Aspen Travel Scoop Best Small Leisure Agency at Agent Achievement Awards

Holiday company Aspen Travel received an award for one of the best local leisure agencies in Britain at the Agent Achievement Awards last week.

The Urmston-based travel company were named the best small leisure agency for North West England and North Wales for the second year running at the glittering awards ceremony at the Lancaster London Hotel.

Aspen were also nominated in a number of other categories, including Ski Agent, Cruise Agent (Small Agency), Leisure Online Agent (Small Agency) and Leisure High Street Agent (Small Agency).

Now in its 14th year, the Agent Achievement Awards is the biggest travel agent awards programme in Britain, rewarding excellence in retail and online travel agents throughout the UK. Principals and suppliers to the UK travel industry were invited to nominate their top performing agents nationally and regionally in the Principals’ Awards.

Aspen Travel provide a number of top quality holidays and escorted tours to a range of exotic locations, including Club Med, Mark Warner, Kuoni and Titan Tours. Fully ATOL and ABTA bonded, they hold a number of awards for their service, including the Advantage Leisure Agent of the Year 2009, North West England & North Wales Travel Agent of the year 2009 and Online Leisure Agent of the year for 2008.

For more information about Aspen Travel and the services they provide, visit Low Cost Deals, the online home of Aspen Travel, at http://www.lowcostdeals.co.uk/.

Low Cost Deals is the online home of Aspen Travel, one of the leading travel agents in Manchester and have just won Advantage Leisure Agent of the Year 2009 and North West England & North Wales Travel Agent of the year for 2009. Aspen Travel was first established in 1986, and quickly grew into one of the top Manchester Travel agents. We were also the first UK travel agent to operate online.

www.lowcostdeals.co.uk

Holidays in India : The Trip of a Lifetime on the Maharajas’ Express

Low Cost Deals agent Karen Allen has just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime journey on the Maharajas’ Express across India. Here she tells the story of her amazing trip;

“In all of my 26 years working as a travel agent, I have never been on a rail tour holiday before, never mind one as extravagant as the Maharajas’ Express. I had also never been to India before, so to experience such luxury during my first visit to the country was incredible.

The accommodation onboard is of such quality, you sometimes forget that you’re on a train! Each coach of the 1.5km train holds four cabins, with 42 guest cabins in total. For my trip, I was lucky enough to be staying in a deluxe cabin, which had all the mod cons (wardrobe, TV, shower) as well as an incredibly helpful valet service.

At Low Cost Deals we work with a lot of high end holiday resorts & companies (Club Med, Mark Warner etc) so we are used to dealing with luxury accomodation, the facilities onboard the Maharajas’ Express are second to none.  There are two restaurants on the train, each serving a range of classic Indian dishes, as well as a selection of fine international cuisine. There are also a couple of bars onboard, offering complimentary drinks and snacks for all passengers.

The journey I travelled on was called Celestial India, which began in Calcutta and ended in Delhi. It was a bit hectic as we departed Calcutta as India’s Minister for the Railways, Mamata Banerjee, was also onboard, along with several journalists, including the BBC’s Sir Mark Tully; an expert on India and its railways, who is currently based in Delhi.

As for the journey’s itinerary, the train mostly travels through the night, meaning you wake up in the morning in a different part of India and, after a complimentary breakfast, you can depart the train with the full day at your disposal to explore.

The jam-packed schedule of the excursions, coupled with the intense Indian heat, can be quite exhausting. But the evening tiredness is well worth it to experience India’s rich culture, spiritual atmosphere, and the friendly, humble people. Highlights of the excursions include the early morning boat rides, and watching the sun set over the Ganges in Varanassi.

My time on the Maharajas’ Express was a delight. India is a wonderful country, the service onboard the train was excellent and, while there were a few minor glitches during the trip, these had already been addressed and corrected before I had even made it back to England.

The Maharajas’ Express is worth every penny, and I couldn’t recommend these rail tours across India enough. I would like to thank everyone involved (including JetAirways who flew me from London to Calcutta, and Cox and Kings for their top-notch customer service) for one of the most amazing travel experiences of my life.”

A wide range of rail tours aboard the Maharaja’s Express are available to book through Low Cost Deals, with prices starting from £4,995 per person. For more information, visit the Low Cost Deals website at www.lowcostdeals.co.uk/rail/

Chack out more of Karen’s pictures at her Maharajas’ Express image gallery

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Get the Best Out of Your Holiday with an Escorted Titan Tours Break from Low Cost Deals

When travelling to an unfamiliar location on holiday, it can be difficult to know how to get the best out of your stay. If travelling alone, many people can miss the hidden gems of their resort that are only known to the more experienced travellers and locals. Maybe it’s time for a new way of holidaying, with an escorted Titan Tours holiday from Low Cost Deals.

Titan Tours have been running escorted tours for over 30 years, to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations, including resorts in Africa, Australasia and the Americas.

The best thing about a Titan Tours holiday is that it can be tailor made to suit your specific needs and desires. Whether you want to tour the east coast of Australia by train, cruise along some of Europe’s most famous rivers, or witness the wonders of the wild on a South African safari; Titan Tours has a trip to suit you.

All of Titan’s tour guides are extremely knowledgeable about history and culture of the area they operate in, and are more than happy to help you in any aspect of your trip, make your holiday one to remember.

Brendan Clancy of Low Cost Deals said: “Although we are most commonly known for our Club Med and Mark Warner holidays, our Titan Tours itinerary is proving to be very popular indeed. Since the turn of the year we have received over 2000 hits to our website from the search term ‘Titan Tours’.”

More information about Titan Tours, and all of Low Cost Deals’ holidays such as Club Med, is available on our website.

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Save Hundreds of Pounds on your Club Med Summer Holiday with Low Cost Deals

It’s that time of year where everyone is looking to book their perfect summer getaway. Look no further than Low Cost Deals for a wide range of spectacular offers on summer breaks at the luxury Club Med holiday resorts.

Club Med is one of the world’s premier all-inclusive holiday providers. The first Club Med resort opened in 1950 on the Spanish resort island of Mallorca, and now there are over 80 destinations in idyllic locations all over the world.

From the Caribbean to the French Alps, Club Med offers five different types of holiday to ensure that their customers’ vacation needs are fulfilled, whatever they may be. Experience the Exceptional villages are the height of elegance and luxury, Have a Taste of Everything holidays provide a wide range of activities for the whole family, Enjoy your Passion for Sports is the perfect thrill-seeking getaway, Discover New Cultures allows guests to explore the resort’s local history, and Feel Renewed breaks are all about relaxation.

2010 is set to be a big year for Club Med, with a number of now resorts opening, as well as the redevelopment of some existing ones. And you could be a part of it with a range of special offers from Low Cost Deals that could save you hundreds of pounds off your holiday.

If you book your Club Med summer holiday before Friday 30th April, you could save up to £450 for a family of four, or £300 for a couple. Best of all, if you book for a departure date between 1st May and 24th October 2010, you could even experience savings of up to £150 per adult, and £75 per child.
Booking early is key to make sure you get your first choice destination, so get in touch with us now to book your Club Med holiday, and guarantee an unforgettable summer for you and your family.

For more information about any of these holidays and resorts, or to book a holiday of your own, visit the Low Cost Deals website at http://www.lowcostdeals.co.uk/.

Travel Agent Low Cost Deals to Introduce W&O Travel holidays to Itinerary

Manchester-based travel agent Low Cost Deals has announced that it will soon be introducing a range of holidays from travel company W&O Travel to their itinerary.

Previously known as “Kids in the Med”, W&O Travel offer tailor-made holidays for the more discernable traveller, with each of their resorts rated at four stars or above.

W&O Travel specialise in luxury family holidays in over 150 countries, providing onsite children’s entertainment, as well as the little extras that make a holiday special. Whether it’s a summer holiday in Europe, a skiing break in North America, or a more exotic destination like the Caribbean or the Far East, W&O Travel provide holidays to suit every type of traveller.

Brendan Clancy of Low Cost Deals, said: “We think the range of holidays from W&O Travel will appeal to our customer base who are used to the high standards associated with our other leading holiday brands like Club Med, Kuoni and Mark Warner.”

Club Med is one of the world’s premier all-inclusive holiday providers. With around 80 luxurious holiday villages all over the world, from the Caribbean to the French Alps, these holidays cater for both sun-seekers and skiing enthusiasts.

Aspen Travel are fully ATOL and ABTA bonded, and hold a number of awards for their service, including the Advantage Leisure Agent of the Year 2009, North West England & North Wales Travel Agent of the year 2009 and Online Leisure Agent of the year for 2008.

For more information about any of these holidays and resorts, or to book a holiday of your own, visit the Low Cost Deals website at our website : http://www.lowcostdeals.co.uk/

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Club Med celebrates it’s 60th birthday

Renowned holiday company Club Med is celebrating its 60th birthday this year, and to mark the occasion, Low Cost Deals are offering a number of savings on Club Med holidays for Summer 2010.

Club Med is one of the world’s premier all-inclusive holiday providers. The first Club Med resort opened in 1950 on the Spanish resort island of Mallorca, and now there are over 80 destinations in idyllic locations all over the world.

From the Caribbean to the French Alps, these holidays cater for both sun-seekers and skiing enthusiasts.

2010 is set to be a big year for Club Med, with a number of now resorts opening, as well as the redevelopment of some existing ones.

Club Med Kani in the Maldives will soon have its own dedicated 5-Trident space. This unique space will cater for the resort’s very exclusive guests who enjoy luxury, personal service, premium amenities, quiet and privacy while still enjoying the spirit of a Club Med conference.

Meanwhile, Club Med’s first Chinese Resort is set to open its doors this winter. Yabuli, located in the north-east of the country, is China’s leading ski resort and is set to attract a whole new clientele to Club Med.

2010 is certainly set to be an exciting year for Club Med, and you could be a part of it. If you book your Club Med holiday with Low Cost Deals before the end of February, for a departure date between 1st May and 24th October 2010, you could enjoy savings of up to £200 per adult, and up to £100 per child.

Low Cost Deals is the online home of Aspen Travel, who are fully ATOL and ABTA bonded, and hold a number of awards for their service, including the Advantage Leisure Agent of the Year 2009, North West England & North Wales Travel Agent of the year 2009 and Online Leisure Agent of the year for 2008.

Abu Dhabi favourite for the first Middle East Club Med holiday resort

Abu Dhabi are believed to be winning the race for the first Club Med holiday resort in the Middle East.

Bosses of the luxury all-inclusive resorts are thought to favour the United Arab Emirates capital ahead of Dubai as it has a lot more beachfront.

With 80 resorts in 40 countries around the world, Club Med is one of the most popular holiday resorts for families and couples, attracting over 1.2 million guests last year.

A second Middle Eastern Club Med resort in Salalah, on the south coast of Oman, is set to open in 2012.

Brendan Clancy, CEO of holiday firm Low Cost Deals, who specialise in Club Med holidays, said: “It would be fantastic to have another Club Med resort in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi is a place where luxury and style are infused with the traditional values of hospitality and respect, all of which will suit Club Med customers.

“The superb weather, tranquil beaches, lush oases, vibrant city life, and a mixture of culture and traditions, all come together with the Club Med all-inclusive product to create a holiday experience like no other. “

Low Cost Deals is the online home of Aspen Travel, and is one of the UK’s leading holiday websites, offering a wide range of holidays with Club Med to all corners of the globe.

Aspen Travel are fully ATOL and ABTA bonded, and hold a number of awards for their service, including the Advantage Leisure Agent of the Year 2009, North West England & North Wales Travel Agent of the year 2009 and Online Leisure Agent of the year for 2008.

Hit the Slopes this Winter with a Mark Warner Ski Holiday from Low Cost Deals

As the winter season draws in, many people will be escaping the rainy shores of Britain and heading to the Alpine slopes for a skiing vacation. With travel agent Low Cost Deals running a number of special offers on Mark Warner ski holidays to the French Alps, starting from just £499 per person, it is not too late to join them.

Mark Warner ski holidays allow you to experience a fantastic winter sports holiday in some of the world’s greatest destinations. With high quality hotels and all the little extras that make your holiday special, a Mark Warner ski holiday gives you a chance to enjoy a short break in the snow.

Here are just some of the late deals available from Low Cost Deals for Mark Warner skiing breaks:

• Chalethotel Hauts de Tovière from £499
An excellent location in the centre of Tignes, this spacious yet quirky chalethotel is just a short ski to the Chaudanne and Paquis lifts and nursery slopes.

• Chalethotel Moris from £499
Situated right in the centre of Val d’Isere, the Chalethotel Moris is above the resort’s most popular bar and live music venue. It’s also just across the road from the Solaise and Bellevarde lifts and ski schools. Everything you need is right on your doorstep.

• Chalethotel Christina from £449
A great place for families, the Christina is large and welcoming. It has a laid back atmosphere with plenty of convivial spaces for socialising and the location is knockout. The Christina is right next to the slopes, directly opposite the lifts and about 150 metres from the ski school meeting place. So you can ski out and ski home again and then enjoy a bit of apres-ski at Scotty’s Bar & Restaurant right next door.

• Chalethotel Cygnaski – £545
Chalethotel Cygnaski is just minutes from the centre of Val d’Isere. Access to the slopes is simple, with a short bus ride to the La Daille lifts in one direction and the Le Fornet lifts and nursery slopes in the other.

• Chalethotel Le Val dIsère – £686
Right in the centre of Val d’Isere, lounging against a mountain, chalethotel Le Val d’Isere is perfectly positioned for just about everything. It’s within walking distance of the main Solaise and Bellevarde lifts and it’s only minutes from the ski school. This hotel has been newly refurbished, with modern bathrooms, beautifully decorated bedrooms with flat screen TVs installed, and the public areas and restaurant have been updated also.

• Chalethotel Dahu – £545
If you like to stay in the heart of the action then the Chalethotel Dahu is perfect. The ski school is a couple of minutes walk away and the Forum Centre, with bowling alley, skating rink and climbing wall. Plus it’s just 100m from the Croisette lift station. The Dahu is friendly and inviting; with its open plan lounge bar on the first floor full of comfortable sofas and soft lights, it feels wonderfully welcoming at the end of a long day on the slopes.

All prices shown are per person, for seven nights, departing on 13th December from airports across Britain.

Spice Lands of Kerala

My decision to visit the Spice Lands of Kerala with Cox & Kings was a visit into the unknown in some ways but one which was to prove to be a trip of a lifetime….

From the moment I stepped off the plane to saying my goodbyes to an India Sunset, every moment & experience I had will stay with me forever.

I couldn’t possible put into words what an amazing experience my trip was with Cox & Kings, so as the old saying goes a picture speaks a thousand words & of the 900+ pictures I took, I hope I have captured every aspect of my holiday. Thankfully for you I have edited my pictures down to a more manageable number!
Read more

Top ten Club Med summer destinations

Low Cost Deals have announced the most popular Club Med summer destinations amongst their customers.

The luxurious holiday villages have proved firm favourites with both families and couples alike, with each location boasting an array of first class facilities. From the wide range of sporting activities (both on land and in the water) to the relaxing spas and sumptuous restaurants, Club Med’s purpose built resorts make for the perfect summer getaway.

The “all inclusive” nature of these resorts has seen Club Med’s popularity soar despite the economic downturn. Once the customers arrive at their Club Med village, they need not spend another penny as all food, drink and entertainment is included in the booking price. And this growth is set to continue well into the winter season, as Club Med have reported a significant rise in bookings for their all-inclusive ski resorts this year.

Here are Low Cost Deals’ top ten Club Med ( http://www.lowcostdeals.co.uk/clubmed/offers.asp ) summer destinations;

1. Palmiye – Turkey
Palmiye is Low Cost Deals’ most popular Club Med destination, in fact it was completely sold out for the 2009 summer season. And it’s not difficult to see why, with its comfortable bungalows and picturesque grounds, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Taurus mountains.

2. Kamarina – Sicily
One of the first villages to be built in Europe, Kamarina is also Club Med’s largest resort. The beautiful architecture and narrow paved streets are designed to replicate a traditional Sicilian village, which makes for a charming holiday environment. Families can relax by one of Kamarina’s three swimming pools, including the largest pool of any Club Med resort, and a heated pool inside the hotel. There’s also Hobie cat sailing for the more adventurous.

3. Hammamet – Tunisia
Sitting in the Gulf of Hammamet, the strong local culture is evident all around this Club Med village, from the mouth-watering cuisine to the vibrant and colourful bungalows. Guests can go sailing in a catamaran, or relax in the on-site spa, before taking an evening stroll along the 300-metre beach that lines the resort.

4. Gregolimano – Greece
This recently refurbished village on the island of Evia is famous for its sandy white beaches and deep blue Aegean waters. After a long of day of waterskiing and tennis, the poolside bar is perfect for winding down and enjoying the cool evening breeze.

5. Beldi – Turkey
Situated in the “Turkish Riviera”, Beldi is surrounded by exotic bays and historic attractions. While the kids master the tightrope at Circus School, adults can relax with a massage or a Turkish bath in the cooling shade of the nearby pine grove.

6. Kemer – Turkey
Located near the Turkish town of Antalya, the site for this Club Med village was discovered just 30 years ago. As a result, the natural, untamed surroundings give Kemer an exotic and laid-back atmosphere. Why not dance away the afternoons at Salsa classes, then show off your new moves at the open-air disco in the evenings.

7. Da Balaia – Portugal
This Club Med village in the Algarve is the perfect destination for a golfing getaway, with more than 15 courses nearby to add to the resort’s own putting green. But if golf isn’t your game, then you can always sample the specialist Moroccan cuisine whilst absorbing the spectacular ocean views that Da Balaia’s cliff-top setting provides.

8. Punta Cana – Dominican Republic
Club Med bring their traditional Mediterranean vibes to the Caribbean with their Punta Cana resort. The village utilises local colours and materials to produce vibrant surroundings, which has proved to be a hit with holidaymakers.

9. Kani – Maldives
This idyllic resort in the Indian Ocean is a scuba diver’s paradise. The village also boasts unique accommodation with their “Suites on Stilts”, built into the sea itself, making this the perfect getaway for couples and honeymooners.

10. La Plantation d’ Albion – Mauritius
The jewel in Club Med’s crown, this newly-opened 5-trident village is the height of luxury. Framed by bright white beaches on the island’s western coast, its exotic surroundings and make it the perfect destination for both families and newlyweds.