Rockarchive's New Contemporary Collection

Rockarchive is featuring the Contemporay Collection - fine art prints in editions of 300 - of a new rock 'n' roll generation featuring talent such as Kasabian, Florence and The Machine, Dizzee Rascal, Lady Gaga, Lily Allen, Muse and Kings of Leon.

However The Contemporary Collection also features current images of vintage and classic artists - Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, Leonard Cohen, The Who and Madness, all of whom are still working the road like heroes.

These C-type archival photographic prints are limited to just 300 per edition and are hand numbered, embossed with the official RA logo and packaged in a specially designed 12" album sleeve making them a perfect gift for all special occasions.

All this for just £49.99 each unframed or £99 framed (including VAT!)

Available to buy in London from: Rockarchive Gallery, Islington, The British Music Experience at O2 Arena, Demo 10 Foubert's Place off Carnaby Street and internationally through http://www.rockarchive.com/

Ocean Village Promotes 2010 offers

Ocean Village has launched its 2010 brochure including details of its farewell summer 2010 season onboard the original Ocean Village cruise ship as parent company Carnival UK is phases out the Ocean Village brand.

A £500,000 television advertising campaign during January 2010 will support the 2010 Mediterranean season, highlighting discounts of up to £200 per couple. Prices lead in at £629 per person for a week's cruise taking in Venice and Dubrovnik and including flights.

New for 2010 are Central Med sailings between Crete and Majorca with prices from £1349 per person. Ideal for repeat Ocean Village passengers looking for new destinations, the 12-night ‘Temples and Tavernas’ cruise sails from Crete on July 1, visiting Marmaris, Santorini, Athens, Cephalonia, Messina (Sicily), Rome, Toulon, Barcelona and Palma in Majorca.

Alternatively, the ‘Olives and Ouzo’ nine-night sailing departs from Majorca on September 7 and calls at Cagliari (Sardinia), Naples, Valetta (Malta), Messina (Sicily), Cephalonia, Mykonos, Marmaris and then Crete.

More about Ocean Village at: www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk

Britsh Airways - Christmas Strike

British Airways faces “massive disruption” over the busy festive travel period after cabin crew voted to take strike action.

Disruption is due to begin on December 22 and run until January 2.

Cabin crew voted by nine to one in favour of the strike action, with more than an 80% turnout.
The airline, responding to the result of THE ballot by members of the Unite union, said: “A 12-day strike would be completely unjustified and a huge over-reaction to the modest changes we have announced for cabin crew which are intended to help us recover from record financial losses.” BA added: “Unite’s cynical decision betrays a total lack of concern for our customers, our business and other employees within British Airways.”

The airline said it was “extremely disappointed” that Unite is planning massive disruption for hundreds of thousands of passengers over the Christmas/New Year holiday period.

[Report by TravelMole ]

Richmond, The American International University in London:

Choice of Enrolment Dates – Apply Now for Spring 2010

Planning University or Further Education studies for 2010? Looking for a quality American education in a British setting? The good news is that Richmond, The American International University in London offers exactly that - PLUS a choice of admissions dates throughout the year, in September, May, June and January. Indeed, applications are still possible for Spring 2010.

For international students wishing to study in London, Richmond operates two semesters and two summer sessions. Priority application deadlines are March 1st for Fall semester applications and November 1st for Spring semester applications. Applications received after the priority deadlines are considered on a space available basis.
Richmond runs a rolling admissions procedure for all its degree courses, which include 13 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs. Once we have received completed forms and all the necessary accompanying documentation, we will consider the application and provide a decision as soon as possible. If you are waiting for references or final exam results, you may still send the application and may be accepted on a provisional basis. Any remaining documents required by the University must be submitted to the Admissions Office before registration.

Additionally Richmond offers 2 full-time one year Masters programs in History of Art or International Relations. Both programs start annually in September Meantime, with the arrival of the New Year, Richmond the American International University in London has added new and in-depth video presentations to its website, and is busy taking registrations for its next Open Day on April 9th 2010. So - if you are planning UK-based studies in 2010, now is the time to take a look at Richmond for a top quality American Education in a vibrant, friendly British Setting.

For full information on all our courses, including online video presentations and application forms, visit www.richmond.ac.uk now! Or please call Admissions on 020 8332 8200 or e-mail us at enroll@richmond.ac.uk

Virgin Holidays - USA Winter Breaks with Hilton Hotels

Virgin Holidays have announced a fine range of holidays across the USA in association with the Hilton family of hotels. These holidays represent superb value for money and offer a great choice.

Customers can book a cosmopolitan break in New York, and adventure across California or non-stop entertainment in Las Vegas - all based on a welcoming stay at a Hilton hotel.

Deals include the Waldorf Astoria in New York from £699 per person for 3 nights, room only; the Los Angeles Beverley Hilton from £739 for 5 nights, room only; or 5 nights at the Hilton Grand Vacations in Las Vegas, room only.

All deals include Virgin Atlantic flights, and these prices are for selected November and December departures.

More Virgin Holidays Offers

Hayes & Jarvis - Far East Programme Expansion

Featuring tailor-made, flexible programmes, worldwide tour operator Hayes and Jarvis is expanding in the Far East with a brochure which includes Vietnam and Cambodia for the first time in 3 years.

A Highlights of Vietnam tour covers Hanoi, the world heritage site of Halong Bay, Hoi Nan, Hue, My Son and Ho Chi Minh City. Prices start at £1,495 including flights.

The operator's Cambodia offering is a 3-day tour called the Angkor Circuit, which can be added as an extension to the Highlights of Vietnam itinerary, or can be used in any tailor-made trip to IndoChina.

In addition to these new tours, Hayes and Jarvis is also offering Japan for the first time, with a 7-day Treasures of Japan tour from £1,729 per person.

Also offered are the resorts of Phuket and Pattaya, as well as Bali.

The brochure is valid from now until January 2011.

More at: www.hayesandjarvis.co.uk

Visit www.asiatravel.org for more information on Far East Travel

Art Basics - How to Commission a Sculpture

By Carl L. Wright

A. Before Seeing the Sculptor:

• Find a primary location and one or two backup locations that need sculpture. One location might not be just right and it is good to have another location that would serve just as well.

• Take pictures of where the sculpture is to go: both the primary and backup locations. What is the sculpture to do?
1. Evoke an emotion, mood, or feeling?
2. Symbolize a significant moment for you?
3. Be in the same style as other sculptures that you have seen?

• Check several different sculptors websites or art galleries to see the kind of work they do.
1. After surveying several sculpture websites:
a. Make sure that the sculptor you choose has done several sculptures in the material that you are interested in - stone, welded steel, cast bronze, etc.
b. Regardless if you are interested in a sculpture based on a human or an abstract, make sure they have done more than one or two sculptures in a style that you like.
c. Pick out several sculptures off the sculptors' website that you are particularly drawn to so that you can have a visual way to communicate with the artist. Bring along copies of these sculptures, to the sculptor/client meeting - see below, so that you can point to the sculptures that particularly speaks to you.

• Based on the artist's price of other sculpture, determine the budget you want to spend on the sculpture.

B. Sculptor/Client Meeting

• Show sculptor pictures of possible locations for sculpture, discuss total budget, optimal delivery time for you, and show sculptor examples of sculpture or mention which of his pieces that appeals to you. This can be done in-person or by email.

C. After initial Sculptor/Client Meeting

• If required, Sculptor makes basic scale models and/or computer mockups of proposed sculpture(s) and estimates costs/charges and sends them to you.

D. Client Approval & Agreement

• After your approval, sculptor and client will sign an agreement stating goals, budget, payment schedule and delivery time.

• Sculptor receives deposit.

• If required by agreement and included in price, Sculptor makes a full-sized model in foam for placement at your location for approval.

E. After Contract Approval

• Order Stone and begin sculpture. Send periodic photos if necessary to show progress and keep client involved.

• Half-way preview (if appropriate/provided for in agreement)

• Completion

• Final Payment

• Delivery

This may sound a little involved but it is not truely that complex. In real life a lot of steps are combined and/or eliminated depending on the client/sculptor working relationship.

Carl Wright is a full time abstract stone sculptor who lives and works in the DC metropolitan area. He carves sculptures from table top size up to corporate lobby size. His work can be seen at: http://www.wsggallery.com He is represented by 4 galleries and also has in-stock sculpture as well as taking custom orders.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carl_L._Wright
http://EzineArticles.com/?Art-Basics---How-to-Commission-a-Sculpture&id=1914668

Stone Sculpture, Brighton by Guy Stevens

Somak Holidays - Weddings in Paradise e-Brochure

Somak Holidays has launched a new e-brochure dedicated exclusively to weddings in East Africa; Kenya Safari, Mombasa and Zanzibar.

In all, the e-brochure features 24 wedding venues including a traditional Masai village. A description of each venue is included, with details of location and facilities. Prices of standard wedding packages are clearly itemised with other packages and optional extras outlined if applicable. Legal requirements are also covered.

As an example, a standard wedding package at Hemingways in Watamu Bay, Mombasa costs £715 during 2010. It includes venue decorated with fresh flowers, toast with sparkling wine at ceremony, registrar's fees, licence and certificate, one-tier wedding cake, photographer and 24 prints, bridal bouquet and buttonhole of fresh roses, best man/witness (if required) and room upgrade after Dubai could prove a popular destination for family holidays this year following the launch of a 'kids go free' offer.

View/Download at: www.somak.com

Music Photography in London - Exhibition

A fine new exhibition opens at the Roundhouse in London on August 2nd. This is the PopView Lex van Rossen Award Exhibition 2009, featuring work by this year's winner of the coveted Lex van Rossen Award: young Belgian photographer Tom Verbruggen. The accolade, which was awarded earlier in the year at The Eurosonic/Noorderslag Festival in Groningen, recognised Verbruggen's talent for capturing impressive live silhouettes and atmospheric backstage portraits.

Amongst the highlights on display will be images taken by NME photographer Danny North, representing UK talent with his portfolio of shots on the road, at music festivals and in the studio. The work of other commended finalists include, the unobtrusive imagery of Belgian photographer Charlie de Keersmaecker; quirky journalistic shots taken by Dutch photographer Jordi Huisman and striking portraitures captured by Frenchman Julien Bourgeois. Also included are Finnish photographer Kalle Bjorklid's riveting images of audience interaction and Danish photographer, Patrick Ryming's documentation of the highs and lows of life on tour.

The European character of this award is underlined by the support of Rockarchive, the international collective for music photographers.

Port Eliot Festival

WIth the summer festival season now well under way, why not consider the amazing Port Eliot Festival in Cornwall?

Port Eliot Festival is this summer’s most original, inspirational and downright decadent garden party. It features a host of top authors, cabaret turns, comedians and more live music and DJs than ever before.

At Port Eliot you can also swim, moonwatch, enjoy tree walks and dance – in fact this year’s festival is shaping up to be the best yet, offering you an experience like no other.

With less than a month to go, yet more great additions to the Port Eliot line-up are still being announced - from a scorching Saturday night set by the full Magic Numbers band to actor Dominic West (aka Jimmy McNulty in The Wire) gracing Port Eliot's stages to bring a slice of Baltimore to the fabulous Cornwall litfest that is Port Eliot , St Germans.

Vist the Port Eliot website for this years best Cornwall Festival

Classic Collection - New Turkey programme

Classic Collection Holidays has introduced a brand new mini-brochure featuring hand-picked luxury hotels in Turkey.

The programme is based around six five-star hotels (two of which are all-inclusive) and two boutique-style properties in Bodrum, Marmaris, Icmeler, Fethiye, Gocek and Dalaman.

Holidays can be tailor-made to include flights from local airports in the UK with private transfers from either Dalaman or Bodrum airport to the hotel automatically included.

Seven night holidays start from £651 per person at the Acqua Hotel in Icmeler which is situated on a sandy beach in the secluded blue-flag Icmeler bay. All-inclusive prices start from £890 per person at the Hilton Dalaman Golf Resort & Spa, an ultra-modern beachside resort hotel enjoying splendid views and a fantastic array of facilities.

The sophisticated boutique Swissotel Marina & Spa Resort in Gocek is set amidst lush, tranquil gardens and boasts attentive service and luxuriously stylish guest rooms. Prices start from £841 per person for seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis. The contemporary, chic and secluded Club Resort Select Marmaris, 35 kilometres from Marmaris, enjoying spectacular bay views, huge free-form swimming-pool and numerous private beaches, offers full-board holidays from £919 per person.

All prices based on two people sharing and include return flights and private transfers.

Visit http://www.classic-collection.co.uk/ for more .

Oasis Vintage Print Collection by Jill Furmanovsky at Christie's

On 1st July 21 vintage prints of Oasis by Jill Furmanovsky taken between 1994-7 are going under the hammer at Christies. These are key images in Oasis history.

In addition to the prints the lot includes a signed-by-the-band program from the 'Was There Then' exhibition 1997, and the book of the same name.

A twenty-one print archive from the exhibition Was There Then, The Roundhouse, London, 1997. 21 original prints containing C-type and silver gelatin fibre prints, in both colour and black and white, including: 3 images of Noel, 9 of Liam, 7 of Noel and Liam and 2 of the band as a whole - various sizes, all framed.

See a selection Oasis Photos at http://www.rockarchive.com/

Tailormade Explore: Special East Africa Tour

Specialist worldwide adventure tour company Tailormade Explore is offering a 14-day tour of Tanzania and Zanzibar from £4,695 per person – a saving of £640. The itinerary includes a week split between the little-visited Ruaha National Park and the Selous Game Reserve, the largest in Africa.

The company offers accommodation in two luxurious tented camps in the parks, followed by six days soaking up the sun in Zanzibar, famously known as 'The Spice Island'. The price includes return flights from Heathrow, with regional connections available, plus all internal flights and twelve nights accommodation (seven nights Full Board in tented camp, four nights Half Board at Echo Beach Hotel and one night’s B&B in Stone Town, Zanzibar). All transport is included.

This special discount is available for all bookings made by June 30th for travel between June 2009 & March 2010.

http://www.tailormadeexplore.co.uk/

Virgin Holidays - Ski Brochure 2010

Virgin Holidays' Snow 2009/10 brochure is out now, valid from December 2009 to April 2010.

The programme features free car rental upgrades and ski racks in the USA and Canada when clients purchase fully inclusive or Platinum packages, teen prices at all New England, Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain properties, and many other offers including free nights and room upgrades at selected properties.

For the first time Virgin is offering maximum flexibility with per-night prices for every hotel and easy-to-use seven-night package prices.

A seven-night ski package to North Conway USA costs from £574 per person for departures on December 1 2009. The holiday includes Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow to Boston and car hire.

More at: www.virginholidays.co.uk

AIrport Parking: www.holiday-parking.co.uk

Rockarchive Celebrates Cliff Richard

Coinciding with the 50th Anniversay tour of pop evergreens Clif Richard and the Shadows, rock photography specialist Rockarchive.com have some great new images of Cliff and the band. The images capture candid moments recording at the famous Abbey Road studios, in the eary days of their success (6 million albums sold, and a 3rd movie in production) . Already the brooding images of Cliff indicate a young man grappling with big questions of fame and meaning.


Twenty years since their last performance together, Cliff and The Shadows are reuiniting to celebrate their 50th anniversary in the music industry. In the late '50s and early '60s, Cliff and The Shadiwss dominated the British popular music scene. They had record-breaking solo and joint careers, and establishing their undisputed place in pop history.

Between them they notched up no less than 19 No 1 hits, including Living Doll, Travellin' Light, Please Don't Tease, Bachelor Boy, Wonderful Land and Apache, and starred together in the popular films Summer Holiday and The Young Ones.

In 2009 Cliff and The Shadows bring their extraordinary partnership to an end with a Golden Anniversary concert tour of the UK.

Details and tour dates

More Cliff Richard photos

Island Records - A History of 50 Years Of Cutting Edge Music

Artists such as U2, Roxy Music, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Bob Marley and - initially and exceptionally: Millie Small - all have one major, creative platform in common - a unique record label founded in 1959. This record label, in spite of being swallowed up 20 years ago by Polydor and subsequently enveloped into the Universal brand, remains a byword for independent creativity. This was Island Records, founded in Kingston, Jamaica by Chris Blackwell and despite a modest beginning pressing discs on borrowed equipment at a nearby radio station and scratching together some office space on a tiny budget, the business grew following a move to London in 1962, bringing with it a consolidation of the new wave of ska and American R&B which lit a fuse in drab late-fifties / early 60's Britain.

Historians will say of course, that it was with the Beatles and the Mersey Sound, that popular music suddenly woke up to itself after the initial flush of Mid-50's Rock & Roll had long since waned into a balladeering wasteland and a renewed mish-mash of tame hybrid styles geared to "family entertainment" - and of course there is no doubt that that the early Mersey sound crashed through all this big-time. But this was also a period of a massive cross-fertilisation of styles, and for Island Records, the first big event was to achieve a crossover for ska music into the mainstream via a crackling, populist yet unquestionably "different" sound - Millie Small's "My Boy Lollipop" - a smash hit in 1964 and a harbinger of things to come in terms of breaking new acts with styles which were uniquely ahead of the curve of what was acceptably mainstream.

Thus 3 years after this, Island was focussing on Blues-based rock music / psychedelic folk crossovers from a crop of white musicians including the extraordinary John Martyn as well as Free (a major act of the festival circuit), Spooky Tooth and Stevie Winwood's Traffic. Later came progressive bands such as King Crimson and Jethro Tull featuring a demonic Ian Anderson fronting up with that archetypal rock music instrument - the flute!

By the late 60's the label was signing a wave of eclectic folk acts including Dr Strangely Strange, Nick Drake and Fairport Convention - each hugely individual and influential - and shortly afterwards adding a strand of art-pop to the mix, via Bryan Ferry's Roxy Music.

But of course, it does not stop there. Moving back to its Jamaican roots, the label signed a band locally feted in hometown Jamaica called Bob Marley and the Wailers. Convinced that they had found a "black rock star as big as Hendrix", according to Chris Blackwell, Island Records invested heavily on his instincts and produced Marley's first album "Catch a Fire". History was made. Soon, Bob Marley was to become Island Records' biggest selling act.

Following this reassertion of reggae as a musical force, many reggae acts followed, including Burning Spear, Toots and the Maytals and Steel Pulse. But alongside these were also Robert Palmer, Grace Jones and Tom Waits - and more tellingly, from the Dublin connections which started with Dr Strangely Strange and which influenced the development of acts such as Thin Lizzy, Island signed a new and raw act called U2 , who were, of course, to become the stellar rock act of the 1980's and some would say beyond.

The influence of Island Records is thus there for all to see. When looking at the major waves of creative forces against the explosive backdrop of changing popular music tastes in the decades after the 1960's, attention is grabbed by labels such as Island Records. Such labels took the commercial chances which ensured a raft of creative flowerings, and regular, risk-embracing forays into uncharted waters of creativity.

See iconic Rock Music Photography, including several Island Records acts at Rockarchive.com

Country Connect Tourist Office Directory

Country Connect has recently re-vamped its Tourist Office and destination information search directory for the UK-resident traveller. The site re-design allows users to find the contact information of Tourist Offices and Embassies in the UK for over 260 world destinations. In addition, the directory has contry-by country links to the relevant travel advice from the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as well as BBC climate data, and full country profiles by the CIA.

Context-sensitive links also allow users to book a large variety of tours and accommodation throughout the world, as well as airport hotels for overnight stays either at the beginning or end of their trip.

Visit Country Connect at www.countryconnect.co.uk

Transun - Lapland and the Arctic

Transun has just released a brochure of Lapland holidays and Santa breaks. Prices start from £699 for a three-night Lapland Magic package. Regional departures are available from Gatwick, Stansted, East Midlands, Manchester, Birmingham, Blackpool, Cardiff, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Leeds Bradford.

Also new is the specialist operator's Arctic Spirit 2010 brochure featuring a range of single and twin-centre holidays inside the Arctic Circle, including Northern Lights and husky expeditions. Departures are from Gatwick, from mid-January through to the end of March 2010. A three-night Igloo Interlude starts from £499 per person and a three-night Northern Lights break starts from £699 per person.

Full details and online brochures at: www.transun.co.uk

Airport Parking at Gatwick: www.gatwick-airport-parking-discounts.co.uk

Irish Ferries Reduces peak fares

New lower fares for peak season travel to Ireland (July 4 to August 31 2009), with savings of up to 39 % for online bookings, have been announced by Irish Ferries.

The new lead-in price is £99 each way for a car plus two adults on the Pembroke/Rosslare route for travel Monday to Thursday; £119 for Friday and Sunday crossings and £129 for Saturdays. Additional adults pay £20 each while children (four to 15 years) pay £10 each.

For June travel the lead-in is £79 for the Pembroke/Rosslare crossing.

More at: www.irishferries.com

Berlin City Break

Germany specialist DERTOUR is promoting a special Berlin City Break weekend package available all summer.

The special package includes:

- 2 nights bed and breakfast in 3-star centrally located hotel
- Return flights from London Heathrow with Lufthansa
- Berlin Welcome Card - offering 3 days free public transport and
discounted rates for many museums, restaurants and shops
- Berlin video and audio self-guided Wall Tour - a chance to view and relive the historical events of the Berlin Wall.

Priced from £259 , this is one of many travel ideas offered by DERTOUR on their website at www.dertour.co.uk


Airport parking: www.holiday-parking.co.,uk

Princess Cruises - 2010 brochure now on sale

Princess Cruises' Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Canada & New England 2010 brochure went on sale on April 20 2009. The cruise programme includes seven-, 12-, 14- and 18-night itineraries from the UK on three ships.

Grand Princess sails 14-night round-trip Mediterranean cruises and seven-night cruises to Spain and Scandinavia from Southampton. Prices start from £599 for seven nights and £1019 for 14 nights. Free coach transfers or free parking are available on all 14-night cruises from the UK.

Ruby Princess cruises the Mediterranean and Greek Isles with convenient same day flights from Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Fly-cruise prices start from £1299 for a 12-night holiday.

More details at: www.princess.com

Airport Parking: www.holiday-parking.co.uk

Carnival Cruises - New Ship

Carnival Cruise Lines' largest and most innovative ship, Carnival Dream, comes into service in September 2009. Among her features, she will boast more outdoor deck space, more stateroom categories, the largest spa in the fleet, Carnival Waterworks and a new dining and entertainment complex called The Piazza.

The ship will cruise a short Mediterranean season in the autumn of 2009 and then move to operate seven-night Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral. Prices start at £1,369 per person for a 17 night transatlantic fly/cruise from Rome to New York or from £1119 per person for a nine-night Caribbean fly/cruise.

More at:
http://www.carnivalcruise.co.uk/

Unordinary People: Exhibition of Youth at London's Albert hall

A new exhibition is now open at Londons Albert Hall, which reflect Youth culture from the 1960's to the present day.

Unordinary People is brought to you by acclaimed youth culture archive, PYMCA. Celebrating the self-expression, idealism, frustrations, resilience and creative vitality of young people, the exhibition will take place at the Royal Albert Hall, as part of the venue's reflect exhibition series.

Unordinary People features an eclectic selection of rare and exclusive cultural photography, archive video footage and excerpts from essays that will highlight the history, lifestyles, fashions, hairstyles, music and subcultures of British youth culture, from the 1960s to the present day. (This documentary approach provides a fascinating insight into the lives, circumstances and concerns of the subjects

Unordinary People heralds the dawn of a new era for PYMCA with the launch of PYMCA Cultural Research. In 2009, PYMCA's spectacular imagery collection is to be complemented by extensive research texts from respected authors including Ted Polhemus and Dave Swindells, plus a collaboration with Frank Broughton and Bill Brewster from DJhistory.com. The research archive is to be further bolstered by the inclusion of video content from the BBC Motion Gallery and will also include streamed music. This unique youth culture resource has been over ten years in the making and will now be accessible, on a subscriber basis, to consumers, educational establishments and businesses alike


The exhibition will feature within the Royal Albert Hall's grand circle corridor, leading you on a unique journey through the decades and will be the first time PYMCA has displayed all its archive genres together in one showcase

In addition to the images on display, PYMCA has selected its most spectacular and best-loved images to be available in one limited edition exhibition book, available at the PYMCA shop online.

More at http://www.rockarchive.com/

The Clash - New Photos Exclusive to Rockarchive

Photographer Allan Ballard has allowed exclusive publication of some fantastic images of The Clash - mainly of Joe Strummer on stage and relaxing in the dressing room surrounded by discarded guitar strings and coke bottles..

Here are some the links:

The Clash waiting to go on stage

Strummer singing to the crowd

Joe Strummer in the dressing room

Joe Strummer post gig


Allan Ballard began his photographic career at the Evening Standard where he assisted the picture editor. He then assisted eminent fashion photographer John Cowan. Together they traveled extensively on fashion assignments.

More at www.rockarchive.com

Richard Mann - New on Rockarchive

New on Rockarchive's website of rock photography through the decades, are Richard Mann's compelling images of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen,

In 1978 Richard found himself spending the day with the ill-fated pair. The shoot was for Record Mirror, the day began in Joe Allen's, Covent Garden and finally ended up in Richard Branson's toilet!

Born 1954 in Norwich, Richard Mann studied Graphic Design at Saint Martins and was soon guided in the direction of photography by Dermot Goulding, who became a visionary mentor and galvanizing force during that formative period.

Commissions from Record Mirror, Sounds and NME soon followed. Richard found his art school education had ended as the Punk movement was gathering pace and a period of high-contrast creativity ensued; mainly black & white photography which included Ian Dury, The Cure, Killing Joke, Joe Strummer and Adam Ant.

Rockarchive is at www.rockarchive.com

Wizzair from Liverpool AIrport to Poland

July 11 2009 is the launch date for Wizz Air's new service between Liverpool and Prague.

The service will operate three times weekly, (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) leaving Liverpool at 12.50pm and arriving in Prague at 3.55pm local time.

One-way fares start from £12.99 including taxes and charges.The budget airline already operates flights to Warsaw, Katowice and Gdansk from Liverpool.

Wizz Air has established its 11th base in the Czech capital and currently flies from Prague to Luton, Rome Fiumicino, Milan Bergamo and Brussels Charleroi.

As well as the new route to Liverpool, Wizz will start flying four-times-weekly from Prague to Oslo Torp on July 12 2009.

Info/Bookings at: wizzair.com

Airport parking: www.airport-parking-offers.com

Glenton Holidays Launches Good Companions 2009

Scottish coach tours operator Glenton Holidays has launched its 2009 programme of escorted tours for older solo travellers from Scotland and the north of England.

Options range from day trips, visits to attractions and theatre outings to a six-day Romantic Rhine Valley tour. New this year is a five-day Best of Yorkshire film and television tour which starts from £239 per person.

All Good Companions holidays feature a Welcome Reception, the services of a Glenton host, entertainment and excursions, no single room supplements and inclusive holiday insurance.Details of all Glenton holidays at: www.glentonholidays.co.uk

Southwest Germany: Summary Guide

Baden-Württemberg, the sunny state situated in Southwest Germany bordering France, Switzerland and Austria, is well-known for its highlights: the Black Forest, Lake Constance and cities like Heidelberg, Baden-Baden and the state capital Stuttgart. Besides being undoubtedly one of the most attractive German regions it is also home to global brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ritter Sport Chocolate or Steiff Teddy bears and a must visit for connoisseurs of fine wine and good dining. For more information please visit http://www.tourism-bw.com/

Heidelberg - is associated with student life, picturesque side streets, quiet pubs and, needless to say, with Heidelberg Castle along with its architecturally significant bridge. The famous castle illuminations and fireworks (Jun 6th, Jul 11th and Sept 5th 2009) brighten the dark summer sky.

Romantic Black Forest Towns - like Freiburg, Gengenbach or Titisee-Neustadt, are surrounded by dense forest, bright mountain tops and peaks with spectacular views, mysterious glacial lakes and lush valleys and ideal starting points for outdoor activities like hiking, biking or skiing.

Stuttgart - with the opening of the new Porsche Museum, Stuttgart enhances its reputation as the centre of the German automotive industry. But the city is also famous for its events, like the beer festival Cannstatter Wasen (Sept 25th to Oct 11th) or the Stuttgart Wine Village (Aug 26th to Sept 6th).


DERTOUR for Holidays in Germany

Port Eliot Festival 2009

One of the UK’s most original, magical, bohemian, bookish, colourful, musical and humourous festivals returns to tempt you with a new adventure in 2009… Pitch your tent in the stunning fairytale grounds of the ancient Port Eliot Estate in Cornwall, cast aside all inhibition and explore.

The Caught By The River venue on the banks of the estuary, brought to you by Jeff Barrett, Robin Turner, and Andrew Walsh from Heavenly Recordings and their coterie of anglers with a Saturday night Fish Fry; the Boathouse, with One Minute Disco dishing up a crazy impromptu party on the hour, every hour; and Gavin Turk’s now-legendary House of Fairy Tales set deep in an enchanted woodland rhododendron garden. These and much more are featuring in this year's festival.

More at www.porteliotfestival.co.uk

Lowside of the Road - Biography of Tom Waits

Drifting away off-topic from holiday and travel ideas, here I am looking at "Lowside of the Road" - and stare admiringly at the fine photo on the cover.

This tome is published to coincide with the year Tom Waits' 60th birthday. Lowside of the Road is the definitive biography of this notoriously private performer.

Waits is a chameleon, who has achieved long-term success while retaining cult credibility and a certain mystique. From his 'jazzbo' years in '70's LA, to the multiple-Grammy winner of recent years, this monumental biography charts Waits's life step-by-step and album-by-album.

Affectionate and penetrating, and based on assiduous research and critical insight, Lowside of the Road is essential reading for anyone interested in Tom Waits's life and work.

Limited Edition Tom Waits Photo by Jill Furmanovsky

Roger Daltry on the Andrew Marr Show

Neat geezer, that Roger Daltry. He did a great interview today on Andrew Marr's Sunday morning show - reminding us what a regular polymath in the world of entertainment the man actually is. Singer (of course), film producer, actor and charity spokesperson - and in fact a great, down-to-earth raconteur. Seeing this archetypal school drop-out and rock-and-roll hard man develop into a "national treasure" is a bizarre experience. I liked the fact that the 40-something Andrew Marr noted wistfully that Daltry (65) looks younger than he does - a truth which was patently clear as I watched a man who seems totally happy in his own skin - able to note with a wry smile that "I hope I die before I get old" encompasses the universal truth that you are only as old as you decide you are.

Anyway, here's a great Roger Daltry photo available as a limited edition print at http://www.rockachive.com/ - the man in his heyday.

Mother's Day Ideas from the cove Restaurant, Falmouth

I took a look again today at http://www.thecovemaenporth.co.uk/ to check out any news - reminded I suppose because I've just had a visit from an old college friend who has set up home near Falmouth, and I was reminded of nice times spent in visits and wanderings, including the fine Maenporth Beach of course.

True to form, the cove is coming up with geat ideas - and currently plans are afoot to ensure Mother's Day is celebrated big time, with a raft of great gift ideas (including a gift voucher so that Mum can visit with friends any time she likes).

And of course, very special Mother's Day fare is on the menu for the day itself.

Best restaurant in Falmouth? Absolutely!
Mothers Day Ideas in full >>> here

Korea - Stopover or Stay Longer

Korea is a great destination for that touring holiday with a difference or as an alternative stopover en route to Australasia, The Pacific or other Asian cities.

With the sterling value plunging against other holiday currencies, Korea remains one of the few places in the world where the pound has retained its value. As well as competitive hotel and flight prices there are plenty of shopping bargains to be had - antiques in Insadong market, electrical goods in Yongsan and fashionable designer brands in the myriad shopping malls.

After successfully hosting the 1988 Olympics, the FIFA World Cup and Asian Games in 2002 and being shortlisted among the final three contenders for the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, Korea continues its rise as a venue for major international sporting events by hosting its first F1 Grand Prix in 2010.

2009 also sees Korea playing host to other major sporting and cultural events, including the World Biathlon Championships in February, The Lotus Lantern
Festival in April, the World B Boy/Brake Dancing Championships in May, The
World Taekwondo Expo and the World Choir Championships in July and the
World Archery Championships in September.

See Korea Tourist Office on Country Connect

Bauhaus Exhibition in Weimar

Weimar’s Bauhaus University was founded in 1919 by Walter Gropius, one of the world’s pioneers of modern architecture, and is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In honour of Bauhaus University’s 90th anniversary, the Weimar Classics Foundation is hosting a remarkable exhibition to celebrate this innovative design movement that went on to enjoy international acclaim.

Following an opening ceremony on 31st March, ‘The Bauhaus Comes From Weimar’ exhibition which will run until 5th July.

Visitors can marvel at the wonders of the Bauhaus in Weimar’s Bauhaus Museum, the Neues Museum Weimar, the Schiller Museum and the Goethe National Museum.

More Information: http://www.dertour.co.uk/

All Inclusive Cruises - Find the Best Low Cost Cruise Deals

All Inclusive Cruises - Find the Best Low Cost Cruise Deals
By Bryan Burbank

When searching for a cruise you may want to look for one that is all inclusive because it will include your room on board, your food, and entertainment. This can one of the best ways to take a vacation that is affordable for the whole family. Most of the bigger cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer cruises that include everything. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation where you do not have to worry about having a good time then take a cruise. You know exactly what it is going to cost you for your food, fun and room so there are no hidden cost.

On a traditional vacation you have to worry about each meal and where to go next. Also you really do not know what it is going to cost you because after the flight and hotel you can not predict what food and entertainment will cost. Going on a all inclusive cruise is the best of both worlds because you know exactly what the cost is going to be and you do not have to worry what you are doing from minute to minute.

Once you have made the choice to take a cruise then you need to decide what cruise you want to take and where you can get the best price possible. If you travel in the off season then you will be able to find the lowest price on a cruise but even during the peak season a cruise vacation can be much cheaper than a traditional vacation.

Remember that if you want to have a vacation that is affordable and easy to plan then you need to consider taking an all inclusive cruise. Searching online will be your best bet to find a cruise that fits your budget.

Find: Cheap Cruise Destinations

Get the: Best Cruise Price

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Discount Airfares and Cheap Vacations

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Burbank
http://EzineArticles.com/?All-Inclusive-Cruises---Find-the-Best-Low-Cost-Cruise-Deals&id=1992968

Kiss Flights: Bristol - Tenerife

Kiss Flights will operate summer flights from Bristol to Tenerife from July 3 until October 30 2009.

The budget airline's first service from Bristol will operate weekly on Fridays using Viking Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft.

Kiss Flights has already announced March and April launches for new routes from Gatwick and Manchester to Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Tenerife and from Gatwick to Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.

More details/bookings at: www.kissflights.com

Bristol Airport Parking: www.airport-parking-offers.com

Irish Ferries

Irish Ferries Holidays has special deals on three-night hotel breaks to the Kenmare Bay Hotel in Co Kerry – alongside the Kenmare river between the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.

A three-night weekend stay with breakfast in April/May 2009 is £149 per person (twin share and saving £35 each) inclusive of return cruise ferry crossing either Holyhead/Dublin or Pembroke/Rosslare for car and passengers.

More offers www.irishferries.com/

Harlequin: Caribbean and Mediterranean Offers

Harlequin Holidays is offering a range of deals on Caribbean and Mediterranean holidays during 2009. As an example, seven nights for the price of five means that a week at The Body Holiday at Le Sport, St. Lucia now costs from £1535 per person, a saving of £335, for travel between June 7 and 30 and between September 1 and October 17 2009. The price includes accommodation in a Luxury Room on an All Inclusive basis, with daily massage treatment, Virgin Atlantic flights and private transfers.

The upmarket operator's 2009 brochure features Croatia, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey for the first time. Options include city breaks across Europe, fly/drives in Italy and island-hopping in Greece.

See the full range of offers at www.harlequinholidays.com

Airport Parking & Airport Hotels : www.airport-parking-offers.com

Phantasialand: One of Europe’s Top Entertainment Parks!

German theme parks are becoming very well known to European holidaymakers, and in particular, specialist tour operators in the UK are finding a demand amongst holidaymakers looking for family-oriented breaks which keep the children entertained.

Amongst operators who feature family-based trips is German specialist DERTOUR, who feature Phantasialand in Brühl near Cologne in the heart of the Rhineland.

They promise an international world of adventure and excitement behind the gates to Phantasialand, and are keen to promote Phantasialand's multi-award winning rides and attractions. These are in seven themed "lands" throughout the park.

Amongst the rides not to be missed are the Black Mamba rollercoaster and the nerve-jangling, Aztec-inspired adventure, Talocan. Here, you can plunge 65 metres on a bungee cord through the Mystery Castle and wrestle with the rapids on the River Quest, the world’s highest rafting ride.

For smaller childeren, there is an enchanting steam-powered carousel, miniature bumper cars and Octowuzy, the interactive water playground.

In addition to thrilling rides, Phantasialand also offers a huge variety of live shows, including ‘streetXtreme’, an action-packed stunt show, and ‘Arachnomé’, a dazzling display of artistry and special effects in a winter garden setting. The whole family will enjoy singing along to musical classics in the fantastic ‘On Broadway’ show.

Opening hours for Summer 2009 are posted on the DERTOUR website

Art Café and Great Cornish Seafood - "the cove" Falmouth

January 2009 has seen the highly successful launch of ‘the cove’ Art Café at award-winning Cornish restaurant "the cove" at Maenporth Beach, Falmouth.

Designed to give watercolourists the opportunity to improve their skills in one of the most inspirational areas in Cornwall (in addition to one of the best lunches Cornwall can provide), ‘the cove’ Art Cafe is the perfect place for seasoned painters and complete beginners alike.

Under the gentle guidance of professional artist Carolina Fox you will sketch the scenery of the Maen Valley and out towards Falmouth Bay progressing throughout the day to produce you own unique piece of artwork, followed by a fabulous 2-course lunch created from local produce by award winning chef Arty Williams.

The next Art Cafés are scheduled for:

Thursday 19th February

Thursday 19th March

More info can be found at http://www.thecovemaenporth.co.uk/

Rock Photography: Young Talent Showcased

During the annual Eurosonic Nooderslag festival in Groningen Holland, the Lex Van Rossen Award, to showcase young talent in rock photography, has been presented to a European music photographer.

The prize is named after Rockarchive contributor Lex Van Rossen, one of Holland's best photographers, who died in Feb 2007. The prize consists of EU 2500, but the winner also benefits in many other ways especially from much media attention in Europe.

Last year's winner was Dutch photographer Annie Hoogendoorn, this year the coveted prize was awarded by ESN director Frank Vreeke and PopView's Floor Boogaart to Belgium photographer Tom Verbruggen.

RA's Jill Furmanovsky was in the Noordelicht gallery to open the exhibition and also to give a talk about rock photography to delegates at the festival. "The standard of the PopView awards was awesome and inspiring. We had a lot of trouble picking just one winner"

As well as winner Tom Verbruggen each one of the finalists - Patrick Ryming (DK), Danny North (GB) Jordi Huisman (NL), Kalle Bjorklid (FI), Julien Bourgeouis (FR) and Charlie de Keesmaeker (BE) was well worth seeing.

Later in 2009 Rockarchive intends to show highlights at the Roundhouse gallery in London.

More at Rockarchive.com

Sustainability and Economic Sense: A Lecture at Teesside University

Here is a slightly off-topic entry in my listings today, but coincidentally as I was looking at the Travelwhere drive towards sustainability in travel brochure distribution via online page-turning brochures, I came across a lecture happening at Teesside University which tantalising appears to promise a wide review of how industries in all sectors are handling sustainability issues through design.

The free lecture is to be given at the University tonight - Monday 26 January.

Rob Holway is probably best known as the presenter and expert from Channel 4’s 2007 screening of "Dumped" - a programme which charted the experiences of a group of strangers who were given the task of surviving on a rubbish tip.

He is also a product designer and director of the award-winning company, Giraffe Innovation. The lecture will be entitled ‘Design for a One Planet Economy’ and takes place from 5.00pm to 6.30pm in the Centuria Building. Rob's lecture is aimed at a wide audience, including businesses, decision-makers and all those who are interested in finding out more about sustainability and how it makes economic sense.

This lecture is one of a series of events running at Teesside University from Monday 26 January to Thursday 29 January

More info: Teesside University

Environmentally-friendly Brochure Distribution From New Map-Based Travel Website

A new travel portal tells the travel trade they can do something visibly green to reduce brochure print and distribution costs and at the same time allow their customers to enjoy brochure-based holiday research.

In the travel industry there is a growing appetite to support any commercial applications that can reduce the number of printed holiday brochures, can stop the colossal waste of paper and can cut down radically the transport miles. Travelwhere, a newly-upgraded map-based online holiday search website with page-turning e-brochures has been developed and re-launched this month to address exactly these issues.

Travelwhere is a map based web travel directory and portal offering tour operators a green online brochure distribution service. This service is reducing their cost of sale, and has a role to play to benefit the environment.

With an industry average of around 20 brochures to convert into 1 booking, that’s a lot of paper and distribution. Travelwhere is set to save travel companies a fortune in print, postage and fulfilment costs.

The recently upgraded website http://www.travelwhere.co.uk/ brings together online brochure promotion, presentation and distribution into one performance based affiliate marketing and media service. It does this through 2 “core” online channels – BrochureMaps and BrochureRack.

BrochureMap technology finds brochures via a click on the chosen destination on a map, which then display every brochure appropriate to that city or regional destination. Travelwhere’s BrochureRack search system – which searches Travelwhere’s extensive database of digitised brochure content - finds brochures based on country, region, holiday activity and accommodation style.

The attraction to the consumer is one of a one-stop travel portal that aggregates operators’ brochures by holiday and accommodation types, destination countries and regions. This ensures that brochures are instantly available online for direct consumer viewing, page by page. From here, customers can then easily navigate onwards to the selected tour operator’s reservation facility.


BrochureRack for Holiday Brochures
BrochureMaps to find Brochures by Holiday Destination

New Greek Islands Flight by Monarch Airlines

Monarch has announced that it will be the first UK airline to operate flights between the UK and the Greek city of Volos when it starts a new charter for summer 2009.

The weekly flights will operate on Fridays between May 15 and October 9 from Gatwick and Manchester, flying via Skiathos.

Volos, which lies on northern shores of the Pagasitikos Gulf is an ideal base for exploring the Pelion Peninsula and the Sporades.

Fares start from £239 return, including all taxes and charges.

Flights are on sale now at www.flymonarch.com

Airport Parking : www.gatwick-airport-parking-discounts.co.uk

Restaurants in Cornwall? Here's a Geat Find!

In deepest winter , it's good to dream of sunnier times, and here's a tempter for summer relaxation. A fine location at Maenporth Beach, Falmouth, sees award-winning the cove Restaurant & Bar looking forward to another great season season.

After working in some of the best seafood restaurants in the world, Arty Williams returned to Cornwall and opened ‘the cove’, and over the past six years the restaurant has developed a reputation for quality and excellence; consistently producing seperb food in a beautiful setting.

Commitment to quality means that the cove uses only the best locally grown and caught produce in it’s dishes. Whether its scallops or samphire Arty’s local knowledge allows him to source the very best from the local area.

But why wait? Right at the cove there are special Lunch Menu prices with 25% off all meals, with the offer running through until Feb 28th.

More details : "the cove" Maenporth Beach, Falmouth

Cycling Holidays - Ireland

The 2009 cycling holidays brochure from HF Holidays includes a fine tour of the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. It allows you to explore Europe’s most westerly point on this fantastic tour which takes you through stunning scenery of rugged beauty and colourful Irish towns.

This route follows the main road around the Dingle Peninsula with sections on side roads where possible. You should feel comfortable cycling on roads with traffic. The route does include two short, steep climbs over mountain passes.

Tour Highlights

• The lively fishing village of Dingle with its 50 pubs, craft shops, restaurants and Fungi the Dolphin.
• Pedalling over the Conor Pass, the highest pass in Ireland with spectacular views over Dingle Harbour and Mt Brandon.
• Cycling through Killarney National Park, Ireland’s largest, with its abundance of woodland, mountains and waterways.

Download the brochure here at Travelwhere.

Oberammergau: The Passion Play 2010

In 2010 the Oberammergau Passion Play is to be performed for the 41st time, with the first night happening on Saturday, 15 May 2010.

The wprld-famous passion play will be staged for a total of 102 days up to four times a week.

UK-based German holiday specialist DERTOUR has details of the Calendar of the Oberammergau passion play performances.

The new production, under the direction of Christian Stückl and the artistic team of the Passion Play in 2000, the stage designer Stefan Hageneier and the music directors Markus Zwink and Michael Bocklet, reflects the tremendous community achievement.

For ten months the villagers (actors) playing the roles of Jesus, Mary, Pontius Pilate and the apostles, of the children, soldiers and priests will be rehearsing the newly revised text whilst the orchestra and the singers will be studying the exceptional music created for the performance by the composer Rochus Dedler.

Almost half of the inhabitants of Oberammergau enact with great devotion the story of Jesus whose message gives billions of people hope and strength. The play covers the period of Jesus entering Jerusalem and continues up to his death on the Cross and his resurrection.

For the first time, the performance in 2010 will begin in the afternoon with the second part being performed in the evening hours taking in the natural effects of the setting sun on the breath-taking mountain back drop. In the five-hour presentation, with a 3 hour intermission for dinner, over 2000 participants will bring the story of Jesus of Nazareth to the ears and eyes of the audience on the imposing open-air stage of the Passion Play Theatre.

Germany holiday specialist DERTOUR has more information and details on hotels and tickets for your 2010 Oberammergau holiday

Cats in the Belfry - Normal For Belgium!

A jester throws toy cats down from the belfry of Ieper on the second Sunday in May. Meanwhile in a parade, dozens of floats and 2,000 actors explore and present the role of the cat in history, literature, and folklore. This is the famous Cat festival of Belgium, an event which happens every 3 years.

It is just one of the surprises awaiting the visitor who expects simple normality in this country which is often perceived as straight-laced as befits a city at the heart of EU sobriety.

You get the best of two worlds in Belgium. The north of the country is Flemish, while the south is French-speaking. Small wonder it's the heart of the EU. Here, you can cut through the European red tape to sample beer, chocolate and other Belgian delights.

Here are 10 great reasons to visit Belgium to help start your holiday planning.

Cities: Brussels, with its stunning Grand Place and art nouveau heritage, and picture-perfect Bruges, with its pretty canals and medieval buildings, are the shining stars - but it's also worth discovering trendy Antwerp, historic Liege and quaint Ghent.

Chocolate: Forget the diet and enjoy some of the richest, smoothest chocolate to be found anywhere. Wherever you go in Belgium, you won't have to look far. The country has more than 2,000 tempting chocolate shops.

Beer: Tickle the taste buds with more than 400 different types of beer. Some of the best is made by Trappist monks.

Dining: Local favourites include waffles, mussels, and chips with mayonnaise. Gourmets are spoilt for choice. Belgium boasts more Michelin star-rated restaurants per head of population than France.

Battlefields: Famous battlefields such as Passendale and vast cemeteries such as Tyne Cot are sober reminders of the Great War. The Last Post is sounded every evening at the Menin Gate in Ypres, where the excellent In Flanders Fields museum tells the story of the region's role in World War I.

Beaches: Have some family fun at more than a dozen seaside resorts along the Belgian coast. Top spots include Ostend and Knokke.

Art: Belgium's great artistic heritage stretches from grand masters to famous cartoon characters. Rubens and Van Dyck lived in Antwerp. Brussels has museums dedicated to Magritte and comic-strip heroes such as Tintin.

Fashion: Funky Antwerp is Belgium's capital of cool. Home to one of Europe's leading fashion schools, the city boasts designer boutiques as well as stylish restaurants, bars and clubs.

Countryside: Head for the hills of the Ardennes and explore dense forest and deep valleys. Hike or bike wooded trails or get an adrenalin rush from canoeing and paragliding.

Festivals: Belgians love to party. Few events are more unusual than the colourful Cat Parade, staged every three years in Ypres to celebrate all things feline.

Continuous availability of bargain flights to Belgium - plus rail too - is another good reason to explore this great country of constant surprises. A holiday in Belgium offers you a place that buzzes with cutting-edge design and a contemporary lifestyle, while retaining age-old traditions.

You can be sitting in an old-fashioned coffee shop one minute and admiring the latest fashions in a trend-setting boutique the next. Belgium also has a quirkiness that never ceases to amaze - from cheeky statues to weird and wonderful festivals.

Belgium Holiday Brochures from Travelwhere

Elite Vacations: Spring Offers

Elite Vacations is promoting a range of Spring Offers to the Indian Ocean and Middle East.

Seven nights at the Deluxe Les Pavillons on Mauritius costs from £1489 per person, a saving of £720 per couple, between January 8 and August 30 2009 (excluding April 10-15) if booked before April 30. The price includes half board accommodation in a Superior room, return flights with Air Mauritius, private transfers and airport lounge pass.

Details of this and other offers at www.elitevacations.com

Airport Parking & Airport Hotels : www.airport-parking-offers.com

US Embassy: ESTA required from January 12

Travellers may be aware that the USA has changed its entry procedures for travellers to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (which includes UK passport holders) and has introduced ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This programme becomes mandatory on January 12 2009 and visitors will need to complete the ESTA form online at least 72 hours before they travel.

Application is free of charge, it takes about 15 minutes and most applicants receive a positive response in seconds. The US Embassy warns that unauthorised third parties have set up websites which charge for information and submitting ESTA applications and that there is no advantage to be gained by using these.

Read more at www.visitusa.org.uk/visitors/esta.aspx

Find the ESTA form at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

Airport Parking & Airport Hotels : www.airport-parking-offers.com

Aer Lingus: Confirms Gatwick base

Aer Lingus has announced plans to start an international base at Gatwick where it will base four Airbus A320 aircraft from April 2009. The airline will initially fly to seven destinations; Malaga, Munich, Nice, Vienna, Knock, Faro and Zurich. Fares start from £19.99 one-way including taxes and charges.

Info/Bookings at www.aerlingus.com

Airport Parking : www.gatwick-airport-parking-offers.com

RMS St Helena: 30 Years of celebration

The RMS St Helena is unique; the last remaining Royal Mail Ship in existence. To celebrate 30 years service, 30% discount is available on bookings on the 31-day voyage from St Helena in the South Atlantic to Portland in Dorset departing on March 2 2009 and on the return journey departing Portland on March 27. The 128-berth ship calls at Tenerife and Ascension Island before docking at St Helena for up to 10 nights and then continuing on for the final leg of the voyage to Cape Town where passengers can choose to stay longer before connecting with international flights for onward travel. Passages now cost from £1633 per person, reduced from £2333.

Full details of this and other St Helena Line offers at: http://www.rms-st-helena.com/

Holidayfinder - http://www.travelwhere.co.uk/

Fred. Olsen: Captains' Collection 2009

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has issued its latest Captains' Collection brochure, featuring 64 cruises departing in 2009 at very competitive prices. The collection includes itineraries onboard all five ships and all offer, with the exception of Black Prince Farewell Cruises, the Captain’s Bonus.

This bonus is a choice between free car parking at departure port, free coach transfer or onboard spending credit. As an example, a nine-night Black Watch Around the British Isles cruise departs from Dover on May 22 2009 with prices from £794 per person. It takes in Leith, Kirkwall, Dublin, Milford Haven, Falmouth and St Peter Port. The cruise has onboard spending credit of £60 per cabin and additionally offers Flagship Golf, a specialist package for golfers, priced at £350 per player and a Civilisations theme of The Great Plant Collectors. Civilisations is an optional add-on package, offering exclusive lectures and escorted shore tours dedicated to a specific topic and is priced at an additional £599 per person, or £239 for the lecture-only programme.

More details at www.fredolsencruises.com

Airport Parking Airport Hotels : www.airport-parking-offers.com