Write in (3)…Cure Winter Blues with Destinations – The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show by Laura Leveson of Smith & Monger

Destinations – the UK’s leading holiday and travel event returns to London’s Earls Court from 5th to 8th February and Birmingham’s NEC from 27th February until 1st March 2009 for another action-packed year. The show is ideal inspiration for those aiming to beat the winter blues, offering short breaks to awe-inspiring holidays such as round the world trips and life-changing career breaks.

There are ideas for all tastes and budgets, whether travelling solo, as a couple, family or group. This is a chance to meet the experts, discover fantastic new holiday ideas, access amazing offers and experience a taster of what’s to come with fantastic sensations from global food and wine tasting to cultural acts. Winter is the time to reset the personal compass and reinvigorate the soul. There is the opportunity to rock & roll through the Deep South of the USA visiting Graceland and Chattanooga with music inspired rail journeys, meanwhile Celtic Spring cruises are the perfect post winter pick-me-up and mix of Irish hospitality with French Joie de vivre. Indulging the senses of even the seasoned European holiday maker are Spanish heartland adventures by Vespa, Bulgarian natural spas, and hidden gems at favourite destinations. Meanwhile adventure travel specialists will feed the imaginations of those addicted to adventure with ideas such as cross-country skiing in Scandinavia, wildlife expeditions in the Antarctic, and West African overland adventures to legendary Timbuktu.

In the rapidly changing world of travel, the savvy traveller is likely to be looking for security in travel. For worry-free travel destinations visitors can chat to the team at ABTA, which will be representing British travel agencies and maintaining high standards of trading practice, and ATOL the financial protection scheme for UK tour operators.

Meet the Expert Theatres

The theatre features travel personalities including; top explorers, adventurers, writers and photographers. First hand accounts from legendary journeys of adventure will captivate audiences. Speakers include the BBC’s Dan Cruickshank best known for his popular series and book Around the World in 80 Treasures and most recent series Adventures in Architecture.

Don’t miss Charley Boorman English actor and travelogue maker. On 12 April 2008, Charley Boorman started By Any Means, which has taken Boorman all around the world starting in his home town in Ireland to Sydney Australia – “by any means”. This has included using various different forms of transport, excluding air travel, accompanied only by producer, Russ Malkin, and cameraman Mungo. Also appearing at The London Show Kate Humble presenter of some of television’s best-loved wildlife and science programmes, including Springwatch, Autumn Watch, Animal Park and Rough Science will be appearing in conversation with Hilary Bradt.

NEW for 2009

Activity & Adventure – this dedicated area designed to provide the freshest and most exciting off the beaten track activity and adventure ideas is bigger than ever. Whether planning an overland trip across Africa, exploring the depths of Alaska’s glacier filled valleys, trekking in the Amazon or cycling in the Dordogne, this is a chance to meet the worlds’ leading adventure travel experts

Nomad Travel Store and Clinic – know before you go and travel safely. The mobile ambulance service will be at The Show for vaccinations advice whatever the destination. Experienced and medically trained staff will provide travel health information and advice.

Destinations Sensations Visitors can immerse themselves in engaging demonstrations, global flavours, vibrant dance and music from around the world. Taking place will be Russian vodka tasting, a Colombian dance workshop, and a chance to learn the art of the Borneo blowpipe used by the indigenous people.

World Entertainment Stage Showcasing an eclectic mix of vibrant and exciting music and dance the World Entertainment Stage will feature a diverse range of performances from Ninjas trained in the Japanese art of Ninjutsu courtesy of Japan Tourist Office to Bollywood, Brazilian Capoeira and fiery Flamenco.

Visit www.destinationsshow.co.uk again soon for more information including a full list of exhibitors visit www.destinationsshow.com.

London Show

Ticket Prices: Adult Ticket Price: £10 in advance (£12 on the door) Under 15’s go free

To book tickets visit www.destinationsshow.com or Tel: 0871 230 7141* Calls charged at national rate. Booking fee applies.

Venue: Earls Court 1, Warwick Road, London SW5 9TA Telephone: +44 (0)20 7385 1200

Opening Times: Thursday 5 February 2009 10am – 8.30pm (late night from 5pm) / Friday 6 February 2009 10am – 5.30pm / Saturday 7 February 2009 10am – 5.30pm /Sunday 8 February 2009 10am – 5.30pm

Birmingham Show

Ticket Prices: Adult Ticket Price: £8 in advance (£10 on the door) Under 15’s go free

To book tickets visit www.destinationsshow.com or Tel: 0871 230 7141* Calls charged at national rate. Booking fee applies.

Venue: NEC, Birmingham

Opening Times: Friday 27 February 2009 10am-5.00pm / Saturday 28 February 10am-5.00pm / Sunday 1 March 10am – 5.00pm

STOP PRESS 28/01/2009 !! If you club members use discount code DE3B they can purchase tickets at the rate of

£9 for London & £7 for Birmingham. They can book online at www.destinationsshow.com or via phone on 0871 230 7141. Please note

the discount is only available on tickets booked in advance – the box office closes for London 3 February and Birmingham 25 February 2009. Calls are charged at a national rate.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *