Summer ‘Stay-cation’ 2009 | Is Cornwall calling

Summer ‘Stay-cation’ 2009 | Is Cornwall calling?

Finally! After record snowfall and cold temperatures this winter, it’s about time we warmed up to the prospect of some decent weather. Looks like the darkest days are finally behind us and thankfully, spring has once again come to the UK.

The blossoms are out. Clocks have returned back (to ahead), where they should have been all along.

Surely, planning your summer holiday cannot be too far behind.

If you are anything like most people, you’ll feel slightly guilty from time to time that you have visited many exotic tourist destinations all over the world but you have sadly neglected to explore the delights of your own back yard. This summer, why not give your skin a much-needed break from its annual sun beating? (Your unsightly tan lines have only just faded from last year, after all). Why not avoid the miserable airline staff telling you your weight allowance only permits you to carry one pair of espadrilles and a bottle of Bacardi? Why not do your bit for the environment and decrease your carbon footprint? This year, shake off those recession blues and stay right here in the UK; explore those places you’ve been meaning to visit for years but haven’t quite got round to it…and have yourself a very merry “staycation.”

You won’t be alone. Much like last summer when over one third of the UK public said that they were switching their plans from a holiday abroad to a holiday in Britain, the very same trend is happening again.

Did someone say, Cornwall? Devon?

The south lays claim to some of the very best seaside resorts in England. If your only memories of the South-West coast are sand pails, plastic shovels and your parents’ 1982 caravan, it may just be the time to revisit. Only 2-3 hours away by train from London, it is no stretch to say that Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Hampshire make up some of the most spectacular scenery in all of the UK. And there is no lack of things to do once you get there.

From Land’s End to Hayling Island, spotted over entire the south-west coast are high end, yet affordable resorts to kick back and let your troubles melt in the best weather in the UK.

Here are 5 recommended places to rest your weary bones:

(1) Sea Acres Holiday Park, The Lizard

Sea Acres’ stunning cliff top position offers spectacular views over Kennack Sands. Spend days exploring the Lizard coastline or try something new and learn to dive at the park’s PADI Dive centre. In the evenings head to the Family Club House for some great light entertainment or enjoy a glass of wine on your veranda while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Sea.

(2) Torquay Holiday Park, Torquay

Torquay is set in a superb hillside location, surrounded by rolling Devon countryside with stunning views in every direction. This park is a great base for exploring the English Riviera, its stunning beaches and the nearby resorts of Paignton, Brixham and Torquay. Feel as tall as a giant discovering the amazing scale models at Babbacombe Model Village or choose from eight different flumes at Quaywest Water Park.

(3) Sandford Holiday Park, Poole

You’ll be spoilt for a choice of things to do at Sandford. There are superb indoor and outdoor heated pools, a choice of play areas plus fantastic live entertainment. Test your skills on the lanes with a game of mini ten-pin bowling or take in the scenery on the nature trail. For a day out, head to the Nearby New Forest and spot the famous ponies or visit the bustling resorts of Poole and Bournemouth.

(4) Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde Bay

Ruda has it all. Golden sands, world class surfing and excellent park facilities set in the charming hamlet of Croyde. Learn to surf with the school on park, explore the coastal path to Baggy Point for stunning views of Lundy Island or ‘go wild’ in the park’s indoor Tropical Adventure Pool.

(5) Holywell Bay Holiday Park, Newquay

This park is ideal for beach lovers with the famous Gull Rocks of Holywell Bay beach just a short stroll from the park. Nestled in the Ellenglaze Valley, Holywell Bay is the perfect family retreat with an outdoor heated pool and a multi-sports court and fantastic evening entertainment in the Surfrider Club. There’s a great range of facilities at Holywell Bay Holiday Park, you can shoot down the giant waterslide and learn to surf with qualified instructors or enjoy a relaxing walk along the nature trail.

SOURCE: The Times | Cornwall.com | ParkdeanHolidays.co.uk

Tips For Traveling Safely

Tips For Traveling Safely

Just days ago, a massive earthquake hit the country of Haiti. Unfortunately there are many people who were killed, and many still the missing. Some of those people are from other countries, either visiting Haiti on vacation or visiting Haiti to try to offer assistance of some kind even before the earthquake hit.
This is a very unfortunate incident, but it points out the dangers that can sometimes be fall travelers when they go to other countries, or even other cities. You never know when a natural disaster might come up, and you’re caught off guard because you’re in unfamiliar territory.  While there’s nothing you can do to completely protect yourself while you’re away on vacation, there are a few things you should think of while you’re traveling that might help you, or at least help other people to help you.
First, try to always have a cell phone handy. It’s true that cell phones don’t work everywhere because everyone is in on the same network around the world, but every country has to sell phones, and even temporary ones are easy to obtain. With the cell phone, at least have programmed the number of the hotel you’re staying at an emergency number of at least one person who’s not where you are. If that person has to be someone at home, then so be it. Also make sure that if you have a temporary cell phone that other people know what that phone number is in case they need to try to reach you.
Second, always try to have something to drink with you if you’re traveling around town. Caring about of water or a small bottle of some kind of drink could become important if you don’t have the opportunity to get to anything fresh to drink for long period of time. Also, there are a lot of countries were drinking the water could give you physical problems later on, so there’s another extra layer of protection you will have.
Third, always have a couple of snack foods to eat, and something to suck on to keep your mouth moist. You can survive longer without food than you can without something to drink, and having at least a little bit of something else to take the edge off if you can’t get to any other food for a long time. The same thing with having something to help keep your mouth moist such as gum or some kind of lozenges or even some kind of hard candy. These items might not save your life, but they will help you stay comfortable.
Fourth, always have some kind of identification on you. Whether it’s a drivers license, passport, or just some kind of identification like a little card that comes with the wallet, it’s more important that someone can identify who you are when you’re not at home than when you are at home. At least when you’re home, there are a lot more people that know who you are and what you look like. You don’t have that same luxury when you’re out of town, so if a disaster struck and someone at home starts inquiring about you, if something bad happened to you it’s easier to identify you.

Traveling on the Cheap – Vacations Needn’t Break the Bank

Traveling on the Cheap – Vacations Needn’t Break the Bank

Traveling is often thought of as an inherently expensive activity. When you’re away from home, you’ll have to pay more for every meal you eat, every night you stay away and, of course, your transportation. But there are many ways in which you can enjoy a vacation without breaking the bank.

Transportation can be the most expensive component of a trip; but there are several ways to keep costs down. If you’re not traveling too far, consider taking a bus or sharing a car with friends and splitting the cost of gas rather than driving alone. If your destination is out of state or international, you may have to take a plane; but if you take the time to scour flight comparison websites, you can often pick up great bargains – especially if you start looking early. It’s also possible to find excellent last-minute deals; and with the advent of low cost, no frills airlines, flights are now very affordable.

Eating out is often a key part of a vacation, yet it’s possible to eat well and inexpensively if you go to the right places. Rather than heading to the first well known national chain restaurant that you see, try to hunt down eateries that specialize in regional dishes made from local produce instead. These are not only a great way of supporting the local economy, but they often offer the best value for eating out.

Accommodation can take up a large proportion of a travel budget, but there are many ways to cut costs. For young travelers and students, youth hostels offer excellent value accommodation, and are a great way of meeting fellow travelers. If you’re the outdoor type, consider camping or staying in a caravan. There are thousands of campsites all over the country which cater to outdoor enthusiasts; but if you plan on staying in the more popular national parks, be sure to book in advance as pitches tend to fill up quickly.

For those who seek a little more luxury from their accommodation, there are still various options for discounted accommodation. Visiting slightly off season will normally get you a cheaper rate, and several large hotel chains offer hotel reward schemes through which you can earn and redeem points for free nights, discounted room rates, or free upgrades.

Vacations needn’t break the bank: if you do your research, you’re sure to find transport, dining and accommodation deals to suit any budget.