Travel Magazine 2013 - The Travel House
Travel Magazine 2013 - The Travel House
Travel Magazine 2013 - The Travel House
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong><br />
Issue Four<br />
<strong>Travel</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> <strong>2013</strong><br />
Great destinations and offers from the world’s leading tour operators<br />
Escape<br />
<strong>The</strong> Great<br />
We show you what’s hot in <strong>2013</strong><br />
Las Vegas<br />
<strong>The</strong> city that never sleeps!<br />
SPAIN<br />
One holiday, three destinations<br />
TRAVEL<br />
HOUSE<br />
.CO.UK<br />
Perfect Paradise!<br />
St Lucia & Antigua<br />
plus Worldwide Cruises • USA • All Inclusive Holidays • Deals Galore!<br />
Your Local, Independent <strong>Travel</strong> Specialists
Welcome<br />
A Happy New Year from all at <strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong>!<br />
TRAVEL<br />
HOUSE<br />
.CO.UK<br />
A happy new year from all at <strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong><br />
<strong>House</strong>! Thank you for your valued<br />
custom and support in 2012.<br />
We have been working closely with the UK’s<br />
leading tour operators to once again bring you<br />
bigger and better deals departing from Cardiff<br />
and Bristol Airport. We are also offering low<br />
deposits and free kids meaning it’s an excellent<br />
time to book your Summer <strong>2013</strong> holiday!<br />
What’s hot in <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
Far away destinations such as Dubai continue to<br />
dazzle. While value for money will be the key for<br />
many so Spain, Turkey and Portugal will once<br />
again be popular with families and couples alike.<br />
New to this edition is a selection of destinations<br />
visited by our own specialist <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong> agents.<br />
Read in their own words their experiences of<br />
some great destinations including Kelly Hill’s<br />
visit to Costa Dorada which included trips to<br />
Salou, Valencia and Barcelona.<br />
Rachel Griffiths from our Bridgend branch<br />
takes us on a journey to the Paradise Islands<br />
of St Lucia and Antigua. While Anne Murphy<br />
from Merthyr visits Las Vegas, the city that<br />
never sleeps.<br />
Discover Dubai with Cerensa Williams from<br />
Abedare who visited the glittering city of<br />
traditional souks and soaring modern buildings.<br />
Out With <strong>The</strong> Old And In With <strong>The</strong> New<br />
We are celebrating 20 years of ‘We Will Beat Any Price’ providing<br />
independent choice to the best holiday destinations, at the best prices!<br />
As the door firmly closes on 2012 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong><br />
<strong>House</strong> continues to progress and remain Wales’<br />
largest independent travel agency,<br />
a title we are very proud of.<br />
Celebrating 20 years of business, <strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong> is<br />
currently undergoing refurbishment within the branches.<br />
Cool greys with a splash of hot pink offer a contemporary<br />
and modern place for you to relax and book your holiday.<br />
At <strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong> we strive to offer our clients nothing<br />
but exceptional value and outstanding customer service.<br />
During 2012, over half of our staff have attended overseas<br />
familiarisation trips to many countries all over the globe<br />
including Antigua, St Lucia, Dubai and Jamaica.<br />
Our dedicated holiday specialists will be happy to provide<br />
first hand advice and recommendations on hundreds of<br />
destinations. Visit www.travelhouseholidays.co.uk and<br />
select ‘Holiday Specialist’ to locate your personal advisor.<br />
Don’t miss <strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong> Sale<br />
Now on at your local branch<br />
Huge Savings with<br />
Free Child Places<br />
& Low Deposits<br />
Win a luxury stay at a boutique hotel<br />
Every booking made from this magazine will be entered into a prize draw to win a night’s stay at Morgans Hotel,<br />
Swansea or <strong>The</strong> Cawdor, Llandeilo. Simply quote ‘MAG04’ at the time of booking to be entered.<br />
This applies to bookings made up to the end of March <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Excludes Bank Holidays. <strong>The</strong> winner will be drawn at random. Decisions are final and<br />
winners are notified by email.Free stay at Morgans or <strong>The</strong> Cawdor is for two people and includes breakfast. Prize must be used by end of September <strong>2013</strong>.
All Inclusive.<br />
Two little words.<br />
One great feeling.<br />
You can get it on every single holiday<br />
from Cardiff airport. Your flights,<br />
three meals a day and local drinks will be<br />
covered from the moment you arrive at<br />
your hotel, until the time you check out.<br />
Every single First Choice holiday<br />
from your local airport is now<br />
All Inclusive<br />
We’ve got a great range of All<br />
Inclusive holiday packages that<br />
are ideal for friends and families<br />
who want a break from their<br />
wallets. Your flights, three<br />
meals a day and local drinks<br />
are all part of the deal.<br />
For the ultimate family getaway First<br />
Choice Holiday Villages have<br />
everything you need. That’s the great<br />
thing about Holiday Villages – they<br />
provide the whole holiday experience.<br />
We’ve hired UK experts in all things<br />
outdoors to bring you the ultimate<br />
adrenaline rush. <strong>The</strong>re’s every type of<br />
sport going from football, stage and<br />
swim academies, to circus workshops,<br />
treasure hunts and raft-building<br />
challenges.<br />
But make sure you check the hotel<br />
description before you book as every<br />
Holiday Village is individual. <strong>The</strong>re’s<br />
plenty for the adults too – like great<br />
food and entertainment, adult sports<br />
and activities, and even health and<br />
fitness facilities.<br />
First Choice understand it’s the little<br />
things that make a big difference<br />
when you’re on holiday – things like<br />
ocean views from your balcony,<br />
first-class service and top-quality<br />
food night after night.<br />
So whether you go for a no-frills<br />
apartment or a five star hotel, you can<br />
relax, knowing every last detail has<br />
been thought of. It’s All Inclusive, the<br />
First Choice way.
Spanish<br />
Escape<br />
Kelly Hill tells us in her own words about her recent family<br />
getaway to Costa Dorada where she experienced three<br />
destinations in one holiday<br />
Words:<br />
Kelly Hill<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong><br />
Head Office<br />
Costa Dorada is the perfect<br />
destination for a family holiday,<br />
golden beaches, endless<br />
entertainment and an array<br />
of theme and water parks not<br />
to mention a short flight from<br />
the UK.<br />
I am quite new to family holidays<br />
but as with many holidaymakers,<br />
once you have a family your holiday<br />
requirements change. Gone are the<br />
days of young and lively holidays<br />
with 24 hour bars and night flights<br />
to Ibiza or Malia. You now require<br />
day flights from local airports, short<br />
transfers and good entertainment<br />
close to the beach. Costa Dorada can<br />
provide all of this and more.<br />
I travelled to Salou with my partner<br />
and one year old son for a two week<br />
holiday in September. We booked a<br />
late deal with Thomson holidays to<br />
stay at the Salauris Palace a 4* hotel<br />
in central Salou. Salou is suitable for<br />
families with children of all ages.<br />
You are able to walk to all points of<br />
interest including Port Aventura, a<br />
huge complex with 2 parks, allowing<br />
you to discover new and wonderful<br />
experiences.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are 6 worlds to explore in the<br />
theme park which boast a large<br />
range of rides, shows, restaurants<br />
and shops. A fun alternative for<br />
sightseeing is the tourist train which<br />
will take you around the resort and<br />
promenade.<br />
<strong>The</strong> beaches stretch for miles with a<br />
wealth of water sports on offer and<br />
you will always be guaranteed a spot<br />
to sunbathe and relax.<br />
Cambrills is based around 5 miles<br />
from Salou. Here you will find a<br />
lovely marina with boutique shops<br />
and roadside seafood and Italian<br />
restaurants, the perfect place to sit<br />
and relax with a drink and watch the<br />
world go by. <strong>The</strong> beaches are quieter<br />
here and there is plenty of free<br />
parking if you have a hire car.<br />
During our holiday we also wanted<br />
to incorporate a city break. Salou<br />
offers you easy access to Barcelona<br />
and Valencia.<br />
<strong>The</strong> journey to Barcelona will take<br />
around 90 minutes from Salou by<br />
car. <strong>The</strong>re is also an option to take<br />
the coach, this is a great alternative<br />
as all roads leading into Spanish<br />
cities are subject to toll booths which<br />
can be quite expensive.<br />
Barcelona is a beautiful city with<br />
amazing sights such as the famous<br />
Las Ramblas, which is a hive of<br />
activity. Las Ramblas leads from the<br />
cruise port terminal to the Placa de<br />
Catalunya. Here you will find human<br />
statues, street artists and many bars<br />
and restaurants to experience.<br />
Barcelona Zoo is also a major<br />
attraction. <strong>The</strong> zoo is located in the<br />
heart of the city in Ciutadella Park<br />
and is a fantastic attraction for<br />
families. Here you will see lions,<br />
tigers and bears….oh my! Plus many<br />
more fun activities such as pony<br />
rides and an interactive farmyard for<br />
smaller children. A great way to<br />
discover the zoo is to hire a safari<br />
buggy and to drive around in style.<br />
Dolphin and sea lion shows can<br />
also be attended at select times<br />
throughout the day.<br />
Gone are the days of young and lively<br />
holidays with 24 hour bars and night<br />
flights to Ibiza or Malia.
One holiday, Three destinations!<br />
Salou - Valencia - Barcelona<br />
Valencia is a wonderful city just two<br />
and a half hours from Salou. <strong>The</strong><br />
city is an excellent place to ‘shop til<br />
you drop’ and it has a number of<br />
outstanding tourist attractions to<br />
visit. It is a good idea to stay<br />
overnight to really make the most of<br />
the city. Valencia is lined with side<br />
streets filled with tapas bars<br />
bursting with atmosphere. As with<br />
Barcelona, these are great places to<br />
sit and relax while enjoying a range<br />
of tapas and indulging in Spanish<br />
culture with a nice bottle of Rioja.<br />
While in Valencia, you must visit the<br />
City of Arts and Science as it offers<br />
a wealth of art and culture. A large<br />
oceanographic park with an amazing<br />
selection of modern architecture.<br />
For families there is only one place<br />
to visit, <strong>The</strong> Bioparc. Bioparc is<br />
located in Parque de Cabecra and is<br />
a recreation of the Savannah,<br />
Madagascar and Equatorial Africa.<br />
Costa Dorada is a truly great place<br />
for a family holiday with fantastic<br />
hotels, great bars and plenty of<br />
family entertainment.<br />
If you like to explore, it is extremely<br />
easy to visit Barcelona, Valencia and<br />
Sitges as all are within close<br />
proximity and are easily accessible<br />
by car, rail and coach at a reasonable<br />
cost. I would highly<br />
recommend this family<br />
holiday destination<br />
and will definitely<br />
be returning.<br />
To find more about Costa Dorada<br />
and to book your holiday please<br />
call 01792 472221<br />
<strong>The</strong> inhabitants include giraffes,<br />
rhinoceroses, gorillas and elephants.<br />
Bioparc is a little different from<br />
other zoos with spectacular<br />
landscapes and the aim of being<br />
environmentally friendly. <strong>The</strong>y are<br />
also heavily involved in many<br />
conservation programmes.
EXPERIENCE THE<br />
BEST OF THE USA<br />
<strong>The</strong> wealth of ideas and opportunities<br />
for holiday choices and experiences in<br />
the United States of America is all<br />
encompassing. From city breaks and<br />
family fun to journeys along Route 66,<br />
a tailor-made holiday to the USA booked<br />
with Gold Medal is guaranteed to be a<br />
holiday that dreams are made of.<br />
Always evolving, Orlando has<br />
something for everyone and is<br />
guaranteed to be different every<br />
time you go. From theme parks to<br />
spas, as well as great shopping,<br />
golf and world-class cuisine.<br />
Orlando has it all!<br />
New York, New York - so<br />
good, they named it twice and so<br />
good you'll want to visit it more<br />
than once. Boasting one of the<br />
world's most famous skylines, the<br />
heaving metropolis of New York<br />
has a whole host of experiences<br />
to offer.<br />
A city like no other, Las Vegas<br />
is the ultimate in exuberance,<br />
excitement, extremes and<br />
entertainment. Everywhere you<br />
look you will see something<br />
magical, surreal or just downright<br />
jaw-dropping.<br />
3 STAR DELUXE | PRIVATE<br />
SELECT HOMES WITH POOL<br />
ORLANDO<br />
7 nights room only from<br />
£519pp<br />
SAVE £100!<br />
Includes one FREE night<br />
Valid for departures 05 Jan - 08 Mar 13<br />
Flights with Delta Air Lines from<br />
London Heathrow<br />
3 STAR | WELLINGTON<br />
HOTEL<br />
3 nights room only from<br />
£589pp<br />
SAVE £90!<br />
Reduced rates<br />
Valid for departures 02 Feb - 03 Mar 13<br />
Flights with Delta Air Lines from<br />
London Heathrow<br />
5 STAR DELUXE | ARIA<br />
RESORT & CASINO<br />
4 nights room only from<br />
£699pp<br />
SAVE £280!<br />
Includes one FREE night<br />
Valid for departures 21 - 28 Feb 13<br />
Flights with Delta Air Lines from<br />
London Heathrow<br />
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on twin share and includes flights with Delta Air Lines from London Heathrow<br />
and all pre-payable airport tax and supplements. Regional departures also available. Valid for various travel dates as specified.<br />
Restrictions apply, please ask your travel agent for more details. Subject to change and availability. Book by 23 Feb 13.
EXPERIENCE THE<br />
BEST OF THE USA<br />
<strong>The</strong> wealth of ideas and opportunities<br />
for holiday choices and experiences in<br />
the United States of America is all<br />
encompassing. From city breaks and<br />
family fun to journeys along Route 66,<br />
a tailor-made holiday to the USA booked<br />
with Gold Medal is guaranteed to be a<br />
holiday that dreams are made of.<br />
Always evolving, Orlando has<br />
something for everyone and is<br />
guaranteed to be different every<br />
time you go. From theme parks to<br />
spas, as well as great shopping,<br />
golf and world-class cuisine.<br />
Orlando has it all!<br />
New York, New York - so<br />
good, they named it twice and so<br />
good you'll want to visit it more<br />
than once. Boasting one of the<br />
world's most famous skylines, the<br />
heaving metropolis of New York<br />
has a whole host of experiences<br />
to offer.<br />
A city like no other, Las Vegas<br />
is the ultimate in exuberance,<br />
excitement, extremes and<br />
entertainment. Everywhere you<br />
look you will see something<br />
magical, surreal or just downright<br />
jaw-dropping.<br />
3 STAR DELUXE | PRIVATE<br />
SELECT HOMES WITH POOL<br />
ORLANDO<br />
7 nights room only from<br />
£519pp<br />
SAVE £100!<br />
Includes one FREE night<br />
Valid for departures 05 Jan - 08 Mar 13<br />
Flights with Delta Air Lines from<br />
London Heathrow<br />
3 STAR | WELLINGTON<br />
HOTEL<br />
3 nights room only from<br />
£589pp<br />
SAVE £90!<br />
Reduced rates<br />
Valid for departures 02 Feb - 03 Mar 13<br />
Flights with Delta Air Lines from<br />
London Heathrow<br />
5 STAR DELUXE | ARIA<br />
RESORT & CASINO<br />
4 nights room only from<br />
£699pp<br />
SAVE £280!<br />
Includes one FREE night<br />
Valid for departures 21 - 28 Feb 13<br />
Flights with Delta Air Lines from<br />
London Heathrow<br />
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on twin share and includes flights with Delta Air Lines from London Heathrow<br />
and all pre-payable airport tax and supplements. Regional departures also available. Valid for various travel dates as specified.<br />
Restrictions apply, please ask your travel agent for more details. Subject to change and availability. Book by 23 Feb 13.
Perfect<br />
Paradise<br />
St Lucia - Antigua<br />
Rachel Griffiths from our Bridgend branch<br />
of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong> tells us in her own words<br />
about her stunning dual familiarisation holiday<br />
to the Paradise Islands of St Lucia and Antigua.<br />
My journey ahead, however<br />
exciting, was going to be a long<br />
one. With an early morning<br />
check in I started my travels<br />
in the early hours on the<br />
National Express.<br />
Upon arrival at Gatwick Airport<br />
I made my way to the Virgin check in<br />
desk and was greeted by my Sandals<br />
Representive. <strong>The</strong> direct service to St<br />
Lucia was scheduled to take around<br />
8½ hrs and with the time difference<br />
would see us land at Hewanorra<br />
International Airport for mid<br />
afternoon.<br />
<strong>The</strong> descent of the flight gave me my<br />
first insight to the island which I can<br />
only describe as incredible, lush and<br />
mountainous.<br />
Upon collecting our luggage we were<br />
escorted to Sandals exclusive<br />
concierge room for a welcoming<br />
cocktail before embarking on our<br />
road transfer to the fantastic Sandals<br />
La Toc Golf Resort & Spa where I<br />
would spend the next two nights.<br />
Words:<br />
Rachel Griffiths<br />
Bridgend <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong>
St Lucia<br />
St Lucia is an Island of breathtaking<br />
beauty within the Eastern Caribbean.<br />
It has a distinct French colonial<br />
influence, rich cultural heritage<br />
and a very intriguing historical<br />
background which makes it a very<br />
romantic getaway especially for<br />
Honeymooners.<br />
<strong>The</strong> La Toc like all other Sandals<br />
hotels is a Couples only Ultra All<br />
Inclusive and is positioned<br />
overlooking the Caribbean sea. It<br />
features an onsite 9 hole golf course<br />
set on a 210 acre estate. <strong>The</strong> dining<br />
options here are endless offering<br />
eight restaurants in total including<br />
Kimono's Japanese Teppanyaki.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are a further two Sandals<br />
hotels on the island. <strong>The</strong> Halcyon<br />
Cove is the smallest and most<br />
intimate and offers tranquillity<br />
and relaxation, cabanas are dotted<br />
around the lush gardens and<br />
when evening falls dining on the<br />
Pier restaurant offers the most<br />
romantic setting .<br />
<strong>The</strong> Grande St Lucian however is a<br />
much larger complex positioned on a<br />
peninsula offering the best beach in<br />
Saint Lucia. Choose this resort if you<br />
want a typical St Lucian holiday.<br />
Antigua<br />
I then head onto Antigua with a short<br />
internal flight and check in to the<br />
Sandals Grande Antigua Resort &<br />
Spa. This is the only Sandals hotel on<br />
the island. For holiday makers<br />
looking for a more affordable option<br />
<strong>The</strong> Grand Pineapple hotel also<br />
owned by Sandals, is ideal.<br />
Arriving at the hotel we were greeted<br />
with a warm and friendly welcome<br />
along with a glass of champagne,<br />
My first impressions of the hotel<br />
were truly magnificent, the grand<br />
interior of the hotel, the extensive<br />
lush gardens and of course the<br />
turquoise blue sea with its powdery<br />
sand. This for me was paradise.<br />
Antigua is renowned for its beaches<br />
and has a total of 365 "one for each<br />
day of the year". Although this<br />
former British colony is now an<br />
independent nation, it still retains<br />
many English traditions.<br />
<strong>The</strong> dining options at the hotel are<br />
superb, from freshly made take<br />
away pizzas to the elegant Mario's<br />
Italian restaraunt you are well and<br />
truly spoilt.<br />
To find more about St Lucia & Antiqua<br />
please call Rachel on 01656 662438
P&O Cruises<br />
Book a Vantage Fare today and choose<br />
one of the following benefits*:<br />
On board spending money, or<br />
Car parking at Southampton, or<br />
Coach transfers, or<br />
Airport car parking (Caribbean fly cruises)<br />
Our promise to you...<br />
If the Vantage Fare for your cruise reduces after you've booked,<br />
we'll give you on board spending money or an upgrade<br />
to the value of the reduction.<br />
Cruises from<br />
£599pp<br />
10th May <strong>2013</strong> - 7 nights Onboard Oceana<br />
Southampton - Stavanger - Falm (Norway) -<br />
Eidfjord (Norway) - Kristiansand (Norway) - Southampton<br />
Inside from £599pp - Outside from £769pp - Balcony from £949pp<br />
Visit your local branch of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong><br />
or call 01792 478852<br />
All offers are subject to availability which may be limited. Prices are based on 2 adults sharing a cabin. We reserve the right to withdraw offer(s) without notice.<br />
*Apply to cruises of 7 nights or more. Benefits dependent upon cruise type and duration. Terms and conditions apply
Cunard Voyages<br />
Book a Vantage Fare today and choose<br />
one of the following benefits*:<br />
On board spending money, or<br />
Car parking at Southampton, or<br />
Coach transfers, or<br />
Airport car parking (Caribbean fly cruises)<br />
Our promise to you...<br />
If the Vantage Fare for your cruise reduces after you've booked,<br />
we'll give you on board spending money or an upgrade<br />
to the value of the reduction.<br />
Cruises from<br />
£799pp<br />
11th December <strong>2013</strong> - 10 nights Onboard Queen Victoria<br />
Southampton La Coruna - Cassablanca (Morrocco) -<br />
Seville - Lisbon (Portugal) - Southampton<br />
Inside from £799pp - Outside from £989pp - Balcony from £1049pp<br />
Visit your local branch of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong><br />
or call 01792 478852<br />
All offers are subject to availability which may be limited. Prices are based on 2 adults sharing a cabin. We reserve the right to withdraw offer(s) without notice.<br />
*Apply to cruises of 7 nights or more. Benefits dependent upon cruise type and duration. Terms and conditions apply
Anne Murphy from our Merthyr<br />
branch of the <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong> tells us<br />
about her recent holiday to Las Vegas.<br />
Words:<br />
Anne Murphy<br />
Merthyr <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong>
the city that<br />
never sleeps<br />
<strong>The</strong> fabulous Las Vegas<br />
Our holiday starts at Gatwick<br />
with an overnight stay at the<br />
Hilton. As many airlines<br />
travelling to the States have<br />
early departures, this is a much<br />
more pleasing option than<br />
travelling for a number of hours<br />
at the break of dawn.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Hilton is a fantastic choice and<br />
is linked via a walkway to the South<br />
Terminal. When flying with Virgin<br />
Atlantic you must take advantage<br />
of the twilight check in, this is a<br />
hassle free way to check luggage<br />
in the night prior to departure<br />
and bypass lengthy queues in<br />
the morning.<br />
<strong>The</strong> flight from London to Las Vegas<br />
is approximately 10 hours. After<br />
a few drinks and with an abundant<br />
choice of movies and television<br />
programmes to choose from with<br />
Virgin Entertainment, it was time to<br />
land in the city that never sleeps.<br />
We had pre booked our transfers<br />
prior to leaving the UK, a great<br />
hassle free option. On leaving the<br />
arrivals lounge a driver was waiting<br />
with a sign displaying our names.<br />
Our driver/tour guide was a wealth<br />
of information as we set off into the<br />
bright city lights. As we turned a<br />
corner we were at the entrance to<br />
Las Vegas Boulevard with the iconic<br />
‘Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas’<br />
sign. As we drove down <strong>The</strong> Strip we<br />
were confronted by all the sights you<br />
see in the movies.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Stratosphere Hotel soaring 109<br />
floors high into the desert sky.<br />
Treasure Island hotel, with live<br />
action pirate shows, complete with a<br />
huge ship that actually sinks. <strong>The</strong><br />
Venetian with its Grand Canal, opera<br />
singing gondoliers and St Marks<br />
Square replica. For a special treat the<br />
Colosseum is home to world class<br />
acts such as Celine Dion and Elton<br />
John, a great opportunity to see<br />
these mega stars in a spectacular<br />
surroundings.<br />
<strong>The</strong> luxurious Bellagio has a<br />
conservatory and botanical gardens,<br />
fine art gallery and of course the<br />
famous fountains of Bellagio,<br />
which is one of the most watched<br />
attractions in Las Vegas and is set<br />
on an 8 acre lake.<br />
<strong>The</strong> huge 6582 roomed shimmering<br />
green glass building that is the MGM<br />
Grand, where you can watch lions<br />
roam around the hotel, visit<br />
legendary night club Studio 54<br />
or maybe bump into a celebrity<br />
or two at the Tabu bar.<br />
After catching a glimpse of a<br />
rollercoaster whizzing past the<br />
Statue of Liberty and weaving<br />
through the skyscrapers of the<br />
Manhattan skyline it could only<br />
be the New York New York Hotel,<br />
we drive past a medieval castle<br />
where knights are fighting a fire<br />
breathing dragon.<br />
<strong>The</strong>n finally in the distance a huge<br />
shining pyramid guarded by the<br />
great Sphinx of Giza. <strong>The</strong> Luxor, was<br />
our home for the next 7 nights. After<br />
all how many times in your life will<br />
you be able to say you stayed in a<br />
pyramid<br />
We checked in and took the<br />
inclinator (sideways elevator) to our<br />
room on the 26th floor, dropped our<br />
bags and with no time to unpack, hit<br />
the city!<br />
For sheer spectacle and fantastic<br />
entertainment Las Vegas is hard to<br />
beat, it’s the one place where you<br />
travel the world in one day. One<br />
minute you can be walking through a<br />
Pyramid in ancient Egypt the next<br />
you’re having a banquet at King<br />
Arthur’s Court or maybe a coffee in a<br />
Parisian Street café or be serenaded<br />
to whilst floating down a Venetian<br />
canal in your very own gondola. In<br />
Las Vegas anything is possible.<br />
Las Vegas has been described as the<br />
place where casinos have no clocks<br />
and the nightlife has no limits.<br />
Sin City stays wide-awake until dawn<br />
and if you’re really lucky you may<br />
even walk away a millionaire.<br />
To find more about Las Vegas<br />
or to book your holiday please<br />
call Anne on 01685 386333
Worldwide Voyages<br />
Exceptional Luxury.<br />
Irresistible Fares from £2,250pp<br />
CRUISE & STAY OPTIONS AVAILABLE<br />
FROM BRISTOL & CARDIFF<br />
Renowned for extraordinary worldwide voyages aboard intimate,<br />
all-inclusive ships, Silversea is a luxury cruise line that offers<br />
unparalleled service and superlative comfort. Discover the art of<br />
luxury travel as perfected by Silversea Cruises.<br />
Your butler helps you unpack, and in the open bars and lounges,<br />
worldly people from around the globe mingle in an atmosphere<br />
that is casual and relaxed. Discover the pleasures of exploring the<br />
world aboard the intimate ships of Silversea.<br />
Recognised as an innovator in the luxury segment, Silversea offers<br />
guests large-ship amenities aboard its six intimate, all-suite<br />
vessels. Enjoy the travel experience of a lifetime as Silversea offer<br />
a diverse range of exotic itineraries in <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
Western Mediterranean<br />
2nd August <strong>2013</strong> or 10th September <strong>2013</strong><br />
7 Nights Full Board on Silver Wind<br />
Barcelona - Sete, France - Ajaccio, Corsica - Alghero, Sardinia<br />
Mahon, Menorca - Palma, Majorca - Valencia, Spain - Barcelona<br />
Vista Suites from<br />
£2,250per person<br />
With a range of amazing itineries complemented with such<br />
enticing offers, there has never been a better time to escape with<br />
Silversea. But hurry to book, opportunities such as these don’t last<br />
long! To book, or for more information please call 01792 478852.
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SAVE UP<br />
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Award winning fully escorted tours<br />
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Book by 31 January <strong>2013</strong> and<br />
save up to £300 on selected tours and dates<br />
New special lower prices and special offers for single travellers<br />
SAVE UP TO £398<br />
To find out more or to book<br />
please contact <strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong>
Dubai<br />
Discover this glittering city of traditional<br />
souks and soaring modern buildings<br />
Words:<br />
Cerensa Williams<br />
Aberdare <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong><br />
Dubai has so much to offer. It’s a<br />
truly unique place from sharks in<br />
the shopping mall to skiing in the<br />
42°C heat, Dubai does it bigger and<br />
better.<br />
I travelled to Dubai in June 2012<br />
on a familiarisation trip, I flew out<br />
with Emirates business class, a great<br />
way to start any trip. After enjoying<br />
some cocktails and watching a<br />
movie I managed to get a few hours<br />
sleep in my lie-flat seat during the 7<br />
hour flight. '42°C' the captain<br />
announced and sunny, what more<br />
could you ask for !<br />
We arrived at the one and only<br />
Royal Mirage in no time at all and<br />
were greeted by the manager with a<br />
complimentary ice cold fruit<br />
smoothie, we were then shown to<br />
our beautiful room. This hotel only<br />
had a few floors which was unusual<br />
for such a high rise city oasis.<br />
<strong>The</strong> hotel was very spacious, calm<br />
and relaxing. I spent the rest of my<br />
day by the side of the elegant pool<br />
under the shade of the palm trees.<br />
On the second day we took a 10<br />
minute bus ride to Dubai’s Marina<br />
and had a luxury yacht cruise which<br />
sailed past the Burj Al Arab and<br />
sauntered past a selection of hotels<br />
on Jumeirah beach. <strong>The</strong> yacht<br />
stopped for a short while so we<br />
could all have a swim and enjoy the<br />
warm waters. <strong>The</strong> views you get of<br />
the Dubai skyline while on the water<br />
are amazing.<br />
After the cruise we had a charming<br />
city tour which took us along part of<br />
the 558.4km long Sheikh Zayed<br />
Road. <strong>The</strong> city is buzzing with life, it<br />
really is a multicultural melting pot.<br />
We stopped along the way to explore<br />
different parts of the city. One of the<br />
best experiences in the city was<br />
when we visited the gold and spice<br />
souks the smell and sounds of the<br />
market place were electric.<br />
On day three we transferred to our<br />
second hotel which was situated on<br />
the tip of the artificial Palm Island.<br />
'<strong>The</strong> Atlantis <strong>The</strong> Palm Hotel'<br />
has a 1.4km beautiful white sand<br />
beach with great water sports and<br />
facilities. Before you get to the grand<br />
lobby you must walk past well<br />
manicured flower beds and water<br />
features. <strong>The</strong>n just inside the<br />
entrance, you are met by a Dale<br />
Chihuly 3,000 piece hand crafted<br />
colourful glass sculpture. <strong>The</strong><br />
fantasy decor runs throughout the<br />
hotel with mythical designs and<br />
huge floor to ceiling aquaria.<br />
After we settled down in our<br />
spectacular Deluxe room with views<br />
of the Arabian Sea we felt a bit<br />
peckish. With over 20 restaurants to<br />
choose from in the hotel you are<br />
spoilt for choice. For our first meal<br />
we decided on Ronda Locatelli, an<br />
Italian Restaurant where the pizzas<br />
start from just £10.00.<br />
Also located on the Iconic Palm<br />
Island a short golf cart ride away is<br />
Dolphin Bay. I was lucky enough to<br />
have a dolphin encounter. Its great<br />
for all ages and the cost starts from<br />
£113 for hotel guests. For day<br />
visitors it starts from £150. My<br />
personal favourite experience of the<br />
trip was feeding the cownose<br />
stingray in the shallow waters of<br />
Shark Lagoon situated in Aquaventure.<br />
You wade in waist high to feed<br />
them with the instructor. What an<br />
experience.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 5* Aquaventure water park,<br />
which gives free entrance to hotel<br />
guests, has 2km of interconnected<br />
water ways. <strong>The</strong> main attraction is<br />
called '<strong>The</strong> Leap of Faith'. It is a<br />
27.5m tall plunge slide which travels<br />
through a transparent tunnel which<br />
takes you through Shark Lagoon.<br />
Its great fun!<br />
Once we had our fill of rides we<br />
made our way over to the Palm<br />
Monorail which would give you a<br />
great vantage point of the island as<br />
the monorail runs along the trunk of<br />
this grand construction and for just<br />
£4 return it’s worth the money. We<br />
ended the night with a few drinks<br />
and a dance at Nasimi Beach bar.<br />
Our last day arrived and we had<br />
packed in as much as we could. We<br />
started off shopping at the 'Avenue'<br />
a large shopping area in the hotel<br />
Dubai does it bigger & better
Dubai<br />
which is loaded with designer shops<br />
and boutique stores then we had a<br />
few treatments in the ShuiQi Spa<br />
(You must make your reservation<br />
early as appointments get booked<br />
up very quickly.)<br />
That afternoon on our way to <strong>The</strong><br />
'SeaFire' Steak restaurant we called<br />
into the 'Lost Chambers of Atlantis'<br />
which has free complimentary<br />
access for hotel guests. It holds up<br />
to 65,000 marine animals, you<br />
meander through 10 chambers and<br />
get views inside beautiful aquarium<br />
exhibits.<br />
Dubai is a major destination and<br />
really has established itself over the<br />
last few years. It hosts a range of<br />
popular sporting events throughout<br />
the year and attracts big name<br />
celebrities. As I only spent 3 nights<br />
there it wasn't long enough to see<br />
and do everything that Dubai has to<br />
offer so I would definitely consider<br />
returning.<br />
If I had to say one thing about<br />
Dubai it would be 'Experience it for<br />
yourself' you won’t be disappointed!<br />
Have you visited Dubia<br />
Now try Abu Dhabi – <strong>The</strong> new<br />
star of Arabia<br />
Once best known for conventions and<br />
exhibitions, Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s sister city<br />
is fast making its mark as the new top<br />
destination in the UAE. Abu Dhabi<br />
provides the traveller with a mix of its<br />
traditional heritage while its tourism<br />
industry develops at a significant rate<br />
offering bigger and better attractions.<br />
Top Attractions<br />
Ferrari World boasts the world’s fastest<br />
roller coaster within the world’s largest<br />
indoor theme park.<br />
Yas Waterworld – New for <strong>2013</strong>, this state<br />
of the art waterpark is the size of 15 football<br />
pitches with an amazing 43 rides, slides<br />
and attractions.<br />
An abundance of shopping opportunities<br />
with large modern shopping malls to small<br />
souk outlets selling spices, handicrafts and<br />
carpets.<br />
Quick Facts<br />
Flight time from the UK – 7hrs 30 min<br />
Currency – UAE Dirham<br />
“If I had to say one thing about Dubai it<br />
would be 'Experience it for yourself' you<br />
wont be disappointed”<br />
Climate – Nov – Apr is the most pleasant<br />
time to visit with temperatures reaching<br />
75F. Summer months can reach as high<br />
as 118F.<br />
To find more about Dubai or Abu Dhabi please call Cerensa<br />
on 01685 874558 or visit your local branch of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>House</strong>
Flying was exciting.<br />
Now it’s excitingly spacious.<br />
It’s time for a new<br />
way to travel from<br />
East Midlands Airport.<br />
Space and comfort are in abundance on the<br />
new Thomson 787 Dreamliner. In Premium<br />
Club you’ll get 38” of legroom, so you can<br />
really stretch out. And in Economy Club<br />
you’ll get 34”, which is more than all<br />
other major UK airlines * .<br />
What’s more, we’ve got the UK first on this<br />
new jet. So be the first to fly to Mexico or<br />
Florida onboard the 787 Dreamliner<br />
from East Midlands Airport.<br />
Long-haul holidays. Designed for you. Only from<br />
*Source BATA website September 2012.<br />
Be the first to fly<br />
on the plane everyone’s<br />
talking about.<br />
Only with Thomson.<br />
It’s the state-of-the-art plane set<br />
to revolutionise air travel – and<br />
we’re the first airline in the UK<br />
to get it.<br />
In May <strong>2013</strong>, we’ll be flying the<br />
Thomson 787 Dreamliner to Florida<br />
and Mexico from East Midlands<br />
Airport – setting a new standard on<br />
long haul flying along the way.<br />
Even at its lowest point, the<br />
Dreamliner cabin space is over six<br />
feet high, so there’s a real sense of<br />
space. Plus, the Dreamliner’s<br />
windows are about three times the<br />
size of those on your average<br />
aeroplane.<br />
And the seats have been carefully<br />
positioned, so wherever you’re sitting<br />
you’ll get a view of the horizon. When<br />
you’re ready to sleep, simply dim the<br />
windows at the touch of a button. It’s<br />
kitted out with state-of-the-art<br />
seatback TVs. You will even be able to<br />
plug your iPod into them.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Dreamliner will generate sixty<br />
per cent less noise than standard<br />
planes during take-off and landing.<br />
It’ll be quieter in the air, too.<br />
Not only that, we’re raising the<br />
bar when it comes to all of our<br />
long-distance flights. We’ve looked<br />
at every aspect of the in-flight<br />
experience – from comfort to diningand<br />
are making changes we think<br />
you’ll love. It means our flights are<br />
now just like our holidays – designed<br />
especially for you.
THG Holidays<br />
Worldwide <strong>Travel</strong> Specialists<br />
Wales’ leading worldwide tour operator<br />
THG Holidays is a Swansea based business which<br />
specialise in creating hand-picked holidays to suit<br />
our customers. Established in 1999, the business has<br />
continued to develop our range of products to meet<br />
the requirements of our customers.<br />
We are here to offer you the best service and advice<br />
possible and ensure we provide you with the best<br />
holiday arrangements to meet your requirements<br />
and budget.<br />
Why book with us<br />
· ATOL protected - flight inclusive holiday bonding<br />
· Customer service is paramount<br />
· IATA member - airline ticketing bonding<br />
· We are open 7 days a week<br />
· We have first-hand experience of the destinations we sell<br />
· We are passionate about travel<br />
· We have a 24 hour emergency number<br />
FREE Car Parking<br />
on Cardiff Departures<br />
Book before 28 February <strong>2013</strong><br />
FREE Airport Lounge<br />
on Asia & USA Holidays<br />
Book before 31 March <strong>2013</strong><br />
We offer a wide range of holidays including:<br />
Flight Only • Package Holidays • Multi Centre Holidays<br />
Cruise & Stay • City Breaks • Escorted Tours<br />
Weddings & Honeymoons<br />
We produce 3 brochures which cover:<br />
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Brynhyfryd<br />
Tel: 01792 472221<br />
Park Street, Swansea<br />
Tel: 01792 475144<br />
Morriston<br />
Tel: 01792 518518<br />
Cardigan<br />
Tel: 01239 615060<br />
<strong>Travel</strong> house ad.indd 1 05/12/2<br />
Pontardulais<br />
Tel: 01792 885566<br />
Llanelli<br />
Tel: 01554 778877<br />
<strong>Travel</strong> house ad.indd 1 05/12/2012 10:45<br />
<strong>Travel</strong> house ad.indd 1 05/12/2012 10:45<br />
Carmarthen<br />
Tel: 01267 221700<br />
Haverfordwest<br />
Tel: 01437 768860<br />
Neath<br />
Tel: 01639 636858<br />
Llandeilo<br />
Tel: 01558 823923<br />
Bridgend<br />
Tel: 01656 662438<br />
Aberdare<br />
Tel: 01685 874558<br />
Pontardawe<br />
Tel: 01792 830030<br />
Gorseinon<br />
Tel: 01792 899944<br />
Ammanford<br />
Tel: 01269 591591<br />
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Merthyr<br />
Tel: 01685 386333<br />
Mumbles<br />
Tel: 01792 366636<br />
Maesteg<br />
Tel: 01656 730500<br />
Port Talbot<br />
Tel: 01639 885577<br />
Portishead<br />
Tel: 01275 845660<br />
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