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
More people choose UK for cheap breaks in 2010
Posted by Allen
The Staycation is here to stay according to cheap breaks holiday companies who have confirmed that early booking predictions indicate that even more people will be choosing the UK for their short breaks this year.
Value for money is the key issue for many people when it comes to choosing a holiday according to research by one of Britain’s leading family holiday park operators and they responded to customer feedback by including even more activities in the cost of their holidays, such a popular swimming lessons for beginners.
Cheap breaks with swimming lessons
Whilst it can be tempting to hang on for last minute bargains the chances are you won’t save much money – and you won’t get your first choice of destination and accommodation. With so many people booking in advance many popular dates are filling up fast.
If you don’t have any flexibility with dates – or have set your heart on a particular destination you’ll need to book early to get anything like cheap breaks in the UK this year.
Brilliant Weekend Breaks
Posted by Allen
Try Weekend Breaks with Brilliant Trips
Glenn from Brilliant Trips told me about the ideas behind their website:
“We at Brilliant Trips believe that free time is precious and we hate wasting it on the sofa watching rubbish telly. So we’ve put together some of our favourite days out, weekend breaks and short break ideas to inspire you and your friends to join in and have some fun.”
The site seems to be aimed at younger people rather than couples and offers the opportunity to join or form “brilliant groups” then choose an available date and book online for just yourself or with friends. Destinations for weekend breaks, day trips and short breaks are mostly in the UK and Europe, similar to the concepts behind London Theatre Weekend Breaks and Paris Breaks
Cheap breaks within the UK
Posted by Allen
Cheap Breaks UK
The advantages of staying within the UK for taking cheap breaks from home and work are becoming clearer to more and more people turning their backs on the hidden costs of last minute flights to Europe. Inflation in the UK has been at a lower level than the Eurozone for some time, so spending your hard earned cash in pounds sterling is becoming better value all round. But where in the UK will you go for a cheap break that compares with the sun, sea and rioja?
Cheap Breaks in Scotland
Scotland is often overlooked by southerners because of the perceived distance and stories about the midges but climate is particularly interesting during the British summer and autumn. The coastal areas can be remarkably mild and offer cheap breaks in rented cottages or bed and breakfast with all the beauty of Cornish cliffs coves and beaches but without the traffic jams and over crowding you get in Newquay in the high season. The east coast railway is now very fast fro London to Edinburgh in only four and a half hours.
Cheap breaks in London
Ok, London is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world to stay in but that’s because of all the business conferences and meetings realted to the finance industry. American tourists also get hit by their expectations to be able to stick with certain well known hotel chains and other brands but if you are a regular visitor to the capital then you can get to know your way around such that it’s possible to be well equiped to recognise cheap breaks in London when they are offered. How would a three star hotel in central London, best seats to see the classic show “Les Miserables” and return rail tickets from Chester all for only £193 each suit your pocket for example? That’s a genuine package that a certain Miss Jones put together for herself just yesterday and I think you’ll agree it’s got to be one of the best cheap breaks available in the country and it’s for right here in London.
