February 12th, 2010
On Monday 7th December Virgin Galactic unveiled SpaceShipTwo to the world at Mojave Spaceport, California. 800 press, future astronauts and VIP guests gathered in the desert for a press conference and to view the roll out of the world’s first commercial spaceline.
SpaceShipTwo uses all the same basic technology, carbon composite construction and design as SpaceShipOne. However it is around twice as large as that vehicle and will carry six passengers and two pilots. It is 60ft long with a 90″ diameter cabin which is similar in size to a Falcon 900 executive jet albeit with no floor dissecting the cabin allowing maximum room for the astronauts to float in zero gravity. Each passenger gets the same seating position with two large windows: one side window and one overhead, so that, if you don’t want to float free in space, and you’d rather just remain in your seat, you still get a great chance to see the view. No more squabbling over who has the best seat!
Book your place in space now and join around 250 Virgin Galactic astronauts who will venture into space. Tickets cost $200,000 and deposits start from $20,000.
Or if you want a holiday full of adventure, but without leaving earth, call Ultimate Destinations travel agent in Chorleywood, Herts on 01923 284148 or email info@ultimatedestinations.co.uk
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 4th, 2010
The Caribbean is abuzz with tourists, ports packed with cruise ships, beaches coated with glistening baking bodies and wharfs beset with souvenir stalls and busy bars. There is one place in this bright holiday Mecca though, where tranquillity reigns supreme and unspoilt beaches spill down from discreet exclusive resorts to the crystal clear sea. This is the island of Anguilla, situated in the British West Indies about 150 miles (241km) east of Puerto Rico, and nine miles (14km) north of St Martin.
Anguilla boasts 33 amazing beaches that many rate as the best in the world and most certainly in the Caribbean. Each is special in its own way, from Shoal Bay East with its mile of soft sand and wild Windward Bay to serene Little Harbor or secluded Captain’s Bay, reached only by a narrow gravel track. The beaches, together with a set of stylish villas, resort hotels and delicious cuisine have made Anguilla a favourite hideaway for celebrities, particularly movie stars, as witnessed by the private jets often parked on the airport runway.
Alan Haynes, owner of Ultimate Destinations travel agents in Herts visited Anguilla recently and comments “Anguilla was the highlight of my travel agent educational visit to several of the Caribbean islands. We stayed at Cap Jaluca which was truly exceptional with its high levels of service, recently refurbished rooms, the newly acquired Greg Norman golf course and of course the fantastic beach. I am already back there in my dreams”.
For your next holiday to the Caribbean or more specifically Anguilla call Ultimate Destinations travel agent on 01923 284148 or email info@ultimatedestinations.co.uk
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 1st, 2010
British holidaymakers abroad will see their spending money stretch much further than last year as a result of the sharp rise of sterling against 13 of the 20 leading currencies over the past 12 months, according to new research reported in the Daily Telegraph on 30th January.
Against the Egyptian pound and UAE dirham, sterling will buy 15 per cent more than in January 2009. The pound has also strengthened against the dollar by around 15 per cent in the past year, although it fell back slightly this week following the Government’s announcement that the economy is growing at a slower rate than expected.
The Post Office said the improvement in sterling’s value has been mirrored by a rise in currency sales. Purchases of Egyptian pounds rose by 9 per cent in 2009, while sales of the UAE dirham were up by 6 per cent. The growing popularity of Egypt and Dubai as mid-haul winter sun destinations has been reflected by a 45 per cent increase in sales of the Egyptian pound and a 205 per cent increase in sales of the UAE dirham since 2005.
Against the Caribbean’s leading currencies, sterling has strengthened even further over the same period. Visitors to Jamaica can expect to receive almost 30 per cent more dollars than in January 2009, while those going to St Lucia or Antigua will find the East Caribbean dollar has fallen by 17 per cent against the pound since last year. Sterling will also buy 15 per cent more Barbados dollars.
For football supporters the news is not so good – the pound has weakened against the South African rand by nearly 12 per cent since January last year. Sterling has fallen by more than 14 per cent against both the Australia and New Zealand dollars. The pound also fell marginally against the Polish zloty, Czech koruna and Norwegian kroner.
For your next holiday booking and to receive expert advice on what currency to take on your trip abroad, call Ultimate Destinations travel agent on 01923 284148 or email info@ultimatedestinations.co.uk
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 28th, 2010
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has ordered the introduction of full body scanners at British airports in the wake of the attempted plane attack on Christmas Day over Detroit. But, what measures are already taken to screen air travellers in and out of the UK? The entire system of passenger checks is changing in the UK with the introduction of an electronic scheme designed to count people in and out of the country.
The £1.2bn project, known as e-Borders, is an exceptionally complex and challenging programme to completely modernise what the UK Border Agency knows about passengers. The previous largely paper-based system was scrapped progressively by Conservative and Labour governments because it had become unworkable. E-Borders will collect information on everyone entering or leaving the UK. Much of the information has to be collected by the carriers, mostly airlines, and passed on to the authorities just before departure.
The minimum requirement is each passenger’s name and all the details in their passport. But the UK Border Agency has the right to ask the carrier for much more information, including their e-mail address, credit card number, car registration number and the name of the person who made the reservation. This can then be checked against immigration, customs and police watch-lists.
That information will then be used to better understand who is coming and going and why – but also to improve the means of identifying people who are a threat, criminal or otherwise. The Home Office is promising that the scheme will be efficient – but many travel firms and carriers remain sceptical, predicting chaos as the system is rolled out over the next four years.
For your next holiday booking and to receive expert advice on what and how to pack for your trip call Ultimate Destinations travel agent on 01923 284148 or email info@ultimatedestinations.co.uk viagra
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Archives
