Just got back from Croatia. Had a fantastic week staying on Koločep, near Dubrovnik. Brilliant holiday for middle-aged to older couples. Thoroughly recommend.
Never planned on one this year, but following visiting more funerals than weddings, thought, fuck it. Hit the credit card and got flights to LA end of August. Not bothered about going SF, but are definitely driving to vegas Thinking about starting in Santa Monica, then Death Valley? Vegas, back? Love any thoughts, ideas? Do I stop at London Bridge? Thanks all.
Never planned on one this year, but following visiting more funerals than weddings, thought, fuck it. Hit the credit card and got flights to LA end of August. Not bothered about going SF, but are definitely driving to vegas Thinking about starting in Santa Monica, then Death Valley? Vegas, back? Love any thoughts, ideas? Do I stop at London Bridge? Thanks all.
Don't get on the wrong bus from LA and instead of ending up at Venice Beach for sunset,.end up in Compton for sunset and the last stop on the bus... I managed it as a dopy 18 year old.
we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.
maybe best to avoid On The Beach as I've seen many bad reviews?
we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.
maybe best to avoid On The Beach as I've seen many bad reviews?
Over 2 million people book with them every year. They are enormously successful and grow year on year. They are perfectly good.
we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.
maybe best to avoid On The Beach as I've seen many bad reviews?
Over 2 million people book with them every year. They are enormously successful and grow year on year. They are perfectly good.
not ''perfectly good' for far too many. Too much of a risk I wouldn't book with them. Far too many better and less risky options
8 days in the black forest with a couple of mates starts on 24th May (so no Wembley for me). We're driving and will stay in Baden Baden then likely Freiburg and Schiltach, with a night in Belgium on the return journey, probably Kortrijk which we liked a couple of years ago. Bit of walking, bit of sightseeing, lot of beer is the plan. Looking forward to it hugely.
we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.
maybe best to avoid On The Beach as I've seen many bad reviews?
Over 2 million people book with them every year. They are enormously successful and grow year on year. They are perfectly good.
As long as you read the terms and conditions and are aware of possible consequences
anything happens and you need to amend holiday you are stuffed.
With TUI or Jet2 if need to change the date or something that is easy to do.
With OTB they just book your flight with RyanAir or easyJet and that is non refundable even if you can get the hotel to amend your booking with them.
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
Just booked 3 nights in an Airbnb in Granada (any recommendations?), followed by 2 in the Paradore in Carmona and 2 in the one in Jaen. The nights in Jaen are on a “digital gift box” which are offered on the Paradore website at a discount from time to time; worth looking out for.
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
I think AC has covered it very well.
We loved Lisbon, my wife booked a tuk tuk tour round the city, which was great fun (meets near the Hard Rock Cafe) which we did try, food is good, but the music was very loud.
She also booked a sunset boat trip, which was brilliant , the captain gave us beers as we were going along, and seeing the city from the river, gave the city a completely different angle.
We went to the aquarium, which I liked, thought it was much better than the one in London.
Had never had them before, but if you get a chance try a pascal de nata, no he doesn’t play in central defence, it’s a local delicacy they are famed for, lovely, enjoy your trip, hope we can hear how you get on.
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
I think AC has covered it very well.
We loved Lisbon, my wife booked a tuk tuk tour round the city, which was great fun (meets near the Hard Rock Cafe) which we did try, food is good, but the music was very loud.
She also booked a sunset boat trip, which was brilliant , the captain gave us beers as we were going along, and seeing the city from the river, gave the city a completely different angle.
We went to the aquarium, which I liked, thought it was much better than the one in London.
Had never had them before, but if you get a chance try a pascal de nata, no he doesn’t play in central defence, it’s a local delicacy they are famed for, lovely, enjoy your trip, hope we can hear how you get on.
Sorry to be a pedant, but it's Pastel de nata, mate.
Off to lanzarote Peurto del carmen 2 weeks in June then Sal Cape Verde in September any advice on Cape Verde appreciated as never been thanks
Happy to share our experience of Cape Verde, but unfortunately it wasn't the best experience and personally we wouldn't go back
I'm going to Boa Vista, I follow the hotels Facebook page, vast majority are positive posts thankfully, but these things are subjective, its down to your own tastes and what you find acceptable or reasonable. We went to Gran Canaria last year and the reviews were 50/50 but we loved the place and will go back in a couple of years.
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
I think AC has covered it very well.
We loved Lisbon, my wife booked a tuk tuk tour round the city, which was great fun (meets near the Hard Rock Cafe) which we did try, food is good, but the music was very loud.
She also booked a sunset boat trip, which was brilliant , the captain gave us beers as we were going along, and seeing the city from the river, gave the city a completely different angle.
We went to the aquarium, which I liked, thought it was much better than the one in London.
.
Let me guess MIA, your wife booked the aquarium? :-)
we are looking at 7 days in Europe All inclusive if poss
Then your local high street travel agent for someone like Jet2 Holidays, your local TUI shop, or an online agent like On The Beach will do everything you need.
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.
maybe best to avoid On The Beach as I've seen many bad reviews?
Over 2 million people book with them every year. They are enormously successful and grow year on year. They are perfectly good.
As long as you read the terms and conditions and are aware of possible consequences
anything happens and you need to amend holiday you are stuffed.
With TUI or Jet2 if need to change the date or something that is easy to do.
With OTB they just book your flight with RyanAir or easyJet and that is non refundable even if you can get the hotel to amend your booking with them.
You are sort of right and sort of wrong...
If you book a holiday (directly or through an agent) with a tour operator such as TUI, Jet2Holidays, Olympic Holidays etc. etc. You are likely to be purchasing flights that are either on an in house airline or where they have group seats (not always the case) and likely to be staying in a hotel that the tour operator has a contract with to guarantee / assigned standard and potentially a degree of "in resort" customer service.
If you book through an online travel agent such as On The Beach, Love holidays etc. etc they will create a package with a flight (typically a low cost carrier) and a hotel through general availability (through global distribution systems).
Both will provide ATOL protection so in the event of the failure of any element of the holiday (air, hotel, transfers etc etc) you are guaranteed a full refund or the fulfilment of your holiday.
The main difference is that if you buy through a "traditional" travel agent and want to change something or need advice, you will have a physical person to talk to. If anything goes wrong they are likely to be very helpful in sorting things out.
If you book through an on line travel agent, then its very unlikely that you will get any personal level of service. The upside is that the price is likely to be better.
If you wanted "to change the date or something" then whether you are booked through a traditional agent or an on line agent, that will cost you - likely a change fee and any additional holiday cost. If you are past the date by which the holiday was due to be paid, then in both situations you are unlikely to be able to change anything.
Either way, both are better than the "smart" way of doing it which is to book your flight and accommodation separately to believe you are saving a few pounds (often not the case) and then moaning like buggery when something goes wrong and you have no financial protection or possibility of redress.
Off to lanzarote Peurto del carmen 2 weeks in June then Sal Cape Verde in September any advice on Cape Verde appreciated as never been thanks
Happy to share our experience of Cape Verde, but unfortunately it wasn't the best experience and personally we wouldn't go back
I'm going to Boa Vista, I follow the hotels Facebook page, vast majority are positive posts thankfully, but these things are subjective, its down to your own tastes and what you find acceptable or reasonable. We went to Gran Canaria last year and the reviews were 50/50 but we loved the place and will go back in a couple of years.
true, but it was too windy, you couldn't swim in the sea as it was way too rough and the swimming pool was freezing because of the wind - I was one of only a few who braved it all week. The food at the hotel was awful - the only one that was drinkable was the dry prosecco. They did one or two nice cocktails and the lunch place by the pool was pretty good - in hindsight, we wished we'd han an early and late lunch and not bothered with dinner.
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
Had never had them before, but if you get a chance try a pascal de nata, no he doesn’t play in central defence, it’s a local delicacy they are famed for, lovely, enjoy your trip, hope we can hear how you get on.
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
I think AC has covered it very well.
We loved Lisbon, my wife booked a tuk tuk tour round the city, which was great fun (meets near the Hard Rock Cafe) which we did try, food is good, but the music was very loud.
She also booked a sunset boat trip, which was brilliant , the captain gave us beers as we were going along, and seeing the city from the river, gave the city a completely different angle.
We went to the aquarium, which I liked, thought it was much better than the one in London.
Had never had them before, but if you get a chance try a pascal de nata, no he doesn’t play in central defence, it’s a local delicacy they are famed for, lovely, enjoy your trip, hope we can hear how you get on.
Sorry to be a pedant, but it's Pastel de nata, mate.
Just got back from Croatia. Had a fantastic week staying on Koločep, near Dubrovnik. Brilliant holiday for middle-aged to older couples. Thoroughly recommend.
Was it practical to visit Dubrovnik for a day trip whilst staying on Koločep?
Not sure how the ‘islands’ lend themselves to easily / cost effectively seeing more of Croatia.
Literally just back. It's a great city. We did a food/drink tour when we arrived which was a nice way to see.some.of.the city and try some of the flavours. It started in Rossio Sq.
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
I think AC has covered it very well.
We loved Lisbon, my wife booked a tuk tuk tour round the city, which was great fun (meets near the Hard Rock Cafe) which we did try, food is good, but the music was very loud.
She also booked a sunset boat trip, which was brilliant , the captain gave us beers as we were going along, and seeing the city from the river, gave the city a completely different angle.
We went to the aquarium, which I liked, thought it was much better than the one in London.
Had never had them before, but if you get a chance try a pascal de nata, no he doesn’t play in central defence, it’s a local delicacy they are famed for, lovely, enjoy your trip, hope we can hear how you get on.
Sorry to be a pedant, but it's Pastel de nata, mate.
Off to Crete next Friday with the Mrs and kids, just seen the island has been hit by a 6.0 magnitude earthquake and there has been a tsunami warning issued....ffs!
Comments
Hit the credit card and got flights to LA end of August.
Not bothered about going SF, but are definitely driving to vegas
Thinking about starting in Santa Monica, then Death Valley? Vegas, back?
Love any thoughts, ideas?
Do I stop at London Bridge?
Thanks all.
the high street shop will sell you a package from a tour operator such as J2H or TUI, whereas OTB would build a package using different hotels and flights.
either way, what you buy will be ATOL protected.
We're driving and will stay in Baden Baden then likely Freiburg and Schiltach, with a night in Belgium on the return journey, probably Kortrijk which we liked a couple of years ago.
Bit of walking, bit of sightseeing, lot of beer is the plan. Looking forward to it hugely.
consequences
anything happens and you need to amend holiday you are stuffed.
A day in Sintra - book ahead if you want to go to the 2 most popular castle/palaces as they fill up a few days before, with a trip to Cascais (beach) also.
We were going to ride tram 28 but the queue was 2 hours+ long and none of us fancied the early start to beat the queue so we did tram 12 instead which was from right next to the stop but a 15 minute wait.
We took in Benfica v Sporting Lisbon, but the season finishes this weekend I think - you can do tours of the stadiums.
We didn't have time for the river cruise or would have done that I think.
There are some restaurant recommendations earlier in this thread from when I asked, we visited the Time Out market once which was ok, relatively cheap but very busy, it is not far from Bairro Alto which was full of small bars and restaurants with something for everyone.
Pink Street is where the stag/hens hang out with British/Irish pubs a plenty (we didn't visit).
Depending on when you go there is a big sardines festival in June.
Taxis (Uber) were insanely cheap and we found a student bar near where we were staying which sold pints at £1.64!
We loved Lisbon, my wife booked a tuk tuk tour round the city, which was great fun (meets near the Hard Rock Cafe) which we did try, food is good, but the music was very loud.
She also booked a sunset boat trip, which was brilliant , the captain gave us beers as we were going along, and seeing the city from the river, gave the city a completely different angle.
We went to the aquarium, which I liked, thought it was much better than the one in London.
Had never had them before, but if you get a chance try a pascal de nata, no he doesn’t play in central defence, it’s a local delicacy they are famed for, lovely, enjoy your trip, hope we can hear how you get on.
If you book a holiday (directly or through an agent) with a tour operator such as TUI, Jet2Holidays, Olympic Holidays etc. etc. You are likely to be purchasing flights that are either on an in house airline or where they have group seats (not always the case) and likely to be staying in a hotel that the tour operator has a contract with to guarantee / assigned standard and potentially a degree of "in resort" customer service.
If you book through an online travel agent such as On The Beach, Love holidays etc. etc they will create a package with a flight (typically a low cost carrier) and a hotel through general availability (through global distribution systems).
Both will provide ATOL protection so in the event of the failure of any element of the holiday (air, hotel, transfers etc etc) you are guaranteed a full refund or the fulfilment of your holiday.
The main difference is that if you buy through a "traditional" travel agent and want to change something or need advice, you will have a physical person to talk to. If anything goes wrong they are likely to be very helpful in sorting things out.
If you book through an on line travel agent, then its very unlikely that you will get any personal level of service. The upside is that the price is likely to be better.
If you wanted "to change the date or something" then whether you are booked through a traditional agent or an on line agent, that will cost you - likely a change fee and any additional holiday cost. If you are past the date by which the holiday was due to be paid, then in both situations you are unlikely to be able to change anything.
Either way, both are better than the "smart" way of doing it which is to book your flight and accommodation separately to believe you are saving a few pounds (often not the case) and then moaning like buggery when something goes wrong and you have no financial protection or possibility of redress.
Food poisoning is not subjective
Not sure how the ‘islands’ lend themselves to easily / cost effectively seeing more of Croatia.