People are putting paperbacks aside on holiday and reaching for e-books instead, according to a survey.
E-reading devices such as the Kindle are now the preferred way to get stuck into a good novel while on a break, the poll by a leading online travel agency found.
A total of 1,928 UK adults who had been abroad on holiday in the last 12 months were surveyed.
Of those who had read while away, 51% had used an e-reader while 49% had opted for a traditional book.
E-readers were most popular among those aged 40 or more, with only 11% of 18-25-year-olds using them.
Of those who used an e-reader, 44% said it was easier to hold while 29% said it was easier to see in the sun.
Of those sticking with traditional books, 24% felt e-readers were too expensive while 46% said they "simply preferred books".
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Monday 30 July 2012
Saturday 28 July 2012
Possibly The Best British Castle Stays
Roch Castle, Wales
A beautifully restored Norman castle high above Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Refurbished as a five-star holiday let, it has six modern rooms encased within the heavy walls. Views are of the Irish Sea, St David's peninsula or wild Welsh countryside. The House Manager is on hand for breakfast, the larder is stocked, and a private chef is ready to rustle up a special evening meal.
Roch Castle, Roch, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales SA62 6AQ (01422 323200; retreatsgroup.com). Weekly rental from £4,000, including breakfast. Sleeps 12.
Stonefield Castle Hotel, Scotland
One of Scotland's loveliest lochs is the setting for Stonefield Castle. This 19th-century baronial manor stands on the Kintyre peninsula, with spectacular views of Loch Fyne and acres of private woodland. A spot for bracing walks around the West Coast, rounded off with warming whisky and plates of local smoked salmon and oysters. By night, sequester yourself amid wood-panelled walls and period furnishings.
Stonefield Castle Hotel, Tarbert, Loch Fyne, Argyll, Scotland PA29 6YJ (01880 820836; stonefieldcastleargyll.co.uk). Doubles from £190, B&B.
Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire
Play lord of the fortified manor at this Tudor castle on the fringes of the Cotswolds. Built in the early 16th century, it has welcomed Henry VIII (who had Thornbury's architect, also a distant cousin, executed) and Queen Mary, who lived here for several years. Now part of the Luxury Family Hotels portfolio, its impressive original features – coats of arms, carved ceilings and an on-site vineyard – are available for everyone to enjoy.
Thornbury Castle, Castle Street, Thornbury, Gloucestershire BS35 1HH (01454 281182; thornburycastle.co.uk). Doubles from €190, including breakfast.
Haldon Belvedere, Devon
Haldon Belvedere is a Grade II-listed triangular tower, also known as Lawrence Castle, in the heart of the Devon countryside. It was built in 1788, and renovated by the Devon Historic Buildings Trust in 1994 to include a top-floor apartment that makes the perfect romantic hideaway. Exeter is to the east, Dartmoor to the west, while Torquay and the beaches of South Hams are due south.
Haldon Belvedere, Higher Ashton, near Dunchideock, Devon EX6 7QY (01392 833846; haldonbelvedere. co.uk). Three-night rental from £325, self catering. Sleeps two.
Hazlewood Castle, Yorkshire
Hazlewood's halls have a history that stretches back centuries. The former monastery was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 and it's claimed a priest haunts the Tansy bedroom. Converted in 1997, it offers cosy, traditional rooms. Events throughout the year include Jazz Sunday lunches and champagne brunches ahead of horse race meetings at York and Wetherby.
Hazlewood Castle, Paradise Lane, Hazlewood, near Tadcaster, North Yorkshire LS24 9NJ (0808 1787666; hazlewood-castle.co.uk). Doubles start at £160, including breakfast.
Beauchamp Castle, Worcestershire
Lavish rooms set the scene at Beauchamp Castle, on the banks of the River Severn. Dodge the stuffed bear on the stairs to reach rich suites bedecked with suits of armour, coats of arms, rich red carpets and well-stocked bookshelves. The grounds are more sedate, with manicured lawns, a flagstone terrace and tennis courts. Worcester, Droitwich Spa and Kidderminster are a short drive, along with gentle walks in the Malvern Hills.
Beauchamp Castle, near Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire (0845 389 9582; statelyescapes.co.uk). Weekly rental from £6,714, self catering. Sleeps 16.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
A beautifully restored Norman castle high above Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Refurbished as a five-star holiday let, it has six modern rooms encased within the heavy walls. Views are of the Irish Sea, St David's peninsula or wild Welsh countryside. The House Manager is on hand for breakfast, the larder is stocked, and a private chef is ready to rustle up a special evening meal.
Roch Castle, Roch, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales SA62 6AQ (01422 323200; retreatsgroup.com). Weekly rental from £4,000, including breakfast. Sleeps 12.
Stonefield Castle Hotel, Scotland
One of Scotland's loveliest lochs is the setting for Stonefield Castle. This 19th-century baronial manor stands on the Kintyre peninsula, with spectacular views of Loch Fyne and acres of private woodland. A spot for bracing walks around the West Coast, rounded off with warming whisky and plates of local smoked salmon and oysters. By night, sequester yourself amid wood-panelled walls and period furnishings.
Stonefield Castle Hotel, Tarbert, Loch Fyne, Argyll, Scotland PA29 6YJ (01880 820836; stonefieldcastleargyll.co.uk). Doubles from £190, B&B.
Thornbury Castle, Gloucestershire
Play lord of the fortified manor at this Tudor castle on the fringes of the Cotswolds. Built in the early 16th century, it has welcomed Henry VIII (who had Thornbury's architect, also a distant cousin, executed) and Queen Mary, who lived here for several years. Now part of the Luxury Family Hotels portfolio, its impressive original features – coats of arms, carved ceilings and an on-site vineyard – are available for everyone to enjoy.
Thornbury Castle, Castle Street, Thornbury, Gloucestershire BS35 1HH (01454 281182; thornburycastle.co.uk). Doubles from €190, including breakfast.
Haldon Belvedere, Devon
Haldon Belvedere is a Grade II-listed triangular tower, also known as Lawrence Castle, in the heart of the Devon countryside. It was built in 1788, and renovated by the Devon Historic Buildings Trust in 1994 to include a top-floor apartment that makes the perfect romantic hideaway. Exeter is to the east, Dartmoor to the west, while Torquay and the beaches of South Hams are due south.
Haldon Belvedere, Higher Ashton, near Dunchideock, Devon EX6 7QY (01392 833846; haldonbelvedere. co.uk). Three-night rental from £325, self catering. Sleeps two.
Hazlewood Castle, Yorkshire
Hazlewood's halls have a history that stretches back centuries. The former monastery was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 and it's claimed a priest haunts the Tansy bedroom. Converted in 1997, it offers cosy, traditional rooms. Events throughout the year include Jazz Sunday lunches and champagne brunches ahead of horse race meetings at York and Wetherby.
Hazlewood Castle, Paradise Lane, Hazlewood, near Tadcaster, North Yorkshire LS24 9NJ (0808 1787666; hazlewood-castle.co.uk). Doubles start at £160, including breakfast.
Beauchamp Castle, Worcestershire
Lavish rooms set the scene at Beauchamp Castle, on the banks of the River Severn. Dodge the stuffed bear on the stairs to reach rich suites bedecked with suits of armour, coats of arms, rich red carpets and well-stocked bookshelves. The grounds are more sedate, with manicured lawns, a flagstone terrace and tennis courts. Worcester, Droitwich Spa and Kidderminster are a short drive, along with gentle walks in the Malvern Hills.
Beauchamp Castle, near Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire (0845 389 9582; statelyescapes.co.uk). Weekly rental from £6,714, self catering. Sleeps 16.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Friday 27 July 2012
Tips to Save You Money on Holiday This Summer
A big holiday abroad can be the experience of a lifetime, and often people save up for years to afford one great trip away. After so much preparation, you want to make sure that your holiday is perfect, and if possible, save a few pennies so you can spoil yourself that much more when it comes to getting on the plane.
First of all, get yourself a good exchange rate by using a service like Currencies Direct's travel-money service. Foreign exchange costs a surprising amount and particularly if you're changing a lot, a good company can save you a surprising amount. Unless you're going to the Eurozone, it's worth making sure you have a few dollars, and as the dollar to pounds rate is so good at the moment, they're more than worth it as a backup.
Next up, it's important that you get a good deal on your holiday insurance. That does not mean that you should go for the cheapest one available, but rather go for the one that represents the best value for money.
A good tip is to check out the Defaqto website, Defaqto is the independent body which judges the quality of products in the UK financial sector, so work your way through the list of Defaqto 5 star holiday insurances and pick the one that represents the best value for you.
Another good tip, particularly if you're going to somewhere which might not be quite as developed as the UK, is to buy things when you get there. This saves you a little space in your bag and maybe a lot of money. Things like suntan lotion are usually a lot cheaper abroad (except in Latin America) so it's worth waiting until you get out there before splashing out.
Again, depending on where you're going, it might be worth looking up local transport routes. Generally speaking you can buy things in advance from the UK, but a trip that could cost £50 when bought from the UK could cost a fraction of that when you get out to your destination, particularly if you're willing to hop on a bus with the other local travellers.
Last of all, restrict your mobile phone use when you get out there, if you're going to be at your destination for a long time it's worth buying a local sim, but otherwise, roaming data charges can be huge so it's best to reduce your phone use as much as possible.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
First of all, get yourself a good exchange rate by using a service like Currencies Direct's travel-money service. Foreign exchange costs a surprising amount and particularly if you're changing a lot, a good company can save you a surprising amount. Unless you're going to the Eurozone, it's worth making sure you have a few dollars, and as the dollar to pounds rate is so good at the moment, they're more than worth it as a backup.
Next up, it's important that you get a good deal on your holiday insurance. That does not mean that you should go for the cheapest one available, but rather go for the one that represents the best value for money.
A good tip is to check out the Defaqto website, Defaqto is the independent body which judges the quality of products in the UK financial sector, so work your way through the list of Defaqto 5 star holiday insurances and pick the one that represents the best value for you.
Another good tip, particularly if you're going to somewhere which might not be quite as developed as the UK, is to buy things when you get there. This saves you a little space in your bag and maybe a lot of money. Things like suntan lotion are usually a lot cheaper abroad (except in Latin America) so it's worth waiting until you get out there before splashing out.
Again, depending on where you're going, it might be worth looking up local transport routes. Generally speaking you can buy things in advance from the UK, but a trip that could cost £50 when bought from the UK could cost a fraction of that when you get out to your destination, particularly if you're willing to hop on a bus with the other local travellers.
Last of all, restrict your mobile phone use when you get out there, if you're going to be at your destination for a long time it's worth buying a local sim, but otherwise, roaming data charges can be huge so it's best to reduce your phone use as much as possible.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Wednesday 25 July 2012
UK holiday spend on the rise
According to latest research released by MasterCard Cash Passport, three quarters of travellers expect to spend the same or more on their main holiday this year compared to 2011, despite concerns over the Eurozone and the costs associated with travel.
Results from a YouGov survey commissioned by the prepaid travel money card, Cash Passport, show that two thirds of us are taking a summer holiday.
Of these, one third (29 per cent) resolve to budget more for their holidays this year compared to 2011.
Two fifths (38 per cent) of 18-to-24-year-old holidaymakers are putting more money aside for spending compared to last year while one third of the over 55s are budgeting for an increase of up to 50 per cent on their holiday budgets.
As the strengthening pound means better exchange rates for those spending in Eurozone countries, less than one in ten (seven per cent) UK adults said they would be avoiding European holidays as a result of reported banking difficulties in destination countries.
Across the regions, only the south of England has a larger proportion of people budgeting to spend less on their summer holiday (31 per cent) compared to more (19 per cent), while Wales enjoys the largest percentage of people prepared to spend more on their holiday this year (37 per cent).
People in the East of England are expecting to spend 50 per cent more than they did last year, the highest proportion of all regions.
Jonathan Bennett, European sales director at Cash Passport, commented on the findings: “Faced with a difficult economic climate in the UK and elsewhere and perhaps even spurred on by the dismal weather so far this year, UK holidaymakers are staying positive about their main summer holiday and their expectations of getting away without worrying about bigger economic issues.
“For those going away but looking to tighten their belts and even those planning to spend more than last year, it remains important for people to be in control of their spending. Cash Passport customers can conveniently put aside their money and manage holiday budgets by using a prepaid card.”
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Results from a YouGov survey commissioned by the prepaid travel money card, Cash Passport, show that two thirds of us are taking a summer holiday.
Of these, one third (29 per cent) resolve to budget more for their holidays this year compared to 2011.
Two fifths (38 per cent) of 18-to-24-year-old holidaymakers are putting more money aside for spending compared to last year while one third of the over 55s are budgeting for an increase of up to 50 per cent on their holiday budgets.
As the strengthening pound means better exchange rates for those spending in Eurozone countries, less than one in ten (seven per cent) UK adults said they would be avoiding European holidays as a result of reported banking difficulties in destination countries.
Across the regions, only the south of England has a larger proportion of people budgeting to spend less on their summer holiday (31 per cent) compared to more (19 per cent), while Wales enjoys the largest percentage of people prepared to spend more on their holiday this year (37 per cent).
People in the East of England are expecting to spend 50 per cent more than they did last year, the highest proportion of all regions.
Jonathan Bennett, European sales director at Cash Passport, commented on the findings: “Faced with a difficult economic climate in the UK and elsewhere and perhaps even spurred on by the dismal weather so far this year, UK holidaymakers are staying positive about their main summer holiday and their expectations of getting away without worrying about bigger economic issues.
“For those going away but looking to tighten their belts and even those planning to spend more than last year, it remains important for people to be in control of their spending. Cash Passport customers can conveniently put aside their money and manage holiday budgets by using a prepaid card.”
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Tuesday 24 July 2012
Benefits of Owning a Caravan
If you had a UK holiday home by the sea how often would you visit? Every weekend? Once a month? All of the Summer holidays?
How would you like to spend your time when you get there? Take a swim in the sea, a dip in the pool, relax in the hot tub or the sauna. Maybe have some well deserved "me time" in the spa, burn off some calories in the gym, play a round of golf, a game of bowls, go to a wine tasting or chocolate making workshop? Maybe you just want to meet up with old friends at a communal BBQ or go on a nature ramble along the cliff tops with the dog. Have you got some grandchildren you need to entertain during the summer holidays whilst your kids are working?
A seaside location usually comes at a premium price however if someone else already has the land and your static holiday homes located on there with all of these great facilities at your disposal then it's a very affordable and attractive option.
Haven have 34 holiday parks dotted around the coastline and 23,000 families all enjoying the benefits of
owning holiday homes. Cliff Marsh from Somerset is an owner at Devon Cliffs holiday park in Exmouth. He says, "The best part about being an owner for me is picking the girls up from school on Friday at half three and being on the deck with a chilled glass of wine by half four. It's the best way to start the weekend."
Site fees vary between £2,950 and £7,500 a year (depending on park locations and your location within each park). These site fees pay for maintenance, 24 hour security and exclusive park facilities. Owners can offset some or all of these costs by subletting their caravan and Haven will manage the subletting.
The price of our holiday homes can range from £11,995 to over £100,000, depending on the park and your location on it, the model of holiday home you choose and whether it's new or pre-owned.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
How would you like to spend your time when you get there? Take a swim in the sea, a dip in the pool, relax in the hot tub or the sauna. Maybe have some well deserved "me time" in the spa, burn off some calories in the gym, play a round of golf, a game of bowls, go to a wine tasting or chocolate making workshop? Maybe you just want to meet up with old friends at a communal BBQ or go on a nature ramble along the cliff tops with the dog. Have you got some grandchildren you need to entertain during the summer holidays whilst your kids are working?
A seaside location usually comes at a premium price however if someone else already has the land and your static holiday homes located on there with all of these great facilities at your disposal then it's a very affordable and attractive option.
Haven have 34 holiday parks dotted around the coastline and 23,000 families all enjoying the benefits of
owning holiday homes. Cliff Marsh from Somerset is an owner at Devon Cliffs holiday park in Exmouth. He says, "The best part about being an owner for me is picking the girls up from school on Friday at half three and being on the deck with a chilled glass of wine by half four. It's the best way to start the weekend."
Site fees vary between £2,950 and £7,500 a year (depending on park locations and your location within each park). These site fees pay for maintenance, 24 hour security and exclusive park facilities. Owners can offset some or all of these costs by subletting their caravan and Haven will manage the subletting.
The price of our holiday homes can range from £11,995 to over £100,000, depending on the park and your location on it, the model of holiday home you choose and whether it's new or pre-owned.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Friday 20 July 2012
Schools out! Two million Brits head abroad
This weekend marks the start of the summer holiday getaway and is expected to be one of the busiest of the year at UK airports, with thousands also arriving for the Olympics. Eurozone destinations are proving popular with holidaymakers looking to take advantage of the pound’s strengthening against the Euro, coupled with the fact that many bars and restaurants have lowered their prices.
Two million holidaymakers are expected to head overseas this weekend after schools break up for the summer.
According to Abta, the majority will be heading to Spain, with the Canary and Balearic Islands being extremely popular.
Abta said airports will be extremely busy, with 482,000 passengers leaving from Heathrow, 275,000 from Gatwick, 132,500 from Stansted and 70,000 from Luton this weekend.
Over 100,000 will be leaving from Scottish airports with 50,000 from Glasgow alone.
It is expected that 297,000 will leave from Manchester, 64,000 from Birmingham and 45,000 from Bristol.
The travel organisation said Turkey and Greece were also proving popular with Brits.
With the pound at its strongest against the euro for almost four years, British holidaymakers are receiving 11.5%more value for their money than this time last year.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Two million holidaymakers are expected to head overseas this weekend after schools break up for the summer.
According to Abta, the majority will be heading to Spain, with the Canary and Balearic Islands being extremely popular.
Abta said airports will be extremely busy, with 482,000 passengers leaving from Heathrow, 275,000 from Gatwick, 132,500 from Stansted and 70,000 from Luton this weekend.
Over 100,000 will be leaving from Scottish airports with 50,000 from Glasgow alone.
It is expected that 297,000 will leave from Manchester, 64,000 from Birmingham and 45,000 from Bristol.
The travel organisation said Turkey and Greece were also proving popular with Brits.
With the pound at its strongest against the euro for almost four years, British holidaymakers are receiving 11.5%more value for their money than this time last year.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Thursday 19 July 2012
Peace Camp to light up UK coastline for London 2012
A striking series of illuminations will highlight some of Britain's most remote and beautiful coastal areas as part of the London 2012 Festival.
In eight locations ranging from County Antrim in Northern Island to Sussex, the project, known as Peace Camp, will see a total of 2,000 tents lit up from today (July 19) until Sunday.
Described as a "coastal installation celebrating love, poetry and landscape", the installation will allow visitors to wander among hundreds of tents, listening to a “soundscape” made up of poems spoken in different dialects.
It features the work of artists ranging from John Donne to Carol Ann Duffy, as well as the voices of actors and poets such as Andrew Motion, Eileen Atkins and Bill Paterson.
Alongside the poetry readings there will also be music, spoken fragments and the sounds of the natural environment, all of which will be listened to via personal headsets.
The installations will be free to visit, with the tents being illuminated from nightfall at 9.30pm to 5.30am.
The full list of sites where the display will be taking place include: Cemaes Bay, Anglesey, Wales; White Park Bay on the North Antrim coast; Mussenden Temple and Downhill Beach, Borough of Coleraine, Northern Ireland; Cliff Beach at Valtos on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland; Fort Fiddes, Cullykhan Bay, Aberdeenshire, Scotland; Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland; Cuckmere Haven, Sussex; and Godvery, Cornwall.
More information is available at peacecamp2012.com
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
In eight locations ranging from County Antrim in Northern Island to Sussex, the project, known as Peace Camp, will see a total of 2,000 tents lit up from today (July 19) until Sunday.
Described as a "coastal installation celebrating love, poetry and landscape", the installation will allow visitors to wander among hundreds of tents, listening to a “soundscape” made up of poems spoken in different dialects.
It features the work of artists ranging from John Donne to Carol Ann Duffy, as well as the voices of actors and poets such as Andrew Motion, Eileen Atkins and Bill Paterson.
Alongside the poetry readings there will also be music, spoken fragments and the sounds of the natural environment, all of which will be listened to via personal headsets.
The installations will be free to visit, with the tents being illuminated from nightfall at 9.30pm to 5.30am.
The full list of sites where the display will be taking place include: Cemaes Bay, Anglesey, Wales; White Park Bay on the North Antrim coast; Mussenden Temple and Downhill Beach, Borough of Coleraine, Northern Ireland; Cliff Beach at Valtos on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland; Fort Fiddes, Cullykhan Bay, Aberdeenshire, Scotland; Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland; Cuckmere Haven, Sussex; and Godvery, Cornwall.
More information is available at peacecamp2012.com
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Wednesday 18 July 2012
Things to do with the kids in the summer holidays
Summer family days out don't need to cost a fortune. Here's our guide to some great cheap and free options around the UK.
It’s summer holiday time again. But more and more of us are cutting back on days out due to the cost, according to new research by charity Family Action.
If you want to entertain the kids this summer, you don’t have to spend a fortune. There are loads of cheap and free activities going on across the UK – here are just some of them.
Free swimming
To coincide with the Olympics, British Gas is offering free swims between now and the end of August, even if you’re not a customer. You can get a free swim (or other activity, such as aqua aerobics) for an adult and up to two children, depending on the venue.
To find out more and get your free swims, go to the British Gas Swimming website.
If you live in Wales, children 16 and under can go to your local swimming pool for free during the school holidays - there's more details at the Sport Wales website. Some local councils in England and Scotland also offer free swimming – check your local council's website to see if it's one of them.
Free football skills
If your kids love football and are aged between five and 11, why not get them along to a free FA Tesco Skills coaching session? There are free tasters available at schools around the UK.
For more info and to book, head to the official website.
Free sports
Asda runs the Asda Active programme over the summer holidays, encouraging families to try out free sports together.
You can find out when it’s visiting your area at the Asda Active website.
Get into the Olympic spirit for free
If you want to watch the Games outside, there will be a number of Live Sites popping up all over the UK in the run-up to 27th July. As well as showing the sporting action on a big screen, there will be a programme of live entertainment.
Find out more about the Live Sites around the UK at the London 2012 Live Sites pages.
If you live in London or nearby, there’s a huge programme of free events planned for the Live Sites in Hyde Park, Potters Fields, Victoria Park, Waltham Forest and Woolwich. There will be live concerts from the likes of McFly, Alexandra Burke, Rebecca Ferguson, Tom Jones and The Temper Trap.
You can find out more about what’s going on at the London 2012 website.
Go to a free museum or art gallery
Loads of our museums are free to enter, from London’s Science and Natural History collections to the newly-opened Museum of Liverpool and the Riverside Museum in Glasgow. The Visit Britain website has a good list.
If you want something a bit more artistic, how about the Yorkshire Sculpture Park or the weird ‘n’ wonderful delights of Tate Modern in London?
Again, Visit Britain has a good list on its website.
But don’t forget the museums and art galleries on your doorstep – many have free events throughout the holidays.
Free festivals and events
Every weekend during the summer is crammed with free festivals and events of one kind or another (with lots for grown-ups to do too)
The Edinburgh Festival and Fringe Festival have plenty of free performances and activities during August. And the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta from the 9th to 12th August is one of the biggest free festivals in the country.
Get out and play
Playday is a national day celebrating children playing outdoors. There will be free events throughout the nation, most of which will take place on the day itself, which this year is 1st August.
You can see what’s happening near you at the Playday website.
Explore a new place
The National Trust runs a series of family events on its properties and land throughout the summer months, many of which are free or very cheap to take part in.
For a list, go to the Trust’s website
Go to the cinema for less
If it's raining going to the movies is a good option, but can be very expensive. However, there are a range of cheaper options.
Vue Cinemas have children's films showing on Saturdays and Sundays and every day in the school holidays for just £1.50 per child (one adult per child goes free, 3D films are £2.75). Odeon Kids shows films on Saturdays and Saturdays and many also run them in the school holidays from £2.50 (one adult per child goes free again). Meanwhile, Cineworld runs Movies For Juniors at many of its cinemas on Saturday and Sunday mornings (it hasn't extended this to school holidays), where adults and children pay £1 apiece.
And if you're an Orange phone customer, you can take advantage of the two-for-one Orange Wednesdays promotion at most cinemas.
Cheap train travel
If you travel a lot by train with children aged between five and 16, you might find a Family & Friends Railcard a good option. It costs £28 a year and gives you a third off adult travel and 60% off kids' tickets. Even better, it's valid for up to four adults and four children. Note that you can only use it on off-peak trains.
Find out more at the Family & Friends Railcard website.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
It’s summer holiday time again. But more and more of us are cutting back on days out due to the cost, according to new research by charity Family Action.
If you want to entertain the kids this summer, you don’t have to spend a fortune. There are loads of cheap and free activities going on across the UK – here are just some of them.
Free swimming
To coincide with the Olympics, British Gas is offering free swims between now and the end of August, even if you’re not a customer. You can get a free swim (or other activity, such as aqua aerobics) for an adult and up to two children, depending on the venue.
To find out more and get your free swims, go to the British Gas Swimming website.
If you live in Wales, children 16 and under can go to your local swimming pool for free during the school holidays - there's more details at the Sport Wales website. Some local councils in England and Scotland also offer free swimming – check your local council's website to see if it's one of them.
Free football skills
If your kids love football and are aged between five and 11, why not get them along to a free FA Tesco Skills coaching session? There are free tasters available at schools around the UK.
For more info and to book, head to the official website.
Free sports
Asda runs the Asda Active programme over the summer holidays, encouraging families to try out free sports together.
You can find out when it’s visiting your area at the Asda Active website.
Get into the Olympic spirit for free
If you want to watch the Games outside, there will be a number of Live Sites popping up all over the UK in the run-up to 27th July. As well as showing the sporting action on a big screen, there will be a programme of live entertainment.
Find out more about the Live Sites around the UK at the London 2012 Live Sites pages.
If you live in London or nearby, there’s a huge programme of free events planned for the Live Sites in Hyde Park, Potters Fields, Victoria Park, Waltham Forest and Woolwich. There will be live concerts from the likes of McFly, Alexandra Burke, Rebecca Ferguson, Tom Jones and The Temper Trap.
You can find out more about what’s going on at the London 2012 website.
Go to a free museum or art gallery
Loads of our museums are free to enter, from London’s Science and Natural History collections to the newly-opened Museum of Liverpool and the Riverside Museum in Glasgow. The Visit Britain website has a good list.
If you want something a bit more artistic, how about the Yorkshire Sculpture Park or the weird ‘n’ wonderful delights of Tate Modern in London?
Again, Visit Britain has a good list on its website.
But don’t forget the museums and art galleries on your doorstep – many have free events throughout the holidays.
Free festivals and events
Every weekend during the summer is crammed with free festivals and events of one kind or another (with lots for grown-ups to do too)
The Edinburgh Festival and Fringe Festival have plenty of free performances and activities during August. And the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta from the 9th to 12th August is one of the biggest free festivals in the country.
Get out and play
Playday is a national day celebrating children playing outdoors. There will be free events throughout the nation, most of which will take place on the day itself, which this year is 1st August.
You can see what’s happening near you at the Playday website.
Explore a new place
The National Trust runs a series of family events on its properties and land throughout the summer months, many of which are free or very cheap to take part in.
For a list, go to the Trust’s website
Go to the cinema for less
If it's raining going to the movies is a good option, but can be very expensive. However, there are a range of cheaper options.
Vue Cinemas have children's films showing on Saturdays and Sundays and every day in the school holidays for just £1.50 per child (one adult per child goes free, 3D films are £2.75). Odeon Kids shows films on Saturdays and Saturdays and many also run them in the school holidays from £2.50 (one adult per child goes free again). Meanwhile, Cineworld runs Movies For Juniors at many of its cinemas on Saturday and Sunday mornings (it hasn't extended this to school holidays), where adults and children pay £1 apiece.
And if you're an Orange phone customer, you can take advantage of the two-for-one Orange Wednesdays promotion at most cinemas.
Cheap train travel
If you travel a lot by train with children aged between five and 16, you might find a Family & Friends Railcard a good option. It costs £28 a year and gives you a third off adult travel and 60% off kids' tickets. Even better, it's valid for up to four adults and four children. Note that you can only use it on off-peak trains.
Find out more at the Family & Friends Railcard website.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
School's out for summer 2012
The last week of July marks the beginning of the summer holidays in the UK and the annual rush to the airport is set to begin.
The persistent rain we’re experiencing seems to be threatening any chance of a domestic holiday, urging families to escape to warmer climes, recently lowcostholidays.com reported a yearly increase of 103 per cent on family holiday related searches in June this year.
Just in time for the school holidays, here’s what is new in five of the UK’s favourite destinations for family holidays.
Traditional sun and sea in Majorca
Majorca remains a favourite for UK families, with over nine million visitors enjoying the island’s universal appeal in 2011. The biggest of the Balearic Islands is home to 554km of exotic coastline, understated natural beauty and a mix of modern attractions that keep families returning year after year. Known as the birthplace of the package holiday, Majorca offers families traditional fun in the sun, but is also beginning to offer more diverse holidays, ideal for adventure seeking families. Active breaks in the rural Tramuntana Mountains are amongst the new trends on the island.
New for 2012: Majorca is set to be the first destination in Europe to enjoy artificial surfing. Two flow barrel machines are being installed in the beach resort of Calvia, making Majorca a new hotspot for novices and surf enthusiasts.
Thrill-seeking in Florida
Florida reigns supreme as the go-to destination for fun-seeking families. With guaranteed hot weather and the biggest and best attractions, it is a playground for young children, teenagers and parents alike. Thrill-seekers are catered for with an incredible selection of theme parks, whilst younger children remain enchanted with the magic of the Disney theme parks. Parents are not left out either; Florida is home to some of the world’s most loved golf courses and a fantastic selection of shopping outlets.
New for 2012: SeaWorld in Orlando is creating a new Freshwater Oasis for visitors to enjoy in 2012. The new attraction allows visitors swim alongside Asian otters, and enjoy a 3D Turtle Trek experience.
Beach lovers in Turkey
Turkey strikes a great balance between culture and relaxation, with the eastern Mediterranean country a favourite destination for beach-loving families. Surrounded by four different oceans, Turkey’s beaches are some of Europe’s most diverse and loved stretches of sand. The country is home to an incredible 352 blue flag beaches, detailing the incredible natural beauty of the Turkish coastline. OluDeniz is one of Turkey’s most celebrated beaches and was recently voted Europe’s top beach. The resort is also renowned as a centre of excellence for paragliding.
New for 2012: Adaland Water Park has recently been renovated, adding the exciting water coaster ride to its already impressive list of attractions which include a dolphin park and sea park.
Red Sea adventures in Egypt
Competing with Turkey as a resort for relaxing beach breaks, Egypt has grown to be one of the UK’s favourite family holiday destinations. Beach resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai have been largely unaffected by events elsewhere in the country, with families still attracted by Egypt’s year-round sunshine and selection of luxury hotels. The resort’s now world-renowned diving is also a highlight. The 1950s saw famous diving pioneer Hans Has ‘discover’ diving in Sharm El Sheikh, paving the way for today’s facilities, which include snorkelling, diving and even specially designed children’s diving excursions.
New for 2012: Soho Square in Sharm El Sheikh is home to an ice rink, a bowling alley and numerous other great family attractions (not to mention the shopping). Every year they tip the cheesy entertainment scales, with acts such as former Eurovision stars Ruslana, and the likes of Peter Andre – if you’re in need of a good laugh, check their website’s listing pages.
Terrific trips in Tenerife
Tenerife is an island of diversity, making a favourite with families seeking culture, excitement or relaxation. Day trips are a great way to explore all that the island has to offer and include trekking up a volcano, boat trips to watch whales and dolphins, Thai themed water parks and enough hotels with children’s pools and activity clubs to suit even the fussiest of families. The weather on The Island of Eternal Spring is warm year round and doesn’t get too hot in the summer, averaging around 26C in August, meaning little ones won’t be uncomfortable.
New for 2012: 15 of Tenerife’s beaches have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag awards for 2012. Parents can rest easy knowing that the beaches here are clean, the waters are safe and you will never be short of ice cream shops or places to buy buckets and spades.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
The persistent rain we’re experiencing seems to be threatening any chance of a domestic holiday, urging families to escape to warmer climes, recently lowcostholidays.com reported a yearly increase of 103 per cent on family holiday related searches in June this year.
Just in time for the school holidays, here’s what is new in five of the UK’s favourite destinations for family holidays.
Traditional sun and sea in Majorca
Majorca remains a favourite for UK families, with over nine million visitors enjoying the island’s universal appeal in 2011. The biggest of the Balearic Islands is home to 554km of exotic coastline, understated natural beauty and a mix of modern attractions that keep families returning year after year. Known as the birthplace of the package holiday, Majorca offers families traditional fun in the sun, but is also beginning to offer more diverse holidays, ideal for adventure seeking families. Active breaks in the rural Tramuntana Mountains are amongst the new trends on the island.
New for 2012: Majorca is set to be the first destination in Europe to enjoy artificial surfing. Two flow barrel machines are being installed in the beach resort of Calvia, making Majorca a new hotspot for novices and surf enthusiasts.
Thrill-seeking in Florida
Florida reigns supreme as the go-to destination for fun-seeking families. With guaranteed hot weather and the biggest and best attractions, it is a playground for young children, teenagers and parents alike. Thrill-seekers are catered for with an incredible selection of theme parks, whilst younger children remain enchanted with the magic of the Disney theme parks. Parents are not left out either; Florida is home to some of the world’s most loved golf courses and a fantastic selection of shopping outlets.
New for 2012: SeaWorld in Orlando is creating a new Freshwater Oasis for visitors to enjoy in 2012. The new attraction allows visitors swim alongside Asian otters, and enjoy a 3D Turtle Trek experience.
Beach lovers in Turkey
Turkey strikes a great balance between culture and relaxation, with the eastern Mediterranean country a favourite destination for beach-loving families. Surrounded by four different oceans, Turkey’s beaches are some of Europe’s most diverse and loved stretches of sand. The country is home to an incredible 352 blue flag beaches, detailing the incredible natural beauty of the Turkish coastline. OluDeniz is one of Turkey’s most celebrated beaches and was recently voted Europe’s top beach. The resort is also renowned as a centre of excellence for paragliding.
New for 2012: Adaland Water Park has recently been renovated, adding the exciting water coaster ride to its already impressive list of attractions which include a dolphin park and sea park.
Red Sea adventures in Egypt
Competing with Turkey as a resort for relaxing beach breaks, Egypt has grown to be one of the UK’s favourite family holiday destinations. Beach resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai have been largely unaffected by events elsewhere in the country, with families still attracted by Egypt’s year-round sunshine and selection of luxury hotels. The resort’s now world-renowned diving is also a highlight. The 1950s saw famous diving pioneer Hans Has ‘discover’ diving in Sharm El Sheikh, paving the way for today’s facilities, which include snorkelling, diving and even specially designed children’s diving excursions.
New for 2012: Soho Square in Sharm El Sheikh is home to an ice rink, a bowling alley and numerous other great family attractions (not to mention the shopping). Every year they tip the cheesy entertainment scales, with acts such as former Eurovision stars Ruslana, and the likes of Peter Andre – if you’re in need of a good laugh, check their website’s listing pages.
Terrific trips in Tenerife
Tenerife is an island of diversity, making a favourite with families seeking culture, excitement or relaxation. Day trips are a great way to explore all that the island has to offer and include trekking up a volcano, boat trips to watch whales and dolphins, Thai themed water parks and enough hotels with children’s pools and activity clubs to suit even the fussiest of families. The weather on The Island of Eternal Spring is warm year round and doesn’t get too hot in the summer, averaging around 26C in August, meaning little ones won’t be uncomfortable.
New for 2012: 15 of Tenerife’s beaches have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag awards for 2012. Parents can rest easy knowing that the beaches here are clean, the waters are safe and you will never be short of ice cream shops or places to buy buckets and spades.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Fancy a holiday in space
A company in the Isle of Man is offering travellers a chance to go - into space.
The trips to the moon and beyond will take place using a Russian space ship - but for a very hefty price.
If you ever have £100 million to throw around, one British company is offering up the chance for you to throw it their way in return for a trip to the moon.
Excalibur Almaz is offering up a 500,000-mile round trip ticket to the moon on a converted Soviet-era space station.
Art Dula, founder and chief executive of the company, said in a space tourism meeting in London that they are ready to sell tickets, with flights taking place as early as 2015.
Although being rich is the most important qualification to dish out the £100 million, participants must also pass the necessary level of physical and mental fitness.
The Soviet “Almaz” space stations were designed for orbital spying operations, and are being converted by the company for the travel.
Excalibur Almaz is attaching thrusters to the station to convert them into long-distance spaceships. Four re-entry capsules will ferry three people at a time to the space station and return them to Earth.
All of the space vehicles are being housed in hangers on the Isle of Man, while one of the re-usable return vehicles (RRV) is being exhibited outside the Queen Elizabeth II conference center in London.
If everything goes according to plan, the British company will be the first to carry out a manned moon mission since Apollo 17 in 1972.
The goal is for three people to fly to the moon, orbit the surface, and then safely return back to Earth, parachuting to the ground in an RRV.
Most of the flying will be controlled by a computer, but a human pilot for the spacecraft will still be provided for the tourists.
Dula said that around 30 moon-mission seats could be taken up between 2015 and 2025, making enough trips for one mission a year.
“Excalibur Almaz is willing and able to send crewed missions deeper into space than would be possible aboard any other spacecraft in existence today,” said Mr Dula. “Our fleet of space stations and re-entry capsules enables us to safely fly members of the public to moon orbit as early as 2015.”
He said there is no single vessel, whether owned by a government or private sector, that is suitable for a manned flight to the Moon, utilizing proven technologies.
“The EA fleet has previously flown to space several times and will undertake many more missions,” he told the space tourism meeting attendees. “It contains vessels of a design that has spent thousands of hours in space successfully. This is scientific fact, not fiction.”
The company will be sending the Almaz space station up into orbit by using a giant Russian Proton rocket. The other space station will be kept in reserve on the ground.
The space station has about 3,200 cubic feet of living space, and also provides a “refuge” where crew members can take shelter in the event of a solar radiation storm.
Dula chose the Isle of Man to host its space vehicles to take advantage of tax benefits, and because it has become a hub of space industry. Of the 54 international space satellites companies, 30 are located on the island.
He said that he doesn’t just envision trips being taken to the moon, but unmanned research missions, transportation of people and cargo, and chartered space exploration flights to be future endeavors by the company.
“This is a paradigm shift,” Dula told the meeting. “Whether we do it or somebody else does it, it’s never going to go back to being national space programs.”
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
The trips to the moon and beyond will take place using a Russian space ship - but for a very hefty price.
If you ever have £100 million to throw around, one British company is offering up the chance for you to throw it their way in return for a trip to the moon.
Excalibur Almaz is offering up a 500,000-mile round trip ticket to the moon on a converted Soviet-era space station.
Art Dula, founder and chief executive of the company, said in a space tourism meeting in London that they are ready to sell tickets, with flights taking place as early as 2015.
Although being rich is the most important qualification to dish out the £100 million, participants must also pass the necessary level of physical and mental fitness.
The Soviet “Almaz” space stations were designed for orbital spying operations, and are being converted by the company for the travel.
Excalibur Almaz is attaching thrusters to the station to convert them into long-distance spaceships. Four re-entry capsules will ferry three people at a time to the space station and return them to Earth.
All of the space vehicles are being housed in hangers on the Isle of Man, while one of the re-usable return vehicles (RRV) is being exhibited outside the Queen Elizabeth II conference center in London.
If everything goes according to plan, the British company will be the first to carry out a manned moon mission since Apollo 17 in 1972.
The goal is for three people to fly to the moon, orbit the surface, and then safely return back to Earth, parachuting to the ground in an RRV.
Most of the flying will be controlled by a computer, but a human pilot for the spacecraft will still be provided for the tourists.
Dula said that around 30 moon-mission seats could be taken up between 2015 and 2025, making enough trips for one mission a year.
“Excalibur Almaz is willing and able to send crewed missions deeper into space than would be possible aboard any other spacecraft in existence today,” said Mr Dula. “Our fleet of space stations and re-entry capsules enables us to safely fly members of the public to moon orbit as early as 2015.”
He said there is no single vessel, whether owned by a government or private sector, that is suitable for a manned flight to the Moon, utilizing proven technologies.
“The EA fleet has previously flown to space several times and will undertake many more missions,” he told the space tourism meeting attendees. “It contains vessels of a design that has spent thousands of hours in space successfully. This is scientific fact, not fiction.”
The company will be sending the Almaz space station up into orbit by using a giant Russian Proton rocket. The other space station will be kept in reserve on the ground.
The space station has about 3,200 cubic feet of living space, and also provides a “refuge” where crew members can take shelter in the event of a solar radiation storm.
Dula chose the Isle of Man to host its space vehicles to take advantage of tax benefits, and because it has become a hub of space industry. Of the 54 international space satellites companies, 30 are located on the island.
He said that he doesn’t just envision trips being taken to the moon, but unmanned research missions, transportation of people and cargo, and chartered space exploration flights to be future endeavors by the company.
“This is a paradigm shift,” Dula told the meeting. “Whether we do it or somebody else does it, it’s never going to go back to being national space programs.”
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Monday 16 July 2012
Breaking up will be hard to do....
If you've lost faith with your bank because you blame it for the financial crisis, or are upset with corporate greed, or have just had enough of their IT problems, you don't really have many alternatives.
The UK's biggest five banks - Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, RBS and Santander - dominate the marketplace. Excluding Santander, the other four banks together have 85% of the personal current account market.
Labour leader Ed Miliband wants to reshape the banking landscape. He is calling for existing banks to be forced to sell off hundreds of branches, thereby increasing the number of main UK banks by adding at least two new "challenger" banks.
Mr Miliband's view is that more banking competition would lead to more consumer choice and ultimately lower charges.
The UK did once have a much more diverse banking landscape. But wholesale demutualisation of building societies in the 1990s, together with the subsequent 2008 financial crisis, has seen many of the mutuals and the competition that went with them disappear as they were absorbed into bigger companies.
Last month, business secretary Vince Cable described the building societies' demutualisation as "one of the greatest acts of economic vandalism in modern times", leading to commercial banks "abandoning locally based relationship banking in the decade before the recent financial crisis".
Britain now has just 47 building societies, from the biggest - Nationwide and the Yorkshire - to small, local societies that have only a few thousand members. That's a far cry from the 481 that existed in 1970.
To get back to this level of banking variety, observers say actions will need to go a lot further than Mr Miliband has suggested.
The UK's biggest five banks - Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, RBS and Santander - dominate the marketplace. Excluding Santander, the other four banks together have 85% of the personal current account market.
Labour leader Ed Miliband wants to reshape the banking landscape. He is calling for existing banks to be forced to sell off hundreds of branches, thereby increasing the number of main UK banks by adding at least two new "challenger" banks.
Mr Miliband's view is that more banking competition would lead to more consumer choice and ultimately lower charges.
The UK did once have a much more diverse banking landscape. But wholesale demutualisation of building societies in the 1990s, together with the subsequent 2008 financial crisis, has seen many of the mutuals and the competition that went with them disappear as they were absorbed into bigger companies.
Last month, business secretary Vince Cable described the building societies' demutualisation as "one of the greatest acts of economic vandalism in modern times", leading to commercial banks "abandoning locally based relationship banking in the decade before the recent financial crisis".
Britain now has just 47 building societies, from the biggest - Nationwide and the Yorkshire - to small, local societies that have only a few thousand members. That's a far cry from the 481 that existed in 1970.
To get back to this level of banking variety, observers say actions will need to go a lot further than Mr Miliband has suggested.
Friday 6 July 2012
Britons head overseas to escape the rain
The recent wet weather has been welcomed by travel companies, who have reported a sharp rise in holiday bookings.
Persistent wet weather across Britain has led to a surge in bookings for foreign holidays, according to tour operators.
Last month was the wettest June since records began in 1910, while a month’s worth of rain is expected to fall in parts of Northern England, the Midlands and Wales today.
The downpours have been welcomed by holiday companies, however, and both Thomas Cook and On the Beach, the online travel agent, have reported a rise in bookings.
On the Beach claimed that bookings for trips to European destinations had risen by 20 per cent during the past fortnight, compared with the same period last year.
Thomas Cook also said bookings had increased, with Spain and Greece proving particularly popular.
“We’ve definitely seen a rise in bookings as the weather worsens, with our research showing one in five people are influenced to book a holiday by the disappointing British weather,” said Lydia Dearden from Thomas Cook.
A spokesman for Thomson said it had seen a 20 per cent rise in searches for holidays last month, compared with June 2011. He added that the Balearics, Greece, Tunisia and Morocco were attracting the most interest from British travellers.
ABTA, the travel association, recently reported that up to 13 million Britons would be heading abroad during July and August, with 90 per cent of those heading to traditional Mediterranean destinations.
The eurozone is thought to be finding favour thanks to the strength of the pound against the euro – British holidaymakers can expect to get at least 10 per cent more for their money compared with last summer.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
Persistent wet weather across Britain has led to a surge in bookings for foreign holidays, according to tour operators.
Last month was the wettest June since records began in 1910, while a month’s worth of rain is expected to fall in parts of Northern England, the Midlands and Wales today.
The downpours have been welcomed by holiday companies, however, and both Thomas Cook and On the Beach, the online travel agent, have reported a rise in bookings.
On the Beach claimed that bookings for trips to European destinations had risen by 20 per cent during the past fortnight, compared with the same period last year.
Thomas Cook also said bookings had increased, with Spain and Greece proving particularly popular.
“We’ve definitely seen a rise in bookings as the weather worsens, with our research showing one in five people are influenced to book a holiday by the disappointing British weather,” said Lydia Dearden from Thomas Cook.
A spokesman for Thomson said it had seen a 20 per cent rise in searches for holidays last month, compared with June 2011. He added that the Balearics, Greece, Tunisia and Morocco were attracting the most interest from British travellers.
ABTA, the travel association, recently reported that up to 13 million Britons would be heading abroad during July and August, with 90 per cent of those heading to traditional Mediterranean destinations.
The eurozone is thought to be finding favour thanks to the strength of the pound against the euro – British holidaymakers can expect to get at least 10 per cent more for their money compared with last summer.
Find your next FABHoliday idea with FABTHINGS2do.
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