Heathrow is the least favourite airport, Ryanair the least favourite airline, and mobile phone use on planes is disapproved of, according to a new survey by TripAdvisor.

The favourite airport according to the survey is Schipol International airport in Amsterdam. Holidaymakers surveyed said that a good airport is easy to navigate, has good toilets and good parking. Heathrow airport in London and Chicago’s O’Hare airport were the two airports that least met these criteria.

Ryanair was once again the least favourite airline, with a third of all the votes. Reasons for voting against an airline were unfriendly staff, delays, uncomfortable seats and poor legroom.

The survey also found that the majority of British holidaymakers oppose using mobile phones during flight. A staggering 90% of British holidaymakers do not want mobile phones used during flights, compared to 78% of holidaymakers worldwide.

People aged over 50 are taking more holidays, according to a new survey by YouGoy for the Post Office. The over-50s desire holidays in New Zealand (44%), Australia (35%), New York (26%) and other far away destinations.

It seems that the higher disposable income is the reason for more holidays, 32% said they had taken an extra holiday a year since their children left home, while 22% said they take four or more holidays a year.

The interest in worldwide holidays grows after the children leave home; 60% say they choose different types of holidays after the children leave. Also, 60% say they are taking advantage of saving money by not travelling during school holidays.

Post Office head of travel services Helen Warburton said: “By avoiding July and August, empty nesters can save between 10% and 33% on long-haul travel - as well as being able to holiday at times when the weather is significantly better in many of the most sought-after destinations.”

Teenagers aged 16 and 17 will no longer need parental consent to get a passport when new passport regulations are imposed on 10 December 2007. The Identity and Passport Service (IPS) said this change will bring passport regulations to the same level as other legal issues regarding teenagers.

IPS also announced new regulations for passports for children aged 11 or under, their passport renewals must include a countersignature.

Home Office minister Meg Hillier commented: “The changes will bring passport practice into line with court practice on allowing young people to take responsibility for their own decisions.”

At the same time a new requirement will be introduced for children aged 11 or under for passport renewals to be countersigned. It is important that we positively identify children so that passports cannot be used to facilitate child abduction or human trafficking.”

MSC Cruises has made arrangements to have aluminum used onboard its ships in Italy to be collected for recycling. The Italian National Consortium for the collection and recycling of aluminium will make special collections from ships departing from Genoa and Venice.

The cans used for drinks, foil used in cooking, and storage stubs and containers used on cruise holidays will all be recycled as a part of the cruise lines new initiative to protect the environment.

In just three months approximately 15 tonnes of aluminium will be collected from the ships. This is enough aluminium to make 1300 bicycles. Aluminium is fully recyclable and can be re-used over indefinitely.

The ten best rural holiday destinations in Europe have been given the “European Destinations of Excellence” (EDEN) Award. Ten countries took part this year, and an EDEN Award was awarded to a destination in each country.

The aim in the EDEN project is to promote European holiday destinations and awarding sustainable forms of tourism.

Commission Vice-President Gunter Verheugen, responsible for enterprise and industry policy, said: “The EDEN Project supports European tourism and enhances the visibility of several non traditional destinations. It is a platform for the exchange of good practices at European level while rewarding sustainable forms of tourism and successful business models. It will contribute to creating new and upgrading existing jobs.”

Next year seven more EU countries will take part in the EDEN Awards.

The winners of the EDEN Award this year were:

Austria: Pielachtal, Dirndl is the valley’s trademark
The Pielachtal is a valley in the Alpine foothills of the province of Lower Austria. Its culture, nature, way of life, handicrafts and specialty foods are combined to form a network of innovative offers. The Dirndl, or Cornel, popularly known as a cherry, is cultivated as the valley’s “trademark”.

Belgium: Durbuy, the smallest city of the world
The community Durbuy is situated in Wallonia in the Ardennes, and consists of 40 small villages. Durbuy is registered as “city” since the Middle Ages for its efficient justice and trade organization. Thus the old town of Durbuy became “the smallest city of the world”.

Croatia: Sveti Martin na Muri, preserved natural heritage
The district of Sveti Martin na Muri is located in the North, close to the tri-border with Slovenia and Hungary, where the River Mura enters the territory of Croatia. The destination has been profiled as a rural as well as a spa destination. It has a thermal spring of medicinal water and is the largest and one of the most beautiful spas in Croatia.

Cyprus: Troodos, A relaxing break away from cosmopolitan coastal resorts
Troodos has five distinct regions, grouped around Mount Olympus. The area offers an abundance of things to do and see: walking or cycling through forest nature trails, attending local village festivals, experiencing the local traditional cuisine and discovering the cultural treasures of UNESCO World Heritage sites are among the main pursuits.

Greece: Florina, Conciliating tourism and rural environment
The region of Florina is located in Northern Greece in West Macedonia. Geographically, it consists of mountainous and semi mountainous areas and lowlands. The mountains of Varnoutas, Vernon and Voras contain the ski centre and European Alpine routes whose peaks reach out to the fertile valleys and the six lakes of Prespes.

Hungary: Orseg, Characteristic landscape in harmony with nature
The Orseg region is located in the most western corner of Hungary. The unique landscape is characterized by a variety of natural beauties: hills and valleys, deciduous and coniferous woodlands, green hayfields, moors, springs and streams. Besides these beauties, the unchanged folk traditions and customs, traditional crafts and the products of self-sufficient farming and lifestyle also attract visitors.

Ireland: Clonakilty District, amenities of natural beauty
The Clonakilty District is situated on the coast in South West Ireland. There are many amenities of natural beauty which are easily accessed. In addition to an abundance of activities on land and sea, music sessions and fresh local produce there are also a full range of heritage sites, galleries, pubs, walking routes and fishing points.

Italy: Specchia, Tradition meets innovation
Specchia is located in Southern Italy (Province of Lecce, Puglia Region). It is a site of great natural and cultural value and an important centre for the rural economy in the region. Specchia is a shining example of a place where tradition meets innovation. For example, there is the Protonobilissimo castle, which dates back to the XV century, as well as a public access Centre for advanced digital services.

Latvia: Kuldiga, The Latvian Venice
Kuldiga town in the Kurzeme region with its historical part and Valley of the River Venta is known as “The Latvian Venice”. Its tourism recourses are based on its historical and cultural heritage and the Venta River which is one of the largest and most picturesque rivers of Latvia. “Ventas Rumba” is the widest waterfall in Europe (240m).

Malta: Nadur, Scenic beauty which are unique and rather rare
Nadur is situated on the easternmost hill of the island of Gozo, Malta’s sister-island. Fresh fruit such as apples, peaches, pears, plums, oranges, lemons and melons from the fields of Nadur are distributed around Malta and Gozo.

Source European Commission EDEN project

Passengers at Heathrow airport oppose the usage of mobile phones to check-in to their flights, according to the Passenger Self-Service Survey conducted by SITA earlier this year. The survey was conducted at Atlanta, Hong Kong and Heathrow airports.

In Hong Kong there has been a 16% rise in checking-in with mobile phones. The numbers also showed that people have moved from online check-in to mobile phone check-in. Passengers at Atlanta and Hong Kong airports had a positive attitude towards the mobile technology, while at Heathrow there was a strong negative attitude.

Positive attitude to mobile check-in
Atlanta 63%
Hong Kong 56%

Negative attitude to mobile check-in
Heathrow 69%

The survey also found that booking via the internet is becoming the norm in flight bookings. The main reason for not booking online is that a third party makes the travel arrangements (40%).

If you want to be inspired for an idea for a holiday destination or just get glimpse of what the wildlife has to offer, you can visit the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in London.

The exhibition has just opened and will stay open until 27 April 2008. From vibrant landscapes to intimate portraits of animal behavior it offers a view to the drama and diversity of the natural world.

It could also inspire you to take part in next year’s competition which opens in January 2008.

The Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition is owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine.

As of November 6 British Airways will not accept large items such as surfboards, canoes and wind-surfers. The ban has caused anger amongst surfers and the British Surfing Association (BSA) has set up a petition against the airline.

The BSA is urging its 10,000 members to sign the petition and join a new members group in the social networking site Facebook. The Facebook group already has over 3,500 members and many BSA members have contacted the airline directly to make their complaint.

The airline says these large and heavy items will not be accepted due to handling complexities.

People who enjoy active holidays have been angered by the new rule. About half million British people surf, and they have been quick to point out that items such as golf clubs and snowboards are still accepted.

Karen Walton, national director of the BSA says: “If everyone who surfs could take five minutes to go online and follow our recommended action steps then we will have real support for the reversal of this absurd decision.

“Our online petition means that people all over the world can add their support to our campaign. We will then be personally delivering the petition to the management at BA in the near future.”

If you are taking a holiday with your family and are looking for the best hotel to stay in, you should take a note of the five best family suites compiled by the Independent. These rooms offer plenty of entertainment for the youngsters, from a tree house to play areas.

Alva Park Resort and Spa, Spain
The fastest way to spoil your children is to book the Children’s Kingdom Suite at this five-star resort near Girona. The two-bed suite has its own train set and doll’s house, as well as a mini home cinema, Sony PlayStation, library and a large collection of toys and games.

Holiday Inn Resort, Thailand
Youngsters can sail the high seas and go digging for buried treasure – or at least they can imagine themselves doing so in the Holiday Inn Phuket’s pirate-themed family suites.

The Athenaeum, England
This family-owned Piccadilly institution offers an elegant option for clans wanting a hassle-free stay in the capital. Its five-star serviced family apartment is subtly geared towards children, but without parents feeling that they are staying in a nursery.

Kurland Hotel, South Africa
There are only 12 suites in this gracious Plettenberg Bay hotel, which is situated on a sprawling polo ranch and beach resort on the Western Cape’s Garden Route. Its Luxury and Family suites feature a loft bedroom for children, with up to four beds, a play area, child-friendly furniture, toys and its own bathroom.

Soneva Fushi and Six Senses Spa, Maldives
Families with older children and teenagers can create their own island paradise in Soneva Fushi’s Villa Suite and Tree House. After arriving from the capital by seaplane, parents can luxuriate in the villa, with its four-poster bed and open-air bathroom, while their offspring are let loose in their own tree house.

Source The Independent

The number of British people taking a holiday in the twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has grown steadily this year. The Caribbean nation has attracted over 70,000 Brits so far this year.
In September there was 18% rise in the number of British holidaymakers on the island compared to the previous year. Other months have also seen large growth in the numbers.

The UK is the biggest provider of tourism for Antigua and Barbuda, USA and the Caribbean being the other big contributors.

Carol Hay, Director of Tourism UK & Europe comments; “We developed an aggressive marketing strategy early in the year, which was targeted at working with our partners to address the down months.
This growth is beyond our wildest expectations for September, but none the less, we are pleased that through the work with our partners we were able to meet our goal and increase business. Of course, we can never rest on our laurels, and therefore we are already looking at our program for 2008 and beyond.”

If you’re heading to Hong Kong, Marrakesh, Mumbai or Istanbul before Christmas, you might as well do your Christmas shopping while on holiday.
The Telegraph has compiled a list of top exotic Christmas shopping destinations at Hong Kong, Marrakesh, Mumbai and Istanbul.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong has long been the shopping capital of Asia but it is no longer about getting a suit made (you will do better in Bangkok or Saigon).

Marrakesh
Marrakesh has moved on from chess sets and pointy leather slippers. French chic now blends in with Moroccan exoticism. Seek out suede sofa throws, contemporary kilims and souk-style wall lanterns in Florentine porcelain. Prices are rising, but canny bartering can still bring a bargain.

Mumbai
This is the New York of the sub-continent, colorful and chaotic with a tremendous buzz and heaps of style.

Istanbul
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the world’s great shopping experiences. Look out particularly for leather items, shawls and wraps, glassware, beaded slippers and, of course, rugs and carpets.

Source The Telegraph

Ski Holiday specialist Ski-Direct reports that Canada is attracting more ski holidaymakers than in previous years. People taking group ski holidays especially are heading to the slopes in Canada, according to analysis of early bookings made at through specialist online ski holiday booking agency www.ski-direct.co.uk

A number of trans-Atlantic airline companies have announced extra services to Canada’s ski resorts this winter, making the pristine powder and awe-inspiring peaks of Canada more reachable for ski holidaymakers from Europe.

Another boost to Canada’s popularity is the excellent snow conditions its resorts enjoyed during the Winter 2007 season.

Jon Pearce from Ski-Direct says: “Canada is world-famous for its skiing. Snow conditions in the Canadian ski resorts are excellent and have some of the longest ski seasons in the world. Many of our customers return to Canada year after year once they get the taste of it.”

Canada is an ideal destination for group ski holidays, as the ski packages available at the Canadian ski resorts are often more flexible than those available in Europe.

Ski-Direct specialises in putting together the right ski holiday for groups of any size.

Ski-Direct has received the largest number of bookings for major North-American resorts, from both groups and individuals. The spectacular Banff area in Alberta, Canada has been a favourite this season. Banff is the only North American ski resort located in a National Park. The unspoilt ski resort offers three unique mountains for skiers of all grades.

Another noticeable trend in ski holiday bookings this season is that people tend to be making bookings at the High resorts in Europe. This may be due to some disappointment in snow conditions last season. Late bookers seem to be waiting for snow fall to decide where to go for their ski holiday.

Only Andorra bucks this trend, the small country is famous as an ideal destination for skiing on a budget.

Information about worldwide ski resorts and Ski-Direct holidays can be found at http://www.ski-direct.co.uk

Most bookings (groups and none groups):
All major resorts in USA - especially Breckenridge, Winter Park
All Canadian ski resorts - especially Banff, Whistler
All High French ski resorts – especially Alpe D’Huez, Les Deux Alpes
High Italian ski resorts - especially Sauze, Livigno, Cervinia
High Austrian ski resorts - especially St Anton, Obergurgl
All Andorra ski resorts
All Switzerland ski resorts

Marriot International has announced that it will expand its presence in Scandinavia in the next six years by opening 15 new hotels in Finland, Sweden and Norway.

The first two hotels to open are Courtyard hotels, Marriot’s largest brand. At nearly 800 properties globally, it ranks as the 13th largest hotel brand in the world.
The new Courtyard hotels will open in Stockholm, Sweden and Kristiansund, Norway.

‘We are thrilled that soon travelers to Scandinavia will be able to stay in a Marriott International-branded hotel. Having a strong presence in the region has been a strategic objective of ours for a long time. We are equally delighted to be working with the Scandinavian Hospitality Group.
They are an experienced hotel company with a proven track record of successfully operating major brands. We are confident that these two properties will be popular and successful with the traveling public,’ said Arne Sorenson, Marriott International’s chief financial officer and president of Europe.

Turkey, Dubai and South Africa have been named as the future top golf holiday destinations by industry specialists.

At the moment most golf holidaymakers head to Spain and Portugal, but the trends in golf holidays are changing.

Over 70 holiday operators and 50 golf course architects were interviewed for two exclusive surveys conducted by KPMG Golf Advisory Services.

Both holiday operators and architects named Turkey, Dubai and South Africa as the most likely destinations to become new golf holiday favourites. They believed that the golf markets in Spain and Portugal would also continue to grow, but at the same time they are most threatened by the emerging golf destinations.

Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s specialist Golf Advisory Services Team for the EMA region, said: “The golf industry as a whole is likely to benefit from the continued growth of the broader travel and tourism industry. However, the traditional golf markets of Europe and North America can expect increasing competition from the emerging golf destinations that offer high quality golfing experiences at affordable prices.”

The experts believed that the golf holiday industry will continue to grow in the next 15 years. Only 11% expected the market to stagnate.

Travel agents at the Elite Travel Conference say their customers do not consider global warming and climate changed when making their holiday plans.

The 170 agents present at the conference in Jerez, Spain took part in a debate on global warming and its effects on holidaymakers’ decisions.

Agents agreed that not many customers even mention climate change or carbon emissions when they are making their holiday plans.
They felt that people just want to go on their holiday regardless of the carbon emissions caused by air travel.

Virgin Atlantic is opening a new Upper Class Wing at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 next month. The airline says business class passengers will be able to move from limo to lounge in under 10 minutes.

There is a special fast-track security channel at Terminal 3 to get business class passengers through quickly. The Upper Class Wing is opening on November 2.

Virgin Atlantic chief executive Steve Ridgway said: “Our new Upper Class Wing will enable our business passengers to fly through check-in, whizz through security and lounge in the