Autoplan Holidays

Why Anna Maria island?

2009-07-03T07:03:00.003+01:00

The most wonderful thing about Anna Maria is the island is a wonderful thing!

Well - yes, we have copied a line from AA Milne but the island’s lack of commercialism is truly refreshing.

There are no Billboards, no high-rise apartment blocks, not a McDonalds golden archway ever in sight and shopping malls are seemingly banned. A speed limit of just 20 miles an hour also means that what few main roads there are remain very safe and bike and pedestrian friendly.

However, the most impressive part is of course, the miles of sparkling fine white sand that can resemble snow in your photographs. Then there is the clear sea of the Mexican gulf – so clear in fact you have to be careful you do not step out of your depth! Gathering large seashells can be a delight but if you cannot be bothered they can be bought cheaply from local stores.

Eating out is delightful almost nearly all are owner managed and seafood is high on the menu.

Prices are mostly moderate with a main fish course such as grouper with trimmings costing around 15-18 dollars or just £9-£11 almost cheap by UK standards. For steaks you need to budget from 18 Dollars upwards. For the smaller eater salads are very imaginative from 5 dollars up and add steak chicken etc if required for much the same amount.

Wines prices are rather odd – considering the huge US wine industry because all over the US wines prices seem high and you do need to keep to native varieties which average at about 20 dollars bottle - can be cheaper to order by the glass at around 4 dollars a glass for house wine. Do stay clear of European wines which can be pricy would be our advice!

Many of the restaurants are overlooking the sea or if you cross one of the two bridges connecting to the mainland there are several which have views of the inter-coastal waterway with lots of boating activities to keep one entertained!

Lastly, be aware that if you like a drink with your meal not all restaurants are licensed or those that are, some may only have a licence to serve beer or wine.

One small word of warning - If you eat outside on the terraces - keep an eye out for marauding seagulls one, of which snatched part of our chips bowl!

We can thoroughly recommend Anna Maria Island Holidays in Florida.

Flordia Holidays

2009-06-26T09:35:00.001+01:00

Having spent 5 weeks Florida last December and January when the Pound managed to exchange for about 1.4 US Dollars I found that even at this low rate Florida still represented good value.

However six months on and the Pound has risen by almost 20% to $1.65. Whilst Sterling is not expected to hit the heady days of 2 dollars there is a chance (exchange experts say) will go higher than the present 1.65 dollars to a Pound (24 June 09).

Time to look at some of the lovely apartments and villas with pools that are on offer on Anna Maria island from Auto Plan Holidays. The island is just off the mainland near Sarasota and connected by three bridges.

Un-spoilt and with fabulous white fine sand beaches it offers high quality at very reasonable rates. An almost new two bed roomed/ two bath apartment at Bay View will cost just £530 per week and includes all charges and offers a huge terrace and wonderful views across the bay to the mainland and only 100 yards walk from the finest beaches in Florida. Also consider a three bed roomed holiday with private swimming pool is only £900 per week. Consider were you can obtain that in Europe!

Prices are valid from now until 15 December.

Details go to:

So now is the time to consider the USA as it offers high quality at very reasonable costs. The only drawback for next year is the totally unreasonable new “ air Passenger duty” being inflected on all of us by Gordon Brown’s government who clearly want all of us to holiday in Scotland where APD is not payable!

Not yet law but soon to be passed it means a huge increase on air fares in the middle of a recession.

The high APD tax starts in November 2009 and is based on how far you fly and in what class of seat (Typical Labour policy of course). In economy the APD duty is £45 Whilst in economy premium class the charge is £90 – all this to just depart the UK to
America.

The story gets worse – travel to Australia and the duty charged is £170 each!

More details just go to telegraph blog

Menorca Self Catering

2009-06-26T09:31:00.000+01:00

Whilst prices for self-catering climbs in UK - the rentals are falling in Menorca!

The stay at home culture is fast looking like a mistake!

The long weather forecast for the UK is not looking so good.

The Pound is gaining in strength and the prices are falling in Menorca because lack of British visitors!

At the time of writing Sterling is now worth around 1.16 euros a gain of some 15% since January

Now weather is being far from kind with talk of floods in summer...

In Menorca prices are getting lower and Auto Plan Holidays has some great bargains with a villa with private pool Three bedrooms and several bathrooms being offer at around £700 a week up to 10 July. These high quality houses are located all over the island and although prices have yet to fall in the main weeks of August (at present around £1700 per week) – they may as August approaches.

However they have already fallen in the lovely Fornells during August. For example they have some apartments, which are now 25% off with a two bed roomed apartment besides the sea. They also offer a swimming pool and just a hundred yards from the port and it’s many seafood restaurants. With prices now as low as £796 a week even in mid August (they were £994) this represents great savings over similar properties in say Cornwall, which are fast approaching stratosphere prices.

Lastly with restaurant prices lower than the UK – do you need further persuasion!

Ring Auto Plan Holidays now on 01543 257777

Disneyland Paris Summer offers

2009-06-22T12:14:00.001+01:00

Looking for a short break with the kids in high summer? One thing to keep them happy would be a four night break at Disneyland Paris. Here is some advise from Auto Plan Holidays in Lichfield.

The least stressful way of getting there is via Euro star’s direct service from either St Pancras or Ashford in Kent, which whisks you to the Disneyland park gates in just over 2 hours 40 minutes.

There are some one night free offers at the Adagio apartments which for £836 allows two adults and two children under 7 years to enjoy a 4 night stay with 5 days passes. The Euro star fares vary and start at £330 return for the same family making the total cost start at £1166 if departing on the 30th July. The apartments have one bedroom with twin or double bed, a separate lounge with double sofa bed, kitchen and bathroom.

On the extra plus side the apartments have a large outdoor heated swimming pool for getting rid of any excess energy.

The apartments are in an ideal situation being just across the road from the shopping centre of Val d’Europe, which consists of some 200 stores and supermarkets and a dozen restaurants to choose from which are much cheaper than Disney alternatives.

There is a constant shuttle bus from the apartments to the Disney gates, which is included into our prices.

If all that still sounds expensive take a look at the self-drive – you get a chance to see the countryside- bring back some duty free wine and enjoy a lower price into the bargain.

Staying at the three stars Elysee Hotel costs on the 6th August only £646 for two adults and two children under 12 years and includes the return ferry from Dover to Calais. The price is 40% off normal rates for a departure on the 13 August representing super value for a three nights aty with breakfast and four days passes.

Ring Auto Plan Holidays asking for up to 40% offers in August now on 01543 257777

Disneyland Paris Winter

2009-06-17T17:32:00.001+01:00

ON SALE NOW!

Winter prices are now out for Disneyland Paris. These special offers still includes children FREE under 7 and from 06 January even those under 12 years are FREE!

There are in addition some extra offers – 3 nights for price of 2 – 4 nights price of 3. For the first time a new offer because for the coming winter there is a WELCOME breakfast with Disney Charecters at the Disneyland Hotel inside the park when you take these offers.

Book early and get Spring prices at Winter rates. For any arrival between 02-29 April you will get Winter rates –but only if you book before 15 October.

Bonfire Spectacular this is on 02 4 & 6th November – on these dates obtain an extra free and extra day in the park – FREE of charge when you book at 3 day/2nights stay at any Disney Hotel or the Hotel Elysee.(certain types of rooms excluded).

Christmas Parades at Disneyland – these start from 05 December and there are some great offers for 3 nights stays – examples are;

£382 at Hotel Elysee

£470 Sequoia Lodge (with pool)

£769 at Disneyland Hotel which is inside the park.

All prices are for arrival on 10 December and include three nights stay/four days park Passes/Breakfast

For prices on all dates call Auto Plan’s attentive staff on 01543 257777

Disneyland Paris Summer Offers

2009-06-10T16:46:00.001+01:00

New offers to Disneyland Paris from Auto Plan Holidays

Now 30% off Davy Crocket Bungalows

To make a great offer even better Disney are now offering 30% off from the 5th June until even the 26th March. Really only suitable for clients happy to self-drive to the resort. The offer means that for those arriving on a Friday and staying for a 3 night package you save 30% off normal rates.

For now however on certain dates there is a great idea for end of school summer term- For example departing on 23 July the cost for a two bed roomed cabin at Davy Crocket costs £714 inclusive return ferry with P&O.

Based one child over 7 and one under and two adults for your money you get Breakfast, 3 nights stay in a two bed roomed unit, FOUR days park passes for both parks and return channel crossing. Travel with Euro Tunnel and there is a supplement of £24. (The Davy Crocket resort does not accept clients who arrive without a car because there is no transport from the site, which is seven kilometres from the park)

Book a Disney Hotel - Get a free night!!

Get night free- a new offer for all Disney Hotels from 05 –16 June and 10-31 July. Book a 3-night package and get the 4th night free along with an extra days park pass! The offer also applies for arrivals from 23 August to 13 September.

Extra details from Auto Plan Holidays – telephone 01543 257777 soonest.

Atlantic Spain – the Real Spain for this summer……

2009-06-03T15:42:00.001+01:00

The best thing about this region it really is very Spanish. Here you find excellent restaurants and the way that Spain used to be without the horrid foreign culture of English/Swedish bars and union jack shorts so reminiscent of the Spanish Costa's!!

This being the main reason of course why this wild Atlantic coast is so popular with the Spanish.

The coastal scenery is unspoilt with coves and deserted beaches that run all the way from the French Border to the frontier with Portugal and all with the back drop of the Picos mountains. The small towns and hillside villages are a delight to explore-if you have an interest in wine take some time to explore the Rioja region just 50 miles south of Bilbao.

You may have to take a Spanish dictionary with you for some of the menus on offer.
But, it will be worth the efforts as the natives are friendly and will be willing to help.

Prices are still very reasonable when it comes to eating out with many meals known as "Menu del Dia" cost about 10 euros or £9.00. For that you will get a choice of four dishes for starters, mains and sweets and even a glass of wine included.

Prices in the supermarkets are still about the same as the UK but to take note that if you start buying imported goods such British products such as butter or biscuits for example you may get a price shock!

The Euro is weakening and at the time of writing was 1.15 euros = £1 which is almost 15% more for your money than in January – so no excuse for not visiting the region now and with prices in many cases lower than staying in the UK.

The Disneyland Paris offers are back!!

2009-05-28T13:48:00.001+01:00

The discounted offers for Disneyland Paris has now returned offering discounts up to 40% off hotels and park pass packages.

Examples staying at the lovely Newport Bay Hotel for 3 nights with 4 days passes can offer a reduction of £401 when staying on the 31st July for a family of four (two children under 7 years) abd even save up to 30%(£306) If you travel on 13 or 22 August.

Auto Plan Holidays as a main Disney agent is proud to able to make these offers.

All you have to do is to telephone us on 01543 25777 (or e-mail us at bdarby@autoplanhols.co.uk)

Please give us your preferred dates. We can then make the best offers possible on those dates or nearest dates when these fantastic reductions apply.

We are happy to give the lowest prices possible for Euro Star, Euro Tunnel if you prefer to self-drive or air travel to Paris from many airports in the UK.

With bargain breaks to Disney at these levels - what are you waiting for!

Celebrations at Disneyland Paris

2009-05-22T11:06:00.001+01:00

One idea that is gaining popularity with Auto Plan Holidays clients going to Disneyland Paris is a birthday cake tea with Disney characters. They also visit the tables and even make a birthday wish come true!

The cost amounts to £15 per adult or child s, which includes buffet- pasties sweets, and of course a slice of the birthday cake.

If you prefer it is also possible to have a cake delivered to your hotel room (be warned it feeds eight persons) at a cost of £17.00!

Another alternative might be a four-course lunch with the Princes and Princess from those wonderful movies such as Sleeping Beauty all held in a fairy tale castle atmosphere – the cost is £44 per adult and £16 per child. Price for adults does include wine or soft drinks.

Your carriage awaits to take you to the ball!!

Living with the Euro

2009-05-19T09:10:00.001+01:00

We Brits, it seems are still complaining about our lot- all due to the Pound losing its value in 2008.

When making a visit to Minorca in May this month I found a number of Brits bemoaning their lot because they no longer have the benefit of an overvalued Pound –so there is a tendency is to complain about prices.

However if you used your head (and your feet) and take a look at "menu del dia" prices which are on many restaurant menus by law I felt that prices are still not much different from the prices in the UK – it is the expectation from some people that they should be lower!

We really have been spoilt with a high exchange rates for the last 6 or 7 years. So much so that now, we feel the Euro zone is "being too expensive".

We are being told that UK holidaymakers are avoiding the euro zone – when it fact in some places which don’t use the Euro you may well be asked for payment in Euros in preference to local currency. This includes Turkey, Prague or Budapest!

In fact if you use your eyes and feet prices can still be a lot, lot cheaper than the UK.

So here are some examples:

We took a table at "Restaurant Sa Rumbada" which faces the sea and the harbour of Fornells a lovely tiny resort in the north of the island . The cost of a three course "A la Carte" meal including a good quality bottle of Pinedas white dry wine, bread,coffee and liquers came to just 56 euros for two persons. Now in Pounds that amounts to just £51.52 or just £26.25 each.

Please point me in the direction or a restaurant in the UK on the sea front that can offer that value!

It gets even better- because returning to the same restaurant at lunch time the following week and the price for three course meal of the day was just 8.50 euros and even included a glass of wine(well yes , ok it was not the best) That cost amounts to just £7.50 each.

If we look at other resorts- the popular Son Bou at the restaurant Compostele.

We enjoyed a fanastic fish soup, a steak for me -and Sole for my wife followed by profiter rolls, a bottle of wine and coffees- the cost just 42 euros or £19 each.

Of course these prices might go up in the height of the season- but what still holds true is : Never go into the first restaurant you find ( or even a supermarket for that matter) without checking prices. Incidentally the larger supermarkets offer bargains and some of the small ones in small resorts can be expensive. Hire a car and you will not have a problem. With some of the cheaper restaurants like the one in Es Migjon just outside St Tomas it helps to understand at least what is on the menu blackboard- we ate in this one for just £7.00 including a bottle of wine..

But is Minorca expensive? – only if you too lazy to bother..

Mickey's Magical Party

2009-05-15T12:37:00.001+01:00

This summer is Disneyland Paris party theme, which includes Mickey Mouse in some special new street parades, and also in the show will be Disney's latest character D J Stitch a favourite alien from outer space.

Then there is the Playhouse Disney show, which includes characters live on stage from some of the Disney TV channel shows.

Also on parade will be Mickey and Minnie in their own special automobiles along with other motorcars full of old and new Disney characters.

Lastly Mickey will be joining into the Buffalo Bills show- lets just hope he does get in the way of the horses!

More bargains from Disneyland Paris

2009-05-13T09:15:00.000+01:00

With offers up to 40% off Disneyland Resort Paris is offering on certain departures Throughout the summer from their Hotel and Disney passes packages. Bookings can be made from Tuesday 12 May onwards….

Clearly these offers are limited to less popular arrival days mostly from Sunday to Thursday - but available even through July and August during school holiday dates.

Prices do not include any transport - Auto Plan Holidays has the capacity to offer low rates taking you car on Euro Tunnel, Euro star(that’s the passenger services from St Pancres or Ashford) as well as flights from most UK airports.

With savings up to £400 per booking and still includes free children under 7 years - you need to contact Auto Plan Holidays on 01543 257777 for a quote as the reductions for Disneyland Paris do vary.

Alpbach - an Alpine heaven

2009-05-01T15:33:00.003+01:00

One of the most delightful villages in the Tyrol is perhaps that of Alpbach were little has changed over the years despite it being on the Tourist map.

In summer it is delightful to stroll through the meadowlands amidst the alpine flowers or take the Gondola up to 6200 feet and take a day’s hike downwards to Inneralpbach.

Most of the accommodation is in apartments often in ancient farms or in newly built chalet style buildings. One can choose from being in the centre of the village with restaurants shops etc all within two minutes walk or opt for an apartment in a farmhouse with enchanting views of the village and the mountains.

Eating out is reasonable especially at some of the local inns with the main courses so large we doubt if you need anything else! Budget for around £10 for a main course with a drink. Bottle of wine around £8-£10 so even with a depleted Pound prices are still very much in line with the UK – just no longer cheaper……

The tourist office is very active with lots of excursions on offer that includes guided walks and water rafting along the River Inn or if you like to take it easy then how about bobbing along in a giant inner tube down the Brander burger stream!

The village has a lovely indoor swimming pool with a tropical island in the centre of the pool and adults can enjoy a drink whilst the kids expel their energies!

There is also a huge Farmhouse museum which makes a great day out which has some 12 farms taken from the region and lovingly restored and gives a good idea 18th century living in the Tyrol.

Renting an apartment from Auto Plan Holidays does not cost the earth with a two bed roomed apartment in July or August costing around £490 per week and sleeps 4/5 persons in great comfort in two bedrooms- fully equipped even down to a hairdryer!

Apartments also available for just a couple or larger parties.

Getting there; one good idea is Memmingen (Germany) north west of Innsbruck With flights from Ryanair from Stanstead. If you cannot stand Mr O’Leary standards of service opt for BA to Munich or Lufthansa from many UK cities.

Car rental in Germany starts at around £219 for an Opal Corsa-so that will not break the bank!

Corinthia Austria

2009-04-27T12:35:00.002+01:00

Carinthia, Corinthia or Karinthia – is it a section of the bible? Somewhere in Greece? A Holy Roman city?

Well for those in the know - it is in fact a large province of Austria, which lies along the Italian Dolomites border. Very lovely region it is too! Locally known as Karnten- so it goes by many names.

It was hundreds of large and small lakes most of which are warm during the summer and ideal for swimming or relaxing on the shores. In addition it has the warmed climate of the Mediterranean with the softer warmer winds flowing inland from the sea.

One other attraction is you can get the benefit of three countries in one. To the east is Slovenia and south is Italy all within a 30 minutes drive because to get the best out of this region you need to explore the attractions of the region’s valleys and lakes.

One of the most relaxing way to take a vacation in the province is to rent a chalet and Auto Plan Holidays has a selection of houses and apartments which rent for around £345 per week in June or September for a two bed roomed chalet that sleeps up to five persons rising to £443 in August. The only extra is final cleaning charge of 35 euros.

How to get there- there are some very cheap flights at the moment with Ryan Air from Stanstead to Klagenfurt the region’s capital city which if you depart on the 1st August (at the time of writing costs just £82 return ) The company also operates to Salzburg with along with Easy Jet and BA operating from Gatwick.

You could also fly into Munich and enjoy a wonderful drive down through the Alps with flights from other UK airports using Lufthansa, A (from Heathrow) and Air Lingus from Dublin to Munich and Ryan Air from Dublin to Memmingen(Germany).

Lastly Austria offers exceptional value for money-, which with the Pound purchasing just 90 cents it needs to be!

So come on down to see Carinthia Austria for your next holiday!

Non Disney Hotels- at Disneyland Paris

2009-04-22T16:27:00.002+01:00

There are seven Disney hotels at Disneyland Paris which all vary in distance from the Park gates and four of them use a shuttle service. These hotels are the original ones and despite the annual makeovers they are showing their age.

However almost about equal distance are two four star hotels – the Dream Castle and it’s sister Hotel Circus. Both hotels offer a shuttle bus service to and from the park gates, which takes less than five minutes each way. They depart every 15 minutes at peak morning and late afternoon times and every 30 minutes at off peak times.

Both hotels have a holiday theme- Circus hotel of courses features the “Big Top” and the Dream Castle has a fairy tale theme- just don’t kiss the frogs! A joke of course...

Both hotels have indoor heated swimming pools and children’s play area and in many ways there are not just newer hotels but have to offer more to attract clients away from the Disney hotels. This includes a full buffet breakfast with hot and cold dishes rather than Disney’s continental fare. The rooms are larger and have Sat TV with children’s channels and each room comes with tea and coffee makers, children’s Cartoon channel on the SAT-TV, and a mini-fridge and fully air-conditioned rooms of course.

At the moment through most of the summer Auto Plan Holidays offer an all price for a family of two adults and two children less than 7 years for £666.00!

This is for THREE nights and THREE days passes to both parks and the return ferry with P&O from Dover to Calais. The company can also offer Euro Star packages from St Pancras or Ashford in Kent if you prefer the train to take the strain. This is a more expensive option but the fast connection of just 3 hours from the UK rail station to Disney station with just a short walk to the Disney gates above the station.

Euro Disney – what’s in a name?

2009-04-20T09:54:00.001+01:00

Despite the change of name some five years ago many people still refer to Euro Disney despite the company changing the name to “ Disney Land Paris”.

However which ever name you use you will still find access to the site as more than
2 million people put in the old Euro Disney Paris name into their search engine details.

But whatever name you use- we still have some new deals which are being offered by several four star quality hotels at Disney. Auto Plan is offering 3 nights stay, buffet breakfast and three days passes and return ferry for one car and passengers Dover to Calais all for just £666!

This is staying at the Circus Hotel or on certain dates the Dream Castle or the Radisson hotels- All the hotels are at Disney itself and each hotel offers a shuttle service (which takes around 5 mins) to the Disney park gates. Free car parking.

The price covers which is for two adults and two children under the age of seven years. Children 7-11 years do pay £100 extra per child.

Disneyland Paris Hotels

2009-04-16T09:22:00.001+01:00

There are seven hotels which belong to Disneyland Paris corporation but on the same
Disney property are a further five hotels which were constructed less than five years ago.

These include Three four star hotels, one three star and one two star hotel. Although slightly further away from the gates all five hotels offer a constant shuttle bus service departing every 10-15 minutes.

The Dream Castle Hotel has a fairy tale theme and the Hotel Circus has the “Big Top” atmosphere. Both of these hotels are four-star quality and offer a full buffet breakfast as well as coffee and tea makers in every bedroom along with children’s Channel on the Sat TV and both have an indoor pool.

A little further away on the 24 hole Disney golf course is the four star superior Radisson Hotel which offers an indoor pool-but lacks any kind of Disney theme However it is a conference hotel and is more suitable for older children perhaps.

Then there is the Explorers Hotel which is three star and the theme as expected with the title is a pirate and exploration theme which includes a Galleon for children to play in- a huge indoor pool with slides and various children’s activities for all ages.

Lastly the Kyriad Hotel – two star but has a very French cottage style theme but you get what you pay for as there is little to entertain children in the hotel itself. It also have family rooms which offers a double bed and bunk beds for children.

Northern Spain Hotel Tour 10 days (9 nights)

2009-04-08T11:43:00.001+01:00

For something really different consider the tour of Atlantic Spain produced by Auto Plan Holidays and prices start (up to 01 July) at £420 each of four persons sharing a Ford Fiesta, two twin rooms for 9 nights on room and breakfast.

Because of the changing flight prices Auto Plan does not include flights, which are as low as £65 return including taxes from Stanstead.

Why not try this almost perfect fly drive hotel holidays that includes the mountains and the seaside regions of Cantabria and Asturia along Spain’s almost perfect coastline.

The holiday begins with flights from Stanstead (departs at 07.30am) to Bilbao and then returning the hired car to Asturias airport before flying back home to Stanstead.

On your arrival in Bilbao airport, collect your hired car and head off along the coastline to the pretty village of Santillana del Mar with it’s medieval streets full of leaning half timbered houses and cobbled streets. You will be staying for three nights a Hotel Los Infantes a stone built property in the centre of the village. A really lovely area that offers a chance to visit seaside resort of Suences, and the Altermira prehistoric caves.

On the forth day of your tour you will be heading into the mountains to stay at our favourite hotel the three star Orso which is perfect for walking – we even supply walking maps within the Picos National Park. The hotel is well known for it’s restaurant and it’s comprehensive wine cellar. The hotel offers a swimming pool within large gardens all surrounded by outstanding mountain views.

On your 7th day you are driving to the region of Asturias to stay in the busy fishing resort of Llanes and your stay is at the Hotel Las Rocas for 3 nights located on the side of the main harbour (private parking). There are many seafood restaurants to choose from and all within easy walking distance.

Now that you holiday is coming to an end we suggest an inland route back to the airport via Cangas de Onis giving one last chance to enjoy the mountain scenery and perhaps the most unspoilt landscape in Spain.

Holiday Offers, Disneyland Paris, Tuscany, Menorca and Sicily

2009-04-06T17:21:00.000+01:00

New special offers are arriving from our agents for the coming summer to obtain early bookings.

Some of these being obtained by Auto Plan Holidays are:

France:
Disneyland Paris: 40% savings on three and four star hotels at Disney Paris and for those who really want to know the price this is around £600 for 2 adults and 2 children staying three nights with four days passes. These prices are for all summer but MUST be booked by 15 April- as the offers are constantly changing you need to telephone us on 01543 257777.

Lake Garda:

We are now offering one and two bedroomed Lake Garda apartments in up to 04 July and after 5th September were we are offering 10 nights for the price of 8. Some eight different
Locations in the resort of Pescheira on the south east of the lake.

Tuscany:
In Tuscany are offers for 7 nights for the price of 5 ALL SUMMER LONG !

Menorca:
In Menorca we are offering some superb detached villas with own swimming pool for around £50 a night in the month of May. Even in high season we are offering
10% off if booking before 30 April. A ten day holiday with flights/car hire and the two bedroomed villa comes to around £757 each of four and a ten night duration departing 25th July(travel from East Midlands with BMI.

In Sicily up to £150 off a weekly rental for a lovely two bed roomed Sicily villa with a small pool overlooking Mount Etna. One offer is flying from Manchester return flight/car hire and villa for two weeks costs £843 each of four persons for TWO WEEKS In AUGUST.

Saving Euros at Disneyland Paris

2009-04-03T09:16:00.000+01:00

With an eye on paying for your holiday at Disneyland Paris it is wise to know that paying for your holiday in Sterling means no surcharges or extra costs due to the falling value of the pound. In fact it is nice to know that clients were you paying in Euros the costs would be around 15% higher than those offered by Auto Plan Holidays when paying in Sterling.

All packages to Disney tend to be on a B&B basis so one idea from Auto Plan is to purchase advance meal vouchers to ensure that you fix costs so that clients are able to plan their budget in advance.

So there are several half-board deals, which offer a starter and a main course, including a soft drink or mineral water. The child’s menu offers a main course, a dessert and a soft drink. (there is also an "all you can eat buffet" for those with large appetites).

The standard voucher £16.00 per adult and £8 for any child (3-11 years inclusive)
The voucher allows guests to eat in eight different café’s or restaurants all within the two Disney parks.

The Plus voucher is £21 per adult and £10 per child. This voucher allows clients to eat in all Restaurants and hotels, with the exception of Café Mickey, New York Hotel and Disneyland Hotels.

Meals at Disney are far from cheap so by pre-purchasing in Pounds the saving is around 15-20% and also allows a great deal of flexibility and choice.

High season at LOW prices at Disneyland Paris

2009-04-01T10:39:00.000+01:00

Some super offers are coming your way from Auto Plan Holidays who offer three hotels (all FOUR star), all situated at Disneyland Paris. All three hotels offer a short 5 mins bus shuttle directly to the Disney park gates.

With costs of £666 for a family of four (2 adults/2 children under 7 years) Auto Plan Holidays is offering this self-drive offer with Hotel Magic Circus if available from 01 APRIL right through the main holidays to 23 AUGUST. These prices assume high season arrivals on the 9th August. Booking directly with Disneyland Paris to their cheapest two star hotel the “Sante Fe” would cost £792 (£126 more for poorer quality).

There are reductions if you travel on certain days when there is a price drop of up to £80 per family!

With a three night stay in a four star hotel including breakfast, return ferry crossing with P&0 (Euro Tunnel is at a small supplement) and three days passes for both parks included makes an ideal short break. Never forget that you can also load up with wine bargains at the same time…..

There is no charge for children uder seven years. However there is a supplement for those over 7 and less than 12 years who do have to pay for the passes.The supplement is £100 per child. ( those children over 12 and adults pay £118).

Auto Plan Holidays can also offer alternative methods of travel using Euro Star from St Pancras or Ashford directly to Disney Station at around £256 per adult and £236
per child (children under 4 travel sitting on the parents lap have a reduction of £80!) These prices are based two adults and two children under 7 years. These prices include 4 days passes.

Prices with Euro Star are never fixed- so the above prices could be cheaper or more
expensive depending on the amount of seats available. However normally our prices are much cheaper than booking directly with Disney. This is also true of flight based holidays. Always request a quote from Auto Plan by telephone(01543 257777) or by e-mail on bdarby@autoplanhols.co.uk.

Get a Disneyland Paris bargain-40% off normal rates!

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You have only 16 days left to get a bargain at Disneyland Paris. At the moment for
travel any time this coming summer you obtain 40% off a 3-night package to some of Disney’s best hotels and save up to £400!!

However you must make you booking before 15 April……

To translate that into real costs it is possible to stay at the superb four stars New York Hotel which is closest hotel to the Disneyland Paris entrance gates for just £560.00 for two adults and two children under 7 years. The normal rate is well over £1000!

What’s included? - You get three nights in a family room, buffet breakfast, four days passes to both Disney parks. Transport is not included but Auto Plan has some special rates with Euro Tunnel if you wish to self-drive from just £99.00 return for car and occupants (£119 from 01 May onwards)

We are also able to offer this deal with Euro star from St Pancras or Ashford with costs from £99 return or flights from most airports are variable prices.

This offer ends on the 15th April – because the deals are at random and quickly come and go. So you need to ring Auto Plan on 01543 257777 soonest possible

Go direct to Sicily from Manchester - great Sicily Holidays

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Starting in mid May and every Saturday until mid September there are flights Departing mid-morning from Manchester airport to Catania and returning in the evening. Perfect timings for stress free travel for the begining of your Siciliy Holiday!

Auto Plan Holidays is offering a fly-drive holiday that includes 10 or 12 night stays in farmhouses that are dotted around the island. Each farmhouse has bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a restaurant and a swimming pool.

This is an ideal opportunity to get to know the true Sicily and it’s people. Many owners speak some English but not every owner of course will speak your language but you will get by as often his or her children will often be able to understand the basics. Anyhow a lot can be passed on with sign language – just don’t raise your voice at the same time!

The farms are often in wonderful locations some near the sea and others in the hilly countryside – some offer cooking and even riding lessons. Prices are based on B&B but all the farms can offer meals and some have very professional restaurants with
“A la carte” menus. Often the meals are accompanied with local wines and olive oil often produced on the premises.

A car rental is included into the package which comes fully inclusive so that there are no extras to pay if the car is damaged (there are some conditions you need to adjure to such as not driving whilst intoxicated!) Auto Plan supplies a Michelin map of the island and there is a detailed map to every farm. We have a main agent on the island to handle any problems be it with the accommodation or emergencies such as sudden illness.

The cost for a ten night holiday which includes car rental and the flight comes in as low as £817 each of four and £913 each of two sharing a car which includes the flights, car hire and B&B for 10 nights. Other durations are for 12 and 14 nights.

Our other fly drive options are staying in three or four star hotels that enable clients to “pick and mix” from our selection of hotels all over the island and we quote for any duration with or without flights.

We also offer a range of Sicily Villas for larger families.

Let the train take you to the Magic Kingdom - Disneyland Paris

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Auto Plan Holidays offer packages with Eurostar that offer stress free travel
and you arrive directly to the Disneyland Paris station, which lies just beneath the gates to Disneyland.

There is a choice of joining points. Either from central London departing from St. Pancras or from Ashford International near Dover which offers easy parking (chargeable) and maybe a lot easier that trying to get to the capitol.

There is just one train a day which departs 0835 from St.Pancras and stops at Ashford at 09.03 arriving at Disney station at local time 12.30 and allows almost eight hours into the Disney parks.

The return journey is at 19.37 arriving into Ashford (local) at 20.37 and into St Pancras at 21.12.

Clearly these timings are ideal as even a two-night hotel stay allows almost
Four full days into the two Disney Parks if you so wish.

The experience on the train is remarkable- high speed track in the UK has shortened the overall journey time to less than 2 hours 30 minutes. Indeed once into France and past Lille the speeds increases in excess of 125 Miles per hour! The very comfortable coaches are air-conditioned and seats well spaced with often a table between the seats for extra comfort. All you have to do is enjoy the countryside passing by. There is a buffet car, which offers snacks and drinks.

Once you arrive in Disneyland Paris (if taking a Disney package) your luggage is taken directly to the hotel allowing you and your excited children to enter the park. All you need do then is to take the escalator from the platform and you arrive into entrance gates into Disneyland. However, because Disney has sold it’s allocation of seats we have to arrange direct bookings with the train company- in which case the luggage to hotel option is not available.

Lastly you can upgrade to Leisure Select –which offers breakfast on the outward journey and an evening meal on the return- prices vary from around £10 per person and up.

Lake Garda Apartments

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Take it easy and relax with your family in a one or two bed roomed apartment on the shores of Lake Garda.

Auto Plan Holidays has a wide choice of Lake Garda apartments in many of the resorts around the lake- all have a swimming pool - some are on the lake and others in a very peaceful locations amidst vineyards and backed by mountains.

The region offers a huge variety that includes open air Opera in Verona, which is just 20 miles from the lakeside, Venice – low cost train travel makes it an easy option for a day trip. The Dolomites glower down on the lake and you can quickly make a trip into the mountains such as Folgaria, which is a high plateau, ideal for walks and mountain biking-the local tourist office is the contact for rentals- all this within 30 minutes drive.

On the Eastern side of the lake is Limoni and above is a lovely flat toped area which we call "Garda Heights" because from here you look down on the lake and obtain a birds eye view of the water and surrounding mountains and see almost to Innsbruck on a clear day.

Our Lake Garda apartments in many cases can be booked by the day and you do not have to arrive on a Saturday. Rentals in July start at around £27 per day up to £85 daily in August for a one-bedroom apartment and a little more for two bed-roomed units. Prices include energy costs although there is a charge for bed linen.

For many of our Lake Garda apartments you really need a car make the most of the holiday but we have some properties where it is not essential.

Our advise on exploring the area and excursions is free of charge – so contact soon on 01543 419217 and ask for our experts Brian or Gill.