Wren Elite Travel

Is it goodbye to last minute deals?

Early birds catch the boat...

As we all know, times are a-changing, and while we have enjoyed an era of last minute holidays and knock-your-socks off deals if we're prepared to hang on until a few weeks before departure, it seems that this era may have pretty much come to an end.

A result of the last very painful few months of upheavals in the travel market and the global economy generally, capacity has been tightly squeezed and cutbacks mean that seats on planes, as well as the airlines' routes, are much fewer. XL's collapse left a huge gap in capacity, and even no-frills airlines Ryanair and easyJet have caused rumbles with many winter routes stopped. And these are but a few.

The consequence of this for the consumer is that the 'lates' market we have become so accustomed to has shrunk considerably, and combined with the fact that fuel supplements can add so much to the price of travel now, the bargains we were used to no longer can be had. And this appears to be the general consensus from the travel trade.

In a recent issue of the TTG (Travel Trade Gazette), managing director of Virgin Holidays Amanda Wills claims that now it is the “early bird that catches the flight”, for the very reasons stated, and she warns that “leaving it late doesn't guarantee a lower price. But it may guarantee a smaller choice.”

Just one example I'm aware of comes from the cruise market, where it is the early bird that catches the boat. Viking River Cruises have already sold 65% of capacity for 2009 after having an early launch of their programme, offering major price benefits for customers who book at beginning, instead of the end, of the sales period. So, that's almost two thirds of their 2009 holidays already sold.

It does, of course, depend of what you are looking for. But even for the independent traveller who rarely books any kind of holiday or cruise package, with less 'bum-space' on airlines overall, those who leave it late to book flights could find they end up not flying at all, either because there is no availability, or the price is prohibitively expensive.

Unless we are prepared to forego any real choice when it comes to picking a holiday, and be left with the bottom of the barrel, the best deals on offer now are available well in advance of travel. If you have your heart set on a particular holiday, it's probably best not to leave it until you've got 3 weeks (or even 3 months) to go.

Andrea Wren

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Want a sunny or snowy adventure with no hidden holiday costs?

It can be a bit of pain when you book a tour and the costs add up in terms of local payments, admission fees and other 'extras' - so one of the reason I love Exodus holidays is that this adventure tour operator provides travellers with all the ingredients of the hassle-free, perfect break - offering flights, transfers, accommodation, all the scheduled activities and most of the meals, included in the holiday price.

From the word go, you can enjoy the stress-free, secure experience of a thrilling Exodus trip and know that the price you pay is the price you pay. So, if you're looking for an exciting last minute holiday, walking in either the snow or sun - I have two ideas with Exodus for you.

How about a winter snowshoe walk in the Pyrenees? Or would you prefer to soak up the sunshine while walking, and enjoy the culture in Cuba? Read on to find out more:

Pyrenees Snowshoe Expedition:

From £755 per person including flights for snowshoe walks in the Pyrenees.
Depart 22 February for this trip with Exodus and discover the beauty of winter landscapes on foot.

Holiday details:

A location that enjoys winter and summer visits from travellers, the stunning scenery of the Pyrenees in winter is a favourite trip for Exodus and where their snowshoeing programme was born twelve years ago.

The valleys and ridges around the French spa town of Luchon are perfect for winter exploration with a backdrop to treat any nature enthusiast. With or without the snow shoes, the scenery will take your breath away and thrill seekers can even indulge in paragliding on their free day for optional activities. With a series of day walks and snowshoeing to occupy and inspire the trekkers, this couldn’t be a better trip for the keen walker.

The group will be based at La Feniere, a cosy mountain lodge just ten minutes drive from the centre of town.

This eight day trip with Exodus departs on 22 February 2009 with prices from £755 per person including flights from London Gatwick, all scheduled activities and most meals.

To book or check availability, call on 0845 475 0342 or e-mail enquiries@wrenelitetravel.co.uk. Alternatively FILL IN OUR ON LINE ENQUIRY FORM BY CLICKING HERE!

 
Camino de Cuba

From £1,739 per person including flights.
Depart 15 February for this trip with Exodus for a walking holiday to remember.

Holiday details:

Tour the beautiful Caribbean Island of Cuba. Perfect for the active traveller and walking enthusiast, Exodus offers this 16 day trip to Cuba, taking you across a landscape saturated in history and full of rural charm. On foot, Exodus will take you to visit the heritage sites of Old Havana, Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba where the first shots of the revolution were fired. Walk in Tope de Collantes N.P. and into three of the most mountainous areas of Cuba where you can spot some of the best birdlife in the country.  To add a spring to your step after a day of trekking, try salsa dancing on your free day.

Enjoy 16 days in Cuba with all breakfasts, nine lunches and ten dinners included in the cost.

This 16 Day trip with Exodus departs on 15 February 2009 with prices from £1,739 per person including flights, all scheduled activities and most meals.

To book or check availability, call on 0845 475 0342 or e-mail enquiries@wrenelitetravel.co.uk. Alternatively FILL IN OUR ON LINE ENQUIRY FORM BY CLICKING HERE!

Safari adventures with Somak make great Valentine's breaks!

There is still time to get away for Valentine's Day! Why not try one of these five romantic safari lodges from Somak's new South Africa brochure to treat you and your loved one to a great holiday for this February?

All prices are valid for travel in mid-February - and Somak also offer holidays which combine South Africa with Mauritius and Mozambique, so contact Wren Elite Travel now for more ideas!

3 star Buffalo Camp: Kapama, north of the Kruger National Park, from £1,269 per person.
Includes return scheduled flights, transfers and 4 nights Bed and Breakfast and two game drives per day.

Why it's romantic:

Eight luxury tents set on stilts in the upper reaches of the trees!

5 star Jatinga Country Lodge: Close to the Kruger National Park from £1,299 per person.
Includes return scheduled flights, transfers and 4 nights Bed and Breakfast.

Why it's romantic:

16 superior rooms, furnished in an elegant, old world colonial style & leisurely walks along the river.

5 star Shibula Lodge & Bush Spa: Limpopo, from £1,935 per person

Includes return scheduled flights, transfers and 4 nights all inclusive accommodation and two game drives per day.

Why it's romantic:

8 luxury chalets. It's malaria-free.

5 star Thornybush Game Lodge: adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park, from £1,989 per person. Includes return scheduled flights, transfers, 4 nights full board accommodation and 2 game drives per each full day.

Why it's romantic:

Air-conditioned suites which have been carefully designed and spaced to provide privacy.

5 star Tinga Private Game Lodge: Kruger National Park, from £2,025 per person

Includes return scheduled flights, transfers, 4 nights full board accommodation and 2 game drives per each full day.

Why it's romantic?

Large air-conditioned suites with private lounge, large bathroom with his-and-hers basins and a double shower and extra-length king size beds.

Interested in booking one of these spectacular safari breaks? Please call Wren EliteTravel on 0845 475 0342 or e-mail enquiries@wrenelitetravel.co.uk. Alternatively FILL IN OUR ON LINE ENQUIRY FORM BY CLICKING HERE!

New year, new you? Treat yourself to a luxury spa break for less!

I'm amazed at some of the glorious luxury spa & beach holidays that are on offer at the moment - and even though I've just had a pre-Christmas holiday to Barbados and rather a lot of time off over the Christmas period,some of the current deals are so good I'm really tempted to book one myself!

Evason & Six Senses Resorts & Spas have some wonderful free nights deals making for exceptionally good value luxury holidays in far flung and exotic locations. A 7 night holiday at the 4 star Evason Resort & Spa Hua Hin, Thailand, can be had for a mere £695 per person flying from London Heathrow on the 22nd April 2009, including private transfers, 3 free nights at this gorgeous resort and staying on a room only basis.

Wonderful deals can also be had at the lush 5 star Evason Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa in Nha Trang, Vietnam. With an offer of buy 2 nights and get 1 free, then buy 1 get 1 free on subsequent nights, stays here can work out exceptional value and can easily be combined with a city break to see some of Vietnam's most important attractions in Saigon.

If you are tempted by Malaysia, you will easily find some respite from the harshness of British winter in Langkawi at the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa. A 7 night holiday at this beautiful and peaceful 4 star spa resort can be booked for only £920 per person, flying from London Heathrow on the 1st April 2009, including private transfers, 3 free nights and staying on a room only basis.

There are some great prices for last minute February getaways as well, and free nights are offered on a number of durations and dates, so please enquire at Wren Elite Travel for further details or to book!

Extreme adventures in Colorado (it's not just for skiing!)

I can't believe it has gotten to 2009 and I still haven't managed to jot down a note or two about my adventures in Colorado, USA, where I was late last September! I had been given a great opportunity to go on an adrenaline junkie trip to this amazing western state to write about it - and have to say, I would go back in the blink of an eye.

Not only was it just marvellous to witness the natural spectacle of the 'fire in the mountains' - where the Aspen leaves turns gold and red amongst the huge quantity of leafy green that has yet to turn colour - but it was also exciting to find out what Colorado offers the traveller seeking thrills, and try some new things out.