Posted by admin on October 16, 2009 under Travel | 
The latest numbers from the Office of National Statistics show that the weak pound is having an impact on the UK holiday market.
More visitors are arriving, and fewer Britons are taking overseas holidays: in the three months to August year on year visitor numbers to the UK have increased.
The UK has become a cheaper touring destination - overseas residents’ visits to the UK increased by 3 per cent to 7.7 million, while the amount spent by these tourists increased by 1 per
cent to £4.1 billion.
UK residents’ visits abroad decreased by 3 per cent to 14.6 million and UK residents’ expenditure abroad decreased by 4 per cent to £7.5 - billion - presumably a significant amount of that money was spent on our local economy.
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/ottnr1009.pdf
Posted by Suzanne on January 5, 2009 under Travel |
Booking a large property for a family or group of friends can be a great way to celebrate a major landmark. By booking a year in advance you can make the most of the event; budgeting for a down payment and balance per family throughout the year, and pooling your resources for a memorable cost-effective break:
Here are some top tips from Internet Cottages
Living at close quarters can be hard work for people who are less than comfortable with large groups. Ensure the property has alternative shared space such as games rooms, separate TV/Video viewing areas, and bolt holes like a sauna or hot tub. Attractive grounds, woodland walks or access to local byways all give people a chance to break out alone or in small groups if weather permits.
Pictured:
THE OLD MILL, Oakridge Lynch, Gloucestershire
Beautifully refurbished and luxuriously equipped 17C former mill house in lovely, unspoilt village. Sleeps 19
Details>>>
Space
Make sure your chosen property has loads of it. Shared sleeping accommodation for more than 8 persons should be accompanied by generous living space and of course, parking. Look out for a spacious, well-equipped kitchen for the catering team with adequate cooking, refrigeration and food storage; plenty of seating in the living area, adequate dining table length and chairs (who wants to eat in shifts?) and of course - room to party!
Pictured
LLANFENDIGAID, Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Magnificent ancestral home set in acre of wooded gardens, with heated indoor pool and easy beach access. Sleeps 16
Details>>>
Sharing
Some people naturally gravitate towards being the providers, cooks and organisers. Great – but this can leave others feeling like spare parts and sometimes guilty about not pulling their weight. Others just don’t care and enjoy being waited on but this can cause ill feeling. If you are handling the booking it’s well worth putting in a bit of time and thought to organising the trip so everyone can contribute:
Share out these jobs to prevent a drift into despondent anarchy:
· Providing/organising games and entertainment
· Bringing/mixing music and play back systems for the New Year’s Eve party
· Creating a “Guest chef” and clearing up rota
· Unpacking shopping
· Preparing packed lunches for day excursions
Pictured: KABER CHAPEL, Eden Valley, Cumbria
Nordic-styled luxury ’spa’ vacation retreat with 5 bedrooms + 5 bathrooms, Stone floored downstairs Great Room, Open plan kitchen, Scandinavian style indoor grill. Sauna, wooden barrel hot tub. Sleeps 12
Details>>>
Catering
Don’t underestimate the vast quantities of food and drink that might be required, especially if you are planning to save money by providing pack lunches. Spend time menu planning. In the intervening year, arrange at least one meeting for representatives of each family unit to get together over a couple of drinks to agree and plan the weekend. These planning meets help to establish a good atmosphere and form part of the happy memory too.
Pictured: WEST WING LONG HOUSE, Duddings, Timberscombe, Dunster, Somerset
Traditional thatched Devon Longhouse, Double-oven and hob, Dining room to seat up to 16, “Snug” with a second TV + Video. Sleeps 12
Details>>>
Shopping
Ask each family to contribute a home-prepared dish for the party night. Other groceries can be ordered in advance online and delivered direct to the property on first day/night of arrival. Make it the responsibility of one person to add up costs and reconcile at the end of the holiday and issue every individual/family with an expenses bill at the end – and don’t worry - you will always find someone who loves this job. Collect the cheques before everyone leaves!
Light touch
When you have organised a trip, it’s easy to feel responsible for everyone’s happiness every minute of the day. Try to relax and tell yourself that you have put all the plans in place and now it’s down to everyone else to make it work. When others don’t want to get into organised activities, don’t sulk or scold - just go with the flow.
