Newell s ’
Newell’s T R AV E L
NEWS
TRAVEL NEWS
Issue 14
Exploring
COSTA RICA PLUS - | Canada | Lake Garda |Malta | TRAVEL SHOW 2020 1
Newell’s T R AV E L
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Welcome to the 14th edition of Newell’s News. Firstly, a big “thank you” to all of you who attended our Cruise Show in our new venue, Truro College, last October. It was an amazing success and I hope all those who joined us enjoyed the show and it whetted your appetite to experience another cruise or even your first! This issue is full of all the usual Newell’s “gossip” which you might like to catch up on, just turn to page 26. We have also included far more features from our well-travelled staff who have taken full advantage of the generosity bestowed upon them by our superb supportive suppliers with holidays and experiences all over the world. These features not only make a good read but are very informative for those of you thinking of visiting the countries that they have been lucky enough to visit. Our 32nd Travel Show is almost upon us and we have taken the opportunity of providing some information on pages 14 and 15, in particular how to pre-register for our immensely popular cinema shows which guarantees your seat at your chosen presentations. We are delighted that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines are our Headline Sponsor and their Star Prize is a cruise for 2 worth over £1,500. On pages 10 & 11 we have very exciting news. Following the success of our fully escorted tour of India last year, Mercury Holidays have again arranged a fantastic fully escorted tour to Costa Rica exclusive to Newell’s TRAVEL. All in all, I hope you thoroughly enjoy this issue and I look forward to seeing you at the Travel Show on Sunday 1st March. Enjoy.
Contents Cover Image: Costa Rica courtesy of Mercury Holidays
4-5 6-7 8-9 10-11 12 -13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25 26
Magnificent Mexico Discover Thailand Cruise the Caribbean Experience Costa Rica Introducing Sky Princess Travel Show 2020 Special Lake Garda The Rockies - Canada Nova Scotia - Canada Majestic Malta Captivating Kenya Newell’s News
OUR EXCLUSIVE TOURS London Weekend 20th November 2020 LOCAL DEPARTURE • 4 Star Holiday Inn Regents Park • 3 Days/2 Nights • Bed and Full English Breakfast
From £249pp British Grand Prix 2020 LOCAL DEPARTURE Friday 17th July - Sunday 19th July
From £425pp
NEW for 2020 j oin u s on o u r ver y own
C o s ta R i c a escorte d to u r
2
( see pa g e 1 1 )
A fantastic time was had by all on the Newell’s TRAVEL exclusive India trip last year. Lead by our manager of Saltash, Rachel, in her words, “a wonderful trip to a wonderful country with wonderful clients!”
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FREE Door-to-Door
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*
when you cruise from Southampton
Let us take the stress and hassle of getting to the port with our unique home pick-up service. We will arrange for you to be collected from your home by a chauffeur driven vehicle* and taken to Southampton to enjoy your cruise and return you home again.
Crossing the Arctic Circle with the Midnight Sun
Sailing into the Heart of the Baltic
14th Jun 2020 • 14 nights From Southampton Braemar • M2015
28th Jul 2020 • 14 nights From Southampton Braemar • M2019
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Cruising to the Heart of Seville & Bordeaux
American Waterways in the Fall with New York
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29th Sep 2020 • 34 nights From Southampton Balmoral • L2026
Prices from £1,899pp
Prices from £4,999pp
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To book and for full details call 0800 652 3452 or call into your nearest branch of Newell’s TRAVEL Prices are based on 2 sharing, very limited availability and subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Pricing and information correct as of 20/1/2020. *Door to door car transfers – car and/or coach depending on numbers. Restriction on luggage may be necessary. The transport option does not form part of the FOCL cruise package and is not covered by FOCL bond. For full terms and conditions please ask a member of staff or see our website for more details. Terms and Conditions apply. In addition, FOCL’s Terms and Conditions apply. E&OE.
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Magnificent
Mexico I
was fortunate to be chosen to go to Mexico with Travel 2 and BA. At the airport, prior to boarding our plane, we spent our time in the BA lounge; a lovely way to start the trip away from the hustle and bustle of the shops and restaurants in the main departure area. The first stop was the Xcaret Hotel which was a lovely eco hotel located in amongst the jungle, next to the sea with a river winding its way throughout the grounds. We stayed at the hotel on an all-inclusive basis, which also gave us access into the Xcaret Parks in the area. The Xcaret Park I visited was themed around the history and culture of Mexico. I was lucky to stay for the evening show, which told the story of Mexico through song, dance and even a game of hockey with a flaming ball! There are additional parks that you can visit and if I had had the time
I would have loved to have visited them all, as they range from fulfilling the adrenalin junkie in you, to one that is full of optical illusions that play with your senses. I also visited ChichĂŠn ItzĂĄ and saw the Mayan Ruins, truly breath-taking. Both the parks and the ruins are a must for visitors staying in this area of Mexico. The second resort that I stayed in was the luxurious adult only Le Blanc Resort and Spa. I was truly spoilt here as there was a butler for your room and another for the pool! The hotel was also all-inclusive and included the handmade chocolate shop that was on site. It is the ideal place to enjoy 4
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those extra special touches or to totally unwind and relax. One of the evenings was spent dining at the Moon Palace. This hotel was too large for my liking but on reflection is perfect for any family wanting to keep everyone happy, as it not only has a flow-rider but also a mobility adapted pool. If you do visit Chichén Itzá or Tulum then I would recommend that you accept the umbrellas that the hotels offer you, as they are perfect sunshades, I certainly needed mine! On another note, if you wish to swim in either the sea or a cenote (Mexico is full of these natural pools) then you will need to take bio-degradable suntan lotion or mosquito repellent in order to protect the coral and the water. My final recommendations are you definitely need to sample the Tequila and make sure you listen and enjoy a Mariachi band! As you can tell, I absolutely loved my time in Mexico! Emma Pierce - Travel Consultant, Truro
Mexico Tours
0800 008 7411
Please contact your local Newell’s TRAVEL
10nts, The Grand at Moon Palace, Cancun
7nts, Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
From
From
£1799
£2829
per person
Travel : 19 Aug 20 - 31 Oct 20 Includes:
Travel : 20 Feb 20 - 27 Mar 20 All Inclusive
• Flights from Gatwick with British Airways • 7 nights accommodation in a Deluxe Gold King Room • Return transfers
per person
All Inclusive
Includes: • Flights from Heathrow with British Airways • 10 nights accommodation in a Grand Deluxe Resort View King • Return transfers
Prices are based on 2 sharing, very limited availability and subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Terms and Conditions apply. E&OE
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Discover THAILAND I
was lucky enough to be invited by Kuoni to visit Thailand, specifically Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Bangkok, with a small group of fellow agents. After a 12 hour flight into Bangkok we connected onto a flight to Koh Samui, where we were to spend the first couple of nights at the magnificent Anantara Lawana. This stunning complex is set into little areas depending on the accommodation type you book, but all areas are close to all the amenities of the resort. Anantara Lawana itself is within easy walking distance of the local shops and bars. A definite must do whilst here is to take part in the cooking class which is fantastic fun. We were fortunate to be there on a Friday night and were able to go to the Fisherman’s Village night market, which is an amazing experience, with a big selection of local foods and souvenirs After the first 2 nights at the Anantara Lawana, we were taken to a private lounge area at the local pier for a boat transfer to the Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas for a beautiful one night stay on this picturesque island. If sea 6
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conditions allow, the boat transfer will take you directly to the beach where the villas are located, if not then you will be dropped at the pier which is about a 20 minute drive away from the resort. These villas are again spread out into sections throughout the resort but with only 64 villas on site, you are not far from any of the facilities, there are also a few local bars and shops in the area, but I would recommend this resort for a more relaxing break. The only time the island, as a whole, seems busier is when it’s a full moon, as it is where they have the full moon party. However, the Anantara Rasananda advised that the area they are based in still remains quieter as the beach, where the party takes place, is approximately 30 minutes away. After our boat transfer from the beach the following morning, we were taken back to Koh Samui where we were taken to see some of the local sights. Firstly we went to see Big Buddha, then onto an area called the View Point and finally, to the Grand Father & Grand Mother Rock formations. Leaving Koh Samui we flew back up to Bangkok to stay for our final couple of nights in the hustle & bustle of this vibrant buzzing city. We stayed at the Rembrandt Hotel, which is in a great location for getting around the city, whether it’s via the sky train or the local underground. We got a great perspective of the city by doing a half day cycling tour, getting to see some parts of Bangkok you may not see otherwise (local traffic is an experience to navigate through but it adds to the fun of the tour!)
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We were also lucky enough to have a drink on top of the Banyan Tree at sunset getting magnificent views across the city skyline. I left Thailand, wanting to experience more of the islands and I can’t wait to go back one day! Adam Randall – Senior Travel Consultant, Truro
THAILAND KOH SAMUI
4.5* Rocky’s Boutique Resort
Deluxe Garden View Room 7 nights Room & Breakfast Includes a complimentary 60 minute massage Selected Heathrow departures in May 2020
From £1349 per person
Save up to £188 per couple
For more information or to book pop into your nearest Newell s TRAVEL Terms and conditions Hotel Ref: H1823. Price is per person, based on two adults sharing a room with economy flights on EVA Air from Heathrow. Holidays and offers subject to availability and change. Prices correct at time of going to print on the 19/12/19. Terms and conditions apply.
Koh Samui, Thailand Rocky s Boutique Resort 4.5*
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Cruise the
Caribbean I
won a place on Fred. Olsen’s annual ‘Mega Familiarisation’ trip for travel agents on-board their ship Braemar, sailing around the Caribbean. We embarked the ship in St Maarten. The island is split into two parts, one part governed by France, the other part under Dutch rule. The melting pot of cultures is really reflected in the architecture here, everywhere you look there’s a touch of European influence. After experiencing a tour of a Rum distillery and exploring the capital Philipsburg, it was “goodbye” to St Maarten and “hello” to Braemar. Boasting 5 restaurants, 5 bars and 2 pools, I was really looking forward to experiencing life on-board and I was not disappointed. Holding just 929 guests, the Braemar is the perfect sized ship to get right into the heart of those ports other cruise ships cannot reach. You can go ashore on an organised excursion or stroll into the local towns for souvenir shopping – the choice is yours. We cruised to St Kitts where we did an excursion on the Scenic Railway – a fantastic unusual way to see the Island; then onto Antigua for an adrenaline filled, 4 wheel drive jeep tour of the main sights followed by a stop at Turner’s Beach for a well-earned cooling dip. Next stop, St Lucia, where we had an action packed day; starting off with zip lining through the jungle, followed by a mud bath and then a more relaxing time at the private Glitter Bay Beach. From St Lucia we cruised to Grenada, where we were taken to one of the island’s many historical forts, followed by a visit to Concord Waterfall to take in the natural beauty, followed by lunch at the famous BB’s Crabback Restaurant 8
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overlooking St George’s beautiful harbour. We disembarked in Barbados and managed to fit in a call to Harrison’s Caves, this natural wonder is well worth a visit if you ever find yourselves here! Every evening I looked forward to receiving the Braemar Daily Times, which is a little pamphlet which has everything you need to know for the next port of call, important passport information, times for all on-board activities and more. Every day different activities are offered such as golf putting, shuffleboard, trivia quizzes, table tennis and exercise classes. Some of these carry a small charge but most are included in your cruise fare – great value for money! Deborah Phillips – Senior Travel Consultant, Liskeard
NEWS
DON’T MISS
• Historic Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua - see if you can spot the English red phone box! • The Pitons in St Lucia - Lunch at the Beacon restaurant offers stunning views • Maho Beach in St Maarten - A must for all you plane spotters out there • St Kitts Botanical Gardens - A delightful assault on all your senses • Afternoon tea on-board Braemar - Just remember, jam first!
Discover the Islands of the Caribbean Classic Caribbean & Havana Highlights
Caribbean Christmas & New Year
Islands of the Caribbean with Colombia
10th December 2020 • 14 nights Fly from LGW • Braemar • M2032
23rd December 2020 • 16 nights Fly from LGW • Braemar • M2033
21st January 2021 • 15 nights Fly from LGW • Braemar • M2102
Prices from
£2,099pp
Prices from
£3,107pp
Prices from
£2,407pp
For more information or to book call into your nearest Newell’s TRAVEL Fares are per person, based on twin occupancy of the lead-in twin room, subject to availability. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice, are subject to availability & cannot be applied retrospectively. Pricing and information correct as of 19/1/2020. All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen’s standard terms & conditions, available on their website & on request. Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. FOCL reserve the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is bonded via ABTA W0637 and ATOL 5016, full terms and conditions are available on request and can be found at the Fred. Olsen Cruises website. E&OE.
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Experience
C o sta R i c a O
ver my many years in travel I’ve been lucky enough to have visited some wonderful countries but WOW this September I had the most amazing time in beautiful Costa Rica!! I absolutely loved it, difficult to put into words, but their motto sums it up, PURAVIDA - Pure Life and the Costa Ricans (Ticos) use this daily describing their relaxed happy way of life!! I knew it would be tropical and full of wildlife but as we flew over I was amazed by how totally lush, green and mountainous it appeared. They are very eco-friendly and put conservation first, they think about use of the land and protecting their national parks. I’m not really an escorted tour type of person, normally I like to get a map and go it alone, but here our guide was the key to seeing all the sites and learning about this wonderful country, he was so passionate about his homeland. He constantly pointed out birds, stopped our tour boat suddenly to show us a lizard, followed minutes later by some White Faced Monkeys and found us a Sloth in a tree to name just a few. I would not have seen or enjoyed this country to the same degree if I went it alone!! The scenery is stunning, lush tropical forests one minute and volcanic vistas the next, then a few miles further and all change, the countryside brings green fields and miles of banana plantations! The tour has a great itinerary seeing the very best of Costa Rica. On some days we had a local lunch stop with a difference which broke the journey!! Most journeys were no longer than 2½ hours. One of the highlights for me was visiting Tortuguero on the Caribbean side reached by longboat amid mangroves 10
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EXCLUSIVE TOUR NEW for 2020 join Kay on our very own 11 night
C o s ta R i c a escorted tour 16 th October 2020
and winding canals, a real flora and fauna experience set in the heart of the national park. The sounds of the jungle all around you, great wildlife walks and sightseeing included, here we saw Toucans high in the trees, just WOW!! Great experiences and opportunities on the tour including cloud forest walks, which is a series of suspension bridges high in the trees, swimming in a hot spring with the Arenal Volcano as a backdrop and my first swim in the Pacific Ocean!! It was the rainy season when I visited but we were lucky to only have a few downpours, temperatures were high (cooler at high altitude) and visibility on the whole was good, October is moving out of the rainy season without being peak season so avoiding the crowds! I’m really looking forward to sharing this wonderful country with you. Kay Willis – Manager, Hayle
From
£2299pp
For full tour details and inclusions or to book please contact your nearest branch. Prices based on 2 people sharing.
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Introducing
S k y P rin c ess I
was recently invited to travel on the newest ship in the Princess fleet, the Sky Princess for a preinaugural shakedown cruise. What is a shakedown cruise I hear you say; it is a cruise traditionally open to travel trade staff to experience the ship first hand and to give the ships’ crew a chance to get everything working to 100% before she sails on her inaugural voyage for general cruising clients; if it’s going to go wrong its best to go wrong on a shakedown cruise! However, I’m happy to report that it was pretty much perfect and the ship herself was very impressive. She is a beautiful ship with classy and stylish decor and public rooms and the cabins were a good size and over 80% of them have balconies. At 141,000 tons she is on the large size but not as big as some of the new breed of super ships but still big enough to get lost on, but not with your personal Ocean Medallion! This is a brand new piece of technology which helps you find your way around the ship and even tells you where other members of your party are. It also means you can surf the internet using your smart phone anywhere on the ship so you can keep up to date with all the news from home, watch all your favourite Netflix, and send all your holiday pictures back home before you have even stepped off the ship. Your Medallion also enables you to order drinks from wherever you are sitting and also gamble without being in the casino! You don’t get issued with a cabin key on this ship, your cabin door automatically unlocks as you approach as it recognises your Medallion - cool or what! The heart of the ship is the Atrium or Piazza which is 3 decks high, has 2 glass lifts and is surrounded by open plan bars and restaurants so you can watch the world go by whilst eating and drinking and listen to the latest live music on offer from jazz to country to classical. I spent many an hour enjoying a drink and soaking up all the relaxing sounds. 12
On deck she has a choice of 4 pools with the 2 largest in the middle of the ship and with a full view of the “Movies at Sea” screen, the largest cinema screen afloat. This means you can swim and sunbathe whilst watching the latest selection of movies or even live sporting events. I was on-board during the Rugby World Cup so didn’t miss a minute of the England matches that were taking place during the cruise and the quality of the picture was amazing. She also has the adults’ only sanctuary area, which as the name suggests, is just that, a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity with a fantastic spa with a full range of treatments and the largest number of private cabanas at sea. Unfortunately we didn’t get the opportunity
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to use it but just had a tour, still that’s a reason to go back! I dined most evenings in the main restaurant but you have a great selection of alternative speciality restaurants from Italian Sabatini’s to French ‘Bistro Sur le Mer’ and, of course, you have the choice of self-service dining in the largest restaurant I have ever seen on a ship in the World Fresh Marketplace. The food was truly delicious and with the choice of different options has something for everyone. Entertainment on-board is West End or Broadway standard with the brand new ‘Rock Opera’ and very futuristic ‘5 skies’. The costumes were stunning and the music ranks as the best I have heard on the high seas. Of course, no cruise is complete without the ports of call and Sky Princess will be visiting the Caribbean, Scandinavia & Canada/New England in her first full season in 2020 and if you don’t mind fly cruising I would recommend her as a state of the art cruise experience. My only criticism is that I was on-board for just 4 days’, definitely want to go back for more!! Steve Jones - Senior Travel Consultant, Helston Sky Princess is great for first time cruisers, families and couples looking for an all-round cruise experience with luxury and good service. Although there is plenty to do on-board, unlike some mega ships, there are no ice rinks or rock climbing walls, etc. The destinations are still important. A wonderful new and leading tech ship! Nick Pritchard - Cruising Manager
7 NIGHTS FROM
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£499PP £50pp low deposit*
Select our Best Value package for an extra £35pp per day.^
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COME ALONG TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO
WIN a cruise for two worth over £1,500
Sunday 1st March Truro College (Fal Building) College Road, Truro TR1 3XX
10:30am to 3:30pm - FREE ENTRY - FREE CAR PARK Café open serving light refreshments Now in its 32nd year, the Newell’s TRAVEL SHOW has moved to Truro College with its superb facilities, the café serving light refreshments and ample FREE car parking, just outside of Truro. The Travel Show is the largest of its kind in the South West attracting over 40 of the country’s leading tour operators and the ideal opportunity to chat face to face with the leading experts in the travel industry. The day is packed with cinema presentations, on the day show offers and your chance to enter our Star Prize Draw, an amazing Netherlands & Belgium City Break cruise on-board Braemar for 2. Departing 26th October 2020 for 5 nights staying in an Ocean View Room donated by our Headline Sponsor, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Why not let our Travel Show experts open up the vast plethora of holiday experiences which are available to you throughout the world. Perhaps your preference is for holidays closer to home, we have experts on UK breaks, European tours, river cruising, adventure breaks, solo holidays, in fact, there is nothing that is not covered. Look forward to seeing you.
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Photo: Nigel Russell-Stevenson
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Photo: Nigel Russell-Stevenson
IN-HOUSE CINEMA PRESENTATIONS Time
Featuring
10.45
Solo Adventures Together
11.15
Smaller cruise ship sailing
11.45
Top 5 selling Worldwide holidays
12.15
River Cruising, escorted touring and solo holidays
12.45
Discover why we are the Award winning Asia specialist
13.15
Affordable adventures with a touring style for everyone
13.45
Adventure versus beach, why choose?
14.15
“Feel Free Lifestyle” experience on contemporary ships, Award winning entertainment and exciting itineraries
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Special
L ak e Garda I
was thrilled to be invited by Newmarket Holidays to join a group of travel agents on a FAM trip to Lake Garda in Italy and even more so when I knew that I was flying from Newquay Airport. The whole journey was stress free and I was impressed with the airside facilities. Riva Del Garda is set on the northern edge of the lake with regular ferries to the other towns. Whilst being the largest town on the lake it manages to maintain a relaxed, laid back atmosphere. A variety of shops, restaurants, low key bars, cafés and ice cream parlours can be explored. The location is stunning with dramatic mountains and cliffs on one side and sloping olive oil plantations on the other. I stayed at The Savoy Palace Hotel in Riva Del Garda, a 4* hotel, our spacious room had a balcony looking towards the lake. The meals were superb and the hotel had lovely, quiet grounds and pool area. I would recommend this hotel for middle aged and more mature couples. We took the local bus to Malcesine, a beautiful little town on the eastern shore. We were more than happy to sit in a coffee shop at the lakes edge in the autumn sunshine and watch the world go by. The day trip to Venice was the highlight for me; it was simply breath-taking. We went on a perfect sunny day and listening to the gondoliers singing as they navigated around each other on The Grand Canal was simply magical. A bowl of spaghetti and a glass of wine finished our visit off perfectly. Lisa Holdroff – Assistant Manager, Falmouth
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2020 Holidays & Tours to Italy
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Flying from Cornwall Newquay Airport
All our holidays include: • Return flights to Italy from Cornwall Newquay Airport • Carefully chosen hotel accommodation • Return coach travel and transfers throughout • Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
27 May & 30 Sep 2020 for 8 days Lake Garda | 8-day escorted holiday from £739 | 7 meals included • Relax and unwind beside the blue waters of Lake Garda • Enjoy an optional Grand Circular Tour of Lake Garda • Enjoy an optional full-day tour of Venice
© swiss-image.ch
Plus, personalise your holiday with a choice of optional excursions!
Portofino, Florence & Tuscany | 8-day escorted holiday from £1,069 | 14 meals included | 3 excursions • Visit Portofino, one of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive corners • Discover the wonderful cities of Pisa and Lucca • Spend a day in Florence
Lake Como, St Moritz & the Bernina Express
Venice, Verona & Lake Garda
| 8-day escorted holiday from £1,129 | 14 meals included | 3 excursions
| 8-day escorted holiday from £999 | 14 meals included | 4 excursions
• Discover Bellagio, “Italy’s most beautiful town” • Enjoy a cruise on Lake Como • Ride the Bernina Express to St Moritz
• Enjoy a full-day visit to incomparable Venice, La Serenissima • Explore Verona, Romeo and Juliet’s exquisite city • Journey through the Dolomites
Plus, 5 more exciting itineraries!
For more information or to book call into your nearest Newell’s TRAVEL 17
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The Rockies CAnada
W
ow, where do I start!? I still can’t believe I was given this amazing opportunity by Canadian Affair to experience the Canadian Rockies, a destination that was at the top of my bucket list and it really did live up to my expectations. The first 2 nights of our trip were spent in Banff, which was just as I had imagined with the traditional pine lodge style buildings, backed by the picturesque Sulphur Mountain. This mountain town has got a lot to love from historic charm to beautiful natural surroundings and all the amenities you could ask for. From here we visited Johnston Canyon, the iconic Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and went on the Banff Gondola to the peak of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy dinner overlooking Banff. After having breakfast, overlooked by wild deer, we then had a scenic 4 hour transfer to Jasper visiting the Icefields Parkway and the Athabasca Falls en-route. This is a great route to self-drive with a number of photo opportunities on the way. Jasper is a small township community, originally an old rail town; it has a very quaint old feel to it and extremely laid back. Jasper is where I enjoyed one of my highlights of the trip - a Motorcycle Tour on a Harley Davidson!! I never knew that this sort of thing existed, I have never been the biggest fan of motorcycles but this was an absolutely fantastic 18
adventure, you are provided with leathers head to toe, then travel in either the sidecar or on the back of the Harley and taken off the beaten track into the mountains and again, the views are out of this world. We next had the pleasure of joining one of the World’s most luxurious scenic train journeys on-board The Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper to Vancouver. The service on-board the train was like nothing I had ever received, from transfer buses that pull up right beside your designated carriage, to the warmth and welcoming service of the staff on-board, you are well and truly looked after and treated like royalty. Our penultimate stop was in the vibrant city of Vancouver,
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there was so much to see and do here. There was no better way to start our Vancouver stay than to have ‘Breakfast with the Bears’ at Grouse Mountain followed by a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge and treetop adventure, a foodie tour for lunch at Granville Market and finally a tour of the city and Stanley Park. Our final stay was in Whistler, a car free little village, mainly known for skiing, however, there is a lot on offer throughout the summer months as well. I never thought I would say that I would choose zip-lining over a trip to a spa but it happened and although extremely anxious beforehand what an exhilarating experience it was. Canadian Affair gave us such a fantastic, well organised trip to a superb country, it was amazing. If you are searching for an experience of a lifetime this is certainly a must for your bucket list. Jenna Carveth – Manager, Redruth
£150pp discount on all North America flight-inclusive holidays Must book by 21st February 2020
Heart of the Canadian Rockies On this Heart of the Canadian Rockies tour, you’ll experience this breathtaking scenery and enjoy thrilling experiences as you overnight in Calgary, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Victoria, and Vancouver 10 days
From £1639pp
(based on 4th May 2020, flying from London Heathrow)
Includes: · · · · · ·
Flights Transfers Services of a tour director Accommodation Porterage All airport taxes
To book or for more information call into your nearest Newell’s TRAVEL Prices are based on 2 sharing, very limited availability and subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. £150pp off discount already applied. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Pricing and information correct as of 7/1/2020 Terms and Conditions apply. E&OE
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Nova Scotia Canada
N
ova Scotia & Newfoundland are not the first places you think of when someone says “Canada”. I knew nothing about the areas when Travel 2 invited me along on this trip in the middle of September but soon realized what a great two centre holiday they make. The first area we visited was Nova Scotia, flying from Toronto; we spent a couple of hours flying mostly over forest which gives you some idea of the scale of this vast landscape. There are acres and acres of beautiful countryside, miles and miles of stunning coastline. It reminded me of Cornwall but on a much, much bigger scale!!!! Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, is surprisingly small which makes navigation pretty easy, the old harbour front is made up of some lovely old stone buildings each housing a bar, restaurant, boutique chocolates/clothes/handmade goods, etc. The city is overlooked by the famous star shaped Citadel where you can catch some great views. We took a tour given by a local history student which was really interesting, it’s well worth the time, go before noon so you can see them firing the noon day gun. Another highlight of the trip is the amphibious tour around the Citadel, a bit windy, and then onto the water to take a sail around the harbour. From almost everywhere in this part of Canada you will witness yet another amazing vista, it really is a feast for the eyes. Picture postcard lighthouses and old wooden churches are utterly charming, one of the best known lighthouses is 20
in the town of Lunenburg. It dates from about 1800 and taking a tour is well worth the money and time. The water front in Lunenburg has a wide choice of restaurants and you can’t come to this part of the world without trying the world famous lobsters and there’s hardly a dish that doesn’t contain them, not to worry though the cuisine here is world class. They concentrate on locally sourced fresh ingredients so even if you’re just enjoying a local pizza or even tasty fish and chips (which definitely gives Cornwall a run for its money) the flavours and portions are unsurpassed. Only an hour and a half flight away is Newfoundland. St John’s is the capital and its main street has an interesting
array of shops, restaurants and coffee bars, etc. There are some great things to do whilst you’re in St John’s. Signal Hill provides fantastic views all over the city, even on a windy day, which literally takes your breath away, and it’s a good viewing point to get your bearings. One of the highlights for me was the prospect of whale watching. This part of the world is one of the best places to spot Minke, Humpback, Orca, Blue and Fin Whales. Another unique spotting opportunity is seeing the enormous icebergs. So regularly do these float by that the area is known as Iceberg Alley and some are so big they often make world news headlines!! Sadly I was just a bit too late, the whales and the icebergs pass this way between May to August. The boat trip was still really worth it though; you never know they do regularly get stragglers so it is possible to see whales still outside of these times. Instead we went to Puffin Island which is home to several hundred breeding Puffins with chicks, which was wonderful to see. You do get such a great view and the boat gets in so close. We also had the added bonus of watching some Bald Eagles circling above as well. An amazing part of Canada, it was full of surprises, it’s quite unlike anywhere I’ve ever been and unique in many respects. I was wowed by the wine in Nova Scotia and the food is some of the best I’ve ever eaten anywhere in the world. The locals were genuinely warm and friendly, some even have thick Irish accents despite not ever having stepped foot in Ireland such are the roots we share. It’s a treat any time of year made even more spectacular between May and August when you can witness a truly amazing migration, icebergs and whales in the same photo!!! Jackie Wall – Senior Travel Consultant, Bodmin
CAPTIVATING CANADA Rail tours including the world famous Rocky Mountaineer, wildlife viewing experiences, selfdrive itineraries, escorted tours, city breaks and so much more…
For more information or to book call into your nearest Newell’s TRAVEL 21
Newell’s T R AV E L
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Majestic M ALTA F
or me, Malta and Gozo are about the charm, the beauty and the history. The Maltese Islands hold the oldest built structures in the world. Temples and tombs - a good place to visit is the Citadel in Victoria on Gozo. From the ramparts you can see the sea in all directions. Victoria has a myriad of little cobbled streets, each one looking like a painting, with their coloured shutters and balconied windows along with historical and religious artefacts on the walls. The main square was buzzing with fabulous outdoor cafés and shops. The Knights of St John built the City of Valletta. I loved this vibrant, cultured city! It is on a promontory overlooking the Bay of Valletta with the 3 cities sticking out into the bay. The cobbled roads are easy to walk in their criss-cross patterns, mainly pedestrian only during the day. I really loved the many pavement cafés, the little street train, the horse and carts and just people watching! The Cathedral is stunning. It is full of gold and beautiful frescos, and even has a couple of Caravaggio paintings. This would make a great city break for a few days (you can fly from Exeter on a Tuesday and Saturday). We drove up the island and saw the delightful villages and 22
houses all made from the local sandy coloured limestone, the fields are bordered by big cactus, covered in Prickly Pears. We passed the beach at Mellieha, which is the best beach to stay near, but I wouldn’t particularly recommend Malta for a beach holiday. Next time I go to Malta I would like to visit the town of Mdina, the original capital, which dates back to the Romans and the nearby catacombs. All in all, I loved Malta and Gozo and look forward to visiting again one day! Jules Amis – Assistant Manager, Saltash
Newell’s T R AV E L
NEWS
Reasons to visit Malta
With the capital Valletta being branded as the European City of culture in 2018, boasting a year round warm & sunny climate, a variety of outdoor activities including outstanding diving spots, plus a plethora of gastronomical experiences, it’s no wonder Malta is becoming the ‘place to be’. The capital city of Valletta offers an array of limestone cobbled streets filled with quirky boutiques as well as international brands. A shoppers’ paradise! Take a break from shopping with a coffee at one of the many quaint pavement cafés or a small cozy bar for a spot of people watching. Besides this, Valetta (and the rest of Malta) is a haven for history lovers with numerous palaces, churches and museums to explore. For any night owls, St Julian’s is the spot to head to, especially on a Saturday night where the streets are filled with tourists & locals alike ready to party the night away. This vibrant resort is brimming with waterfront restaurants plus a lively club and bar scene.
It’s definitely worth taking the ferry over to Gozo either for a daytrip or to stay for a few nights. Rolling green countryside is broken up by the odd Maltese village again with many nooks & crannies to explore on foot. The largest town called Victoria houses a citadel in which to take in the views out to sea & beyond. Also there are ‘Game of Thrones’ filming locations on Gozo plus various coves and inlets to enjoy. The diving here is world class due to the many underwater caves, reefs & wrecks, the most famous spot being the Blue Hole. So whether you are a foodie, a nature lover, a shopaholic, a party animal, an activity lover, a water baby, a history buff or are just after a chilled holiday in the sun, Malta & Gozo are the places to be. Dani Clews - Travel Consultant, Hayle
Luxury Malta & Gozo
FLYING FROM EXETER
★★★★★
★★★★★
Malta
Gozo
Grand Hotel Excelsior 7 nights, bed & breakfast 02 May ‘20 Private transfers included From £999 per person SAVE £235 PER COUPLE
Ta’Cenc 7 nights, bed & breakfast 21 April ‘20 Private transfers included From £879 per person
For more information or to book, call into your nearest Per person ‘from prices’ are based on two adults sharing a room, including private resort transfers and return economy flights on selected dates shown. Savings are per couple against original system pricing for selected properties on selected dates. All holidays featured are limited and subject to change, and may include offers promoted previously. Prices correct as of publication date: 10 December 2019. Full booking conditions at www.classic-collection.co.uk
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Newell’s T R AV E L
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Captivating
Kenya
M
ost people will agree that few activities make it to the top of a bucket list like a safari. After all, it’s not every day you get the opportunity to come face to face with such a diverse array of wildlife and hence, why it’s an experience sought after by so many people around the world. Indeed, think safari and you immediately think Kenya. A fascinating country situated on the coast of East Africa that has such diverse landscapes and cultures. From the bustling hub of Nairobi, to the immense open plains of the Masai Mara and beyond, this country offers so many opportunities to fall in love with and the reason why I decided to make it my destination of choice in 2019. So, with thoughts of an amazing trip ahead, I entrusted the staff at Newell’s TRAVEL in Saltash to put together a package that was tailored to my needs. Given my previous experience of their excellent customer service, they certainly didn’t disappoint, producing a 14 day itinerary that comprised a visit to Nairobi, a 7 day safari and a 5 day hotel stay in Mombasa. Kenya Airways provided the return flights direct from London Heathrow and having not flown with this airline before, I was suitably impressed by the excellent customer service, as well as the very generous economy class baggage allowance, comprising of 46kg (2 bags) in the hold and 12kg hand luggage per person! Upon arrival, my first stop was Nairobi, which can best be described as a cosmopolitan capital that is steeped in history, combining amazing culture with a backdrop of incredible architecture. For many it’s a starting point to a safari, but as I discovered there is so much more on offer. The Daphne Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre and Tamambo Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, are a must during your stay. Each one provides a unique experience, whether you wish to get up close and personal with the local wildlife, or simply watch the world go by as you sample the amazing local cuisine and beverages on offer. Step away from Nairobi and you find yourself only a lion’s roar away from the many reserves and national parks that are home to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife. Here you can roam 24
the great plains in search of the famed Big Five, or observe gazelles, zebras and giraffes in their untouched natural habitat. As it transpired this is exactly what happened when I embarked on the safari with my local guide and expert George from Somak Holidays, and his trusty 4x4. Over the next 7 days, he would transport me over 2,150km, visiting 5 different reserves and finishing off in the world renowned Masai Mara. Heading north on Day 1, my destination was Aberdares, which is a fantastic park on the foothills of Mount Kenya. Here, the slopes get plenty of rain, resulting in a landscape dominated by lush green vegetation and home to Kenya’s famed coffee plantations. Some say that the game is harder to find here, but that didn’t stop George pointing out many different species of animal, including a large group of mischievous warthogs! Day 2 and 3 took me north-east to the Samburu National Reserve, which is famed for its monkeys. If you’re after a personal encounter with these friendly primates then this is the place for you. Here the animals surround your accommodation looking for food, but be aware, they are quick to spot new arrivals and aren’t shy in making your acquaintance! Day 4 saw a return to Aberdares, only this time I was transported up into the hills surrounding Mount Kenya to the Serena Mountain
Newell’s T R AV E L
Lodge. This amazing hotel is built around a natural watering hole that provides guests with a unique view of the visiting wildlife from the comfort of their balcony. At night the floodlights go on, and should any animals arrive during the silent hours then the hotel staff will wake you upon request so that you can enjoy the experience. Heading south-west on Day 5, my next stop was Nakuru, which is a small park situated around a magnificent flamingo-filled lake. Here, thousands of birds live alongside herds of buffalo, zebras and impalas. If you haven’t taken enough photographs already then this is the perfect paradise for you. Having been spoiled already over the last 5 days, George then informed me that Day 6 & 7 would eclipse everything so far, as I headed further south-west towards the Masai Mara National Reserve. It was here that I encountered the large cats I had come to see, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as an
NEWS
abundance of other wildlife, such as elephants, rhino, baboons and migratory wildebeest moving across the plains. However, nothing could prepare me for the experience I was about to undertake, when on the final day of the safari, I was woken at 4am to travel to a pre-arranged launch site for a Hot Air Balloon experience over the reserve at sunrise. Of the many adventures I have had in my life, nothing has ever come close to the feeling I got gliding over the plains as the animals woke up. Put simply, it was absolutely breath-taking and nothing short of stunning. Day 8 already and it was time to head east from the cool highlands of Kenya’s central plateau to the Indian Ocean and the city of Mombasa. Here I spent the next 5 days enjoying the delights of the largest city on the Kenyan coast, mixing city excitement with beach relaxation. My accommodation was the excellent Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa, which is located to the north of the city. It was here that I was greeted by pure white beaches and warm aqua water, which after the full-on experience of the safari, was a welcome and much needed opportunity to relax and unwind. However, as they say “all good things must come to an end” and no sooner had I started to relax at the hotel then it was time to make the journey home. Upon reflection, this holiday had been a once in a lifetime experience, with memories I will treasure forever. On safari in Kenya, every day is extraordinary and, in my opinion, it’s one of the world’s most magical experiences. Add to that the amazing city that is Nairobi, as well as the tranquility of Mombasa and you have the perfect combination of action, adventure and relaxation. “Thank you” Newell’s Saltash and I look forward to my next adventure in 2020! Nigel Russell-Stevenson - Newell’s TRAVEL customer
Book by 31 Jan 2020
£99 per person deposit‡
Low single supplement
Sensational South Africa 14 days from £2,749pp* Includes 16 meals and 10 excursions and visits Departs February 2020 - November 2021
VIP door-to-door travel service† For more information or to book call into your nearest Newell’s TRAVEL ‡£99pp depositavailable on majority of Titan holidays. *Lead in price based on 27 February 2020 departure. †Mainland UK only.
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Newell’s T R AV E L
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N e w e l l’ s n e w s
Newell’s, Tavistock, welcome two ex-Thomas Cook employees
Francesca Sawyer joined Newell’s in April this year having worked for Thomas Cook, Launceston for 2 years and previously Brittany Ferries Golf Desk, Tavistock for 6½ years. Francesca says “I love working in travel as I feel no two days are the same and I am constantly learning on the job which makes it really interesting. My passion is travelling to France and Spain as I spent a lot of time there as a child but my bucket list is ever expanding and I look forward to helping others attain their dream holidays too”. Laura Grindey was recruited following the recent sad collapse of Thomas Cook where she had spent 14 years and, prior to that, 3 years with Astbury Travel. Laura says “travel is my passion and I enjoy making other people’s dream holidays a reality. I have visited several amazing places around the world, including Spain, France, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, USA, Caribbean and UK destinations, but my favourite places have to be beautiful Greece and Australia. I particularly enjoy tailor-making far-away holidays to exotic destinations and adding all those special personal touches that really make the perfect holiday for you”. I had great pleasure to be involved in the organising and booking of the Mousehole Male Voice Choir’s trip to Brittany in September 2019. In total 120 choir members, partners and supporters travelled to Quimper for a 3 night stay following an overnight crossing on the Plymouth to Roscoff ferry. A fantastic itinerary was eventually settled by the group leaders after many months of communication back and forth and included visits to several towns including Morlaix, Locronan and Roscoff where free time also allowed for members to explore. The organisers arranged for the Breton Choir ‘Le Choeur Mouezh Paotred Breizh’ to host the whole group in Quimper where they experienced a superb city tour, visit to the Museum of Fine Art and a joint concert was enjoyed by over 750 at the Catholic Cathedral Church of Saint Corentin. Another concert was held at Pont Croix at the Monastery Church of Notre-Dame de Roscudon, again enjoyed by tourists and Bretons alike. The Cornish Choir visit left a lasting impression on the Bretons and ‘A magnificent performance’ was the headline of an article written in ‘Le Telegramme’ newspaper. I’d like to say “thank you” to the Choir for entrusting Newell’s TRAVEL in Hayle with their tour booking once again and I look forward to assisting with future choir ventures and travels. Also thank you for the warm welcome I received when I attended the tour presentation evening. Kay Willis – Manager, Hayle
Redruth Refurbishment
Congratulations to winners Karen Masters and Pete Goodswen who won our star prize, a Fred. Olsen cruise at our Cruise Show in October last year. Don’t forget you could be in with a chance to win a cruise at our upcoming Travel Show on 1st March 2020 just by attending.
Since 2014 Newell’s TRAVEL commenced a programme of refurbishment for all 11 retail offices and the last piece of the jigsaw is now complete. The Redruth office at 2 Green Lane now sports the Newell’s TRAVEL livery to match the remaining offices. Jenna, manager, and her trusty team of Tamsin, Alison and Tam, have waited very patiently for their turn and they are absolutely delighted with the final result. All of the team pride themselves in helping with the most complex of itineraries, recommending and booking dream cruises, or finding the perfect holiday. With this wealth of experience they can offer first-hand advice on numerous destinations, be it Cyprus, Greece, Spain, the Balearics, the Far East, the Maldives, Australia, Dubai, several cruise ships, ski destinations and much more. Many of the destinations have been personally visited by the Redruth team and much knowledge has also been learnt from their long-standing customers who have booked with them for many years. Between them all, they have pretty much covered the globe with their travels so you will be in safe, expert hands when you visit. 26
Newell’s T R AV E L
Holidays with so much included…. and flights from Exeter too! Your holiday includes • Optional insurance • Return flights and transfers • All-inclusive accommodation • Two excursions and more!
NEWS
Hotel Bristol Benidorm, Costa Blanca 7 nights ALL INCLUSIVE from
£732pp
Departs April 28, 2020. Other dates available.
Hotel Turquesa Playa Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife 7 nights ALL INCLUSIVE from
£779pp
Departs September 29, 2020. Other dates available.
Hotel Costa Calero Talaso & Spa Puerto Calero, Lanzarote 7 nights ALL INCLUSIVE from
£829
pp Departs May 28, 2020. Other dates available.
Saga also offers a wide range of worldwide tours, holidays, ocean and river cruises.
For more information or to book visit your nearest Newell’s TRAVEL Prices based on 2 people sharing a twin room on stated date with flights from Exeter. Very limited availability and subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Pricing and information correct as of 12/12/2019. Terms and Conditions apply. E&OE Saga Holidays is a trading name of ST&H Ltd (registration no. 2174052). ST&H Ltd and Saga Cruises Ltd (registration no. 3267858) are subsidiaries of ST&H Group Ltd (registration no. 0720588). All three companies are registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Sandgate, Folkestone, Kent CT20 3SE. With respect to general insurance products sold in the UK, ST&H Ltd is an appointed representative of Saga Services Limited, registered in England and Wales (company no. 732602), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate, visit www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate NTA-GH0046
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Sunday 1st March Truro College (Fal Building) College Road, Truro TR1 3XX
10:30am till 3:30pm FREE ENTRY - FREE CAR PARK Café open serving light refreshments.
REGISTER NOW!
Places are limited at our cinema presentations so to avoid disappointment, register now to guarantee your seat. You are welcome to register for one or as many cinema presentations as you wish.
Your attendance enters you into our STAR PRIZE DRAW
Just visit www.newellstravel.co.uk Pre-registration closes on 24th February 2020
Come along to be in with a chance to
WIN a cruise for 2
worth over £1,500
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