Rangers FC meet @ManUtd in a friendly at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh this Saturday 20th July.
Please plan ahead using info available here https://orlo.uk/solnk
Man Utd vs Rangers at Murrayfield this Saturday: Police Advice
Tag: Travel
Drivers warned of German road laws ahead of the Euros
Football fans planning a trip to Germany for the Euros have been warned about major driving laws and regulations.
Travel insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have researched the eight crucial driving differences in Germany, so Brits avoid being caught out on the road trip of a lifetime.
Over 2.7 million tickets will be available to the fans of participating teams and the general public, and it is estimated 800,000 British fans could head across the channel for the competition.
Fans planning to hire a vehicle to make the most of their trip have been warned to research the local driving laws and motoring etiquette.
Motorists risk penalties such as large fines, penalty points and even driving bans for breaking the law while in Germany.
Drivers need to be aware of the higher driving age, they must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to drive there legally.
Greg Wilson, CEO and motoring insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Excitement is building amongst football fans, with an estimated 800,000 Brits planning to travel overseas to watch the tournament.
“There will be venues over ten of the main regions of Germany, including Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg. Many fans will likely want to travel across the country to experience the tournament in the different cities and will be looking to hire a car to make the most of the trip.
“The tournament will be an incredible experience for football fans worldwide, but anyone choosing to drive while in Germany must be aware of the wide range of driving differences.
“Roads across Germany have varying speed limits and a high volume of speed cameras, so it’s crucial to stick to the speed limit and approach unfamiliar aspects with caution because travelling just 1km over the limit could result in a fine.
“Other important motoring rules to understand with the Euros commencing include the strict drink-drive limit which bans anyone under 21 driving with any alcohol in their system.”
Quotezone.co.uk’s six laws you must know before driving in Germany:
1.Driving on the correct side of the road
In Germany, drivers must remain on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left, a tricky change for Brits, especially if they’ve driven over in their own right-hand drive vehicle.
2.Road signs
German maximum speed limit signs are identical to those in the UK, the only difference being the limits are given in kilometres per hour rather than miles per hour. In extreme cases, ignoring road signs can lead to imprisonment. German roads also have a minimum speed limit – marked by blue round signs with the minimum speed displayed in white font.
3.Legal driving age
The legal driving age in Germany is slightly older than the UK at 18. Drivers need to check their itinerary beforehand as many countries have a different minimum driving age. In Germany, visitors must also be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive. It’s also sensible to check the age and requirements of hiring a car per country as there are variations in the restrictions.
4.Honking your horn
In Germany, drivers can only honk their horns if they or someone else is in immediate danger. Unnecessary or incorrect use of a horn can result in a fine, so visitors must avoid beeping their horns to celebrate football wins.
5.Be aware of speed limits
The German traffic code has strict regulations and high fines for drivers who exceed the speed limit, and they have plenty of speed cameras to monitor the roads. As a general rule of thumb, Germany has a speed limit of 50 km/h within built-up areas and 100 km/h outside built-up areas which is 31 and 62 mph respectively.
6.Drinking limits
Like most countries drunk driving is a traffic violation and will be seen as a criminal offence. However in Germany, the general limit for motorists is 0.5 % but drivers under 21 or with a new licence are not allowed any alcohol. Fines go from €500 to €1500.**
Quotezone.co.uk helps travellers find savings using travel insurance comparison, covering all sorts of travel insurance quotes such as European travel and backpacker travel insurance
Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams launch new integrated travel app
Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are today (3 June 2024) delighted to announce the launch of a new fully integrated bus and tram app.
The new app allows customers to plan their journeys in advance with reliable timetable information and real-time departure boards for each stop across Edinburgh and the Lothians. The platform was designed in partnership with technology company UrbanThings and Lothian’s in-house Commercial and Digital teams.
Users are able to plan all aspects of their journey in advance with newly developed integrated ticketing and planning features. Customers also have the option to purchase and gift tickets to friends and family for travel across the Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams networks.
Customers can travel around Edinburgh with the option to view real-time service updates on their chosen bus or tram stop, meaning users can plan and adapt to changes to the network while on the move.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director for Lothian said: “With over 2 million customer journeys per week, we are pleased to introduce our new bus and tram app which will enhance the travel experience for residents and visitors to Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Bringing together journey planning and ticketing in one place will support seamless, integrated travel across both our bus and tram network with advanced accessibility features providing a more inclusive service for all of our customers.
“The introduction of the new digital platform marks an exciting time for our business and we look forward to continuing to work with the team at UrbanThings to further develop and enhance our overall customer experience.”
Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, commented: “The launch of the new app marks another major step forward for the city’s integrated travel network, making it easier than ever for local residents and visitors alike to take full advantage of its excellent public transport options.
“Our multi-model tickets are already popular, and this new platform is set to encourage even more people to discover the benefits of both trams and buses.”
Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It’s great news that Lothian and Edinburgh Trams will have this fully integrated bus and tram app for residents and visitors to the city. Promoting and encouraging use of public transport, along with active travel, is a key priority for the Council.
“Edinburgh Trams is exceeding all expectations and the 2 million weekly passengers carried by Lothian Buses clearly demonstrates the continued growth of public transport in Edinburgh. The development of this new app is a really positive step forward and shows the benefits that an integrated transport system can bring.”
Adam Toone, CEO at UrbanThings, says: “We are really delighted to introduce the new bus and tram app. Our primary goal remains to empower passengers with a seamless platform while promoting the use of shared transport.
“With features such as convenient smartcard registration, mobile ticketing, and live journey planning, we are confident that this app will significantly enhance the travel experience in Edinburgh.”
Customers can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store by searching for ‘Lothian Buses/Edinburgh Trams.’
From the Boroughs to the ‘Burgh
JetBlue flights from New York to Edinburgh taking off
Daily non-stop seasonal service from New York to Edinburgh introduces the airline’s award winning Mint® and Core product offerings to its fifth transatlantic market
To celebrate launch, limited roundtrip fares starting at £399 and $499 in Core and £1999 and $2999 in Mint Available
JetBlue has expanded its transatlantic offerings with new, non-stop flights to Edinburgh taking off from New York.
Daily summer-seasonal service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) will operate through September 30, 2024, bringing JetBlue’s signature low-fares and great service to the United Kingdom’s second most popular tourism destination.
This new service, only the second direct offering from New York’s JFK to Edinburgh, provides much needed competition for customers travelling in and out of New York.
“JetBlue has redefined transatlantic travel by introducing low fares and great service in markets dominated by high fare legacy carriers,” said Marty St. George, president, JetBlue.
“We look forward to connecting Scotland and the Northeast this summer with our award winning Mint and core service that will bring this signature JetBlue experience to Edinburgh.”
John Lamont, UK Government Minister for Scotland said: “Our relationship with the US is a special one. We welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to Scotland and the wider UK from North America every year and it’s also our top export market. This new direct JetBlue route from Edinburgh to New York City will really help strengthen links between our two great countries.
“Just last month, I walked down Sixth Avenue with other representatives from the UK Government as part of the annual Tartan Day celebrations in Manhattan, promoting our most important exports – whisky, energy and financial services, and our rich culture.
“This flight route will make it easier for visitors from the U.S. to come and see for themselves what a uniquely attractive destination we have here, while also easing travel for Scottish visitors wanting to explore the Big Apple and beyond.”
“I’m delighted to see JetBlue’s new Edinburgh to New York JFK flight take off, as it will help enhance Scotland’s direct connectivity to the US and strengthen important links for business connectivity, exports, and inbound tourism,” said Jim Fairlie, Connectivity Minister.
“This is the first time JetBlue has served Scotland and it demonstrates the confidence they have in the Scottish market. It also strengthens Edinburgh Airport’s case for establishing a U.S. pre-clearance border facility to help make travel more seamless and provide added benefits for Scottish businesses and visitors.
“I wish Edinburgh Airport and JetBlue every success with the new service, and I am sure it will be welcomed by travelers in both Scotland and the US.”
“We are excited to welcome JetBlue to Scotland with the launch of this new direct service. North America is our most valuable international visitor market, and we are seeing record levels of demand here, welcoming almost one million visitors last year, surpassing not only pre-pandemic levels but also other parts of the UK,” said Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland.
“We know these visitors are drawn to Scotland for a variety of reasons from our dramatic landscapes to our rich history and culture and warm people, with Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital offering a well-connected gateway for exploring the rest of the country.
“These visitors who often stay longer and spend more, are hugely important to Scotland’s tourism industry and wider economy supporting businesses, jobs and communities and why making it as easy as possible for people to visit here with direct access is key.
“Following a difficult few years for the travel and tourism industry, we are delighted to be working with new partner JetBlue to promote this new direct service and encourage more US visitors to choose Scotland for their next holiday.”
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport. “We are excited to see another new airline and tailfin as JetBlue adds Edinburgh Airport to its fast-growing European network.
“Transatlantic travel from Edinburgh has been a real success story and adding more capacity to New York opens up another route for passengers to travel to and from Scotland and the USA, bringing our two countries even closer together.
“It’s always great to see a new airline make its home in Edinburgh and we are really looking forward to welcoming JetBlue’s passengers and our new colleagues to Scotland’s capital.”
Schedule between New York (JFK) and Edinburgh (EDI)
| Daily seasonal service starting May 22 (Eastbound) & May 23 (Westbound)(through September 30, 2024)*all times local | |
| JFK-EDI Flight #73 | EDI-JFK Flight #72 |
| 9:12 p.m. – 9:30 a.m. (+1) | 12:30 p.m. – 3:06 p.m. |
Flights to Edinburgh will operate daily on JetBlue’s Airbus A321neo with Mint aircraft with 16 redesigned Mint Suite® seats, 144 core seats and Airbus’ Enhanced Cabin with XL Bins. The A321neo with Mint features an average 20 percent increase in fuel efficiency and up to 500 nautical miles in additional range.
The JetBlue Experience
JetBlue, currently the sixth largest airline in the U.S., is known for its unique, customer-focused model that offers great service at an attractive fare. With this new destination, JetBlue is once again disrupting transatlantic service with an elevated experience specially designed for its Airbus A321neo with Mint aircraft.
The airline’s Mint premium experience offers customers fully lie-flat private suites and a custom-designed seat cushion developed by innovative mattress company Tuft & Needle. In addition to countless intuitive design touches, every customer will feel at home in the air with the stylish and reusable Mint amenity kits designed by Caraa, containing popular wellness products from New York-based brands Dr. Dennis Gross and Plus Ultra, and sleep amenities by Tuft & Needle.
Mint customers enjoy delicious, restaurant-style small plates curated by Delicious Hospitality Group’s (DHG) popular New York City restaurants Legacy Records, Charlie Bird and Pasquale Jones. Their inventive culinary style and hospitality expertise brings the best inflight dining experience to Mint tray tables.
JetBlue’s industry-leading core experience offers a new level of service to customers who want an elevated inflight experience at an attractive fare with the most legroom in coach1 as well as innovative, fresh meals by NYC-based culinary partner DIG and a free selection of brand-name snacks, soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, wine and liquor.
With the recently launched platform, Blueprint by JetBlue™, customers in both core and Mint enjoy a personalized inflight experience through AVANT seatback touchscreens, featuring new ways to watch, save and discover a robust selection of inflight entertainment, including exclusive content from JetBlue’s streaming partner, Peacock. All customers also stay connected throughout the flight with fast, free and unlimited high-speed Fly-Fi2 for a multi-screen experience–just like they enjoy at home.
Book better with JetBlue
To celebrate the launch of new service to Edinburgh, seats are on sale today with low fares for U.S.-originating travelers starting at $499 round-trip for the airline’s awardwinning core experience and starting at $2,999 for JetBlue’s premium Mint experience. Scotland-originating travelers can enjoy special introductory round-trip fares starting at £399 for core and £1,999 for Mint available on jetblue.com3
Customers who book directly through jetblue.com are guaranteed to find our lowest fares and enjoy additional benefits including access to all of JetBlue’s fare options, as well as fare sales and promotions, some of which may not be available through other third parties; the ability to earn 2x TrueBlue points and participate in Points Pooling; seamless seat selections and upgrades to Even More® Space; 24/7 direct access to JetBlue’s customer service channels; and more.
About JetBlue
JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue, known for its low fares and great service, carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Canada, and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.
1) Based on baseline seat pitch of transatlantic aircraft
2) Fly-Fi® is available on all JetBlue-operated flights. Coverage area may vary by aircraft. Details on inflight wi-fi and entertainment: https://www.jetblue.com/flying-with-us
3) New York (JFK) to Edinburgh (EDI) requires round-trip purchase & 3-night minimum stay. Book by 5/24. Travel 5/28/2024 – 7/31/2024. 3-day advance purchase required. Terms apply.
Revealed: The best months to fly to avoid delays
- February has the lowest average flight delay time, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport offering the best punctuality for that month
- July has the longest average delays, but Southend Airport has the shortest delays during this month
- London City Airport offers the lowest average delay times overall
Based on new research, February is officially the best month to fly to avoid long delay times, when there was an average delay of only 10 minutes during 2023.[1] Meanwhile, July had average delays of 24 minutes in the study, making it the least punctual month for air travel.
Go.Compare analysed 2023 flight travel data for 25 UK airports to reveal the best time of year for reduced flight delays. It also analysed which airports offer the fewest delays for each month.
Winter emerged as the best season to travel, with February, November, and January topping the list for the lowest average delay times. Liverpool John Lennon, Southend, and East Midlands International Airport were the most reliable during these months, with average delays of less than 15 minutes.[2]
Best time of year for reduced flight delays:
| Rank | Month | Average delay (mins) | % Cancelled flights | Airport with the fewest delays | Average delay (mins) |
| 1 | February | 10 | 2% | Liverpool (John Lennon) | 6 |
| 2 | November | 12 | 1% | Southend | 8 |
| 3 | January | 13 | 2% | East Midlands International | 9 |
| 4 | April | 15 | 1% | Southend | 6 |
| 5 | May | 17 | 2% | London City | 12 |
| 6 | October | 18 | 2% | East Midlands International | 11 |
| 7 | September | 20 | 2% | Belfast City (George Best) | 13 |
| 8 | December | 20 | 2% | London City | 15 |
| 9 | March | 22 | 2% | Southampton | 11 |
| 10 | June | 22 | 2% | Exeter | 14 |
| 11 | August | 23 | 3% | Teesside International | 14 |
| 12 | July | 24 | 2% | Southend | 13 |
August and July proved to be the least reliable months for timely travel, with average delay times below 25 minutes. But if flyers do decide to travel during the summer months, Teesside International and Southend are the most reliable, offering average delays of only 14 and 13 minutes respectively.
Overall, out of all the airports explored, London City was crowned the most punctual over the whole of 2023, with the average flight delay time lasting only 13 minutes.
Rhys Jones, travel insurance expert for Go.Compare, said: “It’s clear that the off-peak months are better for flight punctuality. The summer months are incredibly popular among passengers. This, along with unpredictable summer weather, means that airports are more likely to suffer from delays.
“But our figures also show that some airports are more punctual than others. If you can, try to fly from an airport which sees fewer delays to minimise your chances of encountering setbacks.
“Making sure that you’re equipped to deal with unexpected delays is key. From organising travel insurance to knowing who to contact in the event of a delay, being proactive can ease the stress of unexpected disruptions so you can enjoy a smoother journey overall.”
More information about the research is available on Go.Compare’s website.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines unveils new 2025/26 programme from Rosyth with chance to win £1,000 cruise voucher
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled its brand new cruise programme for 2025/26, featuring a host of specially-timed sailings where guests can embrace the local way of life, seek out native wildlife and witness spectacular natural wonders.
The new programme from Rosyth has been carefully curated to ensure guests are visiting destinations at the very best time of year with opportunities to witness spectacular waterfalls and geysers in Iceland, visit Europe’s biggest sea shanty festival and explore the enchanting islands of Arctic Norway.
To celebrate the launch, guests who book a cruise from the new 2025/26 Worldwide programme between 5th and 12th March 2024, have the chance to win up to £1,000 off a cruise of their choice. Five runners up will also win a £200 voucher to use towards a future cruise booking. *
Destinations include the Mediterranean and North Africa, the Baltic, Arctic Norway, Iceland and Greenland, the British Isles and far-flung gems in the Caribbean, South America, Africa and Australia.
Martin Lister, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experiences at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “This has been a phenomenal programme for our team of Journey Planners to curate, as it will see our fleet of smaller-sized ships visit all seven continents of the world.
“Guests who join us on board in 2025 and 2026 can expect to see some breathtaking scenery including eye-catching fjord mountains, dramatic coastlines, icebergs, remote islands and beautiful bays.
“They can visit captivating cities, fairytale castles and charming old towns packed with ornate and striking architecture and experience natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun, stunning sunsets and flowers in bloom at the very best time to see them.
“Some of the highlights include chances to visit the beautiful Norwegian Fjords in the spring, when the waterfalls are at their strongest; to see fields of lavender and sunflowers in bloom in the French Riviera and enjoy a world cruise discovering idyllic islands and cities rich in culture.”
Guests can also look forward to a host of specially-curated activities on board, from chances to join an astronomer for stargazing on deck; to spot marine wildlife with conservation charity ORCA, or sample authentic flavours from the destinations they will visit.
Those making a booking can also take advantage of dedicated launch offers, with up to £20 per person per night to spend on board on selected five to 13-night cruises; the choice of up to £20 credit per person per night or free door-to-door transfers within up to 200 mainland miles from the port on sailings of 14 to 28 nights. There are also a series of dedicated offers for solo travellers.
Rob Mason, Head of Cruise at Capital Cruising, said: “Congratulations to the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines team as they launch an exciting new cruise programme.
“The Port of Rosyth offers the perfect regional location for people who can depart from here and cruise directly to many brilliant destinations with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
“This year will be our busiest cruise season on the River Forth and we are seeing cruise holidays increase in popularity in Scotland each year.
“We look forward to welcoming passengers to our ports and we would of course encourage anyone new to cruise, to book one of the many amazing itineraries to Europe or farther afield.”
Highlights of the 2025/26 cruise programme include:
Balmoral’s 10-night L2512 ‘Scenic Scottish Isles and the West Country’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 7th June 2025. Prices start from £1,649 per person.
- Enjoy scenic cruising of Scottish islands such as Fingal’s Cave
- Experience the foot-tapping Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival
- Visit the Gardens of Heligan or Eden Project
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Cruising by Duncansby Stacks, Scotland – Cruising by The Needle, Scotland – Cruising by Old Man of Hoy, Scotland – Lerwick, Scotland – Cruising by the Small Isles, Scotland – Cruising by Dutchman’s Cap (Bac Mor), Scotland – Cruising by Fingal’s Cave, Scotland – St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly – Falmouth, England – Dartmouth, England – Portsmouth, England – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2512 ‘Scenic Scottish Isles and the West Country’
Balmoral’s 10-night L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 17th June 2025. Prices start from £1,599 per person.
- Explore Arctic Norway in the summertime
- Witness the Midnight Sun and see Torghatten
- Travel along the iconic Atlantic Ocean Road
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Crossing the Arctic Circle, Norway – Cruising by Reine, Lofoten, Norway – Leknes, Norway – Svolvær, Norway – Cruising Tjeldsundet Strait, Norway – Tromsø, Norway – Sortland, Vesteralen, Norway – Cruising by Seven Sisters Mountain Range, Norway – Cruising by Torghatten, Norway – Kristiansund, Norway – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2513 ‘Norway’s Arctic Islands and Mountainous Vistas’
Balmoral’s 14-night L2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 27th June 2025. Prices start from £2,099 per person.
- Discover the enchanting cities of Riga, Tallinn and Copenhagen
- Immerse yourself in Estonian life at the Song and Dance Festival
- Uncover the Hanseatic history of the Baltic region
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – Cruising Kiel Canal, Germany – Copenhagen, Denmark – Warnemünde, Germany – Riga, Latvia – Tallinn, Estonia (overnight stay) – Klaipėda, Lithuania – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2514 ‘Fairytale Castles and Old Towns of the Baltic’
Balmoral’s 13-night L2516 ‘French Rivers with Normandy and Bordeaux’ cruise, departing from Rosyth on 20th July 2025. Prices start from £1,899 per person.
- Sail along the picturesque River Seine, only possible on smaller ships
- Join a tour to France’s capital and experience Parisian life
- Discover the enigmatic Mont Saint-Michel from St Malo
Itinerary: Rosyth, Scotland – La Pallice (for La Rochelle), France – Bordeaux, France (overnight stay) – Getxo, Spain – St Malo, France – Cruising River Seine, France – Rouen, France (overnight stay) – Honfleur, France – Rosyth, Scotland
For more details: Visit L2516 ‘French Rivers with Normandy and Bordeaux’
For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 2025/26 sailings, visit www.fredolsencruises.com/new-cruise-programme
Book online or call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.
Travel searches to Edinburgh soar with launch of new series “One Day”
New series “One Day” has taken the nation by storm, even influencing our travel choices. Travel search engine, KAYAK, has found there was a 69%* increase in UK flight searches to Edinburgh since the show aired, compared to a month prior.
The series premiered on February 8th, giving viewers a glimpse into what makes Edinburgh the ultimate destination. Since then, there has been an uptake in travel searches to Edinburgh from various airports across the UK.
From the Old College at the University of Edinburgh, to Vennel Steps and Arthur’s Seat, there are several Scottish landmarks featured in the show and many other big and small screen classics, including T2 Trainspotting, Burke & Hare and the Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
According to KAYAK’s helpful “Best Time to Travel” tool, which provides insight into desired destinations, April is the perfect time to explore Scotland in spring.
The website suggests that due to an average temperature circling around 8 degrees and the city being less crowded, those looking to explore Edinburgh should consider April as their month to take the plunge.
For those seeking a touch of adventure, KAYAK recommends a trip to Edinburgh in August – with the city coming alive with festivals, theatre and an average temperature of 15 degrees.
The tool recommends the ideal time to visit in summer is specifically from the 26th – 29th August.
To find out more about travel tips, flights or accommodation, head to https://www.kayak.co.uk/
Jet2holidays adds hundreds of thousands of Free Child Place holidays
- With the schools back, the UK’s largest tour operator expects a busy weekend from families looking to book their well-deserved holidays
- Hundreds of thousands of Free Child Place holidays added across the school holidays in response to this demand – on top of millions already available
- This means Jet2holidays has more Free Child Place holidays available than ever!
AHEAD of what is expected to be a busy weekendfor customers booking family holidays, Jet2holidays, the UK’s largest tour operator, has added hundreds of thousands of Free Child Place holidays across the 2024 school holidays.
The additions are on top of millions of Free Child Place Holidays that are already available. As a result, this means Jet2holidays has more Free Child Place holidays available than ever.
With customers booking their well-deserved holidays into the diary during the ‘peak’ booking period, the package holiday specialist expects this weekend to see lots of family holiday bookings, with demand traditionally increasing over the first weekend after the schools have returned following the Christmas break.
As well as reporting demand for late bookings for this winter, Jet2holidays has said that Summer 24, the company’s biggest ever summer programme is currently selling well.
Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have over 17 million seats on sale to 60 destinations for Summer 24. As a result of this expanded programme, Jet2 will operate over 420 routes, including more than 50 that are brand-new, from across its 11 UK airports this coming summer – a huge expansion meaning unrivalled choice for holidaymakers.
Destinations enjoying popularity right now include the Canaries , Balearics, mainland Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy, Malta and Bulgaria.
To help customers get the best deal, Jet2holidays launchedan offer from Boxing Day giving customers £50 per person off all holidays. The UK’s largest tour operator also announced that customers with a MyJet2 account can access exclusive savings – with a whopping £60 off per person on all holidays.
To book a place in the sunshine and enjoy an exclusive saving at the same time, customers can sign up for a MyJet2 account at https://www.jet2holidays.com/myjet2
The offer means that couples can save £100 if they book via the Jet2holidays website or contact centre (£120 off for MyJet2 members) and a family of four can enjoy £200 off a getaway (£240 off for MyJet2 members).
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “With the schools going back this week, we are seeing demand for family holidays increase as people get planning and booking their holidays.
“We are expecting more of this over the weekend, which is why we have put hundreds of thousands of extra Free Child Place holidays on sale, meaning we have never had so many Free Child Place holidays available, with millions up for grabs.
“As the UK’s largest tour operator we are looking forward to taking millions of new and existing customers away. Contrary to popular belief, there is not an endless amount of capacity on sale and with so many people flocking to book their well-deserved holidays, our advice is to act now before the best deals and best holidays are gone.”
Visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com
If you are an independent travel agent and are interested in learning more about how you could benefit from working in partnership with Jet2holidays, please visit the company’s dedicated trade site: trade.jet2holidays.com
New for 2024: Explore the unexpected joys of Europe with new small group tours
Embrace a kaleidoscope of cultures with eight new tours of Europe from small group tour specialist, Rabbie’s. The three- and four-day tours offer round-trip adventures from continental hotspots Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Milan and Rome. The new Rabbie’s Europe tours begin in September 2024 and are available to book now.
Rabbie’s specialises in small group tours guided by storytellers to ensure the journeys and experiences live longer in travellers’ minds. In Europe, guests can look forward to making memories as they sample Mediterranean cuisines, take in Alpine vistas, follow the footsteps of Renaissance masters, practice flamenco and much more.
An ideal addition to any Europe holiday or a rich city break alternative, the new 2024 Europe tours include:
Rabbie’s three-day Masterpieces and Vistas: A Journey Through Tuscany tour
Guests can marvel at the finest collection of Italian Renaissance art and architecture in Florence, sip a glass of vino or two in Tuscany, or sit and watch as the world goes by at one of Italy’s loveliest squares, Piazza del Campo in Siena. Enjoy Orvieto, aquintessential Italian town perched on a volcanic plug, and wander around Pienza, the home of Pecorino Cheese, stunning Renaissance architecture and incredible Tuscan views.
This tour departs from Rome, and costs from €1,109 per adult.
Rabbie’s three-day Flavours of Catalonia tour
On this tour, travellers can explore Girona, a medieval walled city filled with incredible cuisine and stunning architecture, as well as feel the serenity of the old Benedictine priory perched on the slope of a magnificent mountain with a visit to Montserrat Monastery. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Sitges with its great fresh seafood and impeccable views, then wind down with a visit to the charming coastal town of Cadaqués.
This tour departs from Barcelona, and costs from €919 per adult.
Rabbie’s three-day Summits and Shores: Vesuvius, Pompeii and Amalfi tour
Holidaymakers can stroll through Pompeii, the city that froze in time, and hike to the crater of the infamous Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that reshaped the ancient world. Wonder at the pastel-coloured houses, steep cliffs, azure seas and lemon groves of the glamorous Amalfi Coast before admiring Montecassino Abbey, dramatically perched atop a mountain, the working monastery and pilgrimage site is a centre of art, culture and learning.
This tour departs from Rome, and costs from €889 per adult.
Rabbie’s Europe tours avoid the crowds and let guests enjoy the true soul of the continent. Travelling on mini-coaches with an expert driver and guide, holidaymakers stay in hand-picked travel accommodation, choose the attractions they pay for, support local communities, and go beyond the guidebooks.
Prices are for the tour only and, to offer complete flexibility, do not include flights, accommodation, attractions or dining.
For more information about Rabbie’s small-group tours in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland and to book, visit www.rabbies.com.
Jet2holidays reports record demand (up 150%) ahead of Sunshine Saturday with further boost expected
- Jet2holidays CEO Steve Heapy: “The best rooms, best hotels and best destinations are booking fast, so book before they are gone!”
Jet2holidays have reported record levels of demand for holidays, with more customers than ever looking to book their well-deserved holidays into the diary during the period known traditionally as ‘peaks’ or the peak holiday booking period.
In the period between Boxing Day and today, the UK’s largest tour operator has seen bookings increase by approximately 150% compared to pre-Christmas, with both Summer 24 and late bookings for this winter proving to be popular.
Ten destinations enjoying popularity include the Canaries, Balearics, Mainland Spain, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, Italy, Malta and Bulgaria – as customers flock to book a much-needed holiday. On top of great value and customer service, a booking trend noted by Jet2holidays is of customers booking durations outside of the traditional 7-, 10- and 14-night stays.
There is strong demand from families with millions of Free Child Place Holidays still available during the school holidays, and All-Inclusive bookings have also been enjoying strong growth. These types of holidays have seen a surge since Jet2holidays was named a Which? Recommended Provider for both Family Holidays and All-Inclusive Holidays just before Christmas.
This demand follows Jet2holidays launchingan offer from Boxing Day giving customers £50 per person off all holidays. The UK’s largest tour operator also announced that customers with a MyJet2 account can access exclusive savings – with a whopping £60 off per person on all holidays. To book a place in the sunshine and enjoy an exclusive saving at the same time, customers can sign up for a MyJet2 account at https://www.jet2holidays.com/myjet2
The offer means that couples can save £100 if they book via the Jet2holidays website or contact centre (£120 off for MyJet2 members) and a family of four can enjoy £200 off a getaway (£240 off for MyJet2 members).
As well as reporting record levels of demand since Boxing Day, Jet2holidays is gearing up for a busy weekend, with ‘Sunshine Saturday’ expected to see a further surge in holiday bookings. The company has a bigger team than ever ready to assist customers from their dedicated UK call centre, as customers use the first weekend in the New Year to lock in their holidays.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “This time of year has traditionally been the peak period for holiday bookings, and this is most definitely the case so far this year.
“We are seeing record levels of demand as customers jump at the chance to lock in their holidays, and we are expecting this demand for be even stronger over the coming weekend, both through our website and contact centre, as well as via independent travel agents.
“There is no doubt that our track record of providing industry-leading customer experience is fuelling this demand, with new and existing customers responding to our award-winning proposition.
“With the best rooms, best hotels and best destinations booking so fast, our message to customers is to book before they are gone.”
Visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com
If you are an independent travel agent and are interested in learning more about how you could benefit from working in partnership with Jet2holidays, please visit the company’s dedicated trade site: trade.jet2holidays.com