Travelguru.tv Blog

Hope for Haiti

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:38:00 +0000

I spent the day at the Destinations Travel Show at Earls Court in London yesterday. Numbers I would say were slightly down on previous years (hardly surprising given the state of the economy) but the passion, enthusiasm and sheer variety of travel opportunities on offer were as inspiring as ever.

And it was good to see the Haiti stand in the Caribbean section attracting lots of interest. I had a long chat with Jean-Marc Flambert who had organised the stand. Drawing on goodwill and the generosity of the exhibition organisers and partners who gave both space and support for free, he was doing a fine job of presenting a positive vision of the future for the earthquake ravaged country. Jean-Marc has extended family in Port-au-Prince so is better placed than most to understand the trauma its citizens are currently experiencing.

The truth is though, Haiti has been suffering terrible poverty and deprivation for many years and, desperate though the current situation is, its also a potential turning point. Money is now pouring in and, while much of it will be spent on the immediate crisis the hope is that eventually funding can also be directed into long term redevelopment and, in particular, tourism initiatives.

The country's future depends on attracting tourists and there's plenty on offer with Haiti's rich diversity of mountains and unspoiled coastline. It will be along and difficult road, the politics are complex and the immediate crisis is far from over but at least there is a glimmer of hope that eventually tourism may help Haiti triumph over tragedy.

The Destinations Show is on until Sunday 07 February at London Earls Court http://www.destinationsshow.com/

A hat trick of awards for travelguru.tv

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:00:00 +0000

The travelguru.tv team were thrilled to end 2009 by picking up their 3rd award since launch. I had the pleasure of travelling to Girona in the Costa Brava just before Christmas to collect the Premis G! 2009 award for Best Tourism Communication - audio visual category. Presented by the Costa Brava Tourism Board, the award was in recognition of 2 video reports, presented by travelguru David Wickers on Walking and Cycling in Catalonia and A Guide to Girona Province

The awards ceremony took place in the splendid surroundings of a restored Victorian Theatre in the small town of Olot. Following a press conference with local media, the awards ceremony took place complete with red carpet, live music, champagne and canapes. The event is the highlight of the Costa Brava Tourism Board calendar and it was a real honour to be there and accept the award.

Very good service - guaranteed

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:52:00 +0000

Thanks to our friends at www.verygoodservice.com for their continued support. Featuring a collection of award winning companies across all sectors, VGS is a great site to check out if you are looking for inspiration coupled with reassurance. As they succintly put it: 'We find the best...so you don't have to!

Dahabiyya Cruises

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:15:00 +0000

Guest blog from travelguru, John Carter

I have just spent a week on "Amber", one of the small dahabiyyas which cruises the Nile, taking a maximum of a dozen passengers to tombs and temples between Aswan and Luxor. It was a delightful experience, in the main, and served, among other things, to convince me that small is, indeed, beautiful when it comes to such excursions. A fleet of 350-plus larger boats is also on that river, running in convoy from one site to another. Far too many vessels carrying far too many passengers (even in tough economic times), so that the aforementioned sites quickly become crowded.
"Amber" runs to a schedule that avoids those other ships, and though it may be a cliche, cruising the way it used to be is really the only way to go. Its leisured approach gives you time to appreciate what you are seeing, to listen to what the experienced guide has to tell you, and relax in excellent company. The service is impeccable, the food very good and the fact that all drinks are included in the price is a welcome bonus. The Egyptian wine is more than passable, though my preference at lunch, especially on returning from a shore excursion, was for the Egyptian beer. A spacious cabin with a comfortable bed, a ferociously efficient shower and very good air conditioning completed the picture.

Any criticism? One gripe I do have, though it is not aimed at "Amber" or her crew. It is that, when one goes ashore, one is pestered by peddlers and stallholders, all selling the same limited range of goods - scarves and guidebooks, jewellery and trinkets. If one doesn't want to buy, their pestering can get out of hand and even verge on the menacing. A lot of people dismiss this as being "..what you have to expect in Egypt..." but it detracts from one's enjoyment of the holiday and demeans the country and its people. I wish the authorities would do something about it.
That apart, I thoroughly recommend the dahabiyya - the Nile's transport of delight.

Watch John's video report on the Dahabiyya experience here

Applying for a non-immigrant US Visa

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Ever had the feeling those US folk would really rather not have foreigners come visit? If you've stood in line at Immigration at a US entry point or, worse still, had to apply for a visa in advance you could be forgiven for thinking that was the case. However, some of us are still not deterred and now that our friends at the Massachusetts Travel and Tourism Office have asked us to come and film their spectacular state, the hoop jumping could no longer be avoided. I thought I would share my experience...

Filming/reporting/journalism requires an I Visa and so it was that I ended up in a queue outside the US Embassy at 7.15 am this morning, clutching my passport and assembled documents. I was not alone - ahead of me were 12 other early birds and by the time the doors opened for security at 7.30, the queue behind me was disappearing around the corner of Grosvenor Square.
Luckily the sun was shining but if its raining/cold you are in a for a grim time.

8am is the designated appointment time although it turns out everyone is told the same time and it is first come, first served. Security being as it is, you are not allowed to take any electronic items into the Embassy - including mobile phones, i pods, even car key fobs. 2 out of the 12 ahead of me fell at the first hurdle and were sent with tail between legs to a shop down the road that's making a killing offering short term safe deposit for such items.

After 3 separate security checks, I made it into the building, just before 8am. Another check of paperwork and then you are assigned a number. Then its up into the waiting area where you watch the screens like a hawk til your number is called. This took about 15 minutes then there was another check and fingerprints and then a further fingerprint check at another window until you are sent back to your seat to wait again. It doesn't seem to go in number order so I guess some visa types take longer to process than others. I've heard stories of others waiting hours at this point (there are toilets and a cafe area) but, as it turned out, mine was just 10 minutes.

A nice man from the Embassy gave me the once over, asked a few pertinent questions re my intentions stateside and then stared at his screen for a very long time (well, seemed it anyway) until he finally announced I was good to go. A quick stop at the courier service to organise having my passport sent back to me and I was out by 8.30am. Result!

And the damage... well, a 5 min phone call to set up the appointment in the first place (charged at £1.60 per minute = £8), the charge for the visa itself $130 (approx £86), peak rate train ticket to get to London in time for the 8am appointment, £22.50 and £14.20 for the courier cost of the passport - a grand total of £130.70. Of course if you don't happen to live within striking distance of London (or Belfast) you'll have more travel costs, time wasting, possibly even overnight accommodation on top of that.

They don't make it easy do they?!

Anyone else had good/bad experiences applying for visas? Feel free to leave a comment.

Short break in Catalonia

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 09:31:00 +0000

Its rare for me to get the chance to revisit filming venues but sometimes the temptation is just too great. Ever since we filmed in Catalonia last May, I have been waiting for my chance to check back in to the Castell D'Emporda as a guest rather than for work. Fortunately, this is an easy one to arrange. Just wait for the Ryanair price to be right (in our case just £36 for 2 return tickets) and no excuses necessary. A 2 hour flight and 30 minute drive is all it takes to be transported to this Catalonian gem.

The images speak for themselves - enjoying the most idyllic rural setting, mid way between Gerona and the coast, this splendid 800 year old castle has been lovingly restored and extended by its Dutch owners. Located just outside La Bisbal, a quirky little town famous for its ceramics, the hotel stands at the end of quiet road in lovely Mediterranean gardens including water features, a shaded walk through the woods and a well stocked kitchen garden. The castle centres around a large open courtyard - perfect for al fresco dining - and then you go down a level to the swimming pool, surrounded by individual and double loungers.

What's so clever about the restoration is how they've managed to seamlessly combine the ancient and modern. Careful use of glass, contemporary styling and luxurious soft furnishings perfectly compliment the original features of the building and mellow ancient stone. There are rooms within the original castle but we stayed in a garden suite, in a newly constructed block sunk into the hillside with views out to the surrounding countryside. The rooms are spacious and well considered. The style is quite simple with wooden floors, neutral walls but the lavish velvet and silk soft furnishings add a real sense of luxury. The bathrooms too deserve special mention - its rare indeed to have a bath big enough for two and a view!

As everywhere in the region, the food here is excellent. In line with economic pressure I noticed the evening set menu has been pared down from a 48 euro gastronomic affair to a more affordable 29 euro, 3 course 'market menu' (plus a la carte options). Regardless, my tuna carpaccio followed by tender lamb kebabs and a heavenly strawberry and cream cheese dessert were delicious!

The hotel works hard to get creative and keep guests coming back. They are just coming to the end of highly successful Jazz concert series (held in the very funky basement bar which opens out to gardens) and are hoping to repeat that in the Autumn. And they also do well with groups - wedding parties (who can make use of the small private chapel), private parties and family gatherings.

For me, I need no other inducement to return - the Castell D'Emporda is already way up there on my list of favourite short break spots.

Click here to see our video on the Catalonia region and special offers at the hotel

Notes from... The British Virgin Islands

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:40:00 +0000

I got chatting to a lady on our outward flight to Antigua - she was heading there with a group of 20 to celebrate a friends 50th - nice booking for someone. They were Caribbean repeaters but when I told her I was heading on to the British Virgin Islands she was puzzled - the British 'what' she asked, where are they? Well as it happens, they are a short Liat hop on from Antigua but her response kind of sums up both the problem and appeal of the BVI's. As there are no direct flights, they have never been on the mainstream tourist map and, those who have already discovered them would prefer to keep it that way.

Scenically the BVI's are drop dead gorgeous. A cluster of some 60 or so islands of varying shapes and sizes, some inhabited, most not and each with their own character, appeal, stunning white sand beaches and seas of every shade of blue you can imagine. Aside from The Baths on Virgin Gorda (the main excursion call for cruise passengers) nowhere is ever packed and, in fact, more often than not, you can have entire stretches of beach completely to yourself.

The water will often be busier than land as this is, after all, yachtie heaven - the islands cluster around a huge body of water providing deep water, line of sight sailing, a wealth of hideaway moorings and anchorages plus a steady wind generally from the East. Our visit coincided with the annual Spring Regatta so I guess it was busier than usual but even so, there's plenty of open water for all.

Even if you are not a sailor it would be just plain wrong to visit the BVI's and not spend time on the water but if you prefer to sleep on terra firma there are plenty of options.

The style is generally laid back, barefoot chic. The most famous name is Richard Branson's Necker Island (he is also now developing another resort on nearby Mosquito island) but there are no big name chains here, each hotel is individual and unique and for those who seek complete privacy there are some pretty gorgeous private villas too. Of the properties we visited, I would highlight 3 hotels in particular:

Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda - a 30 minute water taxi ride gets you there from the airport and the arrival alone to the pretty marina is as fine a start to a Caribbean holiday that I can imagine.
Accommodation is in rustic chic villas spread throughout the grounds, each with two bikes (tip: peddle backwards to brake!!) so you can easily explore the island and take the 5 minute scoot down to the beach. Another nice touch is the fleet of Boston Whalers (small flat bottom motorboats) that guests can borrow to potter round the coastline on snorkelling expeditions.

Peter Island resort - a unique island location with a truly stunning beach. The newly renovated beachfront villas are beautiful and the resort also has a highly rated Spa. The current GM is extremely hands on and it shows in the service and overall atmosphere - its a very happy place.

Frenchmans on Tortola - only recently re-opened after extensive refurbishment this is a real gem located on Frenchman's Quay on the south west coast. Very romantic, the resort has a collection of one and two bedroom villas, each luxuriously furnished and with all mod cons. There's also a small pool, private beach and tennis but a key highlight is the Waterfront restaurant - without doubt serving the best cocktails and food we had anywhere. Their Stay and Sail package is particularly tempting.

Click here to view the BVI Island Guide video
Click here to learn more Sailing in the BVI

Caribbean roll

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 03 May 2009 15:32:00 +0000

No time for blogging recently as I've been mad busy filming on three, virtually back to back Caribbean shoots - first the British Virgin Islands, then St Kitts and lastly, Barbados. For many people the Caribbean is just one region - assuming white sands, palm trees, steel bands and little else. Big mistake! If this rash of shoots has revealed anything it is that each island is completely unique - scenically, culturally, historically and almost any other 'ally' you can think of!

The results of our efforts will be on the site within the next month or so but over the next few days I will be adding notes on each to this blog and in particular detailing some of our best 'finds'...

EHIC card renewal

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:39:00 +0000

If you haven't done so recently, take time to check the expiry date of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Following a big campaign a few years back you may remember switching from the old E111 forms to cards. Card bearers are entitled to reduced and sometimes free medical costs throughout Europe so its important to have it with you when you travel but even more important to check yours is still valid as the early 'batch' are now reaching expiry. The expiry date, easily missed, is in the bottom right hand corner of the card.

From my own experience, having tried and failed to renew my card online, the simplest way to do this is to ring 0845 606 2030. Once renewed, the card will be valid for a further 5 years.

Late season skiing - best snow for 25 years

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:25:00 +0000

Sharing information just in from the Ski Club of Great Britain...

Conditions in the Alps and Pyrenees are as good as they have been for 25 years, according to the Ski Club of Great Britain. Skiers and boarders wanting to get to the Alps for a break over the Easter holidays will find pistes in excellent condition with good snow cover off-piste and deep snow bases.

Al Morgan, Information Manager at the Ski Club of Great Britain said, “there is still plenty of time to fit in a ski holiday before the end of the season. Many tour operators have fantastic deals available and run holidays right through to May. This is definitely the year to make the most of the excellent snow conditions. Skiing in March and April offers long days for skiing, sunny terraces for leisurely lunches and less people than the busy periods. Get out there if you can!”

Resorts open until 26th April include: Flaine, Les Arcs, Avoriaz, Meribel, La Thuile, Bormio, Davos, Wengen, Zermatt, St Anton and Lech.

Resorts open until 3rd May include: Val d’Isere, Val Thorens, Are, Pas de la Casa, Soldeu, Ischgl, Obertauern, Obergurgl, Solden, Andermatt, St Moritz, Cervinia and Hemsedal.

Only wish I had the time to go...

April holiday bargains

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:41:00 +0000

The sun is out, Spring has, just about, sprung and travel bargains are the order or the day. Aside from the peak Easter bank holiday weekend, there are still plenty of great deals out there - snap 'em up before its too late.

Need inspiration? Here's just a few ideas from the travelguru.tv portfolio:

Easter on the Danube. Departs 11 April - special offer prices from £695 plus an extra 5% travelguru discount. This 6 night cruise from Budapest to Bucharest on the MS Johann Strauss provides the perfect Easter getaway. If you are new to river cruising, this is the ideal length of holiday to get a real feel for it.

Get active in St Lucia Hit the Caribbean for the last of the great winter weather. The Body Holiday at Le Sport combines indulgence and activity with customised programme of Spa treatments and sports facilities. Latest offers: book a minimum of 5 nights all inclusive and get 2 nights free (7 nights + 3 free or 10 nights + 4 free). Plus our exclusive $50 Spa credit for additional treatments

Dahabiyya Cruise on the Nile Egypt is another destination to tick off earlier in the year before temperatures rise. Special offer prices apply to selected March and April dates plus the bonus of a FREE Luxor balloon flight worth £85pp. Prices from £1435 (22 March dep) including flights

Cotswold Water Park Hotel Closer to home, how about a short break in the Cotswolds? Their newly opened self catering apartments are a bargain at £99 for 2 nights (one bedroom apartment) or let someone else worry about the catering with standard rooms from just £42pppn

Alexander House Utopia Spa wins top award

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Great news for one of our partners, the Alexander House Hotel as their Utopia Spa has picked up the Guinot Top Crown Spa award for 2009. Well done to Spa manager Jodie and all the team!

If you are one of the many foregoing a foreign holiday this year in favour of the UK but still looking for a spot of indulgence, a spa break could just fit the bill. Our 2 night Spa break includes accommodation in one of Alexander House Hotel's Spa rooms, breakfast and dinner plus 3 included treatments.

travelgurutv on Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Its the latest social networking tool that's hard to ignore - celebrities, journalists and seemingly well, everyone seems to tuning in to Twitter right now. Including me! (twitter name travelgurutv)

For the uninitiated, its basically gossip online. But the great thing is, its gossip that you can tailor to your own interests - you choose to 'follow' people who you think might have something interesting to say but, if and when you find out that they don't, you simply unfollow them. Nothing personal, just tailoring the information flow. Likewise people do the same to you and before you know it, you're getting great little nuggets of info from a whole host of people all around the world. For those interested in travel its brilliant - from breaking news and travel articles to great website finds and local travel tips. It works best as a two way street - its all about sharing information. Ask a question and almost certainly someone will be willing to give you an answer.

Posts are limited to 140 characters so short and sweet is the order of the day - and what you can't say in a couple of lines can always be expanded on with links to full articles and blog posts.

To find some travel folk to follow, feel free to start with me, (Twitter name: travelgurutv) and my list of follows - look forward to tweeting you soon...

alltop lists travelguru.tv

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:05:00 +0000

In our continued efforts to spread the word about quality travel video online, we were delighted to get noticed by alltop.com, the site that claims to have all the top stories. Apart from the fact taht we are in it, its travel section is well worth checking out for all sorts of new leads, travel tips and generally interesting stuff.

Save money on tyres

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 11:26:00 +0000

Have tyres will travel? Tenuous link I know but an excuse to tell you about my new best friend at Black Circles Tyres . I met the MD, Michael Welch at the BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur Awards launch last night. Another opportunity to mention that travelguru.tv won one of these lovely awards :-) but Michael won the overall 'Entrepreneur of the Year' title and deservedly so, as he has built a very successful and fast growing business around providing cheaper tyres and fitting services to customers. Basically, Black Circles promise to save you 40% on High Street tyre costs. As it happens, we need new tyres so I checked it out and lo and behold saved myself £100. Not bad eh?

Video v. the printed word

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:51:00 +0000

Saturday's Travel section in The Guardian could have been a travelguru edition - almost every page carrying a feature or product mention matching our content. I enjoyed reading the articles but inevitably found myself drawing comparisons with our videos covering the same subjects.
Both mediums have their pros and cons but perhaps combining both creates the perfect guide?

So I list them here for interest and invite comments as to which you prefer:

Tenerife - video v feature
Dahabiyya Nile cruise - video v feature
Girona City Break - video v short break suggestion
Cotswold Water Park - video v short break suggestion

Think its cold here?

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:25:00 +0000

Just came across some great pictures for a chilly January and thought I'd share... These were taken in a town called Versoix on the shores of Lac Leman, Switzerland. Now that's what you call cold!

New visa waiver online system for travel to US

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:34:00 +0000

Anyone planning to travel to the US should be aware that, as from 12 January 2008 the old Visa Waiver forms that you used to fill in on the flight have gone and been replaced by the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). Essentially its an e-version of the old paper form but it now has to be completed online at least 3 days before you intend to travel.

Once approved, you get an authorisation number which is valid for 2 years. Travellers without an approved ESTA are advised that they may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission at a U.S. port of entry.

You can only apply for travel authorization via the ESTA Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

P&O Cruises Ventura

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:05:00 +0000

I bet the news desks could barely conceal their delight when they began receiving stories from disgruntled passengers on board P&O Cruises Ventura Christmas cruise. The headline in the Sunday Times was 'Ocean cruise ends in almighty brawl'. Reading between the lines though it sounds more like there were a few rowdy passengers (mainly kids) with no notion of how to behave whether on dry land or at sea. No doubt at the time they caused unpleasant scenes but I bet that the P&O staff have seen it all before and were more than capable of dealing with it - the ultimate sanction being simply to put disruptive passengers ashore which is exactly what happened here.

It seems a bit of a non story to me. The gist of it was that this particular cruise had been heavily discounted and therefore attracted what the Sunday Times describe as 'chavs'. This is quite a big assumption which I am sure must have caused considerable offence to those passengers who are perfectly well behaved but simply know a bargain when they see one!

Irrespective of price, cruising has always been considered an aspirational holiday that appeals to all sectors of the market - just as you can get 'undesirable' types in 5 star luxury resorts, so you can on a cruise ship too. The notion that cruising is only for the upper classes died out long ago.

We recently filmed on P&O Cruises Arcadia - this is a child free ship, so rowdy youths are never going to be an issue. That said, on board there was certainly a complete mix of age groups and social backgrounds. The type of people on any given holiday will of course have a big impact on your enjoyment. For that reason we try and include feedback and comments from people we meet on location so you can judge for yourself.

Of course there are never any guarantees - obnoxious people travel just like anyone else! The point though is that on a large cruise ship, just as in a large resort, it is pretty easy to avoid people. From my experience, what tends to happen is that different 'types' and age groups tend to gravitate towards different activities and styles of venue on board and for the most part, everyone is happy.

What do you think? Have you been on a P&O cruise? Does cheap holiday = 'chavs holiday'?

BT Business Essence of the Entrepreneur winner

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:27:00 +0000

Celebrations in the travelguru.tv office this week as we were finally given the green light to officially announce our latest award: BT Business 'Essence of the Entrepreneur'. We are in fact one of 20 businesses to be recognised, each chosen for their innovative use of technology. As well as the honour of being selected the prize was a portrait session with world renowned photographer Rankin. The shoot actually took place back in September (and very exciting it was too) but the winners are only just now being officially announced to coincide with an exhibition of the photographs at the Oxo Tower in London running from 29 January to 01 March 2009.

Imagine how hard its been keeping it a secret! Amidst all the current doom and gloom its fantastic to have something positive to shout about. Looking at the list of winners, it proves entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking in the UK

Happy Travelling in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:49:00 +0000

If ever there was a good time to plan an escape, its now! Regular January blues combined with credit crunch overload make the prospect of blue skies and a change of scene more enticing than ever.

We all have to be realistic though and belt tightening is the order of the day - everyone is on the hunt for the best deal. But, a word of caution; when it comes to holidays 'best deal' doesn't always translate into 'cheapest deal'.

In the travel world, 'bargains' can so easily backfire and the old adage of 'you get what you pay for' still applies. Don't get me wrong, I'm as thrilled as the next person to find cheap airfares but in many ways (providing it actually takes off more or less on time) the flight is the least important element of a holiday - choosing a resort, accommodation and excursions that will match your expectations are key. The last thing anyone needs right now is a bad holiday. Our time off is way too precious to risk anything going wrong.

At travelguru.tv we like to think we've got the holiday research 'nut' cracked - what could be more reassuring than having a trusted travel commentator test out a given holiday or destination on your behalf and not only that, but be able to watch a video of their experience? What's more, if you like what you see, you can then book the very same holiday and be assured of the best possible deal.

We wish you all nothing but happy travels in 2009!

Culture in the Canaries

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:24:00 +0000

Granted, Tenerife is not usually associated with more high brow interests but visitors to the capital, Santa Cruz are in for a treat.

Down on the seafront, the Auditorium, which looks like a mini version of the Sydney Opera House, provides a spectacular venue for local artists as well as touring orchestras, musicians and productions. During our recent shoot we were treated to a tour of the main concert hall and can testify that the acoustics, as you would expect, are amazing.

And now the Auditorium has been joined by the capital's latest cultural attraction, the innovative TEA (Tenerife Espacia de las Artes). The building itself is as much of an attraction as the art and sculpture on display. Created by architects, Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron (the men behind projects such as the Tate Modern in London and 'Birds Nest' Olympic Stadium in Beijing), the interior was designed to stimulate sensations and movement by expanding dynamic spaces towards the exterior. Diagonal components across the floor plan and several slopes allow the outside world to seep into the interior and spread across the outdoor patio. The light-filled interior houses a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions. It is also home to Tenerife's main library - lucky students who get to study here - as well as a shop, cafe area and partially covered Plaza.

These two buildings combined with a visit to the nearby university town and UNESCO listed, La Laguna make for a great day out, easily accessible no matter where you stay on the island.

Turns out Tenerife is full of surprises - see more of the island on video...

World Travel Market in London

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:41:00 +0000

Been very slack on the blogging front recently as we've been super busy out on location filming new video reports. This week too is a hectic one for anyone in travel as the great and good of the industry gather at Excel in London for the annual World Travel Market extravaganza.

Apart from the acute embarassment of London's public transport and its inability to get the crowds there efficiently (what should have been a 1.5 hour journey took me 4 hours on Monday!) - it is a quite an event and, if it were to be held up as a barometer of how things are in the industry, noone would believe there was any economic crisis! The stands were as lavish as ever, with each country attempting to out do its competitors, celebrities were there in abundance and, as is tradition within the travel trade, generous hospitality in the way of nibbles and beverages was forthcoming.

I always find it exciting to attend the show - if only to remind myself how much of the world is left to explore...

XL Leisure Group demise

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:50:00 +0000

Here at travelguru.tv we firmly believe, when it comes to tour operating, small is most definitely best. Small tour operators generally have a genuine passion for a product or place, develop a team of dedicated and knowledgable staff and, above all, have a vested interest in providing the highest levels of service to their customers. And if more evidence were needed, the weekend turmoil caused by the collapse the XL Leisure Group and a fire in the Eurotunnnel provided it.

A case in point...one of our tour operator partners, Travel Editions who specialise in Eurostar trips, were directly effected. As the news of the fire broke on Thursday evening, their MD and his team worked through the night to make alternative arrangements for their 3 groups in France due back the following day. Having sorted out coach and ferry plans by about 3 am, the news of the XL collapse was just coming through. With passengers forward booked on their services to Crete, they then ploughed on til dawn rebooking said passengers on alternative flights. So as the sun rose on what proved to be an horrendous day for the travel industry, job done with nothing but praise emerging from passengers effected.

Quoting from customer emails...

I just wanted to congratulate all concerned in getting our group back home so efficiently when the channel tunnel was closed. I had been envisioning being unable to get back home any time soon, but our coach driver got us to Calais quickly, we did not have to wait all that long to get on the ferry, and then we found our coach waiting to take us to London when we got off at Dover. Bernard, our courier, kept us all informed, and I do realise that at your end a lot of effort must have gone into all these arrangements. So well done, one and all!

Just to thank you for a very efficient rescue package when the eurostar fire affected our return journey.We also wish to bring to your attention the remarkable skill with which our tour guide, Karen, handled a very difficult day.The death of a client on holiday coupled with the travel difficulties was handled by her with great competance and we cannot speak too highly of her professional attitude

When I heard Dermot Blastland (MD of TUI) on BBC Breakfast News trying to spin the bad news to a positive for the remaining 'Big Two' (TUI and Thomas Cook) it really got my goat. His implication that your holiday is only 'safe' if you book with them is utter rubbish - all the operators we work with are fully bonded so, big or small, your money is protected. The point is more that when things do go wrong, how do the organisations react? Do they use it as a PR opportunity to bang their own drum or do they roll their sleeves up and work through the night to take care of their passengers? I know who I'd rather trust with my hard earned holiday cash...

Jade Mountain, St Lucia

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:56:00 +0000

During our latest shoot in St Lucia we stayed in several different resorts but for me, Jade Mountain, near Soufriere in the south of the island really stood out.

Opened just last year, this is an extraordinary hotel in all senses of the word. Set above the long established and popular Anse Chastenet Resort, Jade Mountain rises up from the very top of the hill like some sort of Thunderbirds docking station. The main part of the building connects to the slope by mean of concrete bridges which are actually all individual pathways leading to your suite. The hill side face of the building is a mass of dark wood louvres with almost hidden doors but, beyond those doors are the most breathtaking suites I have ever seen.

For a start, each of the 24 suites is huge (the largest is over 2000 sq ft). They are all of course achingly stylish, they each have a large, totally private infinity edge pool but the most stunning feature is that the 4th wall is completely open and offers uninterrupted views out to sea and across to St Lucia's iconic twin Piton mountains. There are no phones, no TV and internet access only in reception - this is about pure escapism and tuning in to nature in the most luxurious and decadent fashion. The open wall means that you fall asleep to the nightime orchestra of the forest below, you wake to the sound of birdsong and you lie in your wonderfully comfortable four poster bed watching dawn break over the Pitons.

On hand to cater to your every whim is your 'major domo' - a personal butler who will unpack for you, iron your clothes, book any trips you might want, organise room service if you can't make it up to the Terrace Restaurant, in fact they will do anything you ask. Its the ultimate in understated decadence and, due to the high level of privacy provided by the location and the nature of the suites, its fast becoming a favourite with celebrities. Discretion is the watchword of Jade Mountain's amazing staff although one did let slip to me that Johnny Wilkinson has been recent guest.

Of course, it doesn't come cheap - expect to pay around £3-4000 for 7 nights. But, for a spectacular Caribbean wedding location, romantic honyemoon or indulgent hideaway - look no further! Watch the video at travelguru.tv