SmashHolidays.com

SmashHolidays.com definitions

2010-08-15T00:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.smashholidays.com/ definitions

-A-

ABTA

Association of British Travel Agents.

Accident (Travel Insurance)

A loss sustained through an unexpected event.

Adjoining rooms (Hotels)

Hotel rooms that do not share a common door.

All inclusive (Hotels)

Accommodation, all meals, snacks, beverages and other activities are includresortse hotel's or resort's price, with some exceptions more or less.

-B-

BAA

British Airports Authority.

Bed and breakfast Or B & B (Hotels)

Accommodation and breakfast. Breakfast in some hotels means "continental" breakfast such as rolls, butter, jam and tea or coffee, but in most resorts and hotels the breakfast is an open buffet meal with everything available

Benefits (Travel Insurance)

The amount you receive in respect of a claim that is covered.

Booking Hotels online

Reserve online hotel room(s) in the destination you desire fspecialisedn from a speciallised website. The room is confirmed instantly, and this method gives the rooms cheaper than paying directly to the hotel because the website contract bulk amount of rooms with the hotels and sell them back to the customers.

-C-

CAA

Civil Aviation Authority, UK.

Cancellation (Travel Insurance)

Necessary cancellation prior to departure because of unforeseen events such as serious illness, injury, death, etc.

Cheap Hotels

A term for online hotel booking sites that means they are able to provide the hotel room with a cheaper price.

Claims Handler (Travel Insurance)

The loss adjusters listed on the policy certificate.

Concierge (Hotels)

Hotel staff member who handles luggages, arrange car parkings, taxis, dinner reservations and is situated near the hotel doors.

Connecting Flight

A segment of an ongoing trip which requires a change of aircraft, but not necessarily a change of airline.

Continental Breakfast (Hotels)

Usually consists of bread, rolls, butter, jam and tea or coffee.

-D-

Dangerous Sports (Travel Insurance)

Coverage which is excluded because of increased risk of injury.

Date of Issue (Travel Insurance)

The date shown on your policy showing when it was issued / purchased

Desert Safari

Is the act done in a tourism fashion to explore the desert and the desert life. This kind of safari must be made by off-road vehicles equipped with a very powerarrangementsand other arrangments.

Direct Flight

A flight on which passengers do not have to change planes, but may involve one or more stops en route.

Double Room (Hotels)

A room for two persons with a double bed.

-E-

Ecotourism

Tours to an undisturbed, environment, natural or cultural protected areas to observe wildlife or traditions and history in a way that respects the original area settings.

EgypAfrica

untry is north africa that hold a lot of historical places from different ancient cultures like the Pharonic,, the Roman and the Greek civilisations. in addition, there are many modern resort cities on the Red sea like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. There are also the Nile crsafarisd the desert safaries. Cairo, the capital, has a lot of things a tourist can see.

Emergency Repatriation (Travel Insurance)

Return to the UK or Ireland by air ambulance if necessary and an accompanying doctor or nurse if required. Excess This is the portion of the claim which you have to pay.

-F-

Full Board Or FB (Hotels)

Accomodation, breakfast, lunch and an evening meal.

-G-

-H-

Half Board Or HB (Hotels)

Accomodation, breakfast and an evening meal. Lunch is not provided.

Hazardous Activity (Travel Insurance)

An activity where it is recognised there is an increased risk of injury or can be reasonably expected to exacerbate an existing medical condition.

Holiday Abandonment (Travel Insurance)

Cancellation due to a delay of not less than 24 hours beyond scheduled departure time.

Hospitalisation Benefit (Travel Insurance)

An additional benefit to cover incidental expenses which is paid if the Insured is a hospital in-patient as a direct result of a covered accidental injury or illness. This is separate from Medical Expenses.

Hotel Deals

Deals made between tour operators and hotels or accommodation providers that allow the tour operator to provide hotels to cutomers with lower prices than if it was made between the customer and the hotel directly.

Hurghada

Hurghada is an Egyptian resort located on the Red Sea. Hurghada is a fast grorecognisednationally recognized resort that holds a huge amount of hotels and tourists rental apartments that ranges from 2 stars until 5+ stars. The resort is live with daily entertainment shows, animations, shopping, cafes, discos, bars and restaurants.

-I-

Incidental Basis (Travel Insurance)

Participation in a hazardous activity on a casual, fortuitous, occasional or minor basis. Sports tours and/or activity holidays would be considered to include participation in hazardous activities on a non-incidental basis.

Insured Persons (Travel Insurance)

The names listed on the policy certificate.

-J-

-K-

-L-

Leisure travel

Travel for pleasure.

Level of Cover (Travel Insurance)

The amount covered under each Section of the Policy

-M-

Material Facts (Travel Insurance)

Any fact known to Insured which is likely to influence the Underwriter in acceptance, assessment or continuation of insurance.

Medical Expenses (Travel Insurance)

Medical expenses incurred as a result of accidental bodily injury or illness.

Missed Departure (Travel Insurance)

If you miss your first outward bound trip or final inbound trip because of the failure of a scheduled public transport service or the breakdown or accident of a private car in which you are travelling.

Money & Documents (Travel Insurance)

Bank and currency notes, coins, travel and admission tickets, accommodation and meal vouchers.

-N-

Nile Cruise

A unique cruise is that taken in the Nile river in Egypt. This opportunity is not only to see the life in upper Egypt, how they work the lands and how they make agriculture, but it also take the visitor 1000's Pharaohsrs back to the pharos era, and the tourists will visit the Valley of the Kings, Philae Island, Luxor Temple Abu Simbel Temple, Abu Simbel Temple and the Karnak Temple.

Non-stop Flight

Service between two points with no scheduled stop en route.

-O-

-P-

Personal Accident (Travel Insurance)

A compensationary payment made in the event of permanent disablement or death. This is distinct from Medical Expenses.

Personal Effects and Baggage (Travel Insurance)

Coverage for personal property taken or purchased on trip which is accidentally lost, stolen or damaged.

Personal Liability (Travel Insurance)

Covers your legal liability for accidental injury to third parties or accidental damage to their property.

Policy Document (Travel Insurance)

Document which outlines what is and is not covered and conditions of cover.

Pre-existing Medical Condition (Travel Insurance)

Any ongoing medical condition, or condition, which has or will require medical treatment, including consultations or advice, within last 12 months.

Public Transport (Travel Insurance)

A train, bus, coach or ferry service, or scheduled flight, running to a published timetable to join the booked travel itinerary

-Q-

-R-

Reasonable Care (Travel Insurance)

Insured must take reasonable care to prevent illness, injury, loss or damage to self or property as if uninsured.

Relative (Travel Insurance)

Spouse, parent, parent-in-law, step-parents, step children, son, son-in-law, daughter, daughter-in-law, grandparents, grandchild, brother, brother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, fiance(e) or common law partner

-S-

Scheduled Airline (Travel Insurance)

Cover for sums paid in advance in event of insolvency of scheduled airline Failure provider.

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is an Egyptian resort located in Sinai Peninsula and situated on the Red Sea. Sharm El Sheikh is a fast grorecognisednationally recognized resort that holds a huge amount of hotels and tourists rental apartments that ranges from 2 stars until 5+ stars. The resort is live with daily entertainment shows, animations, shopping, cafes, discos, bars and restaurants.

Single Room (Hotels)

A room with one bed for one person.

Ski Equipment If Ski Cover is Purchased (Travel Insurance)

Skis, ski boots, ski sticks, ski bindings, snowboard, snowboard bindings and snowboard boots

Sports Equipment (Travel Insurance)

Items which are usually worn, carried, used or held during the participation of a sporting activity

Sports travel

Travel arrangmentpeopleatravellingfor peaople traveling to sports events. These pacadditionan include in adition to hotels and flies, tickets for the sports events.

-T-

Territorial Limits (Travel Insurance)

The geographical areas or countries as designated on the quote or policy certificate

Tour Operator

A company that is usually bigger than a travel agent that has the ability to mix a combination of accommodations, flights, transportation and other travel extras in a travel package, and sell it through a traveTravellersdirectly to travelers, or online through a website.

Tour Protection (Consumer Protection Plan)

A program dTravellerso reimburse travelers if the tour operator goes bankrupt or becomes insolvent. A tour operator's participation in these types of plans is voluntary and can involve posting bonds, using escrow accounts or other types of financial security.

Tours

An arranged travel for sightseeing a tourism place, like historical places, buildings, parks and other entertainment events.

Travel Agent

A company that is selling travel packages, flight tickets, hotels and other travel components. They arrange their products with tour operators, hotel chains, and events organizers.

Travel Delay (Travel Insurance)

The delay of first outward and/or final inbound flight, rail or sea trip from the UK or Republic of Ireland

Travel Documents (Travel Insurance)

Passport, green card, travel tickets, visas, accommodation vouchers and petrol coupons which are lost or stolen.

Travel Insurance

Purchased from a private company or the tour operator, this provides coverage for emergencies abroad such as illness, baggage loss, accidental death/dismemberment. This policy often includes trip cancellation insurance.

Travelling Companion (Travel Insurance)

A person who is booked to travel with the Insured.

Triple Room (Hotels)

A room for three persons, usually consisting of twin beds (or double bed) plus a roll-away cot.

Turkey

A country that is connecting Asia and Europe, and is appreciated by tourists for it's historical sightseeing and entertainment seaside resorts.

Twin Room (Hotels)

A room with two beds for two people.

-U-

Underwriter (Travel Insurance)

The Underwriter is the firm who actually insures you as distinct from the broker or issuing agent.

-V-

Valuables (Travel Insurance)

Certain items such as, but not limited to, photographic equipment, jewellery, sunglasses, etc. which are detailed in the policy schedule.

Vouchers

Documents issued by tour operators to be exchanged for accommodations, sightseeing and other services.

-W-

Winter tourism

Tourism packages and arrangements specifically for ski resorts or winter sports events.

Withdrawal of Services (Travel Insurance)

Facilities withdrawn by your pre-booked hotel due to strike or industrial action following purchase of insurance

-X-

-Y-

Your Home (Travel Insurance)

Your usual place of residence in the U. K. or Republic of Ireland. Including BFPO addresses members of the armed forces.

-Z-

Secured Online Hotel Booking And Hotel Deals

2010-08-09T04:55:00.000-07:00

Smashholidays.com is an online hotel booking website based in the United Kingdom, using the British pound for its pricing. The online hotel booking at www.smashholidays.com is simply the process of booking the best hotel deals in the destination of your choice. You will find our special offers when you decide on your destination, and start to choose your hotel.

The booking process is fairly simple and fun, and once you have arranged your choices, the checkout is a breeze using the paypal payment engine which gives you a superior protection against the supplier failure to supply the service(s) (see: Section 75 refunds, Holidays and travel and Bought on credit?). Keep in mind that while this protection is important for the customer you must also purchase a travel insurance that will give you other kinds of protection like medical expenses, personal accident, loss of passport, personal money lose, flight delay and other things.

You can then start to pack and wait for the good time you will have with your friends, family and loved one. Only worry about what you will pack, what activities you will want to do on your holiday and what presents you will buy on your way back home. We at www.smashholidays.com will take care of your holiday, starting since once you reach the destination airport until we take you back there, and what in between will be the best customer care you can get.

Depending on your budget, there are many choices offered to you, the destination (Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus or Morocco), the destination city (Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Nile cruise, Antalya, Istanbul, Ayia Napa, Agadir or a Desert Safari are a few of what we offer) the hotel star rating (3, 4 or 5), the hotel accommodation style (Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board or All Inclusive), the room type (single, double or triple) and the room view.

Although we offer many choices, we are also making sure we pick the best of everything, and we do not just throw every hotel everywhere just for the sake of having a big list. So whatever you choose, it will always be ready, pleasant, and perfect. The benefits of booking your hotel with us are rewarding, we do not provide "cheap" hotels, we provide a low price for the best hotels. Our ties with different hotels and service providers in our destinations allow us to get preferential rates that we offer to you, our customers. You can also enjoy several All Inclusive hotels to maximize your savings and stay within your travel budget.

Just go to www.smashholidays.com, register yourself as a user (so you can easily manage your bookings later), enter you desired holiday country, city or the hotel name, and enjoy the information we are providing to help you choose what will suite your budget. The rest is very easy and in quick steps that includes choosing your transportation at your destination to and from the airport.

Do not forget to check our "hot hotel" deals and our top hotels that we show in our main site page, and you will certainly enjoy our special offers we have in all the holiday destinations, besides the low prices we offer for our specially picked different star hotels. Remember always to check for an early bird hotel deal if you are planning your holiday early before the season.

At www.smashholidays.com, you choose, pack and we color your holiday.

Sharm El-Sheikh to become eco-friendly

2010-08-05T06:16:00.000-07:00

Sharm El-Sheikh to become eco-friendly

Cheap, Discounted or Last Minute? Hype vs. Your Perfect Holiday

2010-08-03T02:41:00.000-07:00

As the UK tourism market has been shocked several times with holiday companies and airlines collapsing and going into liquidation, we have been wondering; what is happening? Why is this happening? And most importantly how these "cheap holiday" providers are still working and offering this, despite continuous customer complaints about the holiday quality.

Does booking a "cheap" holiday mean that you have to sacrifice quality as well as reliability?

With ATOL, ABTA or whichever insurance there is, the holidaymaker will rest assured that they get their money back. However who would love to get stranded and forced to pay double, God only knows where you are supposed to find the money that is going to get you and your family back home, just because you booked your holiday with "cheap holiday" provider.

We have been in the tourism world long enough to understand that cheap means cheaper for the best quality, while there were someone out there that took cheap as ... well ... "cheap" in standards and services. You always get what you pay for. If it looks too good to be true then it normally is!

Discounted tour operators reserve a bulk supply of rooms with a hotel at a discounted rate; they then share this with their customers. However a cheap hotel will certainly give tour operators a cheap rate, not a discounted rate! You book a cheap/discounted holiday and you find huge hidden fees and charges; booking fee, credit card fee, weekend supplement to name a few. And when there are discounts ontop of original discounts even for 5* luxury you have to ask yourself – WHAT IS THE CATCH? Nobody will loose willingly.

Last Minute? Where has this phrase come from? It is understood that for a certain reason a customer would want to book a holiday and travel immediately and make a last minute request for an available place somewhere, but what is not understood is; What is the relation between being a last minute booking and being cheap. Actually a hard last minute order must be more expensive because you are asking for a hard thing to find, unless the last minute is about booking a place where nobody wants and you come so late that you take it with cheap rates.

We are sure that customers will finally be aware what is meant behind the words; cheap is cheap, discounted will lead to disaster and last minute will never be the way that it is defined. We have been using words like cheap and discounted on our website to define the actual, original best hotel deals with a good bargain, it has dawned on us that we are helping to spread the "cutting costs at any price' culture in the UK tourism industry.

We at Smashholidays.com have decided to discontinue using these words on our website. Instead we will continue to provide the best quality hotels, the best quality places and the best quality customer experience at the best price, the same as what we have been doing for the last 30 years. We will just stand and provide people with real deals.

What Are the Top 3 Locations in a Nile River Cruise?

2010-07-30T01:21:00.000-07:00

What Are the Top 3 Locations in a Nile River Cruise?

Istanbul – The European Capital Of Culture 2010

2010-07-29T04:50:00.000-07:00

Istanbul was always the capital of Turkey, even though the actual capital is now Ankara, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, with population over 12 million, and the 2nd largest city in Europe. Istanbul is the cultural, economic, and financial centre for Turkey, and is the connector between Asia and Europe sides of the Bosphorus.

The city was built around 600 BC by Greek settlers, then Constantine the Great chose it as the capital of the Roman Empire in 330 AD, and changed the city name to become Constantinopolis. This named remained all the Byzantine and Ottoman, but it was officially changed to Istanbul the year 1930.

And although Istanbul is overwhelmed by the Ottoman archetict, but the are clear building archeticts that belong to the Byzants, Romans and Greeks, and along side the city's famous mosques, there are many historical churches. The Byzants acropolis at the Topkapı Palace, and Maiden's (Leander's) Tower from the greek era that has undergone a number of changes, anlargments and restorations by the Byzants. The are also the classical Roman model of domes and arches visible at Aya Sophia (formerly known as the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus) once a church then a mosque and now a museum, Hagia Irene church, and the larg building called Prison of Anemas.

The Ottomans archetict is visible in the towering mosques and ornate palaces, Anadoluhisar castle, Rumelihisar castle, Sultan Ahmed Mosque known as the Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, Yeni Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, and Beylerbeyi Palace.

Today, Istanbul is full with celebratory performances and festivals, including art and architecture shows, jazz festivals, rock and hip-hop concerts, ballet, film festivals, and fashion events, new restaurants, stylish bars, nightclubs all giving the city a chance to showcase its culture.

Istanbul is the European Capital of Culture 2010, which add another good reason to visit it this year, and for this, the city will hold an extensive culture calander the whole years, and for more details, please visit the events agenda for Istanbul as the European Capital of Culture 2010.

Some highlight for the upcoming events:

- Special Ramadan Istanbul Events (Aug. 8–Sept. 8).

- A dervish Mevlevi Culture and Sema Ceremony (Sundays in Aug.)

- Puppet Festival (Aug. 23 – 28) where groups will participate from France, Russian Federation, Hungary, Spain, Spain, Brazil, Japan, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy and Turkey.

- Imperial Performance is a special show on Sultanahmet Square evoking festivities of the Ottoman era, involving acrobats, wrestlers, riders, fireworks, horse races and martial arts (Aug 11 - Sep 8).

- The Barbarossa Project is a dancing and musical production featuring the life of Kaptan-ı Derya (Fleet Admiral of the Ottoman Navy) Barbarossa Hayreddin Pasha and the Mediterranean sailors of the 16th Century, and exposing the issue of human-water relationship in modern life with the historical connection.(July – September 2010).

- Designed by Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency Theatre and Performing Arts Directorate, providing an international platform to create new dance choreographies (Sep 15 - 22).

-An event quaintly entitled Istanbul is having fun on the street will be a celebration of street theatre and circus at squares and streets along the coastline of the Golden Horn, the five-mile inlet and natural harbour at the heart of the city (Sep 15-26).

- Turkey's own long tradition of shadow theatre is celebrated in Karagöz in Istanbul, Istanbul in Karagöz. Events include shows at a variety of venues (June - Nov), an exhibition (July 1 - 30), and the International Shadow Theatre Festival (Oct 12 - 16).

Find out some of our fine hotel deals when visiting Istanbul:

Divan Istanbul Asia Hotel 5 stars hotel starting from: £ 104.40 Per Room Per Night

Dedeman Istanbul Hotel 5 stars hotel starting from: £ 109.80 Per Room Per Night

Elite world Istanbul 5 stars hotel starting from: £ 145.68 Per Room Per Night

Marmara Taksim Hotel 5 stars hotel starting from: £ 162.84 Per Room Per Night

The Plaza Hotel 5 stars hotel starting from: £ 93.60 Per Room Per Night

Atakoy Marina Hotel 4 stars hotel starting from: £ 84.00 Per Room Per Night

Black Bird Hotel Istanbul 4 stars hotel starting from: £ 72.00 Per Room Per Night

Cartoon Hotel 4 stars hotel starting from: £ 85.20 Per Room Per Night

Hotel Bulvar Palas 4 stars hotel starting from: £ 69.60 Per Room Per Night

Eresin Taxim Premier 4 stars hotel starting from: £ 105.60 Per Room Per Night

Elite World Prestige Hotel 4 stars hotel starting from: £ 104.76 Per Room Per Night

Green Park Taksim Hotel 4 stars hotel starting from: £ 74.40 Per Room Per Night

Golden Age 1 hotel 4 stars hotel staring from: £ 72.00 Per Room Per Night

Golden Age 2 Hotel 4 stars hotel starting from: £ 86.40 Per Room Per Night

The Lady Diana Hotel 4 stars hotel starting from: £ 75.60 Per Room Per Night

Titanic City Hotel 4 stars hotel starting from: £ 94.38 Per Room Per Night

Riva Hotel Taksim 4 stars hotel starting from: £ 33.93 Per Room Per Night

Hottest and Latest Hotel Deals From smashholidays.com

2010-07-27T02:30:00.000-07:00

Prices are in £.

Latest Hotel deals

The Magic of Cyprus

2010-07-24T23:40:00.000-07:00

How many people could accurately point to the location of Cyprus on a map of the world.Well the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean lies at its eastern most end just a few miles of the coast of Southern Turkey.

With its sandy beaches, historical sights and beautiful scenery, Cyprus creates a perfect holiday. The island for all seasons, Cyprus enjoys year-round sun, great nightlife and a wonderful atmosphere. According to Greek mythology, Cyprus is said to have been Aphrodite’s, the Godess of Love’s, birthplace, and once you have spent just a few days there, it’s easy to see why holidaymakers fall in love with it.

Although a small country, Cyprus has a distinguished cultural heritage. The island bears witness to its millenia of cultural history. Cyprus has been occupied and inhabited by countless peoples over many years all of whom have a lasting and indelible imprint on this charming and beautiful island. Because of the islands clost proximity to the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, Cyprus exudes an atmosphere of very varied and diverse cultural influences and with 9000 years of history this island is truly a most magical and special holiday island.

Although the island is divided between the Turkish North(The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or TRNC as it is locally known)and the Greek South, in practical terms it is now entirely possible to travel between the 2 sides of the island with the minimum of fuss and formalities.

Despite the long standing feuding and diplomatic tensions between the Greeks and the Turks, when you visit Cyprus you will be struck at just how similar both sides of the island are. Although this is a politically divided island the warmth of both the Turkish and Greek Cypriot people is the overriding memory and impression which you will take away with you back to your own home.

For Cyprus is not just a place to go and have a well earned rest in the sun as is the case with many holiday locations, no, far from it, to go to Cyprus, is to immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of Aphrodite’s Island of Love and to make long lasting friendships with its people who will welcome you and treat you as they would a long lost friend or returning family member.

Indeed I challenge you to go to any restaurant or taverna on this island and to come away at the end of the evening and not to have met and been introduced to the owner of the establishment and to have shared “a drink on the house!”

An article from Greek Islands Holidays

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See Limasol hotel deals

See Ayia Napa hotel deals

The Benefits of Advanced Online Hotel Bookings

2010-07-18T01:16:00.000-07:00

The Benefits of Advanced Online Hotel Bookings

Submitted by: The online hotels booking and cheap hotels website: smashholidays.com.

Sharm El Sheikh is growing clubbing destination

2010-06-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

Long a favourite destination among sun-seekers and scuba divers, Sharm El Sheikh is emerging as a top destination for clubbing holidays, as young holidaymakers are drawn by cheaper deals outside of the eurozone.

The favourable exchange rate has already seen holidays in Sharm El Sheikh become one of the leading choices for British travellers in 2010. According to Luke Nathan of Travelsoon, investment in the clubbing infrastructure of the Red Sea resort over the past few years is now beginning to pay off as an increasing number of travellers book stays in Egypt’s favourite resort city.

The favourable exchange rate has already seen holidays in Sharm El Sheikh become one of the leading choices for British travellers in 2010. According to Luke Nathan of Travelsoon, investment in the clubbing infrastructure of the Red Sea resort over the past few years is now beginning to pay off as an increasing number of travellers book stays in Egypt’s favourite resort city.

“Egypt has always been popular with older, wealthier holidaymakers but there’s a distinct sea change on the way,” Mr Nathan explained.

“Euro-led price hikes have put traditional clubbing destinations out of the reach of many younger travellers, hence we’ve steadily seen demand increase for Sharm El Sheikh clubbing holidays since early last year.”

Among the new venues luring clubbers to Sharm El Sheikh is Pangaea, located in the centre of Soho Square, which is the first purpose-built club aimed at those taking luxury holidays in the city. Another popular destination for party animals is Pacha Sharm El Sheikh, which has a capacity of 3,000 and provides clubbers with a venue to rival Ibiza.

Sharm El Sheikh’s growing reputation as a clubbing destination is spreading rapidly, thanks to the internet. Mr Nathan explained: “Clubbers are getting back home and blogging about their experiences. They’re tweeting from Egypt and posting photos on Facebook.”

Article By: British Airways – Travel Industry News
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Check out our Sharm ElSherikh hotels at smashholidays.com.

Holidays in Cyprus - The Sunshine Island

2010-06-29T03:46:00.000-07:00

Holidays in Cyprus - The Sunshine Island

Holiday spending: How to beat the Budget blues

2010-06-23T23:38:00.000-07:00

The pain of VAT increases announced in this week's Budget – which will push up the cost of holidays in Britain in particular – has at least been put off until early next year. The announcement of a review of airport departure tax raises more questions than it answers, although increases seem virtually certain. But whatever you thought about the Chancellor's announcements, it is extremely unlikely that you have been left feeling richer. And you probably feel even more in need of some kind of a holiday this summer. So, with austerity in mind, here are my top 12 tips on how to save money when booking a holiday and while travelling this summer.

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Romantic Alexandria, Egypt

2010-06-22T01:17:00.000-07:00

As avid students of Antiquity, we’ve always been keen to visit Alexandria, which was founded by Alexander the Great after he conquered Egypt in 332 B.C. Rejecting the ancient capital of Memphis, Alexander chose a strategic spot with a fine natural harbor on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast as the site for his new capital, and following his death, the thriving city become the intellectual center of the Hellenistic world.

Euclid (“the father of geometry”) and Eratosthenes, the mathematician famed for calculating the circumference of the earth, lived here, and the storied Library was the largest in the ancient world — a magnet for scholars from all over the Mediterranean and beyond. The towering Lighthouse at the entrance to the city’s harbor was one of the original Seven Wonders of the World.

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Nile River Cruises Holidays: Shocking Truth and Facts!

2010-06-20T23:02:00.000-07:00

Cruising down the Nile River is said to be an experience of a lifetime. Most people who plan last minute holidays to this country end up taking all inclusive Nile cruises without have sufficient knowledge about the trip.

If you want to make the most of your Nile cruise holidays, then, there are some questions, which you need to get answered first.

Q1: What is the optimum number of days for a Nile cruise?

There are Luxor package holidays that offer cruises holidays varying from three to fourteen days. Most people, who are looking for cheap holidays in Egypt, end up opting for the three day option.

This is indeed not enough since you will not be able to cover most of the attractions in this country. Hence, most travel experts recommend duration of at least four days on your all inclusive holidays to cruise through the river and to visit almost all the interesting places.

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Why A Cruise Ship Wedding Is Fun For Everyone

2010-06-20T02:27:00.000-07:00

A cruise ship wedding is an experience you will hold dear forever. Wedding on a cruise ship is unique and fun. Many cruise ships even have wedding chapels designated for cruise ship weddings or vow renewals.

A cruise ship wedding can be more fun than a traditional wedding. All cruise lines have different packages and rules for receptions and number of guests. The internet and your travel agent should have all the information about a wedding on a cruise ship for any particular cruise line. Not all the captains are licensed to marry you, but many lines will have a priest or rabbi or some other officiate that may provide these ceremonies. If you considering a cruise ship wedding, plan early so you won’t be disappointed. Lots of cruise ships limit the number of ceremonies per cruise. Some of the Cruise Lines that offer cruise ship weddings are discussed below.

Princess Cruises has a wedding chapel where they perform the cruise ship weddings. The Grand Princess and her sister ships all have wedding chapels. Here the Captain is able to perform the ceremony. Wedding options start at $1400.00 per couple with receptions around $70-$80.00 per head. There will be hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, drinks and an official marriage certificate, a cake and music. The ships photographer is available and the ships florist can design any arrangements that you have in mind. You can check out their packages on line. Click on the On Board link and then the wedding/special occasions link to get information on weddings on a cruise ship. They even supply you with a phone number for a wedding consultant. The Hearts and Minds Chapel is quite quaint and perfect for a wedding on a cruise ship.

A more upscale option is Crystal Cruise who will perform ceremonies for weddings, vow renewals or anniversaries. Your cruise ship wedding will be performed by the captain or a member of the clergy and includes Champagne, a Portrait, and a cake. They also have a Honeymoon Package with a cake, champagne, a picture and a certificate signed by the captain. I would discuss this one with your agent but of course you could check out their website.

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Travel Insurance: Worth the Cost?

2010-06-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

It’s been a rough travel season so far: massive oil spill, unrest in Greece, volcanic ash clouds and pilots on strike.

So it’s is no surprise more travelers are looking to insure their summer getaways.

“You have to look at your personal situation and the value of your trip,” says Jim Grace, president and CEO of InsureMyTrip.com. “Deciding whether not travel insurance is right for you depends on the person, destination, [and] travel type.”

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Hotel Online Booking Made Easy

2010-06-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hotel Online Booking Made Easy

Travel News

2010-06-19T11:07:00.001-07:00

This week’s travel news

SmashHolidays.com An online hotel booking website that offers cheap hotel deals.

2010-06-18T01:04:00.000-07:00

SmashHolidays.com An online hotel booking website that offers cheap hotel deals.

Antalya - Heaven on Earth

2010-06-12T03:41:00.000-07:00

Merhaba! Here is the "Heaven on Earth", according to the traditional local story. Here is Antalya. Built by king Attalos II year 150 BC, and was first named "Attaleai", then later named in Turkish "Adalia" then "Antalya". And the city Antalya gave this Turkish province its name. And since then, the area entered the culture mixer: The Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks in turn occupied the region before it came under the Ottoman rule.
So Heaven on Earth! A multi-culture area, and now the Turkish Riviera.

Antalya is a coastal province between the Tauras Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, south west of Turkey. And this beautiful location made the province one of the important centers for the Turkish tourism and part of the Turkish Riviera (The Turquoise Coast). The province has a long shoreline (657 Km) with many districts: Kalkan, Kas, Kale, Finike, Kumluca, Kemer, Antalya, Aksu, Serik, Belek, Side, Manavgat, Alanya, Gazipasa and Saklikent to name most of them.
There are also a big amount of beaches: Cleopatra's Beach on the west of Alanya, Incekum Beach 20 km away from Alanya and good for camping, East Beach east of Alanya (Mersin - Alanya), Ulas Beach which is 6 km long, Koru Beach with its 3 natural sea pools, Lara Beach

12 Km east of Antalya, Konyaalti Beach 3 km. away Antalya, Kemer Beach, Phaselis Beach, Patara Beach preserved area, Tekirova Seaside, Finike Seaside, Adrasan Seaside with its natural port, Sorgun Beach, Karpuz Kaldiran Beach west of Lara Beach where you enjoy The Duden Water fall, and Adalar Beach.
Antalya besides its beaches offers fantastic historical places. Ariassos and Pisidian city is 48 km from Antalya along the Antalya-Burdur highway with its intact gate, baths and rock tombs. Olympos which is 90 Km southwest of Antalya city near the town of Kumluca. Antiphellos, Myra, Phellos and Sure in Kale. Arycanda, Limyra, Melanippe, Trebema, and Lycian rock graves in Finike. Lycian city of Phaselis in Kemer. Pamphylia and the temple of Athena in Side. The church of St. Nicholas (Nicholas of Myra, or the model for Santa Calus) in Demre. The caves of Beldibi, Damlatas and Karain and the Hidirlik Kulesi (clock tower) originally constructed as a lighthouse in the second century.

The area has it's natural beauty, the Manavgat Waterfall near the city of Side, the Kursunlu Waterfall 19 Km from Antalya, the Duden group of Waterfalls 12 km north-east of Antalya; which ends directly into the Mediterranean Sea, Koprulu canyon and National Park stretches 14 km along the Kopru River and is 400 meters deep in some places. At the rest area there are fish restaurants offering delicious food especially fresh trout. The Roman Oluk Bridge over the canyon and the Bugrum Bridge over the Kocadere stream were engineering feats of their time. Saklikent Canyon or the hidden city canyon is 18 Km long and 50 Km from Fethiye city in Antalya. The level of water rises during winter months and visitors can enter the canyon only in the summer. And there is Saklikent 50 km from Antalya and is a beautiful area for winter sports on Bakirli Mountain at an altitude of 1750-1900 meters. In March and April you can ski in the morning, eat a delicious lunch of fresh fish at Antalya's marina and sunbath, swim or wind surf in the afternoon.

And SmashHolidays.com offers the best way to stay in Antalya. The online hotel booking website has a good variety of Antalya hotels offering 3, 4 and 5 stars, half board or all inclusive meal plans, and prices that start with £200.00 per person 7 nights/8 days half board.

See some of Antalya best hotels here:

Lara Plaza Hotel
Adonis Hotel
Divan Hotel
The Marmara Antalya
Club Hotel Sera
Club Hotel Falcon
Nazar Beach Hotel
Lara Dinc Hotel

Useful phone numbers:

Ambulance Tel: 112

Police Tel: 155

Fire Tel: 110

Coast Guard Tel: 158

Tourism Info: 170

Tourism Police Tel: 527 45 03

Tourism Information Tel: 241 17 47

Akdeniz Clinic Tel: 229 06 59

Antalya Hospital Tel: 335 00 00

Antalya Gov. Hospital Tel: 243 50 60

(Ref. SmashHolidays Blog)

Falcon Naama Star Hotel

2010-06-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

Naama Bay - The most popular tourist center and shopping area in Sharm El Sheikh - Egypt (just 20 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from Hadabet Um ElSid,). A promenade 2.5 Km long, Naama bay is running between the red sea beach and a long line of hotels, cafes, bars, restaurants and bazars. It's in the middle of action in Sharm El Sheikh (one of the most popular cities in Egypt), and comes pretty alive at night: most of Sharm's clubs, cafes, beaches, restaurants, night clubs and discos starts from midnight until the dawn.

If you enjoy scuba diving, windsurfing, waterskiing or just sunbathing and swimming, or whether you enjoy nightlife, desert safari, or a sea trip, everything starts from Naama Bay.

And Falcon Naama Star Hotel is one of the famous hotels located in the center of Naama bay, and it's within a walking distance to a private sandy beach with all water sports activities, 12KM from Sharm El Sheikh international airport and 7KM from Sharm old town.

The hotel have 185 rooms well-furnished and equipped with a mini-fridge, safe box, direct dial phones, wireless internet access and individually controlled air-condition.

Falcon Naama Star facilities include buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, TV lounge & bar with internet access point, 24 hours coffee shop, pool terrace and snack bar, Bedwin cafe, integrated children's pool & playground, one outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi and one heated outdoor swimming pool.

Falcon Naama Star Hotel has its live folkloric shows & night entertainment, in-house clinic, Sauna / Turkish bath / steam room, diving center for ON/OFF shore diving, diving courses and equipment rental, sports activities like Tennis, mini football court, Billiard, table tennis and indoor multi gymnasium.

And as Falcon Naama Star Hotel is a popular hotel in a popular vacation destination, a lot of online booking websites offer this hotel in an attractive budget price. Smashholidays.com for example is offering 7 nights/8days as low as £159.00.

If I am ready for a vacation, sun and fun, it should be in Sharm ElSheikh, Naama bay, and book Falcon Naama Star Hotel now.