8/30/2010 07:17:00 pm | 
Posted by
Jemma Marke and Sue Arscott
At least 1.8 million people are expected to travel abroad over the August Bank Holiday weekend, according to estimates released by Abta.
While tomorrow (Friday) will be the busiest day, over the whole bank holiday weekend more than 420,000 will fly out from Heathrow, 250,000 from Gatwick,136,000 from Stansted and 65,000 from Luton airport.
Hundreds of thousands will leave through regional airports, including 145,000 from Manchester, 25,000 from Leeds/Bradford, 12,000 from Southampton, 36,000 from Newcastle and 65,000 from Birmingham.
In Scotland 116,000 will be flying out from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. Additionally, 60,000 will use the Eurostar for trips to the continent and 500,000 people will head overseas by ferry or Eurotunnel.
The Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and the Greek islands are the top holiday spots.
The US is also proving to be popular with Orlando and New York the top destinations, while for European cities, Paris, Amsterdam, Venice and Dublin lead the way, Abta said.
Traditional beach resorts on England's south coast, Devon and Cornwall are also expected to be busy despite the recent wet weather.
source: www.travelweekly.co.uk
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Seems Christmas is not all that far away, why don’t you make the whole experience of Christmas Shopping more pleasurable this year and book a Christmas Market short break? With the deal below you can get away for 4 nights at such a great cost and have a truly memorable time, getting the Festive holidays kicked off with a bang!….
Magical Markets of the Rhine Valley - 4 day £239, 5 days £279
4-Day Break
Day 1 – Local departure by coach then onward to Assmannshausen for a three or four-night stay. Arrival will be late this evening. - Day 2 – Wiesbaden & Rüdesheim (included). Head to the old spa town of Wiesbaden on the banks of the River Rhine. Explore the historic old quarter with its narrow winding streets lined with 18th century buildings. We later head to Rüdesheim, with time at the Christmas Market. The festively decorated Christmas stalls offer handmade arts and crafts, many created right in front of you, such as candles, decorations and wood figures. Of course, festive dishes from the region, and the famous mulled wine, will also be available. B,D
- Day 3 – Boppard and Koblenz (included); Rhine Cruise (optional). Enjoy an excursion through the Rhine Valley to Boppard, the ‘pearl’ of the Rhine. Take an optional cruise along the Rhine before heading to Koblenz to see the Christmas Markets. Explore the pedestrianised shopping area backed by gothic houses and churches. B,D
- Day 4 – Early departure as we travel to Calais then return home. B
Included Meals: B – Breakfast D – Dinner
Destination:
Sharm El Sheikh
Depart:
Gatwick
Dates / Times:
Departing 29/09/2010
Returning 13/10/2010
Duration
14 Nights
Staying in:
Cleopatra Tsokkos- Sharm El Shiekh
Rating
4 star
Room Type
Standard
Board Basis
4*Bed and Breakfast
Description:
The Cleopatra Tsokkos Hotel located in Sharm El Sheikh on the shore of the coral rich Red Sea has not become famous just for is unique scuba diving destination but it is also an ideal location for a relaxing holiday, adventure and culture.
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and quote reference no: 741989-HAY
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Destination:
Cuba
Depart:
Gatwick
Dates / Times:
Departing 30/08/2010
Returning 13/09/2010
Duration
14 Nights
Staying in:
Palma Real - Varadero
Rating
3 star
Room Type
Standard
Board Basis
3*All Inclusive
Description:
The Palma Real Hotel is located very near to the beach. Managed by the Spanish Hotetur chain, the Palma Real offers fabulous value in the hub of Varadero. The Hotel Palma Real stands in the centre of Varadero. Its location allows you easy access to the beach and to the atmosphere on the streets of the city. Its architecture maintains the harmony of the landscape inspired in the pure Cuban style.
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To book this offer, call one of our experts on
0182 347 8305
and quote reference no: 736531-HAY
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Reasons to smile...
Our low low prices are guaranteed on all our holidays, flights and accommodation
As the UK’s largest independently owned travel agent we offer holidays from all the major suppliers
Our friendly experts have a wealth of travel knowledge and are waiting to help you build your perfect holiday
Hays Travel, celebrating 30 years of making people smile
For more details or to book call: 0182 347 8305 today
Destination:
Mexico
Depart:
Bristol
Dates / Times:
Departing 28/08/2010
Returning 11/09/2010
Duration
14 Nights
Staying in:
Sandos Caracol-Riviera Maya
Rating
4 star
Room Type
Twin
Board Basis
4*All Inclusive
Description:
Everything here is geared to taking it easy. And the exotic setting certainly helps. Surrounded by mangroves and lagoons, the hotel’s nestled at the edge of a lush tropical jungle. We’re talking real Garden of Eden stuff. And as if that wasn’t enough, you’re right by the beach, too.
As to the complex itself, it’s set up like a small village. Pathways weave around coconut thatched blocks and there are three pools to choose from – so you won’t find yourself fighting for a sunbed. What’s more, there’s even a swim-up bar where you can order a drink without having to get out of the water. Sometimes doing nothing can be hungry work. At any hour of the day, you can always pick up something tasty at one of the buffets or snack bars.
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To book this offer, call one of our experts on
0182 347 8305
and quote reference no: 728065-HAY
Prices quoted are per person (unless otherwise stated) and subject to availability. Please call our travel experts for full details of this offer.
Reasons to smile...
Our low low prices are guaranteed on all our holidays, flights and accommodation
As the UK’s largest independently owned travel agent we offer holidays from all the major suppliers
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Hays Travel, celebrating 30 years of making people smile
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Heathrow recorded its busiest-ever month in July and its busiest-ever day on Sunday July 18 when 232,000 passengers passed through the airport.
Monthly traffic at Heathrow was up 3.5% on July 2009 to 6.7 million passengers, although numbers for the year to date remain 2.3% down on last year. The figures mean Heathrow is operating close to capacity again following last year’s downturn.
Total traffic across operator BAA’s six UK airports rose marginally despite Stansted seeing a further marked decline – down 7.2% on last year in line with a reduction in seats available, chiefly on Ryanair.
Aberdeen (-4.1%), Glasgow (-3.6%) and Southampton (-1.4%) also saw falling passenger numbers, with only Edinburgh (+0.6%) joining Heathrow in a move in the opposite direction.
The figures are the first indicators of UK passenger numbers since February to exclude disruption due to British Airways strikes or volcanic ash. Domestic traffic across the airports was down 4.6%.
The big surge at Heathrow came in traffic to and from Europe, which rose 9.5% year on year in July.
source: www.travelweekly.co.uk
This advert for staying at the Stamford really brightened up this grey morning, so thought everyone else would like it too!
Sue x
Destination:
Jamaica
Depart:
Manchester
Dates / Times:
Departing 29/08/2010
Returning 12/09/2010
Duration
14 Nights
Staying in:
Holiday Inn Sunspree
Rating
4 star
Room Type
Twin
Board Basis
4*All Inclusive
Description:
Set in attractive surroundings, the Holiday Inn Sunspree is exceptional accommodation. Whether you relax by the lagoon-style pool or along the private beach, you'll find your own spot to enjoy the Caribbean climate. Activity seekers will find an abundance of facilities from mini-golf to watersports. And at the end of the day enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants before choosing one of four bars.
Location
With its own stretch of private beach 4.8km from Montego Bay. A large souvenir village is just across the road.
To book this offer, call one of our experts on
0182 347 8305
and quote reference no: 712303-HAY
Prices quoted are per person (unless otherwise stated) and subject to availability. Please call our travel experts for full details of this offer.
Reasons to smile...
Our low low prices are guaranteed on all our holidays, flights and accommodation
As the UK’s largest independently owned travel agent we offer holidays from all the major suppliers
Our friendly experts have a wealth of travel knowledge and are waiting to help you build your perfect holiday
Hays Travel, celebrating 30 years of making people smile
For more details or to book call: 0182 347 8305 today
The total fee for travellers visiting the US has been set at $14.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta) has been a mandatory condition of travel to the US since January 2009 but the full charge comes in from September 8.
Online completion of Esta, and its approval, is mandatory head of travel for Britons and all other travellers who qualify under the Visa Waiver Programme.
Of the $14, $10 will be ring-fenced to promote tourism to the US through fam trips and marketing among other things, while $4 will pay for administration costs.
All payments must be made by credit or debit card when applying for or renewing an Esta at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
The Esta system currently accepts the following credit/debit cards: MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover. Applications will not be submitted for processing until all payment information is received.
Applications can be submitted at any time prior to travel. Once approved, authorisations are generally valid for multiple entries into the US for up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires.
Under the new interim final rule, travellers with an approved Esta will not need to pay the Esta fees when updating an Esta application.
However, travellers with new passports and reapplying for an Esta will need to pay the Esta fee.
The US’s Tourism Promotion Corporation will decide how the revenue will be spent.
source: www.travelweekly.co.uk
Destination: 
Corfu
Depart:
Gatwick
Dates / Times:
Departing 23/08/2010
Returning 06/09/2010
Duration
14 Nights
Staying in:
Natali - Sidari
Rating
2 Star
Room Type
Standard
Board Basis
Self Catering
Description:
The Natali Apartmetns are set in a tranquil location on a quiet country lane on the outskirts of Sidari. The nearest shop is a short distance away and a 30 minute walk will take you into the heart of Sidari. The nearest beach which is Sunset Beach is also a 30 minute walk away. Situated in the Peroulades area of Sidari.
Facilities: Swimming pool, Bar, Restaurant, Satellite TV in bar area, Air conditioning (payable locally), Safety deposit boxes in all rooms (payable locally), Free use of sun beds and umbrellas.
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To book this offer, call one of our experts on
01823 478305
and quote reference no: 708780-HAY
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Reasons to smile...
Our low low prices are guaranteed on all our holidays, flights and accommodation
As the UK’s largest independently owned travel agent we offer holidays from all the major suppliers
Our friendly experts have a wealth of travel knowledge and are waiting to help you build your perfect holiday
Hays Travel, celebrating 30 years of making people smile
Destination:
Majorca
Depart:
Luton
Dates / Times:
Departing 31/08/2010
Returning 14/09/2010
Duration
14 Nights
Staying in:
Mariners Club - Alcudia
Rating
3 Star
Room Type
Standard
Board Basis
Self Catering
Description:
The Mariners Club is ideal for families with plenty of activities for the children together with a Kidzone Club and Kids playground. All facilities and activities are shared with the Solecito Apartments. These apartments are great apartments for families.
Alcudia Beach is only 900m away (across main road), Port of Alcudia is within easy reach.
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and quote reference no: 706812-HAY
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Reasons to smile...
Our low low prices are guaranteed on all our holidays, flights and accommodation
As the UK’s largest independently owned travel agent we offer holidays from all the major suppliers
Our friendly experts have a wealth of travel knowledge and are waiting to help you build your perfect holiday
Hays Travel, celebrating 30 years of making people smile
For more details or to book call: 0182 347 8305 today
6 Weeks is a long time to have the kids at home during the school holidays and I know that most people (including myself!) could do with a few ideas of days out that won’t cost too much or are free to ensure that you don’t run out of money whilst entertaining those little monkeys!
Partly so that I can find things to do with my bundles of joy and to help you find activities to keep the kids from under your feet, I have gathered a few ideas for days out that won’t cost the earth…
Greatwood
Situated at Nether Stowey, Somerset, Great Wood is a Scripture Union owned site just waiting to be used by your church, youth group, school or just a great family day out!
In fact, this is somewhere that I have visited today with my
kids and they have had the most fun, spending hours playing
amongst the trees and stream. This is a great place for a
picnic or bring a barbecue. Although I would highly
recommend wellies, a couple of change of clothes and raincoats.
Also, free parking and no entrance fees!
The Donkey Sanctuary
http://drupal.thedonkeysa
Go along and visit the Donkey Sanctuary, its open 365 days of the year from 9am until dusk with free parking and free admission.
Dogs are very welcome.
They totally rely on the generosity of the public and contributions in one of our collecting boxes will be most gratefully received.
Fyne Court
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-fynecourt
A real hidden Somerset gem, back under Trust management. Originally designed as the pleasure grounds of the Crosse family and the pioneer 19th-century electrician Andrew Crosse. Spend a magical day walking through the woodland garden, before meandering through bluebell-filled copses and the delightful meadows on the wider estate
Again, this is somewhere that offers free parking and no entrance fees. Somewhere else that I have visited with my kids and fantastic on a sunny day when you can take a picnic and spend the afternoon walking along the trails. .
Free parking and no admissions fees.
Tarr Steps
http://www.northdevon.com/site/things-to-do/attractions/tarr-steps-p283983
Tarr Steps is a medieval clapper bridge over the river Barle which spans the fifty-five foot river in seventeen spans of flat stone. Close by are burial mounds of Bronze Age men from 5,000 years ago.
Up the River Barle, north-east of Dulverton, is one of the gems of Exmoor, Tarr Steps. Take the B3223 out of the town for about 3 miles. Tarr Steps is signposted to the left. This footbridge over the Barle is considered to be Britain's oldest and longest stone clapper bridge.
Don’t forget there are so many other places around Somerset and Devon that you can visit without paying too much money, with beaches, fun farms and parks. As I find more free places to visit I will update my blog further, in the meantime I really hope you all enjoy the great places that I have found so far!
Sue x
Destination:
Crete
Depart:
Manchester
Dates / Times:
Departing 10/08/2010
Returning 24/08/2010
Duration
14 Nights
Staying in:
Stella Maria - Malia
Rating
2 Star
Room Type
Standard
Board Basis
Self Catering
Description:
Split into two blocks, the Stella Maria is a friendly, family-run property close to Malia's main beach and lively resort centre. This property remains an ideal choice for young couples and groups of friends looking for an active, fun-filled holiday in the warm Cretan sunshine.
Situated 200m from the resort centre
200m from the main beach offering a variety of water sports
Supermarket is 50m away
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To book this offer, call one of our experts on
0182 347 8305
and quote reference no: 693038-HAY
Prices quoted are per person (unless otherwise stated) and subject to availability. Please call our travel experts for full details of this offer.
Reasons to smile...
Our low low prices are guaranteed on all our holidays, flights and accommodation
As the UK’s largest independently owned travel agent we offer holidays from all the major suppliers
Our friendly experts have a wealth of travel knowledge and are waiting to help you build your perfect holiday
Hays Travel, celebrating 30 years of making people smile
For more details or to book call: 0182 347 8305 today
And so it comes to our last day in Cornwall and we chose the very windy Crackington Haven. It is lovely here, however the weather could have been better! This is a great little beach if you want somewhere that isn't too touristy and great for surfing, kite flying or fab walks with the dogs. We decided to have a little barbecue on the beach which was pretty fab!
The only shame about this holiday was that our car broke down on the way and we had to spend most of the holiday with our car in the garage, therefore not being about to visit all of the attractions that we had intended! Although, still a lovely time and I would recommend Cornwall and Devon to anyone as it is truly beautiful! 
So bye for now!!
Sue x
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