Launching our new mobile app!

August 5, 2011 Dean | Comment (0)

Worldwide Holidays are pleased to announce the launch of our brand new mobile application for Android phones. Our new mobile application brings our extensive information about some of the world’s most exotic holiday destinations onto your mobile phone! From the unspoilt beauty of Costa Rica to the colourful atmosphere of Cuba, our mobile app details many of the best hotels, activities and locations.

Clients can now read and show their friends detailed information about our exotic destinations. Useful holiday tips and special offers are updated regularly, plus you can keep tabs on our travel experts as they travel to our destinations. We’ll  also let you know of any travel news relevant to our specially selected destinations. We hope you find our new app useful – if you have an Android phone please search for us “Worldwide Holidays” or click the download link below.

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.wwh.wwh

Our app is currently only available for Android phones but we are working to launch an iPhone version soon!

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A return from Morocco

July 13, 2011 Moreno | Comment (0)

I have just returned from what was probably my 10th visit to Marrakech and enjoyed a weekend visit to this enchanting city. I also managed to squeeze in an escape to the coastal town of Essaouira, providing me with a respite from the formidable heat in Marrakech.

Essaouira is situated some 2.5 hours west from Marrakech and provides a chilled out break and much sought after sea breeze! For those that love shopping, you are rather spoilt here with plenty of boutique shops offering all the local craftsmanship you can wish for. The beach is also quite impressive, although being on the Atlantic Coast, is a haven for windsurfers due to the winds that prevails along here.

FlyBMI now fly to Marrakech and are soon to launch a 5 day a week service from London Heathrow. I was very impressed with their on-board service especially coming back in business class – a real nice end to the trip!

The great attraction to Marrakech and Morocco is that it can be reached in only a 3 hour flight and you are instantly transported into a unique and historical place, where old traditions still continue to be the way of life and where the people are so welcoming and are proud of their heritage. What I love about this place is that it is so vibrant, colourful and the smells are just so captivating, whether you are enjoying a cup of mint tea on the roof top terrace in your Riad to walking through the souks and watching the locals making wonderful crafts from a piece of metal –it really is amazing to watch.

When you have had enough of walking through the endless maze of the Souks, you can retreat back to your Riad and enjoy the spa facilities or simply sit by the pool with abook.

For those that enjoy the exhilarating things in life, perhaps a quad bike expedition in the Palmeraies or a balloon ride may be just your thing. Certainly for me with a fear of heights I just had to pass on this and settle for a camel ride instead!

Morocco is the perfect weekend trip, if you are looking for somewhere exciting, not so far away and offering a mixture of excellent cuisine, activities and spa.

Do give me a call if you would like more details on this destination, as I would be delighted to share my experiences with you!

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Celebrate Madagascar Independence day with our 10-day tour

May 16, 2011 Moreno | Comment (0)

Worldwide Holidays is pleased to announce an exciting new tour to celebrate the Madagascan Independence day taking place on June 26th. Our 10-night tour from June 19th to June 27th takes clients on an exploration down south to Isalo National Park before travelling to Antsirabe to celebrate the “Avenue de independence”.

Independence Day in Madagascar is an occasion of great celebrations and is celebrated on the 26th of June. The Malagasy people know too well how to celebrate with food, drink, and some local dance.

Madagascar has undergone significant changes during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Occupying a strategic location off the southeast coast of Africa, the island historically became the target of British and French imperial ambitions. Ultimately, the competition resulted in French colonization at the end of the nineteenth century. The country gained full independence from colonial rule on June 26, 1960.

This tour takes you on a journey south visiting national parks and learning about the local culture before returning to Antananarivo to enjoy the celebrations of Independence Day. On the 25^th June, you can enjoy a firework and laser display at Lake Anosy. On the actual day there is a military parade at Mahamasina Stadium commencing at 9am, followed by a Rossy concert at the same stadium in the mid afternoon.

Read more about our Independence Day Tour

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Announcing tailor-made holidays to Morocco – a simply unforgettable destination.

April 6, 2011 Moreno | Comment (0)

Worldwide Holidays are pleased to announce that Morocco, the mystical, vibrant and intriguing destination located in North Africa is joining the Worldwide Holidays portfolio. Morroco is a simply stunning destination, I vividly remember the colorful sights of spices, bustling sounds of the souks and the captivating smells of incense burning. From April 2011 we will be offering exciting tailor-made holidays to Morocco.

Morocco is a land rich in natural beauty and unforgettable places that are both fascinating to visit and intriguing to explore. For those who want to immerse themselves in Moroccan culture and history there are hundreds of mosques, palaces, and historical sites to visit. Morocco has been influenced by several civilizations since Antiquity. This has produced an incomparable historical heritage waiting to be discovered.

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If you have any questions about Morocco or our sample itineraries please contact me on 01202 606160 or drop me an email at – moreno@worldwideholidays.co.uk. I look forward to hearing from you! Read This Post

Top 5 stunning clips from Madagascar BBC documentary with David Attenborough

March 16, 2011 Moreno | Comment (1) Read This Post

Madagascar featured on BBC Two – Island of Marvels

February 9, 2011 Moreno | Comment (1)

The truly undiscovered destination in Africa is Madagascar; this evening February 9th 2011 BBC Two featured the stunning destination as part of a three part series with wildlife expert David Attenborough. The first episode titled “Island of Marvels” takes viewers through some of the most dramatic places to visit in Madagascar along with all the unique wildlife which can be spotted along the way including Bright red giraffe-necked weevils, chameleons and of course Madagascar’s most iconic wildlife – the Lemurs. The programme features some stunning recordings of the Lemurs leaping through the rainforest trees and some outstanding video as David travels across the island.

Be sure to catch the programme on BBC Two repeated on Sunday at 16:25pm. Alternatively you can watch the programme on BBC iPlayer using the link below. Be sure to watch in high definition to capture the stunning bright colours of the landscape in Madagascar!

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Our Madagascar travel expert Moreno is on hand to answer any questions you may have about Madagascar after watching the programme. You may also like to take a look at some of our fantastic sample itineraries to Madagascar or even request our Madagascar brochure to give you even more facts and information about the country and possible holiday highlights. You may recognise some of the places featured in the itineraries from the programme! With 80% of plant species endemic and over 300 endemic species of reptile, add to those lemurs, frogs and over 100 endemic species of birds Madagascar makes a perfect luxury holiday waiting to be discovered.

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Madagascar documentary on BBC features elusive spider

February 8, 2011 Moreno | Comment (0)

An elusive spider that lives in snail shells suspended from bushes has been caught on camera by a BBC film crew.

Olios coenobituswa was first discovered in 1926 but few studies have been made of it in the wild since. New footage reveals how the spiders hoist snail shells off the ground using silk threads and shelter inside them.

The team filming for BBC Two series Madagascar believe this is the first footage to show how the spiders protect themselves from predators.

“Madagascar is one of the few places left in the world where you can still seek out and film new species and new behaviour,” said series producer Mary Summerill.

Take a look at the video of Sir David Attenborough describing the spider on the BBC website.

Dont forget to catch Madagascar begins on BBC TWO at 8pm Wednesday, February 9th!

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New sample tours for Madagascar

January 25, 2011 Moreno | Comment (0)

Since my trip to Madagascar in December I have been busy thinking of some great new sample tours to give clients an insight on some of the luxury trips we can create to help craft the perfect Madagascar Holiday. Our redesigned tours feature the North, East and South of Madagascar plus the Aye Aye Lemur tour travelling on the Michelin train into Andasibe to find the most unusual looking of the Lemur species.

Here are some details about the tours. If you have any questions or would like to talk to me about these exciting tours please feel free to call 01202 606160 or drop me an email on moreno@worldwideholidays.co.uk

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The Land of the Aye Aye Lemur

Enjoy this newly launched tour of Andasibe & Masoala National Park. This unique train journey from Antananarivo to Andasibe adds to the pleasure of discovering beauty from a different perspective. This trip is designed for people who adore nature. (Read more…)

A Southern Adventure

Discover Madagascar by road from Antananarivo to reach Tulear on the Mozambique Canal and then heading to the South West Coast of this beautiful Island. A great southern journey, on your way to discover Isalo National Park and the romantic sunset show! (Read more…)

Northern Discovery

This tour visits the far North of Madagascar, starting by the historic town of Diego Suarez, formerly the largest French Port in the Indian Ocean, as well as the Grey and the Red Tsingy. I have personally experienced this part of Madagascar on my recent trip there and highly recommend it. (Read more…)

East Coast & Nosy Be

A short 6 night tour for those on a tight schedule, to observe the Indri Indri lemur and time to relax on a beach. This tour takes you from the highlands of Antananarivo down through the forested Perinet region and on to the flat coastal plains of Eastern Madagascar and the Pangalanes Canal. (Read more…)

East Coast & Ile Sainte Marie

An 8 night tour discovering the East Coast of Madagascar including the infamous Indri Indri Lemurs, Andasibe National Park and take time to relax on the beautiful Island of Ile Sainte Marie.  (Read more…)

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A Tour of Northern Madagascar

December 17, 2010 Moreno | Comments (2)

 

Days 1 – 2

So here I finally was, standing at the Air Madagascar check in desk in Paris, for my overnight flight to Nosy Be. Thankfully I had just escaped the snow at Heathrow, which was briskly making its way to Southern England! This turned out to be a comfortable 10 hour flight into Nosy Be, an Island just off mainland Madagascar. The service and food were most impressive, but lacked entertainment, but I was far too tired and ended up sleeping for most of my flight.

Flying over Comoros Islands, Madagascar was getting ever so close. After landing, it felt like I had arrived into someone’s back yard, a couple of wooden shacks in the evergreen. It just added to the excitement of exploring a new land. The cabin doors were opened and I was suddenly hit by the 35 degree heat – bliss! Later having enjoyed a quick stop at Nosy Be Hotel for lunch, I was whisked off back to the airport for my flight to Antananarivo, my base for the next two nights, where I stayed at the lovely and comfortable Palissandre Hotel, about a 35 minute drive to the city.

The highlight was definitely the cuisine here. I have never tasted food so exquisite at a hotel. The rooms were comfortable and there was also a lovely Spa, which I just could not resist to try out!

Next day, it was straight to work. Yes I needed to remind myself that I was here for work, so was picked up and driven to the ‘Enjoy Madagascar Trade Exhibition’, where I had the opportunity to meet various hoteliers and local suppliers. Later back to the hotel, to freshen up and have some more time in the Spa before dinner.

Days 3 – 5

After an early breakfast, my driver was waiting in the lobby for my transfer to the airport where I was booked on a flight to Diego Suarez in north Madagascar, discovered by two Portuguese sailors in the 16^th Century. On arrival after my 1 hour flight, I was transferred to Grand Hotel, where I checked into my suite. I had no time to waste and had a city tour of Diego, a visit to Sakalava Bay, Amber Mountain and the 3 bays, where there are stunning beautiful white sandy beaches. They are virtually deserted and have great views of Emerald Sea. Later, I had a visit to Ramena, a small traditional fishing village.

Next day, I leave Diego Suarez in a 4×4 and make my way to Red Tsingy, about a 2 hour journey south east of Diego. The roads are tough on the approach to the canyon and ideal for the intrepid traveller! As a result of eroded canyons, the Red Tsingy is unique to Madagascar and definitely must be included in any visit to this part of the country.

 

My next stop was the National Park of Ankarana, in the hope that I would catch a glimpse of a Lemur or two! Surprising formations of sharp limestone Tsingy, Ankarana was created under the sea 150 million years ago, before changing due to sandstone climate change. Many unique species have evolved here, such as bats, lemurs and crocodiles. The ‘Lost River’ which resembles a gigantic Roman amphitheatre due to the loss of water, will amaze with its natural beauty.

Later I had dinner at the Tsingy Lodge, created by a German hotel proprietor, not far from the Ankarana National Park. It offers bungalows and tents with a real jungle experience. My stay was at the Relais de L’Ankarana, a very basic eco-lodge, where the electricity is provided between the hours of 6-10pm. All rooms are en-suite, but don’t expect your home comforts! This is a good base for the National Park. Alcohol is on sale here, so no need to stock up before arriving!!

After breakfast, I set off for Ambanja, a small village en-route to Ankify. There was the opportunity to visit plantations, discovering cocoa, spices, coffee and perfume plants. The smells were fantastic and overwhelming. I stopped for lunch in the company of the Woman’s Association where a lovely lunch was prepared using local recipes. They even performed a traditional dance show which was most entertaining.

 I was then driven to Ankify for an overnight stay. Ankify is a coastal port, where boats frequently depart for the Nosy Be Archipelago Islands. Le Baobab Hotel was a delightful setting to rest, on a quiet beach. The hotel consists of beach bungalows and bungalows with balconies with lovely views across to the sea. This was the first opportunity I had for a swim in the sea (and a nice cold beer!) and was well worth it!

Days 6 – 7

I was very much looking forward to today…..finally getting onto a boat and the water. Destination Nosy Be. On arrival, I visited a few of the hotels on the Island, followed by lunch at L’Heure Bleue, a delightful hotel with beautiful views and comfortable accommodation. Later I visited the Ylang Ylang distillery and the botanical park of Nosy Be. The gates of Hell-town are an attraction in itself. Later I had dinner back at Nosy Be Hotel, where I decided to feast on……spaghetti Bolognese; I really did miss my mum’s pasta!!!

The final day was a truly amazing day, where I finally had my close encounter with a Lemur. Today I took the boat to Nosy Komba, an isolated Island near Nosy Be, the famous perfume Island and the mainland of Madagascar. This large mountain peaks at 622 metres, covered with dense tropical forest and surrounded by volcanic rocks, which protects it from the rough waters. At the Lemur park, I had my encounter with many Lemurs (I have the photos to prove it too!), although I passed on a meeting with a local resident snake!

The Marine Park Nosy Tanikely, located near Nosy Be, is one of the more popular diving sites, approximately 30 minutes from Komba.  It offers shallow and clear waters and impressive colourful corals and fish. A wonderful lunch was provided here on the beach, before setting off to Nosy Be to prepare for our flight home via Antananarivo. I was preparing myself at the thought of getting stranded in Paris, having heard that Charles du Gaulle was closed due to snow. My flight was delayed at Marseille en route for an hour before getting the go ahead to fly into Paris, which was covered in a blanket of snow! I wasn’t looking forward to returning to below zero temperatures. I guess those flip flops and sun tanning lotion will need to be packed away for the next trip, wherever that may be!

What did I think?

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Madagascar. They told me it was unique. It was just that! I found it most rewarding, interesting and the people were very friendly. Madagascar is relatively underdeveloped and so is the infrastructure, so be sure you travel with an open mind and are totally flexible with your travel plans as sometimes schedules can change at the very last moment. You may not be staying in the most luxurious of hotels but the experience and rewards are fantastic. You never quite know what’s around the corner.

My highlights were definitely meeting the lemurs, the beaches of Nosy Be Islands and also meeting the local people in their villages and learning more about their culture and way of life. I also loved seeing the children break into smiles and laughter whenever I waved at them driving through the villages shouting out ‘hello’ in Malagasy – I guess my pronunciation did not sound quite right!!

For more details about Madagascar or to discuss a trip for yourself, please feel free to get in contact with me anytime on the Madagascar desk!

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Easyjet Launches Services to Amman, Jordan

December 16, 2010 Moreno | Comment (0)

We are very excited with the news that from 27th March 2011, Easyjet are launching their service to Amman in Jordan, operating three times a week from London Gatwick.

Why not discover what Jordan has to offer on our 7 night ‘Highlights of Jordan’ Tour. Visit the Roman City of Jerash, before hitting the Desert Highway to the echanting city of Petra. Take an exciting 4×4 drive over the dunes in Wadi Rum before settling down at the Dead Sea for some pampering and to experience the floating sensation of the sea.

Prices for a 7 night private tour start from £950 per adult on bed & breakfast, excluding international flights. To view this Jordan itinerary, please visit our Highlights of Jordan page.

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