

This hotel is a family friendly option: it boasts a private beachside playground and is a short, five minute stroll to the Medina. The rooms have balconies which look out to sea: a romantic option for a room service supper once your little tot is happily tucked up.

Marrakech

Marrakech is the best known of Morocco’s cities for good reason: it is an overwhelmingly ambient and picturesque place, where every sense is challenged. It is encircled by dramatic, often snow-topped mountains.

A visit to the thronging Djemaa el Fna square – the beating heart of this town – will have your toddler’s eyes on stalks: colourful entertainers jostle with cobras and monkeys to the thrum of drums and music. Wooden wagons are heaped with mounds of oranges and fragrant spices. Within the warren-like streets of the Medina you will be able to barter for traditional Moroccan wares, where canny shopkeepers have tailored their goods to a Western sense of style.

We stayed in the Terre Resort and Spa, a five star retreat located seven miles outside of Marrakech in the Palmeraie Desert. The resort is a calm, Arabian styled hideaway, set attractively amongst gardens of luxuriant grass, palm trees and white pebbles. The long, azure pool was very inviting, and we were assured by the hotel’s twinkly eyed manager that; “…all the English guests swam this morning…” At the Terre Resort, the tasteful accommodation is laid out in little chalets in the gardens. Our suite featured opulent long, golden drapes and an enormous pink bed.

Tangiers

Tangiers has a unique location and history – set on the Straits of Gibraltar, it is Africa’s main gateway to Europe. In the early 20th century it was a glamorous, international city, the playground of the rich and famous, and has drawn many artists and writers. Today, it is a bustling port town, with more than a whiff of the salty Mediterranean. Its elegant façade is past its best, but its shabbiness retains a grandeur which harks back to Tangier’s glory days.

On a clear day you can see the striking outline of the Spanish coast. You can whizz across the Straits by ferry, relatively quickly and inexpensively, for a fun day out in Spain’s Tarifa. Otherwise, the beach is vast and reasonably clean and it is possible to enjoy a camel trek across its fine, fair sands.

We stayed in the El Minzah Hotel, which was established in Tangier’s heyday. The El Minzah is rich in Moroccan atmosphere but also retains the comfort of a gentleman’s club. Breakfast in the sunny, leafy courtyard is a particular treat. The El Minzah’s spa is set amid lush, Mediterranean gardens. I still dream of a particularly tender fish supper eaten by flickering candlelight in the gardens, alongside the still, pretty swimming pool. At the time of our visit, I was several months pregnant and happily aware that although sumptuous and grand, the El Minzah was also very family friendly.

Bio : By Linda Melbourne, sister of Becky Melbourne who works in our Frimley branch. You can contact Becky on 01276 62766 to discuss Morocco and other holidays.

Top 5 Holiday Facts about The Gambia

If I’d be given the choice I probably wouldn’t have chosen The Gambia to visit (being a beach sort of girl!) but there I found myself at 6 in the morning at Gatwick, cold outside (and raining), waiting for my plane. 6 hours later I was in 32 degree sunshine, no jetlag (they are only 1 hour behind of us), and about to experience a really great country – I’ve listed my top 5 things to know about the Gambia below.

Gambia is situated in between North & South Senegal along the river Gambia which gives rise to the countries name.  I stayed at the small intimate boutique hotel called Ngala Lodge in Bakau/Fajara, which is perched on top of a cliff with superb views across the Atlantic Ocean. This child-free hotel has a relaxed atmosphere and exceptional service, offering 18 suites all individually decorated with either large terraces or balconies located in the surrounding tropical gardens. Within the grounds there are a number of sunbathing or seating areas with traditional African Bantabas or meeting places providing private hideaways for you to enjoy a relaxing drink or read a book. The hotel has a small pool & beach which is reached at low tide by steps. The cliff top restaurant serves excellent food with A la carte dining at a small supplement & complimented by the wonderful sunset over the ocean.

The unspoilt beaches are washed with waters from the Atlantic Ocean offering stunning views. The long sandy beaches make this an excellent choice for families and couples alike. The public beach in Sanyang (or Paradise Beach) is often a stopover for guest taking the 4 wheel drive excursion. Paradise Beach is long and flanked by palm trees and hammocks with a few beach bars for a cooling drink.

During my stay I took a number of excursions which gave me a great insight to Gambia’s people and culture. The 4 wheel drive is a must! Bumping through the countryside visiting villages and schools, experiencing the hospitality of the friendly locals. I also experienced a lazy day cruise along the tributaries of the rive Gambia, our boat was moored for lunch and after some sunbathing we went kayaking and even tried our hands at fishing! Numerous excursions take in the fantastic wildlife with experiences in dugout canoes.

I ate from a good choice of cuisine within hotels and restaurants. You can choose from many dishes (including of course Gambian!) using freshly caught local fish, all providing good value for money, a real must for people who enjoy their food.

Top 5 Things to Know about the Gambia

1. The best time to travel is from November through to June with virtually no rain fall & up to 10 hours of uninterrupted sunshine making this an ideal winter destination.

2. Gambians are educated in English which is the official language & widely spoken throughout which makes you feel immediately at ease.

3. Gambia is outside the Euro zone with the local currency being the Dalasi which this great ‘value for money’ destination.

4. There are miles of uncrowded beaches along the Atlantic Ocean with soft golden sand and matches beaches in any of the Caribbean.

5. A country well known for excellent bird watching & fishing which can be easily organised or maybe an excursion through the African bush in a 4 wheel drive or just cruising the waterways-the choice is yours!!

I was taken in by the warm hospitality, great weather, first class accommodation and overall ease of travel for a winter holiday – I’ll certainly be going back!

Lucy Couturier
Bio : Lucy is a travel consultant at Traveltime Gerrards Cross. You can talk to Lucy about The Gambia and other holidays on  01753 889088

Ngala Lodge

2010 was a difficult year for many, including those in the travel industry. However, we all need our holidays and for that reason we have continued to provide many for our regular and new clients. In 2010 Traveltime expanded with the opening of two new branches – in Weybridge and Henley on Thames. I hope you enjoy reading our Newsletter which hopefully will give you some good holiday ideas.

Traveltime Newletter Issue 16 – Jan 2011

Happy reading

Traveltime

Happy reading

Traveltime

This year there are some great value holidays on offer with great Holiday Advice from Traveltime. In some cases to use that hackneyed phrase ‘ we have never had it so good’. Well in the case of holidays this may well be true. The economic troubles of countries such as Greece, Spain, Portugal are well documented.. Their tourist industry has suffered along with everything else and as a result they are keen to encourage more visitors. So there are some exceptional offers available. The recovery of the pound against the Euro has also helped. At the present time a pound will buy you almost 20% more in Europe than it would a year ago.

‘Only a fool confuses value and price’

Of course in difficult times we all like to make our money go further and seek out that extra value. It is equally true that often for a few pounds more you can vastly improve your holiday. When you buy the cheapest holiday, in general you will get a worse holiday than if you pay more.

Getting better value

If, for example, you pay £500 for a holiday in Europe much of the price will be taken in getting you there. Very little of what you pay will go towards the accommodation. If you pay £600 for your holiday, the flight costs stay the same, so the extra £100 will go towards your accommodation. So a 20% increase in what you pay for your holiday overall could add 40% to what you pay for your hotel. So those extra pounds really can make a big difference to your holiday enjoyment and bring you better value.

How do I know the difference between good value and under or over priced?

There is of course no simple answer. Holiday Advice from Traveltime experienced Travel Consultants  can though help you get beneath the glossy brochures and silky prose to find you what you really will value. We are independent and unbiased, so can offer you good advice and simplify the whole process of finding your perfect holiday at a fair price.

It is difficult to summarise simply all of the regulations and risks, so if in doubt speak to one of our travel consultants.

Holidays are enjoyable and we do not want to be killjoys by talking about all of the bad things that might happen when you book a holiday. In recent years, however, the failure of airlines, hotels and holiday companies has meant that many would-be holidaymakers have had their holidays ruined and lost considerable amounts of money. More worryingly due to the complexity of regulations most people believe when they book a holiday that their money is safe …and yet every year many thousands still are not covered and lose their money. It is easy to protect yourself by following a few simple rules.

Make sure your travel agent is a member of ABTA.

In order to be allowed to be a member of ABTA a company needs to have £50,000 share capital. There are non ABTA agents that have been started with as little £100. All members of ABTA need to provide a bond to protect client’s holiday money (ours is more than £100,000). Book your holiday with Traveltime and, as we are a fully bonded member of ABTA, your money is safe.

Make sure you know if your holiday is fully protected.

Did you know, for example, that if you book flights and accommodation separately you could lose your money if either goes out of business? We have produced a simplified guide to safeguarding your holiday on our web site at www.traveltimegroup.co.uk.

Risks of ‘doing it yourself’

If you consider making independent holiday arrangements there are a number of factors that you should take into account. If you book a flight and hotel separately with different companies (this includes ‘click throughs’ from airline web sites) if one element is not available you will still be liable to pay for the other. So if there is volcanic ash or a strike and you cannot get to your hotel, you could lose your money.

ATOL cover – keeps your money safe

If you book a holiday covered by an ATOL, not only will your money be covered, but your holiday company will be the one that spends time making alternative arrangements if things go wrong – not you.

If in doubt ask one of our experienced travel consultants.

Global warming, climate change, CO2 emissions are increasingly in the news. Tourism itself can be responsible for destroying the very places that we visit. In response to these ever growing concerns Traveltime is working with holiday companies that are committed to protecting the environment and working responsibly to ensure that tourism does not destroy places visited by putting investment back into local communities.

Holidays by rail do help save the environment. A rail journey to Paris or Brussels for example generates a fraction of the CO2 generated by flying. Not only is rail travel more responsible, but also in many cases it is now as quick and as cheap. Train travel avoids the stress of airports and you see the countryside en route. On a train the journey really can be an enjoyable part of your holiday experience.

Here are a couple of examples of rail holidays for Summer 2011 that really are excellent value:

6 days in the Dordogne, France from £578 including rail travel, 5 nights half board accommodation, excursions and boat trip.

5 days visiting the Gardens of the Rhine from £395 including rail travel, 4 nights half board accommodation, excursions and visit to National Garden Show.

There are times when all men need to earn a few brownie points with their other halves! I was offered some advice by a good friend of mine which I thought was most helpful. He was taking his family for a half term short break to Istanbul. The expert local guide who took him and his family to Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Cisterns, monasteries, boats on the Bosphorus and saved them from the charms of the pearl sellers in the Grand Bazaar. His daughters tested the spa facilities at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet and thought the Turkish Baths were pretty good and excellent preparation for ‘shopping with Daddy. His son (10) was quite keen to try the spa too, but was terrified of the naked German ladies who surprised him in his swimming trunks! As for his beloved long-suffering wife….the high point was a romantic child-free dinner on an island in the Bosphorus. He had briefed his Concierge to find venue that would help to remind his wife how lucky she was to have him as her husband (not easy in itself!), somewhere not too trendy – that might make him look middle-aged, not too expensive – that might make him look impoverished… The chosen restaurant was perfect and the private boat transfers very slick. As a result I believe his wife still loves him!

If you need brownie points do contact our team for advice on tailor-made family holidays similar to the adventures above. We have recent personal experience of New York, Venice, Egypt and Istanbul – but with the help of other colleagues who have taken their children away, we can offer expert advice on a very broad range of destinations. So do not take a chance and speak to our team.