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
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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.
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 |
![](/images/newsletter/images.jpg) |
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.
![](/images/newsletter/canada.jpg) |
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.
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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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