EHIC card renewal

If you haven't done so recently, take time to check the expiry date of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Following a big campaign a few years back you may remember switching from the old E111 forms to cards. Card bearers are entitled to reduced and sometimes free medical costs throughout Europe so its important to have it with you when you travel but even more important to check yours is still valid as the early 'batch' are now reaching expiry. The expiry date, easily missed, is in the bottom right hand corner of the card.


From my own experience, having tried and failed to renew my card online, the simplest way to do this is to ring 0845 606 2030. Once renewed, the card will be valid for a further 5 years.

Late season skiing - best snow for 25 years

Sharing information just in from the Ski Club of Great Britain...

Conditions in the Alps and Pyrenees are as good as they have been for 25 years, according to the Ski Club of Great Britain. Skiers and boarders wanting to get to the Alps for a break over the Easter holidays will find pistes in excellent condition with good snow cover off-piste and deep snow bases.

Al Morgan, Information Manager at the Ski Club of Great Britain said, “there is still plenty of time to fit in a ski holiday before the end of the season. Many tour operators have fantastic deals available and run holidays right through to May. This is definitely the year to make the most of the excellent snow conditions. Skiing in March and April offers long days for skiing, sunny terraces for leisurely lunches and less people than the busy periods. Get out there if you can!”

Resorts open until 26th April include: Flaine, Les Arcs, Avoriaz, Meribel, La Thuile, Bormio, Davos, Wengen, Zermatt, St Anton and Lech.

Resorts open until 3rd May include: Val d’Isere, Val Thorens, Are, Pas de la Casa, Soldeu, Ischgl, Obertauern, Obergurgl, Solden, Andermatt, St Moritz, Cervinia and Hemsedal.

Only wish I had the time to go...

April holiday bargains

The sun is out, Spring has, just about, sprung and travel bargains are the order or the day. Aside from the peak Easter bank holiday weekend, there are still plenty of great deals out there - snap 'em up before its too late.

Need inspiration? Here's just a few ideas from the travelguru.tv portfolio:

Easter on the Danube. Departs 11 April - special offer prices from £695 plus an extra 5% travelguru discount. This 6 night cruise from Budapest to Bucharest on the MS Johann Strauss provides the perfect Easter getaway. If you are new to river cruising, this is the ideal length of holiday to get a real feel for it.

Get active in St Lucia Hit the Caribbean for the last of the great winter weather. The Body Holiday at Le Sport combines indulgence and activity with customised programme of Spa treatments and sports facilities. Latest offers: book a minimum of 5 nights all inclusive and get 2 nights free (7 nights + 3 free or 10 nights + 4 free). Plus our exclusive $50 Spa credit for additional treatments

Dahabiyya Cruise on the Nile Egypt is another destination to tick off earlier in the year before temperatures rise. Special offer prices apply to selected March and April dates plus the bonus of a FREE Luxor balloon flight worth £85pp. Prices from £1435 (22 March dep) including flights

Cotswold Water Park Hotel Closer to home, how about a short break in the Cotswolds? Their newly opened self catering apartments are a bargain at £99 for 2 nights (one bedroom apartment) or let someone else worry about the catering with standard rooms from just £42pppn

Alexander House Utopia Spa wins top award

Great news for one of our partners, the Alexander House Hotel as their Utopia Spa has picked up the Guinot Top Crown Spa award for 2009. Well done to Spa manager Jodie and all the team!

If you are one of the many foregoing a foreign holiday this year in favour of the UK but still looking for a spot of indulgence, a spa break could just fit the bill. Our 2 night Spa break includes accommodation in one of Alexander House Hotel's Spa rooms, breakfast and dinner plus 3 included treatments.