www.thetraveladventure.co.uk

The Travel Adventure Wins Best Group Tour Operator Award

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:59:47 +0100

The Travel Adventure is proud to announce that it has been awarded "Best Group Tour Operator of The Year" at a gala ceremony held at The Hilton Park Lane earlier this month hosted by the Group Travel Organiser magazine. Nominations for 26 categories ranging through attractions, accommodation, transport, information and group facilities were put forward by readers of the magazine, which has a circulation of around 12,000.

The company was selected from 17 potential winners in its category facing stiff competition but won through with the dedicated teamwork of its committed staff, some of whom have been with the company since its inception in 1993 and with over fifty years working experience in the industry.

In a technological and impersonal world, the company prides itself in its ability to take a tour out of the ordinary by working with the individual needs of a group, suggesting stimulating activities or visits and building a unique relationship with every group leader.

As Managing Director Ian Kerr explains: "We treat you with personal care and attention and promise the excitement of the unexpected, creation of the unimaginable and memories that will last forever."

Classic China 11 Day Tour - £1309

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:39:29 +0100

Download a brochure for more information on this offer

Join our classic 11 days tour from the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors of Xian to the vibrant modern city of Shanghai. Stay in 4 star hotels throughout with all excursions included and dinners.

Only £1309 (based on twin share), departing 1st November 2010, with no minimum numbers.

Sample Travel Guide
Day 1 - Afternoon flight to Beijing.
Day 2 - Arrive in Beijing to 4 star Friendship Hotel.
Day 3 - Visit the Prince's Residence, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Day 4 - Visit to the Great Wall, Ming Tombs and the Sacred Way.
Day 5 - Guided tour of the Olympic area. Overnight 1st class sleeper train to Xian.
Day 6 - Arrival in Xian. Visit the City Wall for the Ceremony of the Keys.
Day 7 - Visit the Terracotta Army, Circlevision Cinema and the Huaqing Hot Springs.
Day 8 - Transfer by air to Shanghai. See the City's illuminations.
Day 9 - 1st class train and coach to Suzhou. Cruise the Grand Canal.
Day 10 - Visit to Pudong and the Pearl TV Tower. See the Old City and the world famous Chinese acrobat show.
Day 11 - Shopping, museums or just relax. Transfer to the airport by "Maglev".

China is just a phone call away - contact Jayne Kerr now on 01825 740 676

The Quarterly Adventure - The Travel Adventure's Quarterly Newsletter for Group Travel Organisers

Wed, 26 May 2010 15:44:53 +0100

Download Issue 1 of The Quarterly Adventure

This is the first newsletter from The Travel Adventure designed to keep group travel organisers bang up to date with what’s going on in the world of travel. Within this newsletter you’ll fi nd news from the travel industry, special offers, feedback from other GTOs, theatre reviews, fam trip info and competitions.

In this issue:

Disney Summer Madness
Ever wanted to take the children to Disneyland? Paris in the warm summer months AND in the school holidays but have been put off by high prices? Look no further – our SUPERB offer gives you the fabulous 5 star Radisson Blu Hotel – set against Disney’s excellent golf course and with a free hotel shuttle bus to the Resort.

Expand your horizons by embracing the internet
Group Leisure magazine editor, Rob Yandell discusses the benefits of the internet.

Marvellous Marrakech
What an amazing place! Marrakech is so different from anything I’ve experienced - from the culture, history and buildings to the people; it’s so interesting. Marian Durbidge reviews Marrakech.

Inspirational Istanbul
Istanbul is a frenetic city with a wealth of culture, history and nightlife. Split in two by the Bosphorus Strait, it is the only city in the world to straddle two continents. Sylvia Saxon reviews Istanbul in Turkey.

Legally Blonde The Musical
Karen Arthur from Groupline, our resident theatre critic, visited the West End to check out the bubbliest show of the year.

We meet... Jayne Kerr
In each newsletter we’ll meet a member of The Travel Adventure staff. In this issue we’re speaking to Jayne Kerr.

Mystical Marrakech & The Atlas Mountains - Especially for Students of Geography (From £439 half board)

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:50:56 +0100

Download a brochure for more information on this offer

The geography of Marrakech adds to the beauty and mystique of Africa. An area of enormous geographical contrasts, Marrakech is a city of two very different areas, the Medina or Old City and the New City. Nestling near the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is primarily a trade centre with tourism playing a vital role in the economy. Study areas for the geographer and geologist alike are vast: agriculture, traditional and modern irrigation systems in the Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley and Toubkal National Park - you are spoilt for study choice. Bring education to life and discover life in rural and urban settings which provide a wealth of educational opportunities for your students.

Included In Your Air Tour Price

Return UK flights (includes tax and fuel surcharge as at 10/05/10)
Return foreign transfers
2 nights accommodation in a 3 star hotel Marrakech and 2 nights Guest House in Imlil Valley
Half board basis throughout
Two half day guided tours of Marrakech - Old and New City
Two full days with Guide in the Imlil Valley
Visits and attractions booking service

What is not included
Return UK airport transfers, Lunches, Insurance, Spending money, Entrance to museums and the like unless specified

Accommodation
We offer 3 star hotel accommodation in Marrakech and dormitory style accommodation Imlil Valley area.

Flight Details
The price is based on using low cost airlines out of London. For regional departures and prices a supplement will apply.

How to Book
Contact one of our sales team now on 01825 740 676 and we will send you a provisional option and Booking Form.

Useful Websites

Austrian Christmas Markets - From only £329 (3 nights at the Hotel Ascherwirt, including flights)

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 10:00:28 +0100

Download a brochure for more information on this offer

The Advent Season in Austria - a feast for all senses. The beautiful Salzburger Christkindmarkt (Christmas Markets) is the highlight of Salzburg's winter season. It's not just the wealth of pretty stalls that delight, enjoy performances by traditional Salzburg choirs, musicians, and savour the smell of roasted almonds and chestnuts.

Book now for departure dates from 30 November - 23 December 2010

All these attract visitors who are able to indulge and reminisce on those cherished memories of childhood. The 'Sound of Music' and innocent mischief fills the air in the traditional markets in the medieval town of Innsbruck, the capital of the Tyrol. Rustic charm and a warm atmosphere entice you to enjoy Christmases past and present with music, aromas and sights to behold. Share in the wonder of childhood happiness and fantasies. All this is combined with the awe-inspiring scenery, art and architecture that is Austria - so reserve your breathtaking view now!

Tour Price Includes

Accommodation for 3 nights in the excellent Hotel Ascherwirt in the Austrian Tyrol
Return economy flights
Buffet breakfast and 4 course evening meals for 3 nights
Welcome drink on arrival
Visit to Innsbruck with guided tour
Visit to Rattenberg and its famous glass
Visit to Salzburg with guided tour

Austria is just a phone call away - contact one of our sales team now on 01825 740 676

The 15th Anniversary of The Business of Travel Annual Schools & Colleges Convention 2010 at Disneyland® Paris

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:32:33 +0000

Download a brochure for more information on this offer

Register your interest here

A Great Opportunity for Learning Outside the Classroom especially for BTEC Firsts and Nationals (including the new QCF versions), The Diploma, Advanced GCE and GCSE in Leisure, Travel and Tourism and Hospitality

Monday 29th November – Thursday 2nd December 2010, prices from £169 per paying passenger

Educational Content
Designed for students on a wide range of courses including the new QCF qualifications. Topics will include marketing, sales, finance, human resources, customer care and other aspects of the leisure, travel, and tourism and hospitality industries. The LIVE Seminar will have curriculum led seminars with speakers from Disney's Senior Management team. To further enhance the educational content of the event, it will include a knowledge hunt trail, question and answer sessions, resort familiarisation tour, completely revised Student Workbooks to fall in line with the new QCF requirements and updated Tutor Resource manual.

Entertainment
Students can choose from a variety of evening entertainments such as a karaoke contest, Paris excursion, choice of several optional evening meals and activities in the resort.

This year Disneyland Paris is launching the 'Disney new generation festival' with the introduction of a whole cast of new characters and some great new rides. There is the stomach-lurching Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, spinning frenzy of Slinky Dob Zigzag Spin or heartracing RC Racer.

The slightly later timing of our convention this year means it would ideally double as an end of term celebration or team-building opportunity in conjunction with its educational value.

What’s Included

Return coach & ferry travel (optional Eurostar, air and North Sea ferries options
2 or 3 nights at Disney’s Hotel Cheyenne® with continental breakfast
Half Board Option
Entrance to the Seminar
Knowledge hunt trail
Question and answer sessions
Resort familiarisation tour
Tutor Resource Manual
Student Workbooks
Certificate of Attendance
PowerPoint presentation of seminar (post convention)
Entrance to both Disney® Parks
1 in 10 free places for lecturers
Evening entertainment
24-hour services of The Travel Adventure staff on site

Bonfire Extravaganza 2010 in Disneyland® Paris (adults from £139*)

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:11:08 +0000

Download a brochure for more information on this offer

Departures 2nd, 4th & 7th November 2010

Join us for the 15th Anniversary of Disneyland® Paris’ spectacular Bonfire Extravaganza with sky-filling fireworks, laser light displays and massive bonfire. This year sees the launch of the “New Generation Festival” with the introduction of a whole cast of fresh characters such as Princess Tiana from the brand new Princess and the Frog, and a load of new rides. You will only pay economy prices yet we will upgrade you to one of Disney’s top quality hotels with savings of up to £45 per person or as much as £120 per family of 2 adults, 1 teen and 1 child. Enjoy accommodation with breakfast, hopper passes for both Disney Parks and join in with the bonfire celebrations. Book now to make sure you don’t miss out on this very popular event.

Infants £40, Children from £109, Teens from £124, Adults from £139*

Price Includes

Return coach travel with pickups throughout mainland UK with return ferry crossing Dover/Calais or Eurotunnel (optional Hull/Zeebrugge with overnight cabins included or Eurostar travel)
Accommodation with breakfast
Hopper tickets for both Disney Parks
Mickey's Magical fireworks and bonfire event

For more information or to make a booking contact our sales team on 01825 740 676 – book early to make sure you don’t miss out on all the excitement!

Please note: Disneyland® Resort Paris reserves the right to modify or cancel any of the scheduled events at any time without prior notification.

Ian Kerr - Outstanding Contribution to Group Travel Award Winner 2008

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:37:17 +0100

The staff at The Travel Adventure are thrilled that Ian Kerr, our Managing Director, was honoured with the "Outstanding Contribution to Group Travel" Award by an individual, at the 2008 Group Travel Awards.

Ian Kerr
Ian Kerr is the epitome of a travel industry professional who understands his business from the grass roots up. He has spent almost 50 years in travel and, along the way, has gained an impressive amount of knowledge and experience in coach operations, holiday company development, airline operations, financial directorship and personal involvement in disaster management.

His fondness for travel began with a five-year government-funded management training scheme in 1960 with the Edinburgh-based Scottish Motor Traction Company, from which he emerged with an Associate Member of the Institute of Transport Qualification. The course equipped members with a thorough knowledge of the industry, encompassing elements such as timetabling, traffic control, maintenance, conducting, vehicle maintenance and crewing and depot management, whilst earning the princely sum of £5 a week!

From here, Ian moved south and joined Epsom Coaches (formerly HR Richmond) where he was Tours Manager. In 1967, he was appointed by Clarksons Holiday, in London, as Reservations Manager with subsequent promotions to Operations Executive then Overseas Manager. Whilst with Clarksons Holiday, Ian had the unenviable responsibility of contacting bereaved families following the fatal Dan Air crash en route from Manchester to Barcelona. Also during this period, Ian had to curtail the chaos that derived from travellers arriving in Spain to be greeted by unfinished hotel accommodation.

In 1971 he joined Pontins as General Manager of Pontinental Holidays. In 1974 he was headhunted by Schools Abroad where he became Managing Director and in 1985, as Grosvenor Hall Leisure plc, the company went public, was listed on the stock exchange and purchased several travel companies. Granada Travel plc purchased the company in 1986 after which Ian became Executive Director with additional responsibilities as Managing Director of Nielsens Ski and Schools Abroad. He left in 1989 with a view to setting up his own company. In 1993 he founded The Travel Adventure, in East Sussex, which has been awarded the 'Disneyland Resort Paris Business Partnership Award' and obtained a full ATOL license three years ago, which allowed the company to expand its portfolio to include travel to 35 different worldwide destinations. Despite a four-way heart bypass operation, Ian still works full-time for the company and retains the same passion and commitment for the travel industry.

"It is not just me but the team of people I work with that have helped to achieve the success of any company I have been with and, for that reason, I would like to share this award. Remember, when building any company, it should be looked upon like a football team; you need your striker, your mid-field and your defence!" IAN KERR, Managing Director, The Travel Adventure

Outstanding Contribution to Group Travel by an Individual
This special award recognises outstanding and dedicated service for the benefit of GTOs over a number of years by an individual, rather than a company. It is different from the other presentations in that it is the only one not based on the votes of GTO readers, but decided upon by a panel of industry professionals. Previous recipients of this award include Bob Pilbeam, CPT's Coaching Consultant, David Steele, Sales and Marketing Director of City Cruises and Terry Weller, former Sales Administration Manager for P&O Ferries.

Istanbul - East meets West (From Just £299)

Tue, 20 May 2008 18:22:03 +0100

Download a brochure for more information on this offer

Istanbul really is the city where east meets west. Its unique location, nestling on two Continents - Europe and Asia - connects not only continents but also culture and people. This is the junction where Asia meets Europe and it was no accident that three successive great empires chose Constantinople, as it was then named, as their capital. The Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans have left an indelible stamp on modern-day Istanbul, with wonderful examples of the city's vivid and colourful past to be found around virtually every corner.

Visit the Blue Mosque, the huge domes Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Domabahce Palace and the Great Bazaar - the list is endless and a joy to visit! At night the the shoreside restaurants and bars vie for your attention tempting you to enjoy freshly caught fish of the day.

From Just £299, based on twin occupancy

Sample Travel Guide
Day 1 - Depart UK for our flight to Istanbul. Our Representative will meet you on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Relax, unwind and enjoy your first evening in this wonderful city.

Day 2 - There is so much to see, on foot in this eclectic city, or take advantage of our full day historical tour of Istanbul. Discover the Byzantine and Ottoman treasures of the city.Visit the Royal Topkapi Palace, then savour lunch in the Topkapi Konyali Restaurant. In the afternoon we visit the Blue Mosque (unique with its 6 minarets), the Roman Hippodrome Square,Turkish Islamic Arts Museum and St Sophie Church. After all that it’s a special dinner at Hamdi Restaurant.

Day 3 - Enjoy another optional excursion today, visiting the 17th century Spice Bazaar, the second largest covered bazaar in Istanbul, then embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus, the legendary straits separating Europe and Asia. Cruise past wonderful seafront mansions and historic buildings set alongside pleasure palaces and taste a traditional lunch overlooking the straits. Later we visit the Church of Chora and the Grand Bazaar. In the evening, dinner with a traditional belly dance floor show with wine is included.

Day 4 - After breakfast, it’s time to depart for the airport and our return flight to the UK.

Tour Includes

Return flights from Luton (other regional airports available at a supplement)
3 nights accommodation – 4 star central hotel on a Bed and Breakfast basis
Our expert team on hand to offer personal attention from the time you book until the end of your tour.