Tips to help make your holiday stress free and enjoyable http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/ Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:40:38 +0000 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:40:38 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/planning_ahead_18258409.htm Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/planning_ahead_18258409.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/travel:_where_to_go_when_92346361.htm Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/travel:_where_to_go_when_92346361.htm This book covers just about everything you will be likely to need to know. Breathtaking Mayan ruins in Honduras? Yes! Horse racing in Guatemala? That too! Volcanoes in Costa Rica? Yes! You will fine all these and much more in the The Rough Guide to Central America on a Budget. This guide is jammed full of ideas for you, if you are planning to take a trip to the Central America region. And the main thrust of the book (the clue is in the title!) is how to enjoy the region for less than you might expect. Travel by chicken bus and you can find yourself experiencing and enjoying a wide variety of diverse cultures. Check out the gorgeous landscapes, the colourful festivals that make up this most enchanting and beautiful region. The books covers Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. The publishers claim: “This guide gives more than just the bog standard info on budget travel. The book is peppered with ‘Treat Yourself’ boxes including all-you-can-eat-and-drink champagne brunches or luxurious eco-resorts. “You’ll also find intriguing fact boxes on the culture, history and people of these fascinating countries; did you know...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/roughly_speaking_89186867.htm Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/roughly_speaking_89186867.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/don't_risk_your_neck_to_save_a_penny_57450851.htm Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/don't_risk_your_neck_to_save_a_penny_57450851.htm Maria Lawson rose to fame on The X Factor four years ago in 2005, but she had already enjoyed considerable success as a singer/songwriter before The X Factor. She3 had secured a recording and publishing contract through her own efforts and was determined to really break into the music industry. Life Starts Now follows Maria’s journey from the position of a hopeful unknown, through the auditions and all the through to her appearance on the programme itself. Maria takes the reader behind the scenes to find out what really happens as the show is put together. Her autobiography also documents her early life and reveals exactly why this ambitious young girl from a rather ordinary and somewhat humble background was able to fulfil her dream of TV stardom and recording industry success. It's an honest and rather heart-warming account and Maria explains how she...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/books_for_your_suitcase_13480952.htm Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/books_for_your_suitcase_13480952.htm http://flyingwithoutfear.info which helps people who are phobic about flying to attempt to overcome their fear of flying. There are a number of locations throughout the UK where this Flying Without Fear service is offered, Including locations near Gatwick Airport, Luton Airport and Manchester Airport. The current...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/flying_in_to_fear_20655044.htm Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/flying_in_to_fear?_20655044.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/swine_flu:_don't_let_it_ruin_your_holiday_19347699.htm Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/swine_flu:_don't_let_it_ruin_your_holiday_19347699.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/find_out_what's_happening_14353639.htm Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/find_out_what's_happening_14353639.htm Birmingham, London Heathrow or Manchester, you do not leave your common-sense locked up with it. Government advice is to think before you jump: * be aware of the depth of the water - remember tides go in and out very quickly - it may start off deep enough but can quickly become shallower * be aware of hazards in the water - rocks, groynes or debris under the sea may not be visible through the surface * never jump from any object into the sea while under the influence of alcohol or peer pressure * consider the risk to others - young children may be easily influenced by the behaviour they witness
...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/make_sure_your_kids_are_safe_72915992.htm Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/make_sure_your_kids_are_safe_72915992.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/don't_smuggle_food_28140474.htm Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/don't_smuggle_food_28140474.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/plan_your_holiday_with_care_15124125.htm Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/plan_your_holiday_with_care_15124125.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/make_it_a_holiday_to_interest!_19616805.htm Tue, 26 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/make_it_a_holiday_to_interest!_19616805.htm The possibility that you will not be able to go on holiday because your travel firm has collapsed (or worse, that you become stranded hundreds or thousands of miles away from, home) is not a pleasant one. However, don't let that put you off booking your summer holiday. There are certain steps that you can take to try to ensure that, should things start to go wrong, that the situation is not as stressful as it could otherwise be. For example, always pay for your holiday with a credit card. Not a debit card. But a credit card. Why? Because you can claim your money back from the Credit Card Company. The recent collapse of Scottish travel firm, ScotTravel, has caused concerns. Rochelle Turner from Which? Holiday says: “With yet another tour operator collapsing and leaving holiday-makers stranded, it’s really important that people take steps to ensure they are protected should a similar incident occur in the future. “If you pay for your flight with a credit card or book it as part of a package holiday then you shouldn’t have any problems getting your money back. The same applies for people who book through an ATOL bonded travel agent or operator. You may even be covered by...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/how_to_ensure_your_holiday_will_not_be_spoilt_44654732.htm Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/how_to_ensure_your_holiday_will_not_be_spoilt_44654732.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/tips_for_driving_overseas_14601258.htm Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/tips_for_driving_overseas_14601258.htm ...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/swine_flu_tips_18304792.htm Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/swine_flu_tips_18304792.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/recession_honeymoons_67968407.htm Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/recession_honeymoons_67968407.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/new_way_to_obtain_your_visa_17123590.htm Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/new_way_to_obtain_your_visa_17123590.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/cheap_calls_abroad_and_internet!_13431375.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/cheap_calls_abroad_and_internet!_13431375.htm Secondly, always make sure that you have more than enough time to get to the airport. Leave home earlier than you would normally do. In fact, as well as having your car parking arranged by APH, why not really take the strain out of your arrangements and ask APH to arrange a hotel and parking package? That way you will spend a relaxing night sleeping at an airport hotel, instead of having to wake up in the middle of the night in order to have a stressful and potentially hazardous drive through blizzards and having to negotiate an obstacle course of abandoned vehicles as the time for your flight becomes inexorably nearer. But there are some steps you can take to make sure your journey to the airport is as safe and as pleasant as it can be in snowy or icy weather:
  Ensure that your vehicle's anti-freeze is less than two years old Make certain your battery is in good condition, with no terminal corrosion Have...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/snow_time_16765309.htm Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/snow_time_16765309.htm www.itunes.com/app/skiclubsnowreports.

 It will feature live snow report data from a staggering total of 250 resorts. Reports will include snow depths conditions on and off piste, plus webcams and the latest ski and snowboarding news. this service will be invaluable to iPhone users who are enjoy skiing or snow sports holidays

Anthony Bradbury, UK marketing director, of Land Rover said: “Land Rover, working in with the Ski Club of Great Britain, can offer snow sports enthusiasts up-to-the-minute ski and snow information, whatever their location.”
Land Rover is the Official Vehicle to the Ski Club of Great Britain and Chemmy Allcot, Britain’s Number 1 Female Skier, is a Land Rover Brand Ambassador.

For more information regarding Land Rover's ski sponsorship, log onto ...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/ski_resort_news_on_your_iphone_12626968.htm Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/ski_resort_news_on_your_iphone_12626968.htm The chain (which has 33 hotels in the UK) reports a substantial rise in the number of enquiries and confirmed bookings of ‘kidcations’ at its city centre hotels throughout the country.  Parents, looking for a change, are aiming to treat the family to short breaks that mix learning with fun. Thistle points out that city breaks are not any longer the sole preserve of romantic couples and intellectuals.

Some families seem to have ‘traded down’ from overseas package holidays, instead they opt for cost conscious domestic breaks, with reduced spending and -often- reduced holiday periods.  Thistle has designed a new family package to serve the growing interest from parents with younger children in this type of holiday. The Thistle deal is for £149 per room, and this includes bed and breakfast and dinner on one night. As part of this deal, Thistle also offers 50% off an additional room, and what's more, the under 12s can eat from the...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/vacation,_stayation_and_now_the...__kidcation_10296041.htm Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/vacation,_stayation_and_now_the...__kidcation?_10296041.htm
Hong Kong International Airport, was pipped to 2nd place by Incheon International, with Singapore Changi Airport ranking 3rd best in the world, according to the latest passenger satisfaction rankings. Skytrax reports the final winning margins between these top 3 positions was the smallest ever known for such a large global project, at one stage it looked possible there might be a dead-heat result between these top three airports!
The World Airport Awards™ are based on the results from 8.6 million questionnaires filled out by airline passengers in 2008/9, covering over 190 airports all over the world. The takes and measures  traveller experiences across 39 different airport services and product factors,  from initial check-in, arrivals and transfer through to departure at the gate.

The survey began in 1999, and is widely held in high regard for the clearness of process and that the rules are not only rigorously applied, but also because of its independence. The worldwide survey interviews for the 2009 Awards totalled a stunning...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/worlds_top_airports_11212944.htm Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/worlds_top_airports_11212944.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/time_for_a_cheaper_greek_holiday_19014182.htm Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/time_for_a_cheaper_greek_holiday_19014182.htm  How will it work? Your travel agent will be sent a one page ‘Travel Itinerary’  to confirm all the travel and flight details. This will replace all the myriad tickets and travel documents, once deemed by the industry as absolutely essential!

The change is being introduced as a gradual process. At first it will only involve flights (both scheduled and charter) with Monarch, but other airlines will be included in the new scheme as and when this becomes possible. Apparently the decision was taken because many of the cheaper carriers and some of the scheduled flights have introduced “e-tickets” and Cosmos and Avro thought that the time had come to move over to a ticketless mode of operating,...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/where_are_the_tickets_12260465.htm Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/where_are_the_tickets_12260465.htm www.identitytheft.org.uk As thousands of football fans visit South Africa to holiday and watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the Identity Fraud Communications Awareness Group, has issued a warning about the potential tricks and scams that might target World Cup tourists. "While news headlines have focused on the risk of violence for anyone heading to South Africa, we are urging consumers to be aware of the potential fraud scams which might give them a financial hangover when they get back," says Neil Munroe, who is the official spokesman for the IFCAG. He added: "Unfortunately, football fans will stand out from the crowd, making them an easy target for the criminals. But with a little extra vigilance we believe people can enjoy the trip of a lifetime and avoid becoming victims of fraud. "Especially we are urging England fans to be a bit more cautious when they are using credit cards. A little common sense goes a long way. And if it seems too good to be true, it often...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/do_not_be_football_crazy_19546985.htm Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/do_not_be_football_crazy_19546985.htm
Website Skyscanner has searched through its flight search data to check up on exactly which football nations are displaying the most interest in travelling to see the World Cup.Football (real football that is!) is seen as a relatively minor sport in the US, coming quite far behind American Football in terms of a fanbase. But it looks as if US football fans are the most supportive of their team. This is based on data for searches for flights to South Africa leaping by a stupendous 440% on last year’s figures for the same time of year. So it looks logical to assume most of them are making the journey across the Atlantic to South Africa to watch their National team in person.

Spain was fairly close behind with a remarkable rise of 409%, trailed closely by Brazil with a 399% jump. France come in with a 331% rise and the...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/who_are_the_most_dedicated_football_fans_69757394.htm Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/who_are_the_most_dedicated_football_fans_69757394.htm
But what about the rest of England? I have spoken with a friend who is a travel agent of the type who not only arranges every detail of your holiday, he can order tickets (heavily discounted, of course!) for just about any event in the world. He has noticed an increase in enquiries almost as soon as the dreadful result came through. And within 60 minutes of the end of the dreadful game (dreadful coaching, dreadful playing, dreadful officials!) lowcostholidays.com, were able to report a whopping 40% increase of people looking for the perfect, low cost holiday.

Some canny folk will be looking for bargain breaks in South Africa, now. Well, after all, with several of the top teams already out (France and England being two immediate examples that spring to mind) some operators will have...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/always_look_on_the_bright_side_16975858.htm Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/always_look_on_the_bright_side_16975858.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/solar-powered_plane_56943898.htm Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/solar-powered_plane_56943898.htm
One Owners Direct property owner ( www.ownersdirect.co.uk) who lets out an apartment in Mallorca said: “One of our guests left behind a ladies handbag with ALL their travel documents in, money and prescription medicines. They missed their flight as they had to return to collect it.”

But some of the items left behind in holiday accommodation are, to be quite frank, just a bit, well, bizarre? Bizarre items left behind in holiday accommodation include a pair of Father Christmas trousers and a beard, house deeds, a false leg (HOW?!) a bongo drum and a full sized rubber face mask of George Bush. There are also a surprising number of abandoned false teeth and toupees....]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/items_left_behind_39693368.htm Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/items_left_behind_39693368.htm
“At APH we have just introduced the cycle to work scheme. Basically the company pays for the bike and we pay it back over the months, plus it can save you up to 40% off the price of the bike."

“A few people here are interested and we will hopefully have a fitter and healthier work force. So far three employees have taken advantage of the scheme and its only been in place a few weeks,” explained an APH colleague.

Helping to get staff out of their cars and onto a bicycle is a noble effort. A challenge, one might argue? If so, it is a challenge that APH as a caring, considerate employer was more than willing to face up to.
The scheme -like most government schemes!- is perhaps more confusing than it might be, but there is help available to help potential participants to implement such a scheme for their employees.
Just visit...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/airport_parking,_hotels,_plus_a_few_bicycles_37790048.htm Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/airport_parking,_hotels,_plus_a_few_bicycles_37790048.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/welcome_to_australia_17431813.htm Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/welcome_to_australia_17431813.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/do_not_try_the_water_19190312.htm Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/do_not_try_the_water_19190312.htm http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/teabags_or_travel_insurance_80223905.htm Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/teabags_or_travel_insurance_80223905.htm
You can apply for a passport online. Quite a painless process, if you do not mind using computers or the Internet. Just visit https://passports.ips.gov.uk/epa1r1a/index.aspx and this will take you through the entire process. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Passports/index.htm will give you all the information you need on applying for a passport, including a fast track passport application, should you urgently require one.

You can also use the Post Office Check and Send Service. In fact, the government agency the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) does recommend that you make use of this service. But not all Post Offices offer this service.
They will help you by...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/applying_for_a_passport_20595284.htm Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/applying_for_a_passport_20595284.htm
Now you can answer both of those questions and a whole lot more when you visit the website www.planefinder.net.

Because when you visit the site you will see a map of the world. You can use the cursor controls to visit any part of the world and you can watch the planes as they fly over that part of the world in real time. You can also zoom in or zoom out, as you wish.

The site will tell you The flight number of the plane, the airline name, the route (which airports it is flying to and from) the registration, the altitude and the speed, the course, the Squawk ID, the manufacturer of the aircraft, the aircraft model and type number and also how many engines the plane has.

The site works by receiving the ADS-B signals that many commercial and some private planes transmit.  It is said that ADS-B will, eventually, replace RADAR for air traffic control use and that the use of ADS-B, when it becomes...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/find_that_plane_with_your_computer_10757545.htm Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/find_that_plane_with_your_computer_10757545.htm So, who might have left their spiritual stamp on this region? There's the tail of ruler condemned to hell for eternity; the ghost of an albino child whose cries have, it is reported, been captured by TV film crews; Francesca di Rimini – who was immortalised in Dante's The Divine Comedy - and a convicted occultist.

These ghostly (or ghastly?) stories bring to life the centuries-old historic sites which still thrive in the region. Enter the town of Rimini through the Arch of Augustus, which dates back to 27 BC and head through the town to the 13th Century Malatesta Temple.  The tarot may help unravel some of the temple's strange symbolism, specially commissioned by the City's ruler, Sigismondo Malatesta, who was excommunicated by the Pope for his debauchery and heresy and condemned to hell for all eternity.  (Oops!)

Continuing your trip through Rimini's town centre, you will spot skeletons sleeping in the mosaic floors of the 2nd century"Surgeon's House".  History buffs can check out the collection of...]]> http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/halloween_holiday_17629443.htm Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.aph.com/news/holiday_tips/halloween_holiday_17629443.htm