In this issue:

Australia and New Zealand - now covered!!
Car Leasing in Europe - Specials with both Renault and Peugeot
Current Fuel Prices Worldwide - just to give you an idea
Rail - A special offer on the Eastern & Oriental Express
Personally recommended campsites - first hand reports
Our quarterly competition - ends 31May05 !
Holiday cooking - 1 recipe
Canada - A feature on British Columbia
Motorhomes - Welcome to Canadream Campers in Canada
What's on in the USA - check it out
Tracing your family tree - Jump in the car and search out family history
What would Americans most like to see in the USA - Their top 10
Canal Boat and Cruising offers
Motorhomes - We now have a Portugese Motorhome company
Motorhomes USA - Updated USA/Canada specials


AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND NOW COVERED!
This month sees the launch of our new Australia and New Zealand website. It is not 100% loaded, but you can check out the progress if you wish. We will kick off with a an offer of a 5% discount off all products and a free Nike Day bag for every booking made in the month of May!!

Tracey in our office has worked with these leading companies for the past 9 years and has a lot of experience in matching up clients with the right vehicle to suit their needs. We can even help you with the ferry crossings between north and south island.

With United Campers in New Zealand, we have an extra special offer: Travel between now and 31Oct05, pay for 14 days and we'll throw in a week for free! You must book by 30June05 to get this free week.

With Kea Campers in Australia, travel from Alice Springs, Brisbane, Cairns and Darwin TO Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide between 01May- 31July05 and take 10% off the applicable rates and no one way fee. Minimum rental period is 14 days.

With Kea Campers in New Zealand, travel from Christchurch to Auckland during 01May to 31October05 and take 10% off the applicable rates and no one way fee.. Minimum rental period 14 days

See it all on www.ausandnztravel.com

Car leasing in Europe - Specials with both Renault and Peugeot!

We are happy to advise that Renault have extended the validity of their Autumn special and Peugeot has re-instated their Earlybird deals. Both require booking by 31May05. Remember with car leasing, there is nothing more to pay and you are guaranteed a brand new car. Also cars can travel to most Eastern European countries with full insurance coverage. For more details on the specials, click on http://www.ukandeuropetravel.com/carlease.shtml

Current Fuel Prices Worldwide:
Just to give you an idea of diesel fuel costs in local currency of country .  These are as at April 2005 and of course they do fluctuate.
France   Euro 1.03
Germany  Euro 1.01
Belgium Euro 1.03
Luxembourg Euro 0.82
Netherlands  Euro 1.00
Hungary  Forint 252.00
Poland  Zloty  3.60
Sweden   Swedish Krone  10.23
Norway  Norwegian Krone 9.70
Italy  Euro 1.12
Spain Euro 0.88
Portugal Euro 0.87
Switzerland   Swiss Francs  1.60
USA   USD$  0.62
New Zealand NZD$0.85

So if you're travelling around in France and about to enter Spain, wait until you reach Spain to fill up. That is why a lot of Belgian residents head to Luxembourg at weekends to fill up.

Rail:   This is not UK/Europe or USA/Canada but we do bring you a special rail offer.  A trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express which reflects the service, style and grandeur of it's sister train, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express.  Capture the mystical wonders and cultures of Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.
From the vibrant cities of Singapore and Bangkok, the scenery unfolds to reveal ancient temples, winding rivers, quaint villages, tropical countryside and jungle terrain. Depending on your itinerary, you can take a boat excursion to visit the infamous bridge over the River Kwai or enjoy a trishaw ride through the colourful streets of colonial Georgetown in Penang. A journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express is an experience which will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Our offer is: 

Reserve a cabin for two people for the full journey between Singapore and Bangkok (or vice versa) for travel between 15 April and 20 September 2005 and receive complimentary hotel accommodation (room only basis) at The Oriental Singapore and/or The Oriental Bangkok.
Pullman Cabin: Reserve a Pullman cabin and receive one free night in Bangkok and one free night in Singapore.
State Cabin: Reserve a State Cabin and receive one free night in Bangkok and one free night in Singapore PLUS one additional free night of your choice at either hotel.

On board accommodation.   There are 3 grades of compartments and all include facilities such as a 24 hour steward service called by a bell, hairdryer, personal safe and international electric sockets. All cabins are fully air-condtioned and provide bottled mineral water, fresh fruit and flowers, bathroom amenities, 'welcome' newsletter, E&O magazine and stationery pack. Regardless of cabin grade, all passengers receive the same level of high quality service Orient-Express is renowned for.

Pullman Cabin - A private lounge during the day with a banquette style sofa. Daytime seating converts to an upper and lower berth at night. Cabins contain an ensuite shower, washbasin and WC.

State Cabin - A roomier version of the Pullman, consisting of a banquette style sofa, fixed chair and moveable chair. The fixed daytime seating converts to 2 single beds at night. An ensuite shower, washbasin and WC complete the cabin.

Presidential Cabin - A spacious cabin which also includes a dressing room. There is a banquette style sofa, fixed chair and 2 moveable chairs. The fixed daytime seating converts to 2 single beds at night. The dressing roomhas a separate ensuite shower, washbasin and WC. A complimentary bar is also included.

The Eastern & Oriental Express offers itineraries which will captivate and enchant you.

• Singapore-Bangkok (3 days/2 nights) - Australian $2540 per person in Pullman compartment / $3780 in State Compartment
• Bangkok-Singapore (3 days/2 nights)    as above
• Bangkok-Chiang Mai (2 days/1 night) - Australian $1500 per person in Pullman compartment / $2150 in State Compartment
• Bangkok-Bangkok (3 days/2 nights)

Eastern & Oriental Express features and inclusions:

• Travel and overnight accommodation on board train.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners (not including beverages).
• Tea, coffee and mineral water in compartment.
• Sightseeing tour of Penang and River Kwai for those travelling to Singapore to Bangkok or v.v.
• Sightseeing tour for those travelling to Chiang Mai.
• 20% off for children under 12 years accompanied by adult and sharing accommodation.
• 10% off when booking multi sector combinations (must be booked at same time. Discount also applies to round trip Singapore-Bangkok).

Personally recommended campsites: Recommendations are always best
If you find a great site on your travels, let us know! When you book a motorhome with us, we do give you documentation which has all the personally recommended sites collated for you.

In Rome - Village Flaminio http://www.villageflaminio.it/ENG/Camping/home.asp
Lake Garda, Italy http://www.campingsanfrancesco.com
Switzerland: Camping chain. http://www.campingtcs.ch

OUR QUARTERLY COMPETITION - ENDS 31MAY05 Tell us about your best travel memory .... happy, sad, 50 years ago...  whatever.  What sticks out for you?  The best memory, in our humble opinion, will win a $100 travel voucher,  a  portable discman,  a wheelie suitcase and travel bag.   By entering you do allow us the right to publish your story on our website.  We will just refer to your initials if requested

HOLIDAY COOKING:

Chicken and Corn Soup
1 or 2 chicken breasts (you decide how much meat you want in your soup)
packet of chicken noodle soup
one onion left whole
2 fresh corn on the cob or a tin of corn kernels
1 tin of creamed corn
1 egg
grated ginger if available
Cornflour to thicken
Water
Place chicken breasts, onion & chicken noodle soup in a pot of water, bring to the boil and then let simmer. If you have ginger grate it in. (this is very warming and also therapeutic if you are ill!)
Add in the corn on the cob and after 7 minutes, remove, let cool and cut off the cob or if using tinned corn omit that step! When chicken is cooked, remove and flake or chop up. Put back into soup, add all the corn back in.
Mix cornflour in a tablespoon or two of water and pour into soup to thicken. Then beat the egg with a tablespoon of water and pour into boiling soup and stir. Sprinkle with parsely or coriander if available and serve with breat for a wholesome, healthy meal.

Canada: British Columbia

Did you know?
* Non residents may claim back GST rebates (conditions apply). Keep all original receipts.
*Canada has 6 different time zones. The time difference from coast to coast is 4.5hours.
*Canadians drive on the right side of the road (same as the U.S.) and use the metric system for distances and speeds, kilometres/hour rather than miles.
*You do not need an International Driving Permit. Your home licence is valid for up to one year.
*There are more than 50 scenic golf courses on Vancouver Island alone and most are open all year!
*Vancouver Island is the 10th largest island in Canada and one of 6000 islands in British Columbia
*To assist you with your travel in BC, more than 100 communities operate Visitor Info Centres. They will provide all sorts of info, literature and their service is friendly and personalised. Recognise them by their green and white 'Visitor Info' logo.

Main destinations in BC: Vancouver, Victoria, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Vancouver Island, Whistler, Kootenay Rockies, Okanagan Valley.

Destination links: For Vancouver and other BC islands - www.islands.bc.ca
General info on BC -www.hellobc.com

Things to do:
The Southern Gulf Islands: Villages, cafes, craft set amongst small islands
The Sunshine Coast: Between Vancouver & Powell River
Columbia Valley - enjoy Fairmont or Radium hot springs
Whale watching all along the Pacific Coast from April to October
Bear watching at Knight Inlet or the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Sanctuary for natural viewing
Take a 20km canoe trip on the Nazko-Blackwater River Mackenzie Trail
Visit the Queen Charlotte Island offering an insight into the culture of the Haida.
Hike the Stawamus Chief, a granite monolith towering 650metres above Howe Sound and view spectacular coastal scenery on Sewell's Sea Safari.
Visit Kitsilano Beach for sun drenched sands
Visit Squamish Valley, 40 minutes north of Vanouver. World's largest migration of bald eagles
Rid a gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain for great views and whilst in the area visit the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered wildlife.
Walk across Capilano Suspension Bridge. The longest and highest suspended footbridge in the world

Festival & Events Listings:

VANCOUVER
Bard on the Beach - 02June until 25Sept. See two of Shakespeares finest romantic comedies on the Mainstage at the waterfront in Vanier Park. More info www.bardonthebeach.org
Van Dusen Garden Show - 09-12June. More than 200 displays of colour and beauty. www.vandusengarden.org
Stanley Park Bike Festival- 11June05. Car free bike festival. Just about everything at the festival is free. Set at Brockton Point. For fun, learning, art, recreation. See www.stanleyparkbikefest.ca
Vancouver International Digital Festival -For the creative minds who work in digital media. www.vidfest.com
74th Rogers Open Tennis Tournament for Amateurs! - 09-24July. Register to play or watch players in all age categories.
Theatre under the Stars - 13July 20Aug. At the Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park. See 'Big- the Musical' and Cole Porter's "Can Can" running on alternate nights at 8pm. visit www.tuts.bc.ca
Festival Vancouver - 01-14Aug. One of the largest classical music festivals in North America. More than 50 concerts in 9 venues across the city. See www.festivalvancouver.bc.ca

WHISTLER - see www.tourismwhistler.com for more info on below items.
Farmer's Market: June to October, every Sunday from 11-4pm. Organic and local produce, crafts etc. During July to Sept, entertainment is provided.
Whistler Arts & Music Festival. 08-10July. Street entertainment, nightly shows, art walks, outdoor films etc.
CranKWorX Mountain Bike Festival: 21-24July. Worlds best mountain bikers demo death defying stunts.
Whistler Mountain-Top BBQ- 01-27August. Every Sat night enjoy a BBQ buffet on top of Whistler Mountain, 6000 feet above sea level!

VANCOUVER ISLAND -
BC Spring Wine Festival on 07June at Laurel Point Inn, Victoria. Over 200 of BC's best white and red releases from 40 wineries will be showcased. Sip, savour & select. Tickets from winemerchants in Victoria and area.
Night illuminations at Butchart Gardens- 15June-15Sept. Strongly & personally recommended! Every evening enjoy a stroll as thousands of lights dramatically light The Gardens in one of largest underground wiring installation in North America.www.butchartgardens.com
Tall Ships Victoria 2005. As many as 30 traditionally rigged sailing vessels and crews from around the world gather to celebrate maritime history and the sea-faring life. Ship tours, concerts, exhibits. www.victoriatallships.ca
Butchart Gardens Fireworks 02July-03September on Saturday evenings only. Magnificent gardens and fireworks set to music. To avoid long car line ups, take the bus. Wear warm clothes. www.butchartgardens.com
The Great Canadian Bathtub race - 24July at Nanaimo, Vancouver Island. This exciting spectacle pits very competitive ‘tubbers' from around the world against one another in seriously modified bathtubs. In a churning, frothing, bouncing, tub swamping frenzy, they race out into the straits of Georgia and most make it back

MOTORHOMES: Welcome to Canadream Campers, Canada
Canadream is a progressive company who have been in operation more than 10 years. They are one of the largest RV companies in Canada. They have approximately 700 RV's which they offer from 10 gateway cities across Canada. What we like is that we have a real time online booking engine which allows you to select multiple vehicles, input your dates, choose your options and it will check what is available and give you a detailed quote. If you like what you see, you can immediately book it online.

Canadream also have a unique program called 'Run of Fleet'. So you can choose a Run of Fleet for 2 persons or Run of Fleet for 3 persons where you get input your dates,locations etc and it will spit out a price - but you don't find out which vehicle you get until you get to the depot. They do tell you which vehicles are in each program upfront. So if you're going to Canada, check it out!

WHAT'S ON IN THE USA- Lets look at California...
Bakersfield, California - 03-05June05 Standing Bear Pow Wow. Native American food and arts festival.
San Diego, California - 10 July, San Diego County Fair...livestock, pie contests, loads of family fun
Lake Tahoe - 18August -Summer Music Festival, Jazz, classical and folk music
San Bernadino - Route 66 Rendezvous. Thousands of custom cruisers . See www.route-66.org

TRACING YOUR FAMILY TREE
If you'd like to visit 'your roots' and sort out that family tree one of the first tasks is to collect basic biographical details about the person.  One of the best places to start would be to find the place and date of their birth, marriage and death.  Since 1837 in England and Wales and from 1855 in Scotland and 1864 in Ireland it was a legal requirement to register birth, death and marriage which helps a lot.  If you are searching for someone prior to this time, you would have to try and get hold of their local church.   You can also search the Census returns.

The National Archives and Family Records Centre in London, Edinburgh or the General Register Office of Northern Ireland,  the Borthwick Institute of Historical Research in York are good places to actually visit and the staff will be happy to assist you.
Good online websites to help are listed below.  Good luck! 
http://www.ukbmd.org.uk/index.php?form_action=misc   :  Gives details of Births, Marriages, Deaths and Censuses on the internet.  Excellent site.
http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/  :  How to use the services at the Family Records Centre in the UK with links for Scotland and Northern Ireland
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk 
http://familysearch.org   :  Great site as it has other web links to help you further.  This is to search for US based family.
http://www.genesreunited.co.uk
http://genuki.org.uk/gs/#Types   :  Getting started and how to do it.

WHAT WOULD AMERICANS MOST LIKE TO SEE IN THE U.S.A?

In a national survey by the Travel Industry Association of America that asked Americans to name the top American Treasures they would like to visit - these are the results in order of popularity.
1.  The Grand Canyon
2.  The Statue of Liberty
3.  Yellowstone National Park
4.  The White House and monuments of Washington DC
5.   Niagra Falls
6.  The Hawaiian Islands
7.  Mount Rushmore
8.  The Redwood Forests
9.  The Glaciers and Fjords of Alaska
10. The Rocky Mountains

CANAL BOAT & CRUISING  OFFERS:
From/to Loosdrecht in Holland.  P1160FB from 28May to 04June Was €1700 Now €1430
From/to Loosdrecht in Holland P935 from 16May to 23May.  Was €1107  Now €950
Ireland - From/to Ballinamore.  P1160FEB  21-28May.  Was €2100 now €1680
Ireland - From Ballinamore to Athlone on P1020 FB  28May to 04June.  No one way fee.  Was €1586 now €1271
France -  From Negra to Argens Minervois on P1106  27May to 04June.  Was €1672 now €1338
France - From Argens Minvervois to Negra on P935R from 14-21May, no one way fee.  Was €1300 now  €1047

Black Prince Canal Boats:  UK -   5% all bookings deposited during May and get a free Nike Day bag...
Amadeus Waterways:  Europe River boat cruising -  5% all bookings deposited during May, free cabin bag
European Waterways:  River and Canal cruising in France, UK, Scotland - 5% all bookings and free cabin bag

MOTORHOMES IN PORTUGAL:
We are pleased to advise that we now have 2 motorhome companies in Portugal which means you no longer have to pay the delivery fee that was charged by our Spanish company. Depots in Lisbon and Porto.
We are just tidying up a few details and then will upload them onto our website. In the meantime, let us know your details and we will be happy to prepare a quotation.

MOTORHOMES USA - Updated Specials with El Monte
We still have a couple of specials left where we need help relocating the fleet..
Orlando or Miami TO New York - Pick up any time now, drop off by 15June05. 1500 free miles
Los Angeles/San Francisco/LasVegas TO Vancouver - return by 31May05. 1000 free miles
On these two specials, pay 50% of the daily rate for the first 14 days, free mileage as listed, no one way fee.
or....
Pick up in Orlando and return the vehicle TO Los Angeles, San Francisco or Las Vegas. Must be returned by 31May. Pay 50% of the normal daily rate for the first 7 days, 3000 free miles, no one way fee
or if you are travelling later in the year,
From Vancouver TO Los Angeles, San Francisco or Las Vegas. Pick up after 09October and return vehicle by 15December or from New York TO Orlando, pick up after 01Dec05 and return by 25January06.
Pay 50% of the daily rate for the first 7 days, 1000 free miles and no one way fee.

VANCOUVER SUMMER SPLASH OFFER
Valid for new reservations only. Pick up and return at Vancouver/Bellingham depot only
Pick up after 01July05 and return by 06Sep05 and you will be eligible to purchase an Unlimited Mileage package at just USD$450 valid for maximum of 30 nights. Thereafter USD$25 per night
PLUS......Receive FREE personal convenience kits and FREE Vehicle Kit

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