Bristol Tourism Board
Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:43:55 +0000
AiTO Specialist Travel Agents- is a partnership between independent travel agents and AiTO tour operators who share common dedication to the provision of high standards of Quality and personal service to their customers. AiTO Specialist Travel Agents are concerned only with finding the holiday that is right for the client and provides value for money. Select World Travel is one of only Four Specialist agents in The Three Counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire
We Are pleased to be promoting AITO Week which runs from the 3rd of October and finishes on 10th October. The Grand Finale being a great Holiday Show with Aito Specialist Tour Operators and Select World Travel here in Great Malvern.
Come and celebrate the launch of our brand new Special Occasions brochure, we also have lots of Exclusive offers and some prizes to give away on the day. Our Aito Specialist Holiday show 2009 is being held at PRIORS CROFT RESTAURANT AND BAR (opposite The Malvern Theatres complex) on Saturday 10th Octobe between 10.00 a.m. and 16.00 p.m.Come and meet the following Aito Tour Operators.
Cadogan Holidays is proud of the reputation we have for providing the highest level of service and quality. Celebrating 60 years in business, we take pride in creating tailor-made holidays to our hand-picked portfolio consisting of over 350 world class hotels.We have created this well developed portfolio through knowing our customers and fully understanding their needs. We insist on only the highest levels of service and our partner hotels are chosen because of their equal dedication to meeting our customer’s needs.
Our commitment to training and developing our staff means whenever you deal with a member of the Cadogan team they will be well informed and knowledgeable about your chosen destination.
Your Specialist Travel Advisor at Select World Travel will be able to suggest one of our inspirational experiences to perfectly compliment your holiday choice whether it be hot air ballooning across the dessert, learning to cook like Mamma in Italy or scuba diving in the Red Sea it will be a once in a lifetime experience.
Winners of many major travel awards, amongst others we have been honoured to receive;
We look forward to meeting you at The Select World Travel Holiday show in great Malvern at Priors Croft
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Cedarberg African Travel is a family-run business operating in the UK and South Africa. For nearly 15 years we've been helping families, groups and individuals who want a high value, tailormade safari in Africa.
We typically help busy, demanding people who are;
If you share any of these frustrations, we look forward to meeting you at the Select World Travel Aito specialist Holiday Show, our consultants have plenty of first hand experience of Africa; most because they were born there and some because they've fallen in love with it as travellers.
We've spent time driving the roads, sleeping in the beds and making time to watch the sunrise over the waterhole. We'd like to share our safaris with you.
Our clients range from parents anxious to make sure that all that the family's needs are met on a first-time safari, via time-pressured honeymooners to safari veterans keen to try somewhere "different". Why do they come to us? Why might you?
2008 marked the 250th anniversary of the foundation of Cox & Kings, the longest established travel company in the world.
The company’s history stretches back to the summer of 1758 when Richard Cox was appointed as regimental agent to the Foot Guards by his mentor, Lord Ligonier, the Commanding Officer of His Majesty’s Armed Forces.
The role of agent included the arrangement of payment of officers and men, the provision of clothing, serving as a go-between for the buying and selling of officers’ commissions, and acting upon any special requests from the regimental adjutant.
Regimental agents did not have a very good reputation before Cox, but such was his honesty, reliability and organisational ability that he made it a respectable business and Cox & Co soon became the agent for the majority of British regiments. By the end of the 18th century the company served 14 cavalry, 64 infantry and 17 militia regiments. The company’s business grew hand in hand with the British Empire, becoming involved in banking and shipping in addition to its other agency activities.
In the late 19th century, Henry S. King & Co was a rival bank and shipping agency, started by Henry Samuel King and subsequently run for over 45 years by his son, Henry Seymour King, an MP and renowned mountaineer. The company had particularly strong links with India. After the First World War the two companies merged as Cox’s & King’s and moved into grand premises on Pall Mall (now the site of the Sofitel St James Hotel). In 1923 the business was sold to Lloyds Bank and whilst the banking arm stayed with Lloyds (becoming the Cox & Kings branch, as it is still known), the shipping agency became a separate company, running tours and organising the passage of people and their belongings around the world, notably to Egypt, India and South Asia.
In 1970, Cox & Kings Agency was bought by Grindlays Bank as part of a deal with the Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, to develop tourism into the country, and so the modern history of the company began.
Cox & Kings has built on the tradition of high quality service and attention to detail established by Richard Cox over 250 years ago and it now provides travel arrangements of the highest calibre in many of the most culturally and naturally fascinating parts of the world. The company is now privately owned and has extended its expertise to cover the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, the Far East, Europe and Australasia.We look forward to welcoming you at the Cox and Kings stand at the Select World Travel Aito specialists Holiday show at Priors Croft.
21 years of experience
Established in 1988, Classic Collection Holidays is now the UK's leading independent specialist tour operator, and although we have 21 years of Classic experience, our management team actually has, collectively, more than 100 years of travel experience!! Here at Classic, we constantly aim not only to live up to, but to exceed, the expectations of those who book their holidays with us; we know our customers are independently-minded travellers who require their holidays to be tailor-made to their specific needs, and you can rest assured that you will enjoy the highest levels of service when you travel with us.
Holidays for discerning travellers
Classic Collection Holidays and Select World Travel enjoys an enviable reputation for providing excellent year round holidays in hundreds of four and five star hotels; we also have a few villa-type holidays available which are particularly popular with families. We offer short breaks and holidays of any duration from 2 nights to 3 months and, because we tailor-make every holiday, we can offer any combination of the following: hotel accommodation, hotel accommodation with private transfers and/or car hire, flight inclusive, twin or multi centres, and fly drive options. We can book flights from any UK airport, and our most popular holidays include flights from your local airport, private transfers to whisk you to your accommodation and at least a week in a luxurious hotel.
Price promise
Our holidays are 100% financially protected (through the CAA & ABTA) and our price promise ensures that you receive the best value for money for your holiday.Just Ask Select World Travel for our latest quotation .Awards
We are very proud to have been honoured four years in a row with an Award of Excellence by our travel agent partners in the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO); an endorsement which highlights our commitment to providing excellent holidays. Within the last year, we’re also proud to have been recognised with Awards from travel agents in the Travel Trust Association, the weekly readers of Travel Bulletin, and our industry partners north of the Border in the SPAA (Scottish Passenger Agents Association).
A note from our MD, Nick Munday
Having owned and run Classic Collection Holidays since 2002, I’m constantly delighted by the positivity and goodwill we receive. We enjoy the travel industry with all the glamour that it has to offer, and, although we’re a highly commercial and forward-looking business, by treating our suppliers and customers with a somewhat traditional respect and, some might say, old-fashioned courtesy, we’ve gained the respect of all those with whom we come into contact. I hope you will visit us at the Select World Travel Holiday Show and hope that you’ll choose us to organise your next holiday. Our brochures feature all our destinations and hotels, so simply call into Select World Travel and ask for our latest edition/p>
The InsideJapan Tours' concept was born thousands of miles from Japan, in the heart of the Siberian wilderness in Autumn 2000, as university friends Alastair Donnelly and Simon King were journeying across Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Six days on a train is a lot of time to think and having both spent the previous three years teaching English in Toyota City (yes, the home of the motor corporation) they wanted to give others the chance to experience and discover a country they had both fallen in love with - and most importantly, without having to break the bank to do so. And thus InsideJapan Tours was born.
Our Concept
When planning a holiday what really matters is that you get the best advice possible from people with real expertise and experience of the places you will be visiting and it's our pleasure to be working with Aito Specialist Travel Agents, Select World Travel. Inside Japans UK Team have many years collective experience of living and working in Japan and have all travelled extensively throughout each of Japan's four main islands. We all speak Japanese and every year travel to Japan to make sure we are up to date with local changes - after all, you have to keep up with the latest pop sensations and crazy fashions. Things in Japan change very fast so it is vital we keep informed!
Whether you are planning on taking one of our accompanied tours or wish to travel independently on a fully tailored itinerary, Select World Travel can offer you a first class service and great value for money. With an office in Nagoya, Japan, you can rest assured that we are with you every step of the way and that you know at all times exactly who you are dealing with.
Why book with InsideJapan Tours?
Expertise and experience are very important when planning a holiday but perhaps the number one reason to book with InsideJapan Tours is that we have a genuine love of Japan and a passionate desire to share this with our customers. We are constantly striving to give our customers the best experiences of Japan and through careful planning to show some of the different faces of the country that help make this such a fascinating and amazing place to visit. We believe our feedback is testament to the quality of the experience we provide our customers with.
No hidden charges
When you book with InsideJapan Tours the price you see is the price you pay. Our Small Group Tours have NO LOCAL PAYMENT; There are NO ADDITIONAL CREDIT CARD FEES; and NO ADDITIONAL SERVICE FEES.
Full financial protection through AiTO Trust and ATOL
When booking with InsideJapan Tours you can be 100% sure that your money is safe. Our land only Japan holiday packages are 100% bonded against financial failure throgh AiTO Trust whereas our packages including international flights are protected by our ATOL, licence number 9419. When booking your Japan holiday with us you can have complete peace of mind.
Members of AiTO
InsideJapan Tours is a member if AiTO, The Association of Independent Tour Operators. Established in 1976, the AiTO symbol has become the hallmark of good holidays from specialist tour operators. All AiTO companies are fully bonded and governed by AiTO's independent dispute settlement service, which means you are in safe hands when you book with an AiTO member.
Since creating our first luxury short break in 1986, our aim has been to provide discerning travellers with a carefully selected range of hotels combined with private transfers, private tours and well researched itineraries that enable you to make the most of your budget and the time you have available.
We have a passion for quality and specialise in providing discerning travellers with outstanding holidays.
Our awards
Carefully Selected Hotels
Since 1986 we have taken great care to select only the best hotels and have developed close relationships with many owners and managers who have become firm friends - as a result, they go out of their way to give our clients the very best service. Our hotels must satisfy our strict criteria based on location, quality of facilities, ambience, style, character and value for money. Wherever possible, we prefer smaller, family-run properties which reflect the style and character of their local region; our recommended hotels are often too small to be included on mass-market dot.com websites.
Private transfers
Our holidays include private transfers on arrival and on departure – instantly removing the anxiety that many experience when arriving in an unfamiliar destination. No taxis, no fare negotiation, – just a warm welcome and a smooth journey to your chosen hotel. (Eurostar holidays to Lille and Bruges do not include transfers).
Flexible and personal service
We aim to offer outstanding service from start to finish; whether you would like us to recommend and book a restaurant for a special celebration dinner, arrange private guided tours, organise opera or concert tickets, wine tasting, cookery courses or even a wedding in Venice or on the Amalfi Coast – we take full responsibility for the smooth running of every aspect of your holiday, so that you can relax and enjoy every minute. It is never too late to book with us. We welcome late bookings – even on the day of departure and can often book rooms when hotels say they are full.
Speak to an expert
Our sales team has many years of experience and visit the hotels and destinations that we feature frequently. Clients often comment that they have seen a tempting photograph on a hotel’s website but would prefer to speak to someone who knows the property, because they need to find out what it is really like.
Added value
Many of our destinations include pre-booked tickets to popular museums including the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the Alhambra in Granada, the Uffizi in Florence, even the Doge’s Palace in Venice. Our hotels allow us to offer complimentary nights or room upgrades. In addition, we have negotiated some outstanding new fares for First Class travel on all Eurostar holidays. The benefits of First Class, apart from being away from the madding crowd…, include luxury seating, a complimentary meal – depending on the time of day – and complimentary drinks. For holidays by air, our brochure prices are based on Economy Class flights. However, we offer upgrades to Club Class at highly affordable supplements – please ask for details or see the flight information given by each price panel. Our flexible contracts enable us to offer one way upgrades: we particularly recommend upgrading to Club inbound for your journey home, it can help soften the blow as your holiday comes to an end and you head back to reality!
Kirker tailor-made
You may choose to visit two or more destinations in one holiday. Fly into one airport and back from another – why not include a mixture of air travel with rail? Our experienced tailor-made department can help you to get the most out of your holiday. We thoroughly recommend longer itineraries combining a few days in a city followed by 3 or 4 nights relaxing in one of our countryside, lakeside or coastal properties We take immense pride in creating carefully crafted holidays, and although we are not necessarily the cheapest, we do aim to offer exceptional overall value for money and rely on our clients for repeat business and recommendations for our future success.
A responsible holiday company
From the beginning...
When we founded Prestige Holidays in 1989, we did so with a passion to provide unstinting service, the best value possible and a total dedication to ensuring that our clients wishes are met and exceeded.
We were also determined to build a successful business on a sound financial footing. Additionally, we are fully bonded and hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority, reassuring all our clients that their money is safe with us.
Holidays now are considered essential by many people. Short breaks in the Med, longer annual holidays further afield, or perhaps something to exercise the mind as well as providing a real change of scene are all popular. At Prestige Holidays you will find we arrange so many different styles of holiday.
We look forward to meeting you at the Select World Travel Holiday show, we know you will enjoy our holidays!
John Dixon, Chairman and the Directors.
It’s easy for us to say we provide the best service – we would say that wouldn’t we? So some of our clients have kindly agreed to allow us to put some of their feedback and comments on this site. As with our staff we are fortunate to have some very loyal and regular guests that know we go the extra mile. You will find some of these comments under specific hotels or destinations and more under What You Say.
" The innovative excellence and professionalism of the Prestige team make choosing a holiday a specially enjoyable process matched only by the stupendous quality of the resort on arrival proving to be exactly as described in the Prestige brochure..." Mr M Johnson, Axminster
"I am extremely impressed with Prestige Holidays and will definitely book with you again. My special thanks to Donna, your Reservations Consultant for her superb help, professionalism and friendliness. She is a credit to your company." Mr & Mrs Bacon, Herts
Bermuda
Beautiful pink sand beaches, lovely Cottage Colony hotels, Resort hotels that have it all and delightful small hotels and guest houses, Bermuda definitely has something to suit you. Plus fantastic golf and watersports.
The Algarve
It is the great climate, the terrific golf and the miles of beaches that make this a popular choice for families, friends and couples. Less than three hours flying time makes the Algarve perfect for a short or longer break.
Crete
Crete is ideal for families but also for couples and friends travelling together too. It has a wide range of actiivities to suit everyone and some excellent top of the range hotels mostly on the waters' edge.Cyprus
An island of wide appeal, perhaps its the super beaches for relaxing or water sports, or fascinating history and culture to find out about, or the wonderful lanscapes from mountains to nature reserves to explore.Gozo
This is an island to really relax and escape the every day rush. The pace here is much calmer and the islanders charming and friendly. History, the sea and the coastline offer plenty of opportunites for you to explore.
Gran Canaria
Well known for its sand dunes and beaches of the south this island also has beautiful countryside and mountains, a vibrant city with a long sandy beach at its centre and good golf courses, something to suit everyone.
La Gomera
A place to relax and enjoy the best nature has to offer, dramatic valleys, plunging ravines and stunning cliffs, plus two good hotels of different character. Good for families and those who prefer something calmer.
La Palma
This island is not for those seeking sun, sea and sand, in fact the sand here is black! But if it is beautiful countryside, clear waters, pretty villages and coves and time to explore independently then this will suit you.Lake Como
Lake Como is considered the most dramatic and romantic of the Lakes. Its shore studded with Villas, gardens and picturesque harbours and villages.Lake Garda
Surely one of the most beautiful areas of a very beautiful country! Garda is the largest of the Italian lakes, with luch farmland to the south and forested hills and mountains further north. There is much to see and do in this area.Lanzarote
Generally known for sun, sea and sand and although ideal for this it does have much more to offer... less developed than some of the Islands and with an interesting landscape and a warm welcome from the locals.
Madeira
Most people think of Madeira as only suitable for older couples. If that were the case why is there so much to do here? Golf, Spas. Watersports, riding, deep sea fishing, even a theme park for children, the list goes on.
Mallorca
Stunning scenery and coastline - we have chosen the best hotels in lovely locations away from the busy resorts. Many have spas and some even have their own golf course with firm tee times, all just 2hrs away!
Malta
The island has more to offer than winter sun for the more mature, great history, a vibrant nightlife and a range of restaurants, beaches and activities for all age groups. There are some excellent five star hotels too!
Morocco
Often described as a feast for the senses, and it is! A country that will stimulate you and yet a place that also provides great opportunities to relax in properties of style and high standards. Then there is the golf!
Sardinia
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and we are very excited about offering this island to our discerning guests. We visited many wonderful properties that we are pleased to recommend.
Spain
Whatever you are looking to do on holiday Marbella is sure to have it. It has catered to the most discerning guest for many years and still retains the best of its Spanish charm. Golf courses and other activites abound.
Tenerife
Not just a busy seaside resort, but a wide variety of areas from bustling to charming to cultural. We have chosen the best it has to offer, from fabulous 5 star to charming rural, and the most superb on island staff.
Turkey
A largely unspoilt country with more than just beaches on offer - there are some stunning rural locations too! We have hand-picked 10 lovely hotels each with their own charm, some by the sea others in the countryside.New York
We offer New York as a tailor-made add on to a Bermuda holiday, this is a lovely combination of exciting city life with a sophisticated island stay. Or as we can book it just as a city break. Please call us for a quote.Boston
We offer Boston as a tailor-made add on to Bermuda, a sophisticated combination holiday of culture, shopping and beaches. Alternatively we can just book Boston as a city break for you. Please call us for a quote.Safari Consultants are the specialists in African Safari Holidays. Our knowledge of the destinations we offer is superb, and we offer independent and honest advice. Our African Safari Holidays are tailor-made around your own personal requirements to all the key safari destinations including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and Madagascar. This site will offer you the basic information of which country to choose and when to travel. We also have a selection of past/present client itineraries which will hopefully illustrate the range of African safari holidays on offer.
Safari Consultants has specialised in safaris to East and Southern Africa since 1983. We also have programmes to the Indian Ocean Islands and Nepal. Each itinerary is carefully designed around clients’ individual requirements.
We are extremely knowledgeable and have personally visited all the areas and products we sell. We are also experts in assessing your needs and designing a holiday to satisfy your dreams.
TransIndus is one of the leading specialist tour operators in the UK, offering personalised tailor-made journeys throughout Asia. A family run company started by Amrit and Harji Singh in 1989, TransIndus has grown to become a name synonymous with quality and excellence, with several prestigious awards to its credit.
Our eclectic team of specialists has been handpicked from diverse backgrounds to include people with a shared passion for travel. We have travelled extensively through Asia and know our destinations intimately, with many of us having lived or worked there for varied lengths of time.
Our deep and personal knowledge of Asian cultures, history and ways of thinking, enables us to give an immediate, considered and honest response to almost all queries from prospective travellers.
We are committed to quality, passionate about our destinations, value our clients, and offer reasonable prices. This simple work ethic has given us a vast pool of satisfied clients as well as a sound financial base. We are proud to generate well over half of our custom from repeat clients and referrals, whilst enjoying a client satisfaction level higher than 99%.
The recipient of several prestigious awards, including those from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Board, the Malaysian Tourism Authority and the UK Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), TransIndus has been voted one of the ‘Top Three Tour Operators in the UK’ (small operators category) by the readers of The Guardian, The Observer and Guardian Unlimited for two consecutive years, in 2007 and again in 2008.
We take pride in what we do and endeavour to provide the highest levels of service and excellence for our clients. In our view TransIndus is the choice of the discerning traveller and we strive to be your caring travel companion in your journey east to Asia.
What we offer:
We aim to bring you inspiring holidays in superb locations in Africa, India, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East. For nearly 40 years we have arranged holidays for hundreds of thousands of passengers, who have chosen one of our safaris, a beach break, or a cultural itinerary in India.
Many travel to celebrate a birthday or an anniversary, and many couples have got married on some of the most incredible beaches in the world.
Above all we are a family-owned and run company. That means we are solely focussed on the holidays we sell, and not on appeasing shareholders. We continually inspect hotels and airlines, and test itineraries in order to improve some aspect or another.
We enjoy innovating and bringing you new options, be they new hotels or lodges, or new itineraries as new flight routes open up more of the world.
Why are we different:
Our efforts have recently been awarded; we won four major industry titles as 'Best Operator to Africa'.
In our brochures you will find some amazingly low prices, to Goa and Mombasa for example, and we always seek to provide the best holiday we can according to your budget.
We love the Greek islands and know them well. Now celebrating our 30th year, we are delighted to share our knowledge, experiences and opinions with you to create Greek Island holidays based on your own specific needs. Tell us as much as you can about what you want from your villa holidays in Greece and we can recommend destinations, resorts and accommodation to match. We pride ourselves on our ability to ensure that your luxury holiday villa is the correct one, thereby providing a holiday experience to match your expectations.
We all have our own dream destinations, but the Greek islands are so varied in character that within the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean everyone is sure to find the perfect holiday. Many of our guests have become so enchanted by the islands and their luxury villa holidays that they return year after year and sometimes generation after generation as well.
Our range of luxury holiday villas in Greece and our luxury hotel accommodation is as varied as our islands, we offer exclusive luxury hotels in Greece as well as intimate studios for two. Where possible, we select properties which reflect the character of the island: on Skiathos we have a selection of spacious family villas close to the beach; on Skopelos we have included some charming town houses, built in traditional Pelion style and located right in the heart of the old town with its maze of narrow stepped streets and picturesque wooden balconies festooned with bougainvillea. Cosmopolitan Mykonos has deluxe luxury hotels with every amenity you could desire, plus elegant boutique accommodation in the classic Cycladic style. The unique situation of Santorini has produced a style that is all its own: stylish, exclusive suites literally carved from the cliff face. Whatever your holiday style whether it is a luxury villa holiday, or staying in one of our luxury hotels, Greece, is the ideal place to be where we have something for you.
Visions of Africa ( a trading company of the Visions Holiday Group) is a small independently owned tour operator specialising in holidays to Southern and Eastern Africa
We are regulated under the ATOL system by the Civil Aviation Authority and our ATOL number is 5889.
We are also members of The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO) which offers 100% financial protection - AITO Trust number 1141.
We have a small team of knowledgeable advisors who are passionate about Southern and Eastern Africa and creating a holiday that surpasses our clients expectations.Testament to our success is that many of our customers come to us via recommendations from others.
Our continually expanding portfolio enables us to offer a variety of hotels, lodges and tours in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Mauritius and Seychelles.
Ilios Travel, is a small specialist company that has been providing luxury holiday villas with pools for more than 20 years.
Our properties appeal to all; whether couples looking for a small and intimate hotel in Turkey, a family group requiring a comfortable villa with pool in Spain or a group of friends looking for a spacious villa with pool in Italy and if we don’t have exactly what you want, we can always source something to suit
Villas in Italy: particularly villas in Tuscany and villas in Umbria have long been a favourite choice for Italian villa rentals. Our select portfolio of holiday villas, include privately owned country farmhouses and cottages with pools and luxury villas of distinction, in Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Le Marche, Abruzzo and the Veneto. All of our Tuscany villas and country houses in Umbria are located within driving distance of the many beautiful towns and cities for which Italy is renowned.
Our villas in Spain include private villas with pools and traditional Spanish Haciendas, located in the Andalucian countryside, Our Spanish villas, are within easy access of the numerous white villages and historic towns of this fabulous region. Our luxury coastal villas lie mainly within the exclusive Sotogrande estate.
At Ilios travel we can help you find quality holiday accommodation right across the Mediterranean. Over the years the standard of villas in Turkey has improved immensely and we are pleased to be able to offer some of the very best privately owned Turkish villas and houses with private pools, to be found on the Bodrum and Datca peninsulas as well as small and intimate hotels.
Our company has, since 1980, been providing holiday villa rentals for discerning travellers. Our properties appeal to all, families or groups of friend and couples from around the globe, looking for comfort, privacy and relaxation.
All of our villas are offered on a rental only basis, so whatever your country of departure, you have the freedom to make your own travel arrangements or have us make these for you tailored to your needs.
All of our villas are offered on a rental only basis, so whatever your country of departure, you have the freedom to make your own travel arrangements or have our ASito specialist Travel Agency partners Select World Travel make these for you tailored to your needs.
Holidays to Latin America
"We love Latin America"
Our aim is to provide an in-depth perspective of Central & South America to enhance your visit and share an understanding of local life, people & culture.
You may choose a Group Tour escorted by one of our excellent tour leaders or a private Individual Tour or we can prepare a bespoke itinerary to suit your own personal interests, budget and timing. We also offer Escapes to one of our recommended hotels or resorts at a "unique destination".
We are fascinated by the unique character provided by the Inca and Maya ancient civilisations that flourished leaving behind impressive archaeological sites with magnificent pyramids that you can visit today in Peru, Mexico and Guatemala. European influences dating back to the Spanish and Portuguese colonial era, blend with these ancient American cultures to provide a rich cultural heritage.
You will find an environment of great natural beauty where the magnificent landscapes of the Andean Mountains stand next to the exuberance of the Amazon rainforest and wildlife, particularly in Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru & Ecuador.
The people preserve a cultural identity apparent in colourful festivals (Carnival, Inti Raymi, Easter Processions), weavings, exotic food, music and dance. A simple way of life in rural communities contrasts with the dynamic rhythm of modern, sophisticated cities.
Throughout towns and villages in Central and South America we have built up a network of partnerships with local tour companies where experienced English speaking guides and travel professionals will provide you with reliable travel arrangements and support.
We would like to share our knowledge and enthusiasm for life in Latin America, we look forward to welcoming you at the Select World Travel Aito specialist holiday show to discuss your personal travel plans.
Paulo Veloso Managing Director
This article will be updated on 7th October with details of other exhibitors, Visions of africa, Ilios Travel, Islands of Greece, Gambia Experience, Senegal Experience, Corsican Places, Sardinian Places, Veloso Latin America.
Just off the coast of West Africa, each of the ten islands has its own appeal with varied landscapes, a unique cultural heritage and a variety of activities to suit all. Contrary to popular opinion the islands are an ideal winter sun destination & a great place to escape the summer crowds of the Canaries or the Balearics. Under 6 hours from London and with tropical beaches fit for a postcard, the Cape Verde Islands are a fantastic holiday destination all year round.
The Cape Verde Experience is part of Serenity Holidays, a privately owned, independent tour operator.
Serenity Holidays have been arranging travel and holidays to West Africa since the late 1980’s and employ around 100 people in the UK at our offices in Fareham, Hampshire.
We pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge of this part of the world and endeavour to part this knowledge to provide the best product we possibly can.
We also employ “resort” staff in the countries in which operate – where possible we try to employ locals as we find they are, naturally, more knowledgeable about the country, and thus give our guests more of an incite in the local way of life.
This is also, of course, beneficial to the local economy.
Cape Verde is a place of great contrasts, with each of the 10 islands offering a slightly different experience. And because of the islands' unique cultural and geographical history there is a fascinating range of cultures and landscapes to explore.
The topography varies from barren interiors to stunning beaches, from rugged mountain peaks to verdant landscapes. Some islands have a lively thriving local community - with some of the best music anywhere in the world; others, equally welcoming, are predominantly developed for tourism.
Cape Verde’s climate is pleasantly tropical with year round average temperatures between 26° and 30° C, uninterrupted sunshine from November to May and a rainy season between the months of June and October, when sudden but spectacular rainstorms can punctuate the hot sun.
The wind also brings some benefits, such as lower humidity and the islands are particularly popular for kite and windsurfing.
Due to the location in the Atlantic Ocean and some of the islands being flat it can be windier than the mainland.
Figures for rainfall can be quite misleading as they are wildly different on each island. Sal, Boa Vista and São Vicente receive almost no rain while on some of the higher peaks on Santo Antão and Fogo there is up to 2 metres of rainfall a year, making them lush and green. Tempartures also vary from island to island and within each island, - in the desolate centres of the flat islands, temperatures can reach 40 degrees whereas the coastal areas generally remain in the high twenties.
In 2003 we were awarded 'Appointment to the Order of The Gambia', from the Gambian Government for our longstanding commitment to the country within tourism. In 2007, we were awarded the 'Tour Operator of the Year' prize by the Travel Trade Gazette (TTG), one of the leading travel industry journals. We are also holders of AITO 5 star Responsible Tourism status, the highest level possible.
We pride ourselves on listening to our customers and taking their views into consideration when planning our programme.
We have introduced summer charters, Premium flight upgrades, regional departures flying from Bristol and East Midlands and new types of accommodation including lodges, villas and boutique properties.
We are the only year-round tour operator from the UK to The Gambia and during the main winter season we offer several exclusive properties and room types that cannot be found in other UK tour operators' brochures.
The Gambia is a great destination for a winter sun holiday, not least because it is outside of the Eurozone! In fact the exchange rate for the Dalasi to the Pound is virtually the same as what it was 2 years ago, meaning your spending money still goes a long, long way!
Whilst The Gambia is one of the smallest countries in Africa it has a rich and varied history and a wide range of landscapes all of which are worth seeing in your time there. The Gambia’s small size and the willingness of the people to help generally means all these places are readily accessible and will welcome you with open arms.
When you’re planning for a holiday in Gambia or are actually in the country itself, it could be easy, once you’re caught up in the blissful ease of beach life, to forget you’re actually in Africa! Well if you’ve come this far why not see more of the country and explore its fascinating culture, history and landscape?
Under 6 hours from London and with no time difference, The Gambia is an English speaking former British colony and an exciting destination all year round. This winter The Gambia is increasingly popular as it is outside of the Eurozone and is unaffected by the current poor exchange rates. In fact the Dalasi to Pound exchange is pretty much unchanged from what it was 2 years ago!
The Gambia is one of the smallest countries in Africa, situated on the unspoilt west coast on approximately the same latitude as Barbados. Mostly flat, the country is dominated by the majestic River Gambia from which it takes its name. A sub-tropical climate, fascinating culture, magnificent wide sandy beaches and some of the friendliest people on earth add up to a great holiday destination - whether you are a after a summer getaway or seeking some winter sun. The Gambia is not for everyone, as the pace of life is unhurried, but many people get hooked, returning year after year.
Corsican Places is part of Serenity Holidays, a privately owned, independent tour operator.
Serenity Holidays have been arranging holidays to Corsica for 23 years and employ around 100 people in the UK at our offices in Fareham, Hampshire. Our sales team have the personal first-hand knowledge to help you choose the holiday best suited to your needs with our bi-lingual and knowledgeable overseas staff always at hand to help whilst on your holiday.
As a specialist we pride ourselves on our attention to detail, customer care and treating customers as individuals
With incredible beaches and breathtaking mountain scenery, Corsica never ceases to amaze. With both French and Italian flavours, fantastic cuisine and a friendly atmosphere, this island will capture your heart.
The unspoilt landscapes of this island will seduce you. The wonderful beaches and the drama of the mountains behind, the forests and the aroma of the maquis, all add to Corsica’s unique appeal which sets it apart from the crowded Mediterranean resorts. Ideal for families and couples alike, a holiday in Corsica offers something for everyone. With so many locations to choose from, our properties all offer a relaxing base from which to experience the scenery and laid back culture of this beautiful island.
Despite being our closest Mediterranean island, Corsica remains a mystery to most Brits; it has a lot to offer and many different layers to discover. Described by the French writer Balzac as “A French island basking in the Italian sun” there are both French and Italian influences plus a uniquely Corsican flavour.
For many of our customers the property will be the deciding factor, but for others a spectacular beach, local festival or cultural sight will determine where on the island you stay. Within our “About Corsica” pages you should find regional information to help make an informed choice about your ideal holiday but if you need any further advice ,Our Partners Select World Travel will be happy to help.
The Swansea visitor center on Interstate 195 East will close for the foreseeable future at the end of the day today as one of the latest victims of state budget cuts.
“It’s going to be devastating to an awful lot of people,” said Bob Binette, who manages the small stop between exits 2 and 3. Many truckers rely on the center for rest, tourists for directions and sightseeing information, and others for a drink, snack, bathroom stop or even scratch tickets.
Gov. Deval Patrick’s announcement on Thursday of budget and job cuts included elilminating funding for the state’s system of highway visitor centers. The Mansfield center on Interstate 95 North will also close today.
“This is a blow to regional tourism promotion in Bristol County, but it was not unexpected,” said Arthur Motta, the executive director of the Southeastern Massachusetts Convention & Visitors Bureau, in a statement.
“These centers also provide rest area services to commuters, interstate travelers and truckers. We understand the funding situation and the simple fact that the state cannot provide support if the revenue is not there. Without state funding, operating these centers is not possible.”
By mid-day Friday, the Swansea visitor center had already turned off its vending machines, taken away its self-serve scratch ticket dispenser and begun packing up other things. A notice on the front door notified travelers that the center wouldn’t be in operation for much longer.
The center tracks the number of people who stop in, and Binette said that number had been falling recently. Up to 1,200 people would stop in on busy summer days, he said, but a tally of visitors this week showed a peak of nearly 300 on Saturday and as few as around 150 other days.
Compared to vital services like public safety, courts and schools, closing visitor centers may have been an easy choice for the governor to make.
Patrick’s plan calls for eliminating $2.6 million for the Office of Travel and Tourism, dwarfed by cuts like to the University of Massachusetts system ($32 million), transitional aid to families with dependent children ($16 million) and transportation of students in regional school districts ($18 million).
The cut still impacts Binette, the handful of workers at the center and those who need directions to Cape Cod or a brochure to Battleship Cove. “We were the favorite place for a lot of people,” said Binette, who worked at the center for more than a decade.
Motta said the area visitors bureau will continue promoting attractions in Bristol County while the visitor centers are closed.
“The SMCVB board will create new ways to promote our destinations in partnership with the many stakeholders in tourism,” he said, “which is Massachusetts’s third largest industry.”
E-mail Grant Welker at gwelker@heraldnews.com.