UK Ferry Tickets

It’s been an extraordinary start to the year and most of us have been moved by the devastating events in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Maldives. We can only hope these countries get back on their feet as soon as possible.

As a journalist, I’ve had to interview numerous people and write dozens of articles about the tsunami for papers like the Daily Telegraph.

Understandably, many people booked to travel to these countries are in two minds about whether they should go. Even if they were due to visit unaffected areas of Sri Lanka or Thailand, does it feel inappropriate to holiday so close to where others have suffered? How will they feel having a gin and tonic and sunbathing in a nice hotel when so many have been left homeless?

Meanwhile, closer to home, bookings for some companies have slowed down as customers feel guilty buying holidays, even to European destinations, in the current climate.

Let me tell you that, without exception, hoteliers, restaurateurs and tourist boards from Paris to Phuket want and need your business. The best way to show your support for people who work in tourism is to go on holiday – whatever your destination.

So, where are the places to go in 2005?

There’s no doubt holidaymakers will be heading to Europe – in particular France and Spain – in their millions again. However, according to Arcanus, a lifestyle management company (a firm that runs the lives of rich people), Italy is also set to be hugely popular this year. Arcanus polled its clients, which are thought to include celebrities and captains of industry, to ask them where they would most like to go and Tuscany came out near the top. The area scores highly because it is so diverse. It may sound a cliché, but whether you want the magnificence of Florence or the tiny hamlet of Montepulciano, there’s something to satisfy most people.

If you fancy Tuscany, we’ve got two weeks for the price of one at Borgo Villino, for departures on April 16. A fortnight at an apartment for four, including accommodation and Hoverspeed crossing, costs from £440 per person (link here).

At Il Castagno, for departures on April 9 and May 5, two weeks at an apartment for four, including accommodation and Hoverspeed crossing, costs from £416 per person (link here).

Meanwhile, the ski season is well under way and the stars, including Jack Nicholson, Kevin Costner and Martina Navratilova, will be heading for Aspen in Colorado. In Europe, the Austrian ski resort of Lech has come under the spotlight after being featured in the movie Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, as Renee Zellweger’s neurotic character makes a fool of herself on the slopes.

If you haven’t booked a ski holiday yet, you need to get cracking. Good snow falls in most resorts last winter have made winter sports holidays very popular this year, so you have to search around for a deal.

At Leisure Direction, a studio for four, including return crossing on Hoverspeed, at Residence Cybele at Brides Les Bains in the Three Valleys, France, costs from £234 per week (link here).

Look out for the new ‘Mount Maps’ in the Three Valleys. They’re three-dimensional fold out piste maps replacing the usual paper trails, which always seem to get soggy and torn.

In Tignes, Espace Killy, a studio for two at Le Chalet Club, including return crossing on Hoverspeed, costs from £292 per week (link here).

If you’re heading for the slopes, be aware that camouflage print gear is the most fashionable item on the mountains this year, while l970s-style luminous green all-in-one jumpsuits have started reappearing in resorts such as Sauze D’Oulx in Italy, of all places. I think I’ll be sticking to my black pants and jacket!

Happy holidays and remember, we want to hear from you. Send us your holiday experiences, comments and recommendations to info@ukferrytickets.co.uk

Guest Article by Jeremy Skidmore

Monday, January 31st, 2005