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Luxury Travel

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Luxury Travel

Archives for September 2023

The world’s first 100% sustainable flight will take off on 28th November from Heathrow to New York, running on a special plant-based fuel. This is, hopefully, the way of the future and very welcome news!

There’s also talk of a new supersonic flight on this same route. If you’re old enough to remember Concord, the dream is to make the Atlantic crossing in one and a half hours. Don’t hold your breath, though, it’s a long way off yet. I am relieved to read that the developer, NASA, says “We are also collectively conscious of the need to account for safety, efficiency, economic, and societal considerations. It’s important to innovate responsibly so we return benefits to travellers and do no harm to the environment.”

Thinking of a last-minute October half term holiday? The Middle East is the obvious choice, for the weather. With so many hotels in Dubai and building never slowing down, I’m sure I could find you availability if we can get the flights, so don’t leave it too late.

Cyprus and some parts of Greece are good bets in October, too. If you like hotels like the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Atlantis, which are busy and offer endless fun for families, there’s a new hotel in Cyprus called the City of Dreams Mediterranean, which is similar in style and offers spacious rooms and the Acqua World water park, with water slides and water fountains. I previously mentioned the Cap St Georges hotel on Cyprus, too, which is architecturally stunning and has the best kids club I’ve ever seen, plus a full Gaming Room for older kids and adults.

The other exciting news is about the new Eurostar Snow Train, which will run from London to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which gets you close to the Val d’Isere, Tignes and Les Arcs ski areas. With one change of train in Lille, it will be an excellent connection to the Alps. Not sure it will beat the experience of the old overnight train, which I took 30 plus years ago and it actually had a disco carriage with flashing lights and corny 80’s music, so we danced the night away and arrived ready to ski and in party mood. Sounds exhausting to me nowadays, though! I’m sure it wouldn’t be allowed these days, but it was so much fun. Anyone else remember this?

Sample price for the Eurostar snow train package would be about £1,298pp including rail travel, transfers, basic hotel in Val d’Isere and overnight stay at Bourg-Saint-Maurice the night before the return train. For luxury clients, you will want me to upgrade the accommodation, though.

And finally, if you are still thinking of getting away for Christmas, you had better get your skates on! Do get in touch as soon as possible in order not to be disappointed.

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

Life is what you make of it, and in Belize, there are ample opportunities to make it spectacular. We’ve outlined 5 of the most unmissable opportunities in this iconic country. 

1. Ancient Sites

Belize has a rich Maya heritage, much like its neighbours, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and was once home to more than 2 million Mayas. Today, the Maya legacy is very much alive in vibrant traditions, culinary delights and the enduring connection of the modern-day Belizean people to their ancient ancestors.
Thanks to this heritage, Belize is home to numerous Maya sites, each revealing glimpses of this ancient civilisation. Among the most renowned is Caracol, a sprawling city that once stood as one of the largest in the Maya world, featuring impressive temples and palaces nestled within the lush rainforests of the Cayo District. Belize also harbours underground secrets like Actun Tunichil Muknal, a cave system where ancient artefacts and ceremonial offerings have been preserved for centuries.
Only a small percentage of Belize’s ancient world has been discovered, and it’s not unusual to hear that a distant hill is actually a temple or to find a piece of pottery on the ground.

2. Beach Bliss

More of a beach bum than an archaeological adventurer? Belize has 174 miles of coastline to entice you. Several pristine beaches with sunkissed sands, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean seas, and laidback beachside bars and restaurants invite you to kick back and relax. Whether you’re looking to bask in the sun, snorkel among lively coral reefs, or explore the diverse marine life, Belize’s beaches have it all.
Placencia’s idyllic shores are perfect for leisurely strolls, while Ambergris Caye beckons with its world-class diving and energetic beachfront nightlife.
For a more secluded experience, venture to the tranquil cays and atolls offshore, where you can relax in blissful seclusion or indulge in watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Belize’s coastal charm and array of activities make it a haven for those seeking a quintessential beach getaway.

3. Tropical Landscapes

Belize’s lush rainforests and national parks invite nature enthusiasts to explore a world of unparalleled biodiversity. With their emerald canopies, these immaculate ecosystems teem with exotic wildlife, including jaguars, howler monkeys, and many different species of birds. Venturing into the heart of these verdant realms, such as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar reserve, allows for thrilling hikes, waterfall swims and opportunities to connect with the dynamic flora and fauna. 
Belize’s commitment to the conservation and preservation of its rainforests makes it a true haven for eco-adventurers, and a testament to the country’s natural beauty.

4. Underwater Paradise

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world, extending the full length of the country, and forming an enormous lagoon along the coast.  The 10,000-year-old reef is the ideal habitat for a wide variety of ocean life, from rock-like living coral to endangered sea turtles and over 500 species of fish.
Belize has committed to preserving over 10,000 square kilometres of its oceanic territory with 7 marine protected areas. This, combined with a ban on single-use plastics enacted in 2022, has made Belize a leader in conservation in the Caribbean.

5. Cultural Hotspots

Belizean culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of diverse ethnic influences, primarily Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Mennonite traditions. This multicultural mosaic is celebrated through a rich tapestry of festivals and events. The annual September Celebrations, including the Carnival Road March and St. George’s Caye Day, commemorate Belize’s history and independence with vibrant parades, music, and traditional dances. The Garifuna Settlement Day in November pays tribute to the Garifuna people’s arrival with drumming, punta dancing, and delicious cassava-based dishes. The San Pedro Lobster Festival in June is a culinary delight, featuring lobster-themed dishes that showcase Belizean seafood expertise.
These cultural celebrations reflect the warm and welcoming spirit of the Belizean people, inviting visitors to experience the heart and soul of this captivating nation.

Plan your Belizean adventure today

Book your perfect break in Belize with Charitable Travel and donate 5% of the price to the charity of your choice at no extra cost to you! 

Spend 7 nights exploring these unmissable sites in Belize from £1,565pp!

Price includes return flights, 7 nights room only stay in a Garden View Suite at the 4-Star Black Orchid Resort in Burrell Boom, Belize, ATOL protection, and a FREE £156 donation to the charity of your choice at no extra cost to you!

When you book your winter sun escape with Charitable Travel, you can donate 5% of your holiday price to the charity of your choice at no extra cost to you!

At Charitable Travel, we’re always on the lookout for ways to make your holidays count. Whether that’s finding organisations that you can donate your time to while you’re away, enabling you to donate 5% of your holiday price to charity, or finding more sustainable and environmentally friendly options for you to book. 

Our trusted travel partner, Virgin Atlantic, has announced the world’s first 100% sustainably-fueled transatlantic flight will take off on 28th November 2023. This test flight marks a key milestone in the airline’s mission to be Net Zero by 2050. This test flight marks a key milestone in the airline’s mission to be Net Zero by 2050. The flight will be fueled by a plant-based biofuel specifically designed for aviation and will depart London Heathrow for New York JFK this November.

This is a huge step forward for sustainable aviation and is just one part of Virgin Atlantic’s ongoing commitment to a greener future for air travel!

Hello, and welcome to Issue #33 of the Charitable Traveller Report! In this edition, you’ll discover unbeatable travel deals, exciting features on marvellous destinations around the world including Greece, Belize, and Barbados, and an inspirational look at your next favourite European destination, Slovenia!

Plus, all the latest travel and charity news including an emergency appeal for those impacted by the earthquake in Morocco, the latest episode of the Travel Insider Podcast, and so much more!

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!

Fort Myers’ islands, beaches, and neighbourhoods are jam-packed with unmissable sights and attractions showcasing the area’s dynamic culture, natural beauty, cultural diversity, and so much more. To help you plan your next trip to Fort Myers we’ve compiled our top five list of attractions you can’t afford to miss on your next visit.

1. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates

First on the list are the landmark winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Thomas Edison purchased a property on this expansive estate first in 1886, followed by Henry Ford in 1915. Both used the homes for the duration of their lives for sunny winter escapes.

Today a visit to the estate will enable you to tour the main homes, guest houses, caretakers lodgings, pools and the pier that were used during their lifetimes. On site, you’ll also find the expansive 15,000sq ft Edison Ford Museum which features fascinating exhibitions and inventions, along with costumed actors. The wider grounds include 20 acres of botanical gardens with 1,700 plants.

2. The Florida Repertory Theatre

The Florida Repertory Theatre is housed in the Historic Arcade Theatre building which first opened in 1915, and served as a cinema and a Vaudeville house theatre. The original building was built as part of a regenerative 20th-century development in Downtown Fort Myers. The current Florida Repertory Theatre opened in the building in 1998.

As part of the reopening, the theatre has been restored and renovated and is used to host a variety of thrilling theatre productions in the main theatre room along with the smaller ArtStage Studio theatre, which opened more recently in 2009. This smaller space hosts 120 guests and is used for smaller productions and one-man plays.

Each year the theatre puts on performances for 10,000 guests and young people. Educational programs include art therapy for children with autism, programmes for advanced theatre students, along with introductory programmes to inspire interest in the arts.

Shows currently running in the Sep 2023 – May 2024 season include A Sherlock Carol, Beguiled Again, The Legend of Georgia McBride and many more.

3. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a 3,500-acre narrow wetland ecosystem which is home to a variety of local wildlife including alligators, birds, turtles, and otters. It is also used as a stopping point for species of migratory birds.

The preserve was founded after residents highlighted the need to step in and protect local ecosystems and elected to do this through increased taxes to fund the project. Following this, the boardwalk trail was opened in 1991 by the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department so the preserve could be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

The mile-long boardwalk trail includes observation decks, maps, and free information for those wishing to learn more about this incredible ecosystem. Guided tours led by experts can also be booked. Visitors can also explore the onsite interpretive centre, and paid parking is also available.

4. IMAG History and Science Center 

The IMAG History and Science Center is a family friendly museum which focuses primarily on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) along with the local history and culture of Southwest Florida.  The centre has a variety of incredible exhibits and displays including an aquarium, along with activities for all ages.

The centre also includes an onsite restaurant, the Snack House Café, along with the vibrant Snack House Exhibit. This exhibit includes a range of 1950s memorabilia and displays from the original Snack House Café which was open from 1949 – 1993 in Fort Myers. When it first opened. the Snack House Café was the first restaurant in Fort Myers with air conditioning, and it quickly became a local landmark in the area. The original 1950s sign has been refurbished by IMAG and can be seen on your visit.

5. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is famous around the world as a stopping point for migratory birds. This 7,600-acre wildlife refuge was created in 1945 by Harry Truman via an executive order to protect local wildlife and was later renamed after the conservationist Jay Norwood Darling in 1967. It is especially known for its diversity of birds, with over 245 different species.

A free centre is open every day which includes programs and tours. A 4-mile scenic drive can also be taken, and you can spend anywhere from a couple of hours to half a day on your visit. Available activities include fishing, cycling, bird watching, fishing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Dogs are allowed on leads.

There is plenty to do in fantastic Fort Myers all year round with activities to suit all age ranges and tastes. Whether you fancy a romantic couples break, a family sunshine escape, or a trip back through time by immersing yourself in the area’s living history. Get in touch with our travel experts today to book your dream getaway!

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now, or find out more by visiting our dedicated Fort Myers page below.

Everywhere I go, people are talking about Slovenia. I’ve just spent a week with a group of travel agents from all over Europe and they are buzzing about it, too! One of the big attractions of this lesser-known destination is that it is relatively unspoilt by mass tourism. This might be about to change. So, now is the time to book your 2024 holiday in Slovenia, before the crowds get there.

Slovenia borders Austria and Croatia, both hugely popular destinations. It has all its neighbours have to offer, such as stunning mountains and lakes, alpine forest, a beautiful stretch of the Adriatic coast, rivers, caves, medieval towns, castles, and churches. It is a paradise for hikers, and I am told the scenery is just stunning. It also has skiing and lots of water sports on the rivers, such as rafting and canoeing. There are great opportunities for active family holidays.

It is possible to do a multi-centre fly drive holiday or just concentrate on a couple of areas. The main city of Ljubljana is where most people fly into, and it is a very picturesque city overlooked by its castle. It has interesting architecture, ranging from Art Nouveau to the socialist era. Slovenia’s cities are quite small and easy to get around. The coastal cities of Piran and Koper owe much to their Venetian past. I’m reliably informed that the cake is excellent, for example!

One of the most famous places to visit is Lake Bled, a town full of cafes and restaurants that grew around the lake, and which draws tourists for the breathtaking views. The lake is small enough to walk around, too. A must-see.

For the luxury traveller, there are a number of five-star hotels, such as the Kempinski Palace Portoroz, Vila Planinka, Hotel Grad Otocec- Relais Chateaux, Hotel Bohinj, Vanderbilt Urbani Resort. At the moment, with many people shuddering at the cost of hotels in Europe, you would be very pleasantly surprised by the value of top hotels in Slovenia. This probably won’t last indefinitely, as the destination gets more popular.

I should also mention that Slovenia combines very well with Austria and Croatia for a two or even three centre holiday.

I have found two amazing holidays that I think would suit my luxury clients:

A tailor-made cultural landscape adventure, taking in Ljubljana, Piran, Lipica, Bled, and Lake Bohinj. From price (depending on your hotel choices) £2,615pp including return flights, hotels and a private English-speaking driver/guide.

Or for a trip of a lifetime, how about a 12 day tour aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express train, taking in eight Balkan countries, travelling from Venice to Trieste, Ljubljana, Sarajevo and Mostar, Dubrovnik, Belgrade, Skopje, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Plovdiv and ending up at the Four Seasons in Istanbul. Price from £12,685pp

Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!

In a recent blog featured in the Travel Trade Gazette, our CEO, Melissa Tilling, passionately discusses Charitable Travel’s mission to make a positive impact through sustainable tourism. The article delves into how we are weaving sustainability into our marketing strategies, emphasising our commitment to responsible travel and philanthropy. Discover how we’re transforming the travel industry, one eco-conscious adventure at a time here. 

Welcome to the latest edition of the Charitable Traveller Report! In this issue, we’re excited to share the very best travel deals you’re sure to love, the brand new issue of Charitable Traveller Magazine, and fantastic news from the worlds of charity and travel. Book one of our unmissable travel deals today including a 7 night sustainable holiday in Tobago, 4 nights in a 4* hotel in Helsinki, or a late summer escape in sunny Sicily this October!

Remember, whenever you book you can donate 5% of your holiday price to the charity of your choice for free! So treat yourself to an unforgettable break today, while making a difference.

P.S. Don’t forget to follow us on social media for your daily dose of travel inspiration!