The Foreign Office is launching a campaign aimed at holidaymakers in a bid to reduce the number of people killed or injured in alcohol related skiing and après ski accidents.

Posters have been erected in French ski resorts with the slogan, ‘Don’t Catch Your Death’ to highlight the risks.

The British Ambassador to France, Peter Westmacott said, “We are telling our compatriots to be careful - when you consume too much alcohol at altitude and it’s cold, the danger is greater.”

Remember: know the risks, be prepared and dress accordingly for the weather.

The 323 room hotel is based at the Hotel Plaza Boulevard, with IGH saying, “The minute guests step into the glass-ceiling atrium, the citrus scent, harmonious sounds, lush foliage and floor to ceiling views of the zero-entry tropical pool will guarantee that guests are set to experience a new Holiday Inn”.

The hotel offers the following services:
• Access to local golf course
• Advanced reservations at eateries in Walt Disney World
• Free transport to any Disney theme park.

Tony Johnson, Walt Disney World hotel manager said, “There is no more exhilarating feeling than opening a family friendly Holiday Inn resort on Disney property.”

Travellers will have a pass sent to a mobile device in the form of a two dimensional barcode and is scanned at the security and boarding checkpoint.

Mobile boarding from Continental Airlines is available from 42 airports and was the first airliner to introduce mobile boarding to international destinations such as Frankfurt.

Continental Airlines Vice President of Reservations and E-Commerce, Martin Hand said, “We are pleased to add Heathrow to the growing list of airports we serve with mobile boarding passes.

“Customers have told us this is the type of product improvement they want and we will continue to expand the self-service technology to more of our domestic and international destinations.”

Currently flights from London Heathrow with Continental Airlines fly to New York and Houston.

The new programme is aimed at attracting an extra 1.6 million visitors which will increase consumer spend by up to £2.6 billion ($4 billion).

President and Chief Executive of US travel Association, Roger Dow said, “This is a historic victory for the US economy and the one in eight American workers whose jobs depend on travel.

“The United States Congress has sent a clear message that travel is a high priority to our nation and that tangible steps must be taken to increase travel to and within the United States.”

President Obama is expected approve the legislation in the next week.

Currently holidaymakers and business travellers visiting the USA are required to complete the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) before departing to the US on a family holiday to Orlando – Florida, or taking a romantic city break in New York.

Bookings increased in relation to previous years for city breaks in Europe as the economic climate became more challenged and UK holidaymakers cut back on more luxurious items such as a 2 week holiday to the Mediterranean.

The top most popular city breaks for Easter in 2010 are:

• Venice
• Amsterdam
• Prague
• New York
• Barcelona
• Nice
• Rome

City breaks to Rome and Venice at Easter in 2010 are particularly popular with couples enjoying romantic weekends away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and making the most of the long Easter weekend.

Families tend to city break in New York during the Easter period as culture, fashion and milder spring weather enhances the appeal for a longer New York city break where there is something to suit everyone, whether it’s shopping in the famous boutiques or taking a trip around Madison Square Gardens and even a visit to the Empire State Building.

City breaks to Barcelona during the Easter period are also popular with families as the city break experience is combined with culture, architecture and a beach holiday.  Spain is popular with British holidaymakers and is the number one searched for destination in Europe by Brits.

Group city break holidays to Amsterdam and Prague are more popular than couples visiting the European city break destinations, popular trips for group city breaks can be tailor made at CityBreaks-Direct.

An Easter weekend city break to Nice is a popular destination for many UK couples as the mineral spas are a great attraction for a romantic weekend away for two.  Dining in the seafood restaurants and window shopping in the many boutique style shops is certainly a relaxing and unwinding city break destination which is situated by the sea.

CityBreaks-Direct.co.uk offer a range of city break destinations across Europe and the USA and cater for groups, hen and stag trips, plus guidance and expertise for those new to city breaks and for holidaymakers who wish to surprise a loved one.  For more information visit: http://www.citybreaks-direct.co.uk/.

The study monitored which destinations holidaymakers searched for on the www.holidays-direct.co.uk website and has shown a noticeable increase in results of non euro holiday resorts.

 Top 10 most searched for holiday destinations are:

1. Egypt – Sharm El Sheikh
2. Turkey
3. Spain – Malaga
4. Greece
5. Portugal - Faro
6. Croatia - Dubrovnik
7. Dubai
8. New York
9. Bulgaria – Golden Sands
10. Tunisia - Sousse

Non Euro holiday resorts grew in popularity in 2009 due to the exchange rate between the euro and the pound and value for money aspect, a highly important factor for UK holidaymakers since the recession.

The all inclusive holiday trend continued to grow in popularity in 2009 as a budget friendly option for many families and couples alike, with all inclusive holidays to Egypt and Turkey being most popular.

Bookings for package holidays to Europe have increased greatly as holidaymakers want to know they are covered in the event of 3rd party failure for example and for peace of mind.   Destinations such as Tunisia, Croatia and Bulgaria are the most popular for package holiday deals.

Holidays-Direct monitor trends and consumer feedback to ensure they give the best service and advice to holidaymakers booking holidays to Europe and worldwide from http://holidays-direct.co.uk.

TravelMole reports, “The itinerary includes three days in Sharm El Sheikh and calls at Adabiyah and Safaga in Egypt, Aqaba in Jordan and Eilat before returning to Sharm El Sheikh.”

In late December 2011 the newly launched Costa Deliziosa will commence a one hundred night world cruise from Savona, Italy.

New options on Costa Cruises in the Mediterranean in summer and winter are in addition to current cruises. The new Costa Favolosa is due to debut in 2011 summer time, while the Costa Fascinosa will link with the rest of the fleet in spring 2012.

For more information on Costa Cruises visit Cruises-Direct.co.uk.

Opera singer Russell Watson, musical theatre’s Gary Wilmot and Mike Alexander, Claire Sweeney – TV personality and many more celebrities yet to be revealed.

Travelmole reports, P&O Cruises’ managing director Carol Marlow said: “Azura will offer the classic service, quality and entertainment associated with cruising at its best.

“Those of us travelling on her maiden cruise will be treated to an array of excellent British entertainment to start Azura’s inaugural season in style.”

The maiden voyage departs 2 days after the naming ceremony – by Royal Ballet star, Darcey Bussell and will commence on 12th April calling at, Katakolon (Greece), Malaga (Spain), Korcula (Croatia), Gibraltar, Corfu, Venice (Italy) and Dubrovnik (Croatia).

Opening in May, the location of the new terminal is between Schwedenbrucke and Marienbruke which links up to the River Danube, enabling tourists to travel to Slovakia on a 75 minute river cruise.

High speed twin city liner catamarans will operate on the bank of the canal which links to the Danube will take passengers on the short cruise to Bratislava for a day trip or for business.

It is estimated that over 200,000 passengers will use the terminal annually and will include a restaurant, coffee house and shops, space for exhibitions and events will also be available.

Experience a city break with a difference: City breaks to Vienna and city breaks to Bratislava.

Experts in this arena have welcomed the plans to change and become more eco-friendly, aiming to attract eco-tourists the $238 million project will begin on smaller projects this year, towards making the resort, which is very popular with UK holidaymakers, carbon neutral.

The top official at the Tourism Ministry, Hisham Zaazou said, “Tourists will pick places that are environmentally friendly and taking positive steps to reduce their carbon emissions.”

By using renewable energy schemes and improving waste management systems and cutting down on water usage is aimed to boost environmental credentials of a concrete happy destination.

Plans and thoughts to help become carbon neutral include, using hybrid buses, electric boats and solar and wind energy.

Sharm El Sheikh is a popular holiday destination for British travellers as well as other Red Sea resorts.

The Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers may not look aesthetically pleasing with its 85 meters of solar panels; it is however, the largest building with solar panel installation in Northern Europe.

The Independent online reports, “The hotel also uses the first groundwater-based heating and cooling system. By drawing water from 100 meters underground, the system effectively uses the earth as a heat source in winter and heat sink in summer.”

To save on energy the hotel management has installed energy saving lighting, computer equipment and kitchen equipment.

According to EU regulations, the hotel meets the standards for a ‘green’ building, which means per guest, emissions are 5.7kg (max) per night; normally they are 8.4kg per night.

For more information visit The Independent online, for city break information and city breaks to Copenhagen visit CityBreaks-Direct.co.uk.

Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of British Airways said: “I’m proud to announce our new partnership with Comic Relief, which will expand and develop British Airways’ role in helping some of the world’s most vulnerable people.”

Lenny Henry, Trustee of Comic Relief (and Comedian) said, “We are delighted to have British Airways on board as our new partner and hope to have lots of fun raising heaps of cash! Together we hope to bring lasting change to the lives of some of the poorest and most vulnerable people here in the UK and across the world.”

British Airways are committed in helping people and communities in need, BA gave over £5million to charitable causes in 2009 and support over 100 community conservation projects across the world.

They recently sent aid and a search and rescue team to Haiti to help those rescued from the earthquake.

British Airways fly to destinations worldwide from many major airports.

The plan is to build the largest LEGOLAND in the world which will be situated approximately 30 minutes away from Disney World.

Celebrating its tenth birthday last year, LEGOLAND already have an established presence in the US in California. Voted as the best theme park for children by Amusement Today, it is the fastest growing theme park attraction, with visitor numbers growing annually.

In a press statement from Merlin Entertainments, Chief Executive Nick Varney said, “LEGOLAND California has already proven how much US families lobe the unique LEGOLAND concept. Now we are bringing that fun and experience to a much wider audience.”

LEGOLAND Florida is predicted to open in early 2011.

The Stratosphere Hotel and Casino will host one of the most high profile attractions – the Skyjump. Opening in April, the Skyjump is a ‘controlled freefall’ which the rider will experience air speeds around 40 miles per hour and the will plummet around 855 ft.

The Stratosphere already hosts thrill seeker rides such as, Big Shot, X-Scream and Insanity at the top of its tower.

Ceasers Palace will open the Garden of Gods in March, which will include an 18 ft waterfall and five multi-layered pools.

At the Imperial Palace a Quesadilla Mexican restaurant is set to open in the next few months.

Las Vegas is also known as sin city and is home to more than 18 of the largest hotels in the world!

The Armani brand is known for fashion clothing, cafes, home accessory boutiques and spas and has opted to choose the former Burj Dubai, now the Burj Khalifa to host its venture into hospitality.

There are also plans for hotels in popular city break destinations include, London, Milan, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai reveals The Independent online.

“The first Armani Resort is due to open in Marrakech, while ‘Residency Villas’ are under construction in Marassi (Egypt). Overall, Armani ‘plans to open at least ten hotels and resorts within the next ten years,’ according to a statement.”

Armani are following in the footsteps of designer brands such as, Missoni, Versace and Christian Lacriox.

Jon Pearce of www.holidays-direct.co.uk said, “UK holidaymakers need to ensure they have appropriate travel insurance to cover any lost or stolen goods when travelling to foreign countries. We have compiled a list of essential tips and advice to help holidaymakers travelling abroad this year.”

Holidays-Direct recommends the following easy to follow tips and advice before leaving for a holiday abroad;

• Give travel information about your holiday to close friends of family and take a copy of; Passport, Airline tickets, Accommodation details, Travel insurance policy documents
• Take copies of your passport with you in-case you need to send it to the British Embassy
• Make sure travel insurance is in date and includes any activities you may partake in as well as covering stolen items.

Jon continued, “Check the validity of passport and any visa’s to ensure they are well in date of the time you travel. Be wise and think about your possessions when you’re taking pictures and enjoying a coffee in a café, before you get distracted, know where your possessions are and keep tight hold of them!”

Don’t risk holidays being ruined by not having the correct insurance. Holidays-Direct supply industry news on their website, www.holidaynews-direct.co.uk/, thus giving an insight into culture and customs of popular holiday destinations for UK holidaymakers to view.

Kevin Sheehan, Chief Executive of NCL said, “By bringing the ship to Europe during her second season, we are combining the excitement of Norwegian Epic with a very popular European itinerary.”

Docking in Barcelona, the liner will visit Spanish and Italian resorts in 2011, including;
• Florence
• Palma Majorca
• Rome
• Naples

Mr Sheehan continued, “With her world class entertainment, wide range of accommodation, incredible amenities and plethora of dining options, Norwegian Epic will offer the best cruise experience for a wide4 range of travellers looking to enjoy Europe in a whole new way.”

The findings also revealed the risk of neck injury is much lower.

In total 12 separate studies were carried out over an 18 year period from Europe, Canada, USA and Japan. Information was provided from ski patrols, medical centres, insurance and self reporting injuries.

The outcome of those wearing helmets: 9,829 injuries, 36,735 not injured.

It is now compulsory for children to wear helmets on the slopes in Austria.

The amount of people wearing helmets is continually on the rise in ski resorts in Europe and ski destinations in USA and Canada.

Further information about this report can be viewed here: Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Over 70 new flight services will be launched by the low budget carrier in the next six months, which will include: Cagliari to Stansted, and Manchester to Helsinki.

easyJet will also be increasing their presence at Robin Hood Airport – Doncaster, by introducing routes for city break travellers to:
• Barcelona
• Amsterdam
• Palma
• Prague
And popular Portuguese holiday destination, Faro.

Andy Harrison, Chief Executive of easyJet believes the budget airliner offer the cheapest air fares to destinations from the most convenient airports.

Andy continued, “Despite the challenging economic conditions, we will grow 10% and will carry 50m passengers this year on over 500 routes. The 70 new routes we will launch in the coming months will reinforce our position as Europe’s number one air transport network.”

easyJet are a popular choice for city break travellers.

The London hub monitored annual growth by recording the number of travellers flying to the UK, Channel Islands and Europe, December’s increasing passenger numbers for the third consecutive month has shown important growth.

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer of Gatwick Airport, said: “I am pleased to end the year with a third consecutive month of growth in passenger numbers, which demonstrates that Gatwick Airport is recovering well from the economic downturn.”

Mr Wingate continued to comment on how Gatwick will be strong competition for rival airports and is aiming to become the choice of airport for airlines and passengers in 2010 and beyond.

In March, an additional flight will commence from the 27th of the month at Newark Liberty Airport, making it the fourth daily connection from the US to the UK and at the end of October this is set to increase again, to a total of 5 daily flights.

Continental Airlines currently fly to New York and Houston-Texas, and will have a total of seven daily flights from Heathrow to the US. From 1st June, business class will include flat bed seats.

Jeff Smisek, Chief Executive Officer of Continental Airlines said, “All our New York-London customers will benefit from more flight options, while those travelling to London in BusinessFirst - whether from New York or Houston - will be assured of a flat bed seat whenever they choose to fly with us.”

The increased flight options will give New York city break travellers better choice as well as the opportunity to travel in luxury in business class.

It is estimated to have cost over £160 million to make and features a minimum of four roller-coasters; Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.

The Universal theme park will offer guests;
• A tour of Hogwarts
• The opportunity to drink some butter beer, Fire Whiskey and pumpkin juice
• A trip to Ollivander’s wand shop
• A visit around Hogsmeade village

Brad Globe, President of Warner Bros. Consumer Products said, “Harry Potter continues to spark the imaginations of fans of all ages and we really have seen the anticipation continue to build for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”

JK Rowling, creater of Harry Potter commented on the creation of the theme park, “The plans I’ve seen look incredibly exciting, and I don’t think fans of the books or films will be disappointed.”

In comparison to January 2009, the Post Office has found, a 15 per cent increase in the Egyptian pound, UAR dirham and the US dollar.

With winter holidays to Egypt and city breaks to Dubai on the increase, sales for the Egyptian pound has increased by 45 per cent and the UAE dirham has increase by 205 per cent.

The Post Office said, “The weaker Egyptian pound, combined with low package prices and costs for tourist staples, should also make Egypt a popular choice in 2010.”

The pound sterling has increased in the following popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean, Jamaica and Barbados - will surely benefit from UK holidaymakers making the most of their travel money.

Birmingham Airport is currently implementing the technology and will be ready by the end of this month – ahead of the national rollout.

The idea of the full body scans is for security staff to detect explosives and other dangerous items, to ensue tighter restrictions, all for passenger safety.

In the mid to late 90s there were around 5 music venues, now there are over 20, just in Oslo. City break music lovers flock to the popular city break destination to enjoy local performances as well as the great atmosphere.

Popular music festivals in Oslo include;
- Bare Jazz
- Blå
- Funhouse
- Café Mono
- Kampen Bistro
- Oslo Opera House
- Parkteatret
- Råkk & Rålls
- The Villa
- Intersection of Youngsgate/Torggata.

Find a city break in Oslo and experience a Norwegian music festival.
Source: The Guardian Online

Fortress Investment Group bought the resort from Intrawest LLC in 2006, with almost half of the funds being borrowed from investment firms. Unfortunately Fortress Investment Group did not make the last payment on the loan which has resulted in the popular ski resort in North America going to auction.

The Guardian reports, “Speculation is already developing over a potential purchaser of Whistler with Vail Resorts, its closest competitor in terms of ski area, being mentioned by industry insiders. Kelly Ladyga from Vail refused to comment.”

Whistler Blackcomb has had record snowfall this ski season, with just less than 10 meters of snow so far. The ski resort is popular with European and US skiers alike. With over 8,000 acres of ski-able terrain, and a lively après ski scene, business as usual seems like a viable option.

With the credit crunch making value-for-money an even high priority for families this year, Spain holidays are topping most wish-lists.

The reliable weather is an added incentive for holidaymakers and the choice of flights from local airports across the UK makes Spain an easy destination for families to visit.

A recent study by the Post Office revealed that Spain is currently the cheapest country within the Eurozone.

Holidaymakers are advised that Spain holidays can be even better value for money if they are taken away from peak season, when savings of as much as 70% can be made.

The new flights from Glasgow Airport will start on 28th February under the new name ‘Aer Lingus Regional’.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, told the BBC: “Ireland is one of Scotland’s biggest overseas tourism markets, generating millions of pounds for the Scottish economy, and a crucial trading centre for many Scottish exporters.

“The Aer Arann/Aer Lingus partnership will allow even greater opportunity for business and leisure travel between Scotland and Ireland, with increased frequency on the important Glasgow to Dublin route particularly good news.”

New commercials, which will be shown from February 8 2010, feature Bolt running on golden beaches, playing golf and in other scenes depicting the beauty of the island.

Usain Bolt became an international star at the last Olympics and the Jamaican Tourist Board is investing US$420,000 in his star power.

A video showing the making of the video can be seen on YouTube.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said the commercials were part of the “drive for five”, referring to the goal of getting five million visitors to take holidays in Jamaica, and bringing in about $5 billion in five years.

The television ads are in three parts: The first, titled ‘Stop’, follows Usain Bolt through a day of training, as he runs through the countryside, stopping to view the scenery; in ‘Pose’, other Jamaicans are seen giving Bolt’s signature “lightning bolt” victory; and ‘Speed’, where Bolt is seen sprinting from location to location.

Living expenses in the USA are relatively low compared to Britain, once accommodation is taken out of the picture. For example, food and drink in central Manhattan is much cheaper than it is in London’s West End.

Here are some tips…

• Fly mid-week – most trans-Atlantic flights are cheaper mid-week. For even cheaper flights, be prepared to fly at unsociable times (arriving in the middle of the night, for example).
• Check if your local airport has flights to America, this could cut down on extra expenses, such as staying in a hotel in London the night before flying out.
• Many of the major American cities have city passes that offer discounts on attractions. These can be booked online before travelling and are much better value than the deals being offered by ticket sellers outside the attractions.
• Shoppers – Macy’s have the Macy’s Welcome International Savings Card which is valid at all stores across America – offering 10% discounts.