MP’s sunshine breaks abroad, Cameron staying

Posted by Allen

More than half of Britain’s MPs took cheap breaks or not so cheap breaks abroad this summer, according to a survey that reveals the holidaying habits of the country’s politicians.

Parliament closed for its annual summer recess In July, with members of the House of Commons enjoying time away from Westminster until September 6th – while their counterparts in the House of Lords stay away even longer, not returning until October 5th.

And the first summer recess to take place under the tenure of the new coalition government is being marked by a new poll – the ABTA Parliamentary Holiday Survey.

Conducted by ABTA, The Travel Association (formerly known as the Association Of British Travel Agents), the study throws a light on how MPs spend their time off.

Of those who responded to the survey, 56 per cent said they would be holidaying overseas, while three-quarters of MPs intend to travel to cheaper short-haul destinations.

The poll also revealed a sharp disparity between the holiday plans of members of the Commons and their counterparts in the Lords.

A little under a third of members of the Commons – 30 per cent – claim to take just one holiday a year – compared to just 9 per cent of members of the Lords. By contrast, 41 per cent of peers take two holiday breaks a year, and 50 per cent take three or more.

The Mediterranean is revealed as the most popular holiday destination for members of both houses.

But while 56 per cent of MPs  crossed the Channel, leading figures in both main political parties were due to be keeping the home fires burning.

David Cameron  took a traditional seaside family break in Cornwall  – and has reportedly told his Cabinet to avoid expensive foreign jaunts at a time when many Britons are continue to watch the pennies by holidaying in the UK.

David Miliband, one of the contenders for the leadership of the Labour Party, followed a similar line, and headed for Northumberland, commenting: “Northumberland is a beautiful part of Britain and I am really looking forward to exploring it with my family. The county’s stunning natural beauty, relaxing atmosphere and friendly people will provide a great backdrop for a family holiday.”

The survey named Scotland as the favourite spot for domestic breaks, among MPs


Cheap Paris Breaks as tourism slows

Posted by Allen

Cheap Breaks to Paris

Following on from the potentially devastating news for Spain, as thousands of holiday-makers are axing trips to the Costas, Times Online has reported this week on how the tourism industry in Paris is facing difficult times.

According to the report by Chris Haslam, international arrivals are down by 8.1% on last year, hotel occupancies by more than 10%, and the queues for the Eiffel Tower – celebrating its 120th birthday this year – have rarely been shorter.

38paris Cheap Paris Breaks as tourism slows

The growing crisis has prompted hotels to slash prices by up to 70%, in an attempt to win back tourists to the world’s most visited city.

So if you fancy a cheap Paris break, there’s never been a better time to grab a bargain.


UK hotel prices drop significantly as hotel owners try to tempt holidaymakers to stay at home

Posted by Allen

According to figures released this week by Hotels.com, UK hotel room prices fell 12% to £93 per night in the last three months of 2008, compared with the same period in 2007

In contrast British tourists are having to pay more for accommodation at many popular overseas destinations, supporting suggestions that Brits will turn their backs on destinations such as Spain and are instead planning to spend this years holidays in the UK.

But it’s not just Spain where prices are soaring, one night in a Swiss hotel rose, on average, to £120 – an increase of 22% – and France, Holland and Greece saw rises of 11%, 14% and 15% respectively.

Figures for individual cities showed average London hotel room rates dipping 12%, Edinburgh prices falling from £99 to £95 and Belfast room rates down 17% to £83.  Bucking the trend was Cardiff, where average prices rose slightly from £87 at the end of 2007 to £93 at the end of last year.

The most expensive city at the end of 2008 was Moscow with rooms costing an average of £207 a night, although the biggest percentage increase was in Rio de Janeiro, where room rates rose 63% to £164 at the end of last year.

Other destinations with rising prices included, Geneva up 34% to £136, Zurich up 20% to £119, Washington DC up 18% to £115 per night, Paris rising 13% to £112 and Munich up 10% to £93.

The least expensive major city at the end of last year was the Latvian capital Riga where average rooms cost just £50 a night.

Hotels.com worldwide president David Roche said: “Our report shows that hoteliers around the world are being forced to cut rates to fill their rooms.

“Due to weak sterling, UK travellers will have to work a bit harder to find the bargains but there are still plenty to be had.

“For travellers from any part of the world, this is a great time to explore: travel has not been this cheap since January 2004.”

“The indications are that 2009 will continue to be a good year for travellers. If sterling strengthens, UK travellers will start enjoying the great savings our European and US counterparts are currently experiencing.”

Overall, the average price for a night in a UK hotel fell to £93 in the last three months of 2008.


Cheap Airfares – Last Minute Flights – Discount Tickets

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2 Cheap Airfares   Last Minute Flights   Discount Ticketshttp://www.online-mystery-shopper.com/yt/cfares/
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I need to know a web site to book a theatre break including coach travel for a w/e break?

Posted by Allen

I need to know a web site to book a theatre break including coach travel for a w/e break?

Local bus companies often do them.
Or your local travel agent might have a deal on – they often do.


How to Find Cheap Flights!

Posted by Allen

2 How to Find Cheap Flights!http://www.cheap-flights-finder.com – Step by step video explaining how to find the cheapest flights

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