Travel Inspiration

Each month we put together a selection of destinations and travelling idea's that you might not usually think of! Our passion and experience for travel means we are able to suggest some of the world best destinations to explore, enabling you to make the most of your travel time and holiday funds!

TREAT YOURSELF TO A SANDALS HOLIDAY

Great For Kids...The facilities at Beaches are brilliant for all ages...there kids camp available from 0 to 12 years old, XBox Game Garage, Scratch DJ Academy, fantastic waterparks and loads more to keep everyone entertained!

Adults Only...Sandals Resorts provide a peaceful escape for an adult only holiday! But theres loads to keep you occupied too...from watersports, excursions, garden parties, piano bars...

On a budget...the best thing about Sandals is that which ever hotel you stay in you can use all the facilities of the other hotels! So stay in Sandals Caryle, and head to the large hotels during the day/evening!

Ultimate Luxury...Take advantage of the 241 offers and upgrade yourself to a Butler Suite, to make you holiday extra special! The butlers really do become more like your friend and they can assist you as little or a much as you require!

Read Victoria's Sandals Travel Blog...

Sandals 2 FOR 1 SALE - Depart Sept to Nov 2012 - Book by 14 May 2012!!!

MUST SEE NYC!

New York City is home to some of the world's most spectacular and cherished landmarks and attractions. From  the iconic Times Sqaure and Central Park, to the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Cenre! Manhattan Island is packed with more legendary icons than any other city on Earth!

- NYC Skyline - Take a cab/subway over to Brooklyn, visit the gorgeous cafes of Brooklyn Heights before walking back over bridge, for brilliant views of Manhattans skyline! Other great views can be seen from the observator deck of Empire State/Rockefeller or a helicopter ride over the city!

- Time Square - You will feel like youve been there before...huge billboard advertisments and streets lined with NYC memorablia shops and broadway theatres! It makes a great back drop for your photos!

- All American Diner - We can highly recommend the Brooklyn Diner located on 57th Street, near Central Park! They serve the most delicious choclate chip pancakes!

- Central Park - Spanning 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is one of the world's greatest parks...you can see just how large it is from the 'Top of the Rock' Rockefeller Centre. the Among its attractions are Wollman Ice Rink, Central Park Zoo and the Carousel!  

- Statue of Liberty - Although the statue is not currently open due to maintenance work, you can go across to the Island and view the statue up close, with a trip on the Water Taxi! These trips can be pre booked, but they also come as part of the Manhattan Comprehensive tours! 

- National September 11 Memorial & Museum World Trade Centre - The memorial only opened in September 2011, marking the 10th anniversary of the attacks.  The memorial honors the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks on February 26, 1993, and September 11, 2001. Waterfalls flow into two large reflecting pools, in the towers' footprints, and the names of the men, women and children who lost their lives are inscribed in bronze parapets that surround the pools.

- NYC Tours - Take advantage of the many tours that are on offer around the city! They are a great way to make the most out of your trip...especially if you havent visited before! SOme of the best tours include...Manhattan Comprehensive, Helicopter Tours, Central Park Bicycle Tours, Walking Tours and Spirit of NYC! We can pre tours for you and help you plan your trip! 

Read Victoria's NYC Travel Blog from her trip in February 2012...

Explore our latest NYC offers...

EXPLORE THE WORLDS MOST ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS...

1. Riviera Maya

A favourite for weddings and vow renewals...Riviera Maya! Explore the Mayan Caes, discover the coral reef of the Northern hemisphere!

2. Bali

Bali has everything you could wish for...lots of culture and history, sandy white beaches, lush tropical gardens, chic hotels and the worlds best spa's...its a slice of paradise!

3. Paris

A city full of hidden treasures, Paris is a mix of the cool chic cafes to lounge and the gothic architectural grand avenues!

4. Lake District

A little closer to home, but how could we not include the great british lakes...a delightful escape! Cosy up in a cottage for the weekend, take a leisurely morning strolls along the lake and enjoy some home made pub grub in the local!

5. Barbados

If your feeling generous head to the ultimate luxorious Sandy Lane, a favourite of the hollywood crowd..you sure to feel extra special!

6. Seychelles

Silvery beaches and crystal clear lagoons, not forgetting the idellic water bungalows!

7. Verona

Home to the the most romantic story of all time...Romeo met Juliet, there a few places that have encapsulated a piece of history.

SLEEPY ISLANDS OF CAPE VERDE

The Cape Verde Islands are a Volcanic Archipelago made up of 10 main islands and 5 smaller ones. Tourism within the islands is rapidly developing, but you can still sample the real culture of the islands, as it isn’t over built up like some areas of the Canary Islands. The flight takes just 5 hours from Manchester, and year round sunshine reaching temperatures of 30 degrees during September. There is plenty to see and do for all the family: Diving, Walking, Fishing, Windsurfing or just relaxing on the beach. Boa Vista has 55km of beaches to. North is the Santa Maria beach, named after the Spanish ship that was wrecked here in 1968 and whose rusted frame is still assaulted by the tides. You cant visit Cape Verde without a night time tour to see the loggerhead turtles on the east and southern beaches, which nest in their thousands every year! A week all inclusive in Cape Verde from £716 per person!

GLAMOUROUS MOROCCO

Situated 14km south of the tip of Spain, Moroccois said to be one of theworld’s most exotic destinations and is a definition one to watch for 2012! Just a 4 hour flight from ManchesterAirport takes you to a country encapsulating culture, golden sand beaches lined with crystal clear water, beautiful landscapes and fabulous boutique hotels! Morocco is the perfect place to sample a twin centre holiday…spend a few days exploring the city of Marrakech and then enjoy the rest of your holiday with a few days in the coastal town of Essarouira or Morocco’s prestige beach destination, Agadir. Enjoy the coast with a catamaran cruise along the African coast, exploring delightful villages and tasting the local delicacies and freshly caught seafood! Try out the traditional Riad’s which are blissfully dotted all over the country and are the perfect place to enjoy the true Morrocan lifestyle, with prices starting at £386 per person for flights, 3 nights in a 1^st class Riad on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

MAGICAL MALLORCA

Choose Majorca as your holiday destination and you will not be disappointed. Even the rich and famous choose Majorca as their second home. In terms of which resort to choose there really is something to suit everyone’s tastes.

For families the beaches in the North at Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa are ideal. Beautiful golden sands and nice shallow waters make it ideal for the children. There are lots of family orientated hotels that would keep the little ones entertained whilst you enjoy the lovely surroundings. With a good selection of bars and restaurants you really are spoilt for choice.

Ca’n Picafort also on the Northern coast also has a lovely beach, with a friendly
atmosphere, making it a good choice for couples and families. For a more relaxed and peaceful holiday head for the stunning resort of Cala San Vicente. A small charming resort with a laid back atmosphere. Heading down the East cost is Cala D’Or, famous for its seven sandy coves with a lovely marina, with surrounding bars and restaurants really do give it a cosmopolitan feel. For the young and lively there is of course Magaluf and Palma Nova. With plenty of bars and clubs to dance the night away.

Majorca truly is a destination for everyone, with fantastic prices starting from just £229, and only a 2 and a half hour flight away it’s a fantastic holiday destination.

Easter Holiday Offers: 7 Nights, Self Catering, Algarve, 2 Adults and 2 Children: from £1128 total. 7 Nights, Self Catering, Benidorm, 2 Adults and 2 Children from £902 total.

THERES SOMETHING ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN

 A picture perfect image of beautiful white beaches, shimmering waters and tropical drinks finished with coloured umbrellas. The Caribbean is a great place to escape and enjoy lazy afternoons snoozing in a hammock, indulge in delicious cuisine of fresh fish and spicy stews, water sports galore and plenty of guaranteed sunshine! with its history in sugar, reggae rhyme and natural beauty there are plenty of excursions and day trips and activities to keep the whole family busy. Spend a week in St Lucia or island hop around onboard a luxury cruise.......family getaways, honeymoons or just couples. There really is something for everyone !

BEAUTIFUL BALI

Home to some of the best beaches, Bali is a beautiful beach escape for travellers wanting somewhere a little different! Jimbaran Bay and Nusa Dua are some of the best beaches! A place to unwind and relax...or take in the culture of Ubud, a picturesque town full of nature and sacred nature reserves. Eastern Bali is home to almost 11,000 Hindu temples covering the slopes of Mount Agung...a breathtaking experience!

TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Perhaps something a little different? How about a Whitesands Travel Voucher? We can customise your holiday voucher to the amount you wish to spend. Whether you would like to pay for a weekend away in the UK or towards somehting a little more exotic...the choice is yours. If you would like to book something more specific..how about a weekend break to London, paired with a concert/theatre or comedy show. Read More.

FESTIVE TRIPS

The European Christmas Markets attract millions of visitors every year! Stroll around the various towns and cities including France, Germany and Bruge, where you can stroll around the markets and see lots of historical sites, before settling into a comfortable hotel and enjoy bed and breakfast in the morning! Take a short break to get into the Christmas spirit, where you can browse the rows of colourful stalls selling local handicrafts, stocking fillers and handmade decorations. Taste the local delicacies, whilst the mouth-watering scent of traditional festive baking pervades the air to really get you in the festive spirit. Read More...

ARABIAN NIGHTS

Abu Dhabi the capital of the United Arab Emirates fly direct from Manchester with Etihad Airlines. One of this states islands is Saadiyat which is being developed for 2012/2013. A cultural district which will be home to a Louvre and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Some of the cruise lines have made the United Arab Emirates their ports of call. For motor sports enthusiasts Ferrari World Abu Dhabi opened in November 2010.

Portugal – not just the Algarve although this area boosts long sandy beaches, premier golf courses and vino Verde wine. Why not journey to the north of Portugal and visit Lisbon, the capital?  Just over 2 hrs flight from the UK and you don’t have to change your watch as the time is the same as the UK. TAP Air Portugal is starting a new service direct from Manchester – Lisbon in summer 2011 operating 5 times a week.

Not forgetting Madeira belonging to Portugal and a short plane journey from the UK. This pretty island offers wonderful flora and fauna. Don’t miss the chance to take a cable car ride to Monte and enjoy panoramic views, continue with one of the famous toboggan rides, back down to Funchal the islands capital.

Australia – its not just visiting family and friends, this vast country offers many exciting experiences. From Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Alice Springs, Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef and of course home to the Ashes in 2010. Many opportunities are waiting to be explored. Amanda, recently enjoyed a visit to OZ taking in Surfers Paradise, Noosa Heads, O’Reillys Rain Forest Retreat situated in the heart of Lamington National Park. Why not call in and share her knowledge and experience when planning your visit? Flights to Australia can be made with a variety of airlines flying from Manchester via the United Arab Emirates or Singapore, thus avoiding London Heathrow if this is not for you.

No Fly Zone

For those of you who do not want to fly anymore, we offer many alternative holidays and destinations available from Whitesands Travel. Robinsons Coach Holidays continue to offer Mytholmroyd as one of their pick up points. Whilst other operators pick up from Halifax Bus Station.  For those who do wish to go that little further a field, we are now pleased to offer Travelsphere holidays. They offer a wide choice of 80 worldwide destinations in their current brochure.

Hot Tub Breaks

Why not experience one of these breaks staying in one of the many lodges situated in the lovely UK countryside. Celebrate a special occasion, a romantic break or simply treat yourself by getting away from it all. Prices and accommodations to suit all budgets.

Pet Friendly Holidays

Don’t’ leave your dog at home; why not take the whole family away? We have holidays where you can take them with you. There are 100’s of pet friendly accommodations located throughout the UK.

Theatre Breaks are proving once again to be a popular choice. The new production of the Wizard of Oz opens shortly and Amanda Holden starring a lead role in the production of Shrek has proven to be a great sucess! London Theatre Breaks start from £90.00 per person including hotel and theatre tickets. Rail Travel can be added from as little as £38.00 per person return for travel from Leeds – London Kings Cross.