Chasing The Sun: 5 Ultimate Summer Locations To Travel To This Year

Cyprus

Finding the perfect holiday with just the right combination of sun, sea and sand is never easy, but it is not impossible to find. With some forward planning on important documentation such as your passport and your European health card as well as planning flights and accommodation within your budget, you can have the holiday that you want without spending a small fortune. In this article, we will be giving you some insight into 5 ultimate European summer locations that you should visit this year.

Cyprus

Find the perfect holiday with guaranteed sunshine is definitely something that you have to travel abroad for as the weather in the UK can be quite temperamental. However, with a trip to Cyprus, you are guaranteed sun sea and sand. Whether you are travelling with the family or travelling with your significant other, you can find a hotel and activated to keep you occupied and enjoying your time away without spending a fortune.

Corfu

Another holiday destination that is well worth a visit is Corfu.  With the old fortress as well as a number of beaches, Corfu is the perfect holiday destination. With amazing nightlife and luxury hotels and a number of golden beaches, you can rest and relax, regardless of how long you are planning on staying here. In addition to this, there are also a number of affordable hotels for less than £100 per night allowing you to enjoy a trip even on the tightest budget.

Ibiza, Spain

If you are looking for great music and amazing hotels, Ibiza is the one for you. With a number of hotels such as Ibiza rocks and music festivals all throughout the summer months, you are in for a treat when visiting here. With a number of restaurants such as Streat Ibiza and Ronas Deli, you can enjoy some amazing food whilst soaking up the sun. In addition to this, there are music artists such as Rudimental and a number of other famous faces scattered around the island. If you are looking to head here this summer, it will cost you around £142 for a flight and £100 a night making this an affordable holiday for you to escape and enjoy some well-needed sunshine.

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

With 60km of beaches and amazing weather to boot, this amazing island is your very own slice of paradise. With sunshine guaranteed for most of the year as well as some of the best views, this destination is well worth a trip. If spending time on the beach does not appeal to you, there is also the option to visit the coastal village of Puerto de mogán and take a trip on the water. Whether this is a day out sailing or a sunset catamaran cruise, you can enjoy the water whether you are travelling alone, with your significant other or the family.

Mykonos, Greece

The final element that is worth a place on this list is Mykonos in Greece. This highly popular location is located in the Aegean Sea and is the picture-perfect location for a romantic getaway. With music festivals, relaxing beaches and a number of luxury hotels this is a holiday for those that want to spend time in their very own paradise. Though this is one of the more expensive locations on this list, the 4-hour flight and stunning views are what makes it appealing to so many.

Whether you are looking to travel in the near future, or you are planning a holiday for later this year, any of these locations have everything you need regardless of who you are travelling with. Which will you be choosing first?

Turin, the Piedmont region and its gastronomy: The pinnacle of tours proposed for summer 2019 & 2020

AG Boutique Journey, the DMC  & Tour Operator of AG Group, the first Tourist Group in Italy in a position to satisfy in-house all forms of demand.  (DMC/Tour Operator & Event Management, its own Boutique Hotel chain and Consultants for independent Hotels’ Marketing & Yield Management, A selection of fine Bistro Restaurants and novice their private Retirement Homes for the elderly). All of these founded and Directed by Andrea Girolami who has more than twenty-years of experience in all levels of Incoming tourism. From leisure to corporate to MICE - Meetings Incentives Conferences & Events and with a department dedicated solely to the Elite luxury Sector. Today they are at the forefront and offering only the best solutions to International Tourists who wish to spend their summer vacation in Italy, which is also known as the Bel Paese.

With a great foresight and awareness of the times and even well before even CNN made their conclusions, AG Boutique Journey had already presented specific tours and products to visit Turin and the Piedmont region in their 2019 catalogue.  An area which is listed as the Royal capital in the USA’s Top 20 list for alternate destinations for travelers visiting from North America.

CNN recommendations

Over the past few days, the well-known TV news network put together their own specific list and recommended  the twenty most beautiful European cities worth visiting, and they are less known and some are off the beaten track. Turin in particular is seen as an alternative to Venice since «it is less congested». The capital of Piedmont is also the city where some of the most underestimated places in Italy are found, including the Contemporary Art museum at the Rivoli Castle, the Basilica of Superga and the Egyptian Museum, with its magnificent collection of “Egyptian artefacts." CNN concludes that in addition to the Artistic beauty found here, Turin also offers the opportunity to sample possibly the best Italian cuisine in the country.

Piedmont a region of beauty, art and food and wine

AG Boutique Journey offers two distinct tours based solely in the region of Piedmont. There is a five-nights / six-days trip and a more deep and complex itinerary with eight-nights / nine-days trip.
Places are dreamlike and for those Italophiles who already know Italy well, one can only imagine what they are.  The Langhe hills of the Barolo vineyards, the medieval city of Asti, the beautiful Grinzane Cavour castle, named in honor of Camillo Benso, the Count of Cavour and author of the Italian Risorgimento.  The city of Vercelli with its imposing Roman ruins, the fabulous views over  Monferrato, one of the most important wine areas in Italy.  Acqui Terme with its baths dating back to the Roman times.  Then of course the city of Turin, the first capital of a united Italy (1861-1865), with its National Cinema Museum in the towering Mass Antonelliana, and the Duomo Cathedral that houses the sacred Shroud believed to belong to Jesus Christ.

The tour includes gourmet meals and tasting and is accompanied along the way with Barolo and Barbaresco wines, the famous Langhe goats cheeses.  Once these in particular Montébore, one of the local delicacies since the 15th century, as well as the soft creamy Robiola cheese from Murazzano).
Visit the website.

AG Group – Your gateway to Italy is the first tourist group in Italy capable of satisfying all services in-house,  from the DMC / Tour Operator & Event Management to the Hotel Consulting, their very own Hotel collection,  the Restaurants and the Retirement homes.
Founded and directed by Andrea Girolami, an entrepreneur with over twenty years of experience in tourism and in hospitality, includes:

• AG Hotels, five 4 star hotels in the center of Rome, with a sixth opening in September and shortly after his first 5 star Hotel to open in Florence.
• AG Boutique Journey, Established Tour Operator, DMC, Event Organizer & Wedding planner with an important sector specializing in Luxury Travel.
• AG Hotel Consulting, Hotel Revenue and Yield Management Advisors to a selection of luxury and boutique 4 & 5 star hotels, contributing to a content of already 30 hotels within central Italy.
• AG Foodies, Bistros in Rome and Rooftop Terraces in two of the AG Hotels with more new openings soon in Florence for Diana’s Place Bistro and an exquisite Rooftop Terrace. All Gourmet menus are creatively managed and directed by the well-known Michelin star chef Andrea Fusco.
• AG Domus Nova, the novelty to the company sees the opening of a collection of important Retirement Homes, in response to the demand for quality hospitality for the third age and where the project is already underway and operative in Central Italy.

Budget Friendly Travel Made Easy With A Few Simple Steps

Finding the perfect budget-friendly holiday can be challenging, particularly if you are looking to travel with a family. Not only do you have to apply for an Esta Visa for each family member a month or two in advance, but you also must organise accommodation, flights and the overall budget that you have. In this article, we are giving you an insight into some of the simple steps to achieve budget-friendly travel without compromising on quality.

Travel During Term Time

One of the main ways for you to save money on your travel is to travel out of term time, particularly if you are travelling to a tourist location. This will not only help you to save money but it will allow you to find more availability when booking accommodation, giving you much more choice when looking at locations and maybe even gives you more spending money as a result for a shopping trip or a fancy meal out.

Avoid Tourist Destinations

Another way that you can save yourself money in the long term is to avoid tourist destinations when booking. With major cities such as New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles being far more expensive, avoiding these locations and travelling off the beaten track will help you to experience some of the hidden treasures that the world has to offer without spending to much money. This is particularly important if you are looking to book long haul flights as these have the potential to be more expensive when travelling to these major cities. 

Stay In A Hostel

If accommodation is what is causing the price of your holiday to increase, it may be beneficial for you to opt for a hostel instead. Most hostels in major cities may have comfortable bedding as well as free food allowing you to travel and meet with like-minded people. Whether you are packing light with just a backpack or have a suitcase with you, this will be able to accommodate you for a short amount of time before moving on to the next location. This is great for those that are travelling on a gap year with low funds as you can save a significant amount of money by travelling this way.

Make The Most Of Sales Events

The final way that you can save money when travelling is to book flights during sales events. By monitoring airline sites and checking for the latest deals. You will often find amazing deals on some of the world’s top locations due to the need to fill seats. This is ideal for a last-minute holiday with the family or even you and your significant other to keep the price down and still provide you with an amazing holiday location without spending a large sum of money on flights.

There are several simple steps to take to keep the price of your holiday down as much as possible giving you the perfect holiday for you and whoever you are travelling with without compromise. Were will you be travelling to this year?

Centara kicks off 36th anniversary with epic 36-day global celebration

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is marking its 36th anniversary milestone with a 36-day worldwide customer-focused celebration tied to the company’s 1983 founding. On this occasion, it also marks the 36^th anniversary of Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, the first hotel of the group, together with the 10^th anniversary of Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld and Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.

Centara Hotels & Resorts led by Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer (4th from left) and Supatra Chirathivat, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Social Responsibility (5th from left) marks the 36th anniversary milestone with cake cutting, celebration and 36-daycustomer-focused campaign to thank customers worldwide.

Thirty-six years ago, Thailand’s first shopping centre mega-mall development, Central Plaza, rose from a suburban construction site on Bangkok’s Ladprao Road, complete with a brand new 5-star hotel that launched the Central Group’s hotel business with one of the Group’s largest investment commitments.

From its first hotel in Ladprao, Centara has grown and prospered. Today, 70 Centara properties with six distinctive brands are operational or under development across 12 countries, and the company is well on its way to doubling its global portfolio by 2022.

Centara will kick off the 36th anniversary celebration by rolling out a series of enticing offers, attractive promotions and lucky draws on 3^rd June 2019, all featuring a special “36” theme. Guests should look out for the following limited-time deals:

Every Third Night For Just THB 36 – For 36 days (3^rd June to 9^th July 2019), travellers will be able to stay with Centara for just THB 36. Under this amazing offer, guests who book a minimum three-night stay at any Centara hotel or resort worldwide – including five-star Centara Grand resorts in Thailand and the Maldives – will be able to pay just THB 36 for their third night.

Lucky Stay E-Voucher - For seven days from 14^th to 20^th June 2019, guests will be able to book rooms at selected Centara hotels for one set price (only THB 3,600 per night) and enjoy sublime stays with a higher value. This generous offer is valid for room nights worth more than THB 4,500 and available for stays taken up until 31^st October 2019.

Cash Bonus Spending Credit: THB 3,600 for More! – The 36th anniversary celebrations will make your Centara stays even more rewarding this summer. Guests who purchase a stored value credit of THB 3,600 between 21^st and 27^th June will see its value instantly boosted to THB 5,500. Use the credit to pay for spa treatments, hotel dining and much more.

LINE Coupons: Exclusive Deals for THB 36 and THB 360 – Sip, snack or feast for less with a series of tantalising weekly coupons. For 36 days (3^rd June to 9^thJuly), Centara will reveal a series of fantastic F&B deals on LINE, the social media app. Grab a coffee, bakery and other snacks for as little as THB 36, or a relaxing 40-minute massage at spa Cenvaree for just THB 360.

10 Year Travel in Style Challenge: Photo Competition – Compete in the 10 Year Travel in Style Challenge with Centara, or the 36 Year Challenge if you dare. Guests who post their “now and then” throwback travel photos and use hashtag #36CentaraThrowback could win one of 36 prizes, including one grand prize — a sensational five-night holiday at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, including transfers.

Exclusive Privilege for Centara The1 – Our Photo Challenge is twice as enticing for members of Centara The1. All Centara The1 member prize winners will also receive 3,600 Centara The1 points, on top of their main prize. To help our winners make the most of their points, Centara will be offering free night redemptions for just 6,363 points at select hotels for a limited time.

And that’s not all. Guests who stay with Centara during the 36-day anniversary period will be offered the chance to enter a Check-In Lucky Draw. Guests can win on-the-spot prizes including spa treatments, bottles of wine, celebratory cakes, special discounts and more.

Since it first entered the hospitality industry 36 years ago, Centara has developed a strong reputation for blending gracious Thai-style hospitality with world-class accommodation and exceptional amenities. Now, with an expanded collection of innovative brands, Centara is aiming to write the next exciting chapter in our history, with the goal of doubling our global portfolio by 2022.

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit http://36.centarahotels.com

South African Airways announces amazing fares to Africa starting from $699* roundtrip

South African Airways (SAA), announces amazing savings to Africa with new low fares starting from $699* roundtrip for travel this fall. Low fares are offered from New York JFK International Airport to Johannesburg, starting from $699* roundtrip (restrictions apply) and to Cape Town from $765* roundtrip (restrictions apply). Travel on these sale fares is applicable between October 26 to November 30, 2019. Other sale fares are offered from $799* roundtrip (restrictions apply) to Johannesburg and $865* roundtrip (restrictions apply) to Cape Town for travel September 1 to October 25, 2019. Great low fares are also available on SAA’s 5-times weekly service to Accra, Ghana from Washington Dulles. This sale is offered for a limited time only and all tickets must be purchased by May 28, 2019.

“Now is a wonderful time to book that trip to Africa and experience the rich culture and beautiful scenery that is uniquely African. Whether you are traveling for a sensational safari, a visit to one of our vibrant cites, or a chance to reconnect with friends and family, Africa is calling with incredible savings”, said Todd Neuman, executive vice president, North America, for South African Airways. “With South African Airways’ convenient schedules from the U.S. and award-winning service, these low affordable fares make it easy for any traveler to experience the many wonders of Africa.”

South African Airways is one of Africa’s most awarded airlines, having been honored with a 4-star rating for 17 consecutive years by Skytrax. With the most daily flights from the U.S. to South Africa, South African Airways offers nonstop service from New York-JFK Airport and direct service from Washington, DC-Dulles Airport to Johannesburg via Accra, Ghana or Dakar, Senegal. Onboard, SAA offers an in-flight experience that reflects the warmth of Africa and designed for pure comfort for long-haul travel.

Travelers enjoy a spacious Economy Class cabin, a delicious choice of meals, a wide selection of complimentary spirits and award-winning South African wines, and generous checked baggage allowance.

Also included are individual audio/visual entertainment systems that deliver an extensive programming menu of newly released movies, music choices, and games. Via our Johannesburg hub, SAA links the world to over 75 destinations across the African continent and Africa’s Indian Ocean islands.

To book these sale fares or for additional information, travelers should visit www.flysaa.com , call SAA Reservations at 1-(800) 722-9675 or contact their professional travel advisor. As one of the leading airlines in Africa, SAA also offers low fares from the U.S. and Canada to a variety of other exciting and experiential destinations throughout continent.

*RESTRICTIONS

Fares are valid for roundtrip travel and include all government and airline imposed taxes and fees. The $699 fare is valid for travel from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg (JNB,) for midweek travel (Mon-Thu) 10/26/19 - 11/30/19. The $765 fare is valid for travel from New York (JFK) to Cape Town (CPT)) for midweek travel (Mon-Thu) 10/26/19 - 11/30/19. The $799 fare is valid for travel from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg (JNB,) for midweek travel (Mon-Thu) 9/1/19-10/25/19. The $865 fare is valid for travel from New York (JFK) to Cape Town (CPT)) for midweek travel (Mon-Thu) 9/1/19-10/25/19. Fares must be purchased within 72 hours of reservation being made, or by 05/28/2019, whichever is first. Minimum stay: Must stay over one Sunday for fares to apply. Return travel must commence on/before 12/9/2019. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Cancellations before/after departure: fares and carrier-imposed fees (YR/YQ/Q) are nonrefundable. Date change fee: $300 plus any applicable fare difference. Administrative fees may also apply. Accompanied children 2-11 years of age pay 75% of the adult fare. Infant (not occupying a seat) discount - Pays 10% of the adult fare. Baggage and optional service fees may apply. Reservations made 7 days or more prior to scheduled departure may be canceled without penalty up to 24 hours after the reservation is made.

Halloween in Transylvania at Bran Castle

Travel to Romania & Hungary on the footstep of Prince Vlad Tepes a.k.a. DRACULA

• Budapest - Oradea - Cluj - Sighisoara - Brasov - Bran - Bucharest

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Click here to download our brochure.

Contact Redina Varna: +1-210-302-2730 or email rodica_varna@yahoo.com

Malta’s 2019 Festival and Events Calendar “sparks” with fireworks

Discover the many reasons why Malta, an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean, is referred to as The Hidden Gem of the Mediterranean. Malta’s festivals are filled with different aspects of music, culture, art, food and more. Malta boasts an events calendar featuring an eclectic blend of local and international entertainment, exhibitions, festivals and feasts.  The Maltese islands play host to an exciting array of international sporting events, performances by international contemporary music stars, classical music concerts, jazz festivals, and traditional events such as village festas and carnivals. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF MALTA’S 2019 FESTIVALS AND ANNUAL EVENTS

Malta International Fireworks Festival: April 24-30

The Maltese are well known for their love of fireworks and their expertise in manufacturing spectacular displays has won them several international accolades. The 18th edition of the Fireworks Festival is a showcase of the best of Maltese aerial pyrotechnic talent.

Valletta Film Festival: June 14-23

The film festival will have a film for everyone, screening over 40 feature films and 25 short films. The films selected for screenings will be either open-air, at historic venues, or at different cinemas throughout the capital city, Valletta.

Malta International Arts Festival: June 29-July 13

Malta’s art festival highlights the islands rich culture. The festival is renowned for having integrative works for art that encourage artistic collaboration. There will be many different art forms such as theatre, dance, music, and art.   

The Malta International Food Festival: July 17-21

Food and wine lovers must attend the most anticipated culinary festival in Malta. You will be submerging yourself into a kaleidoscope of tastes, from the amazing local produce, to the delicious wines. The festival attracts more than 30,000 people to try the delicious Maltese cuisine.

Isle of MTV- July 9 Malta Jazz Festival: July 15-20

Come to the annual Isle of MTV Malta which features chart topping artists performing live during a mega concert. It is now one of the biggest music festivals in Europe, and attracts a crowd of more than 50,000 people.

Summer Carnival: August 16-18

Visit the Summer Carnival where you will get to celebrate in the streets of Malta in extravagant costumes. Malta’s nightlife center, Paceville, will be filled with carnival goers in their colorful costumes piled into clubs and bars, still wearing their outrageous outfits.

Notte Bianca: October 5

The arts light up the streets of Valletta when palaces and museums open their doors to host all night long concerts, visual art exhibitions, dance and theatre performances; while the streets are filled with local and international musicians and dancers.

Birgufest: October 11-13

To really experience the history of Malta you must experience Birgufest. Birgu, one of the oldest and most historic cities in Malta, hosts a four-day event. During this time, you will be engaged in the history and culture of the island, by attending a mass or having a meal on the seafront.

For more information about events in Malta click here.

Romance is in the air for Valentine’s Day at five luxury Corinthia Hotels

Rose petal-strewn beds, glasses of chilled champagne, candlelit dinners a deux, a couple’s massage and idyllic escapes are all on the menu for Valentine’s Day at five luxury Corinthia Hotels around the world.

The collection of five-star properties aim to make February 14, 2019, a day and night to remember. Here are the special packages:

Corinthia Hotel Budapest

The landmark city hotel is the backdrop for A Corinthia Love Story, a Valentine’s Day escape which includes an upgrade to a rose petal-strewn room, champagne and chocolate strawberries on arrival, a three-course dinner with complimentary glass of wine, a 25-minute massage in the Royal Spa and a buffet breakfast the next day. Love at Corinthia costs from €279 (approx. $321.00) per room per night (two sharing). Valid from February 1-28, 2019. For more information visit www.corinthia.com/budapest or call +36 1 479 4000.

Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, Malta

Escape to the tranquil surroundings of the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in the heart of the island, book a rose petal-strewn Deluxe Room, enjoy a back, neck and shoulder massage at the Athenaeum Spa, and make the most of the in-room aphrodisiac menu. The Valentine’s Escape is priced from €140 (approx. $161.00) per room per night (two sharing). Valid from February 13-17, 2019. For more information visit www.corinthia.com/palace or call +356 2144 0301.

Corinthia Hotel Lisbon

Luxuriate in one of Corinthia Hotel Lisbon’s new Deluxe Junior Suites with a romantic three-course dinner served in the privacy of your room which includes a glass of champagne, plus early check-in, breakfast, and late check-out. The Romantic Escape costs from €300 (approx. $345.00) per room per night (two sharing). Valid from February 9-19, 2019. For more information visitwww.corinthia.com/lisbon or call +351 21 7236363.

Corinthia Hotel London

Treat your loved one to a romantic stay at Corinthia Hotel London, one of the city’s top luxury hotels. Enjoy an overnight stay in an elegant room or suite and access to the award-winning spa, ESPA Life. During your stay, a bottle of chilled champagne and sweet pastries will be waiting on arrival and, later on, a rose petal-strewn bed will surprise and delight in the evening. The spa’s sumptuous Thermal Floor is the perfect place to relax and unwind, with its swimming pool, amphitheater sauna, steam room and more. Romance in London costs from £534 (approx. $681.00) per room per night (two sharing) including full English breakfast. Valid throughout 2019. For more information visit www.corinthia.com/london or call +44 (0) 20 7321 3000.

Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay, Malta

Relax in sea view accommodation on the Mediterranean island of Malta at Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay, enjoy a 50-minute, full-body couple’s massage with a glass of bubbly and chocolate truffles, full use of the Apollo spa, breakfast and late check-out on the day of departure. Magical Moments costs from €220 (approx. $253.00) per room per night (two sharing). Valid from February 14-17, 2019. For more information visit www.corinthia.com/en/hotels/malta-stgeorgesbay or call +356 2137 4114.

All packages are subject to availability and blackout dates may apply.

For further information on the Romantic Escapes, please visit https://www.corinthia.com/en/valentines-day-corinthia

For further information on Corinthia Hotels, please visit corinthia.com