Posted by gemmarees | Under Products and Services
Here’s the latest update from Auto Europe’s Commercial Director for the UK and Ireland, Peter McAree:
It’s almost impossible to turn on a TV or radio at the moment without being bombarded with more worrying news about the current economic crisis. But behind these doom-ridden headlines, the news isn’t all bad.
There’s no denying that 2008 has been tough for the travel industry, and the forecast certainly looks turbulent for the coming year. It’s not a time for complacency – We’ll all have to work that bit harder and smarter to make it through this impending recession unscathed – but there are still some positive stories out there, and at Auto Europe we’re feeling confident about the future.
To help in our efforts to steer the business in the right direction, this month we’ve welcomed a new European CEO on board. Niall McDevitt has achieved some great results for Auto Europe Germany since 2002 and brings with him 20 years of travel market knowledge.
It certainly looks like autumn breaks in Europe are as popular as ever this year. Italy and France have topped our list for car hire this October, with lots of people taking advantage of cheaper, post-summer holiday deals. As the ski season kicks off, Switzerland is also gaining momentum as a favourite destination for Auto Europe customers. Don’t forget to check out our Snow Safe Driving Guide (in the ‘Specials’ section of the Auto Europe website) if you’re intending to organise your own transport for a ski trip.
Anyone planning a break in the USA or Portugal might be interested to hear that we’ve got a raft of special offers for those countries coming up in November, and our destination of the month will be Ireland.
Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Rowen Gower, our PR Director and regular contributor to the Auto Europe blog, who gave birth to baby George on Monday 6th October 2008.
Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Motoring and Travel News
According to the Times Online, the government are set to trial out the new electric cars, families are being looked for to willingly exchange their petrol or diesel to test out the new electric vehicle. The main risk involved in this is the car running out of power during a journey and taking several hours to recharge. Even the most advance electric cars have a range of less than 40 miles before they need to be recharged.
However, in return for this risk, they will have an amazing saving as the running cost will only be about 2p a mile, discounts on the congestion charge and the satisfaction of knowing that they are doing their bit to save the planet.
Electric cars will appeal more to families with two cars. One car they will use as their main car to get to and from work, and the other, electric vehicle for school runs, shopping runs and a local run around.
If these trials are a success the government believe that by 2030 almost half of Britain’s cars could be running without fossil fuels, that is, if the government acted decisively and will ensure drivers that by 2015 they will have access to recharging points and that the whole cost of owning an electric car was comparable with conventional ones.
Posted by gemmarees | Under Motoring and Travel News
An article in the TravelMail claims that droves of British holidaymakers have abandoned the safety of the Spanish beach, in favour of more adventurous destinations such as Peru and the Jordanian capital Amman, in order to escape the strong euro.
A survey carried out by Opodo found that Peru has seen a 98% rise in reservations made for 2009, while bookings for Amman have increased by 79%. Other exotic destinations that have attracted a new wave of interest include Cairo in Egypt, Varna in Bulgaria and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
The idea of a cheaper holiday certainly might be sparking this new trend, but whatever the reason, we Brits are definitely becoming more intrepid travellers. As I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post, the tendency to move away from the predictable structure of the package holiday has grown rapidly in the last few years, and the internet gives us fast and easy access to the information we need to book a break further afield. Resorts such as these aren’t necessarily for those hoping for a fortnight of sun, sea and un-interrupted relaxation, but for a full-on cultural experience they can’t be beat.
If you decide to search beyond the realms of your typical comfort zone to find somewhere off the beaten track for next year’s holiday, I have just one simple piece of advice – DO YOUR RESEARCH! I know it’s obvious, but without the right information to hand, a trip of a lifetime can quickly become a journey you’d rather forget.
There are loads of great websites available giving practical advice based on local knowledge for almost any destination you can think of. For Peru, check out andeantravelweb.com. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides safety info for most countries and safetravel.co.uk is a good site providing tips for travel to any culture or climate. You can even take a training course in avoiding the hazards of travel courtesy of Planet Wise.
Auto Europe has car hire collection points in many far flung destinations, including those mentioned above, but it’s vital to read up on the rules of the road before getting behind the wheel, as they can vary enormously. We’ve put together a number of guides for the Auto Europe website to get you started.
If you have any handy tips for adventure travel novices, do let us know.
Posted by gemmarees | Under Motoring and Travel News, Products and Services
Auto Europe has today announced the appointment of Niall McDevitt as new European CEO, to further develop the company’s rapid growth in the UK.
Niall joined Auto Europe in 2002, bringing with him 14 years of experience in the travel and transport industry. As joint Managing Director of Auto Europe Germany, he has been responsible for all central European markets, and is also on the Board of Destination Auto Europe Ireland Ltd, and Auto Europe South Africa.
Commenting on his appointment, Niall said: “In the last six years, I have watched the UK division of Auto Europe go from strength to strength, with an excellent team that has defied the current economic environment to ensure continued growth and improvement of services. I am proud to now be a part of it and will look forward to seeing the company build on these successes.”
Auto Europe’s Commercial Director for the UK and Ireland, Peter McAree, added; “We are delighted to welcome Niall as our new European CEO. With 20 years of industry experience and a proven track record of great results within our company, we’re confident that his skills and knowledge of UK and Irish travel markets will help to steer the business toward an even brighter future.”
Niall’s career began at Air Europe in 1988. Since then he has worked for German airlines Eurowings Luftverkehrs AG and Fly FTI, as well as holding a position as Finance Director for one of Germany’s biggest tour operators, Frosch Touristik Group.
Posted by gemmarees | Under Holiday Inspiration
It might feel like the school gates have only just re-opened after the long summer break, but already half term is approaching for children across the country (27th – 31st Oct).
After a particularly wet July and August, the autumn weather has finally given us a few chances to enjoy the great budget-friendly outdoors. But if next week does bring the gloom of a typical British October, it certainly doesn’t have to result in a dull – and expensive – break for the kids. There are loads of good ideas and discounts online for days out and home entertainments that don’t depend on pricey cinema tickets, endless DVDs and trips to the local pizza place.
Raisingkids.co.uk has a great compilation of things to do this half term, with a suitably spooky theme for Halloween, including a Creepy Creatures event at Blackpool Zoo, Garden Ghouls hunt in Dorset and a Wizard Academy for all aspiring Harry Potters at Eureka! Museum for Children in Halifax.
Talking of Halloween, if you’re brave enough to throw your own party for little monsters, Halloweenparty.org.uk provides all the information you’ll need for a frighteningly good bash. From games to stories, recipes and instructions for home-made costumes, it’ll really help to keep costs down too.
A few days away from home can really help to lift everyone’s spirits as the nights draw in. There are some great late deals to be found on sites like totstoo.com and welcomecottages.com. The Telegraph has also drawn together an inspirational list of 10 out-of-the-ordinary places in the UK to take the family.
If the sun does decide to shine and fresh air beckons, Waterscape.com has drawn up its own top five days out for anyone who wants to see the British countryside at its glorious autumnal best. You can also find out about the autumn events taking place near you.
Don’t forget though, whether you have a half term’s entertainment to plan or not, Friday 24th October and Sunday 2nd November are likely to be busy on the roads, so leave plenty of time for your journey.
If you have any other good ideas for keeping kids (and parents) amused this autumn, do let me know.
Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Motoring and Travel News
I was amazed when I drove past Morrisons this morning! Petrol prices have been over the £1 mark since December last year, and were not looking to fall anytime soon. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel as Morrisons and Asda have dropped their petrol prices.
It can get rather depressing knowing that when the price of oil goes up, our petrol goes with it, but as the oil gets cheaper we fail to see any reflection in our pumping stations. Asda took the first step in dropping their prices to under £1 and Morrisons soon followed suit. Tesco are soon to drop their prices too so hopefully this will continue throughout the country.
With the country rumored to be going into recession and the stock markets around the world crashing, it’s nice to know that at least something positive is going on. So perhaps you can take that drive to the coast you have been talking about for the last 6 months…
Posted by gemmarees | Under Motoring and Travel News
The association of British Insurers (ABI) has just published a report claiming that young drivers are three times as likely to have a fatal crash if they’re driving with friends, than they would be if driving alone.
According to the TimesOnline, the risk is highest during the first 30 weeks after a teenager has passed their test. After that period the danger is halved. The ABI says that 270 deaths or serious injuries a year would be prevented by a law limiting drivers aged under 20 to carrying no more than one teenage passenger for the first six months after they qualify.
This type of law would be tricky to enforce – it’s not always easy to deduce the age of a young person standing in front of you, so judging passengers in a moving vehicle is likely to take up a lot of traffic police time and result in plenty of mistakes. The department for transport thinks making the driving test more rigorous would be much more practical and effective.
But the evidence suggesting this new law would be the best course of action is compelling. Apparently several US states have now limited the number of passengers a teen driver can have in the first six or twelve months, and on average the number of fatal crashes fell by 37%.
Young people will always be heavily influenced by their peers. Pushing boundaries and showing off is all part of being a teenager, along with the ability to feel invincible. Whatever rules are set in place to protect them, that will never change.
Perhaps the best way to reduce the problem of dangerous behaviour on the roads is to raise the minimum legal driving age. Britain is one of the only EU countries to allow 17 year-old motorists to hold a full driving licence. The government is already reviewing proposals to increase the minimum age to 18, which it’s claimed could prevent 1,000 deaths and serious injuries, plus up to 7,000 casualties per year. This could, however, have a negative impact on the rural economy (70% of all 17 year-old motorists drive themselves to work in these areas).
I’d be interested to hear anyone’s thoughts on this subject. Do you think it’s a good idea to raise the driving age to 18? Should it be even higher, or is it unfair to penalise all young people just because a few reckless ones spoil it for everyone else? Do you have any better ideas of how to tackle this problem?
Posted by seetaludeshi | Under Holiday Inspiration
For my holiday this year, I had the pleasure of going to Islantilla in Spain. Islantilla is a very quiet town that is sparsely populated. So if ultimate relaxation is what you are after, a holiday of doing nothing but perhaps a walk on the beach and playing the occasional round of Golf, then it is the perfect place. We stayed five star all inclusive meaning there was nothing to worry about. It’s a preferable option as restaurants are limited. Choose from just approximately 2 -3 restaurants and 1 – 2 bars near the beach front which offer a wide variety of foods and drinks at good prices.
The beach is wonderful with lots of shells for you and your children to collect, in many varieties, shapes and colours! The ocean, if a bit cold, is beautiful to look at, especially at sunrise (if you can pry yourself to get up early enough!) and sunset. It is very peaceful and uncrowded making it lovely and romantic if you are alone with your partner.
The Islantilla Golf Course consists of 27 holes, with residential areas built throughout. Definitely a site to see. The course itself is wonderful and very large. If staying in one of the hotels around Islantilla, you will be able to get a good deal for a round from where you are staying.
We did want to explore the surrounding areas close by and found it best to hire a car as taxis can be expensive and the bus took up to 2 hours to get around. We visited Isla Cristina, a wonderful small fishing village with a little port. It’s a very old rustic village with many friendly people – a real taste of Spain. Along the other side, the centre of Huelva is also a lovely town to see. Alternatively, you can go on tours including bird-watching or boat trips to explore your surroundings.
All in all, we really enjoyed our stay at Islantilla, and with perfect clear skies, 30 degree temperatures and total tranquility, who could ask for more?
The closest airport is Faro, about an hour drive away, so why not hire a car and enjoy the relaxing views while you cross the border? Auto Europe offer some great deals on car hire in Faro.
Posted by gemmarees | Under Holiday Inspiration, Products and Services
As the nights draw in and the heating goes on, those lucky ones amongst us might be looking forward to a winter break somewhere warm and tropical. The rest of us will have to make do with day-dreaming about all those far-flung sun-soaked resorts, miles away from the British weather.
Auto Europe has just added three of these dream holiday places to its ever-swelling list of car hire destinations. If you’re ever lucky enough to visit Fiji, Aruba or Chile, we can now cater for all your driving needs on arrival. To whet your appetite, here’s a taste of what’s on offer in each country.
Aruba is located in the heart of the southern Caribbean. It enjoys a sunny climate, with an average temperature of 28 degrees C, making it pleasant all year-round for visitors. On the south and west coasts are miles of pristine white beaches that rank amongst the most beautiful in the world. The northeast coast is marked by its rugged landscapes and miles of dramatic coastline. Aruba’s strong economy, excellent living conditions and prime weather continues to attract individuals from all over the world. Its population is made up of a broad spectrum of well educated people with a pleasant nature and a zest for hospitality.
Chile is packed full of spectacular reminders of nature’s beauty and power. From geysers to mountains, beaches, forests and volcanoes, there’s a lifetime of breathtaking sights to satisfy the hungriest adventure seekers. Travellers are often drawn to Chile’s Pacific coastline and Andean highlands, as well as the range of extreme sports on offer. Foodies will love the range of fantastic dishes and great wines available from a wide choice of local restaurants.
Fiji has over 300 islands located in the mid-south Pacific, each fringed with coral reefs, making diving and snorkelling superb. The population is an eclectic blend of Melanesian, Polynesian, Micronesian, Indian, Chinese and European nationalities. A nature lover’s delight, Fiji has an unspoiled, unique environment of extreme beauty and tranquillity. Adrift for millennia in splendid isolation in the blue of the South Pacific it has escaped the evils of industrial progress, the incursions of dangerous animals, poisonous snakes, spiders and pestilent diseases such as malaria. In short, it’s paradise.
Okay, so we’re in the middle of a credit crunch, but if you have to live on baked beans and turn down the thermostat for a few months to afford a break in one of these destinations, it might just be worth it.
