Will 2010 Be Another Good Year For The Great British Staycation?

Spring has sprung and Summer is just around the corner so many British families are putting together their holiday plans for this year. In 2009, British tourism saw many families choosing to go on holiday at home rather than abroad. This quickly became known as the ’staycation’. Seaside resorts reported an increase in visitors and UK tourism saw an increase despite the down turn in the economy. Initially the great British ’staycation’ resulted in many people staying at home and travelling to local tourist attractions but soon people started looking for different types of affordable accommodation.

Visiting a nearby city or town for a short weekend break became popular with increased bookings at hotels and apartments. The majority of these travellers were couples and groups of friends out to enjoy the sights and sounds of big cities such as Bristol. There are lots of places to stay in Bristol like this but those looking for longer family holidays wanted different types of accommodation in a more rural location.

There were a couple of accommodation trends in 2009 that became noticable as it became clear that budget was having an effect on holiday maker’s decisions. A large number of caravan and mobile home owners traveled to campsites in the South of England because it was cheaper. Staying in holiday cottages was the option chosen by many of those that had more money to spend on their holiday last year.

Some of the most popular holiday cottages in the UK can be found in the southern counties of England. These are usually in areas like Cornwall, Devon and Hampshire. It is easy to see why as all of these areas have a wealth of local tourist attractions on offer. The New Forest in Hampshire is very popular, Exeter in Devon is a hotspot and all the surfers love Cornwall.

A large number of holiday cottage rental agents have stated that cottages in Cornwall had a huge increase in the number of properties they rented last year. This is likely to be because places like Newquay receive regular young visitors each year after the end of GCSE and A level exams. This area of Cornwall has become well known for catering for young people looking to let off some steam after years of studying.

Another destination that is very popular is the New Forest in Hampshire. It is thought that holiday cottages in the New Forest saw an increase in families visiting the area. The New Forest has a lot of natural beauty and a wide range of wildlife as well as lots of outdoor activities for the children to participate in. The New Forest is also well positioned allowing trips to nearby towns, cities and places of interest. The medieval city of Salisbury is nearby as well as Bournemouth with it’s beautiful beaches.

Looking at all the signs it would appear that UK tourism will have another successful year in 2010. The state of the economy has improved slightly but times are still tough with many people still tightening their belts and with potential strike action from some airlines the thought of going abroad this year is looking uncertain for many. So once again the ’staycation’ could reign supreme in the UK throughout 2010 but only time will tell.

Tips on Finding Discount International Flights

Tips on Finding Discount International Flights

Traveling internationally has never been easier, you’ve probably found that international airfares are not cheap. You may have also spent some time going through the search engines for discount international airfares only to become totally overwhelmed. So to start you off on your search here are some of the hottest deals on the web to help yu quickly and easily find the best deal.

Travelling to Europe

You may be surprised to hear that there are search engines that deal specifically with people who offer discount international airfares. They are worth looking into as everyone uses different sources for their deals so that they have different discounts on international airfares. There are three search engines that deal with companies offering flights to Europe:

- Sky Scanner (http://www.skyscanner.net/). This search engine operates on a slightly different premise. You first enter specific dates, trips or locations and it will undertake a complete search of it’s databaseto match your criteria. Most of the other sites just list the availabilities.

- Apple Fares (http://www.applefares.com/). This search engine was recently bought out by CheapFlights.com. Their main focus is on cheap airfares across Europe so if you plan on travelling around Europe once you arrive there, this is an excellent site to help you find cheap airfares as you travel around Europe.

Travelling Intercontinental or Within the USA

The following sites are great resources for intercontinental airfares or for travel within the US:

- Fare Chase (http://farechase.yahoo.com/). This site is simple, easy to navigate and use. It’s so good that Yahoo just bought them out!

- Qixo (http://www.qixo.com/). This site clains to be the biggest cheap airfare search engine of them all. It may well be true as it has a staggering amount of airfares and options available.

- Opodo (http://www.opodo.co.uk/). Although it’s a UK site it allows you to search its database with a combination of factors, such as airlines, different fares,traveling partners and ages.

Need a List of Cheap International Airfares?

There are alternatives to the pure search engine style cheap airline sites. There are also websites that list the best and cheapest airfares currently available. Take a look at some of the best:

- LowCostAirlines.org (http://etntelephone.com/lcostair.htm). This site carries a lot of information including lists of the budget and discount airlines, cheap airfare deals, a search engine and also a forum for you to search and discuss where to get the cheapest airfare. You can find out where the discount airlines are based so that you can get the best deals for travelling to a particular destination.

- Attitude Travel (http://www.attitudetravel.com/lowcostairlines.html). This is an extensive site that includes details of the cheap internatinoal airlines that fly to and from Europe.

Why not try Being an Air Courier

One of the most effective ways to get cheap, or often free, airfares is to travel as an air courier. My sister used this method to fly for free to attend my wedding. Whilst it’s not suitable for everyone as you give up some of your luggage space to courier the goods, you don’t really have to do anything with the goods themselves. It may not be ideal but for really deep discounts it’s well owrth considering. To find out more try these sites:

- The Air Courier Association (http://www.aircourier.org/)
- The International Association of Air Couriers (http://www.courier.org/)
- Air Hitch (http://www.air-hitch.org/)
- http://www.budgettravel.about.com/cs/aircouriers/

Wherever you’re going have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Monte Carlo’s Top 10 Must Sees

Full of style and panache, Monte Carlo is home to the rich and the famous. The town is the perfect mixture of sun-kissed beaches and modern city living; the best way to discover its treasure is on foot. With its narrow alleyways and streets, it exudes that everybody belongs here. Compiled is a list of ten things you must definitely see or do when in ‘Mount Charles’.

1. Monte Carlo Casino

The Monte Carlo Casino must be the top priority place on your list of places to visit in Monte Carlo. This architectural masterpiece with its stunning marble and gold atrium was built in 1863 by Charles Garnier.

2. Monaco Grand Prix

One of the most prestigious racing strips in motor sport, Monte Carlo’s Grand Prix Racing Route has hosted the Monaco Grand Prix every year since 1929. These roads are quickly transformed from public highways to a stunning Formula 1 circuit whenever needed.

3. Prince’s Palace

If you are visiting Monte Carlo within June to October, the Prince’s Palace is a must-see. The palace courtyard is paved with millions of colored pebbles, which are flawlessly arranged into stunning geometrical patterns. This luxury house was originally built in 1191 as a fortress.

4. Monaco Cathedral

Constructed in 1875, this magnificent cathedral now houses the body of Princess Grace. Its organ was restored to its former glory in 1988.

5. Monte-Carlo Thermes Marins

This luxury spa has been coined the ultimate place for relaxation in Monte Carlo and has been know to be so for over a century now. Pamper yourself whenever you want here.

6. Le Metropole Shopping Centre

The Metropole is a shopper’s paradise for those who can afford the designer stores to of Paris and Rome. The Casino Square offers the most top quality precious stones.

7. The Old Town

For a taste of local Monegasque cuisine, visit the Old Town. Here you will find a wide variety of quality bars and restaurants to drink and dine in.

8. Café de Paris

Café de Paris is the best place to be when in Casino Square. A combination of tourists and locals can be found here, whether dining indoors or frolicking ourside. The menu offers an international flavor with daily recommended specials you will never forget.

9. The Grimaldi Forum

For a host of cultural events, visit the Grimaldi Forum. Catch a concert, an opera, or a ballet; or take part in one of Monte Carlo’s exhibitions or festivals, including the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis match.

10. Stade Louis II

Although the AS Monaco Football Club is quite small, it offers the best quality around. It may only house 18,500 people, but its architecture is definitely memorable and worth the visit.