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MAGAZINe
Wishing All Our Readers A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year
3 December 2013
IN THIS ISSUE
POPULAR WATER PARKS IN LONDON A trip to London is always filled with a lot of fun and frolic. A WEEKEND IN KORTRIJK BELGIUM Kortrijk is a very attractive city in Belgium, popular with visitors looking for a weekend getaway. BEWARE OF TRAVEL SCAMS Some travel packages turn out to be very different from what was presented or what the consumer expected. MINI CRUISES A great way to enjoy a short break.
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CONTENTS
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The Markets Of Istanbul
If youre heading off on your Mediterranean family holidays, Turkey is more than likely to be one of your first choices. The ubiquitous trio of sun, sea and sand are obviously the biggest draw cards, but Turkey has a lot more to offer than that.
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If youre heading off on your Mediterranean family holidays, Turkey is more than likely to be one of your first choices. The ubiquitous trio of sun, sea and sand are obviously the biggest draw cards, but Turkey has a lot more to offer than that. Not only is Turkey steeped in a fascinating history (the remnants of which are some of the most important archaeological signposts in the world), it also has a proud and colourful culture. Its not hard to shop, eat and drink like a local on your family holidays; Turkey has some of the most wonderful shops and bazaars you will ever see. The Grand Bazaar Istanbul The Big Daddy of all markets, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is home to over 5000 shops and stalls. If you cant find it in the Grand Bazaar, it simply doesnt exist. Gold and silver jewellery, fabulously exotic antiques, metal and copper object dart, leather goods and hand painted ceramics are just a selection of the treasures you can find. When you are travelling with children on your family holidays, Turkeys biggest undercover bazaar is a fascinating and exciting attraction for kids of all ages. They will love the smells and sounds of the bustling bazaar. The Turkish people love children, so they will be entertained and embraced by the locals. The Spice Market Istanbul Whilst not strictly for the children, an excursion to the wonderfully aromatic Spice Market in Istanbul should still be included in the itinerary of your family holidays. Turkey is renowned for its exotic spices, fruits and nuts and these markets will have your head spinning and your mouth salivating with the selection on display. The first thing that hits you is obviously the smell, which permeates every nook and cranny of the markets creating a delightful, if at times overpowering, scent. Row upon row of jewel coloured spices line the stalls in huge baskets and the aisles are crowded with locals jostling for the lowest prices. As with any market in Turkey, the first price is never the last price and haggling is a way of life, so dont be shy to ask for a discount. Tahtakale Market District Situated in between the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Markets, the Tahtakale Market District is the most authentic taste of Turkey you will find. Almost exclusively patronised by locals, the streets of the district are lined with shops and stalls selling everything from handkerchiefs, beads, food stuffs, luggage, clothing, kitchen utensils, wooden furniture and toys, to mosque decorations and even firearms.
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Th e re are l ot s o f intere sting m useum s to visit in Kor tr ijk . Th e m ost f ascinat ing if yo u a re v i s i tin g as a fa mily is Kor tr i j k 1 3 0 2: S even Cent ur ie s in One D ay
I f you book yourself a K ortrijk hotel and arrive in the city with an open mind
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Landmarks The Gravenkapel, or Chapel of the Counts, is attached to the Church of Notre Dame and is another handy site within easy access of your Kortrijk hotel Museums room. It dates back to 1374 There are lots of interesting and is an extremely elegant museums to visit in Kortrijk. building, especially on the The most fascinating if you inside. It has a number of are visiting as a family is interesting features, one Kortrijk 1302: Seven Cenof which is that it contains turies in One Day, which paintings of all the Counts is great for kids because of Flanders on its walls. It there are so many interacalso contains a painting by tive things to see and do. Anthony Van Dyck, called It is the newest museum in Elevation of the Cross, and the city and very handy to a statue of St Catherine your central Kortrijk hotel; which shows her claspso put on your walking ing a wheel in one hand shoes and come and find and a sword in the other. out all about the Battle of the Golden Spurs through The Broeltorens are two exhibits, an auditorium impressive towers that look and numerous artefacts. similar but were actually
The Bguinage Further Afield If you fancy an afternoon out of the city, then leave your Kortrijk hotel behind and head to Ypres, which is not too far away. Here you can learn more about the history, and sometimes horrors, of World War I, and Griffiers House there are many cemeteries for the fallen, including the British one at Tyne Cot. Explore Kortrijk and its Surroundings When you stay in a Kortrijk hotel youll be able to experience all of these attractions, and more, very easily. It is a fascinating place, both culturally and historically, and you can easily spend a few days exploring the city and surrounding areas. The only question is is a weekend really enough?
Counts Chapel
Beguinage of Kortrijk
mind , you will have lots of options for things to see and do
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There is a place for short-term parking at both terminals with a direct, covered connection with the terminal. A free shuttle bus goes from the long-term parking area to both terminals. Services Shops and restaurants There is a large range of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants in both terminals. Purchased items can be delivered to your house. Baggage There are counters in both terminals for lost and found items, you can also store baggage there. This service is managed by Excess Baggage Company. Information The service counters in both terminals are staffed 24 hours, the personnel speak several languages.
Contact
Address London Gatwick Airport West Sussex RH6 0NP Great Britain Telephone, fax, email Telephone: +44(0)870 000 2468 Fax: n/a Email: gatwick_feedback@baa.com Airport codes IATA airport code: LGW ICAO airport code: EGKK
Al th oug h t he re is only o n e ru nway t h is a ir p o r t p ro ces s es 33 millio n pa ssen gers ea c h yea r. M a ny c h a r ter an d b udg e t a ir line co m p a n ies u se t h isa ir p o r t. Th ere are t wo ter mina ls (No r th a n d S o u t h ) t h at a re co n n ec ted by a shut t le tra i n .
Business Business facilities are offered by two hotels at the airport: Hilton and Le Meridien, both have fully equipped offices and meeting rooms, and also offer secretarial support. There are various lounges from the airline companies. Public lounges are the Servisair Lounge in Terminal South and the Aviance Alexandra Suite in Terminal North. Disabled facilities The terminal is extremely accessible for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones. There are induction loops available for the hearing impaired. Furthermore, there are reserved parking places for the disabled and also reserved seating in both terminals. Other services There are banks, money exchange offices and ATMs in both
terminals. There is a post office in Terminal South. Wireless internet is present in both terminals, and there is an internet caf in Terminal South. There are childrens play corners and baby rooms. The medical center not only has First Aid, but also offers vaccinations. parking, the areas are developed by NCP
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Top B ru ges H o te l s
F loris H otel B ruges 3 * The Floris Hotel Bruges is Bruges newest hotel, totally renovated in 2011. 63 Spacious rooms, lounge bar, games area and reception all in a modern colonial style. Breakfast is a continental buffet with some hot items. Brilliantly located approx. 300m from Concert Hal on the Zand Square and only few minutes away from the Old Market Square.
F landers H otel B rugge 4 * This elegant hotel boasts a tranquil courtyard terrace, heated indoor pool and an extensive buffet breakfast. Flanders Hotel Brugge - Hampshire Classic is situated in the centre of Bruges, only 650 metres from the Markt. Guests can make use of free Wi-Fi in the lobby. Each morning breakfast is served in the dining room which overlooks a terrace with a pond. C analview H otel T er R eien 2 * Great little two star hotel in a perfect location, next to the Sint Annerei canal! The hotel dates from the 19th century and has retained many beautiful original features. The bedrooms are clean, simply yet homely decorated and have good facilities. Some of the bathrooms are very small but overall this is a great value for money hotel! Some rooms offer lovely canal views. H otel D ukes P alace 5 * Former Kempinski hotel, the Dukes Palace has a prime location in Bruges historic UNESCO World Heritage City. The hotel has 93 luxury rooms and suites many of which are historic listed rooms and have been carefully restored with frescoes and wall and ceiling ornaments from the 15th century. At the Dukes Palace, guests experience a high quality service in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
E UROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E M ontanus H otel 4 * The historic, romantic Montanus hotel, situated in the house of a previous mayor of the city is located in the heart of Bruges, in walking distance from all the main highlights of the city. Old style elements and a tasteful decoration characterize the hotel. Both the cottage-style garden pavilion and the grand mansion provide romantic guest rooms. H otel M artin s B rugge 3 * With its perfect location just behind the Belfry, Martins Brugge is known for its trendy and warm atmosphere. Rooms are decorated with great care given to detail. Each room disposes of a flat-screen TV. Martins Bar is at guests disposal to taste a variety of regional beers. In the evening you will be spoilt with a lot of choice for different restaurants, all on the doorstep of the hotel. H otel A cademie 4 * Hotel Academie is a contemporary four-star hotel set right in the historic golden triangle of Bruges, approx. 50 metres from the famous Minnewater (Lake of Love) and Begijnhof (Beguine Convent). All other interesting sights of Bruges are within walking distance. With 90 stylish rooms, it provides all the necessary comforts such as air-conditioning, telephone and TV. H otel J an B rito 4 * Hotel Jan Brito is a charming hotel situated in a 16th century listed building. Its an elegant refurbished mansion, conserving unique decorations from former centuries. The hotel is located in the heart of Bruges, only a few steps away from most of the romantic canals. A warm and personal welcome is guaranteed.
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N H B rugge 4 * The NH Brugge uniquely boasts all the modern conveniences of a contemporary facility within the antiquated charm of a 17th century monastery. Amid stained glass windows, exposed wood beams and bricks fireplaces, the 149 room NH Brugge hotel offers guests 8 multifunctional meeting rooms along with an impressive array of luxurious amenities to enjoy.
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A mini cruise is a great way to enjoy a short break to Europe and recharge your batteries on your holiday. Enjoy 2 nights onboard our well equipped ferries and return home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Combining comfort and entertainment with adventure in your chosen destination, a mini cruise is ideal for families, couples looking for a romantic break and groups looking to get away from it all. We do our best to help you unwind with 2 nights comfortable accommodation and the chance to experience a new culture before catching your return ferry to the UK refreshed
and well entertained. Our ferries sail to top mustsee destinations including Amsterdam , Esbjerg and Haarlem with convenient departure dates and times to fit into your busy lifestyle. Already been? Our mix of activity and themed mini cruises offer something a little different. If youve already been on one of our standard European mini breaks and fancy a change this time, have you considered an activity or themed mini cruise ? We organise both seasonal and one-off ferry trips featur-
ing lively onboard entertainment on your journey across the high seas, including adding an exciting twist to an Amsterdam mini cruise with Halloween and school disco themes. A festive shopping trip to Belgium or Denmark is another option - allowing you to discover your chosen destination for a specific event.
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If youre a golfer who loves to travel, youll find plenty of eXciting golf courses with one of the many golf holiday rentals in France.
Whether you want to golf at only one course or cruise the French Riviera to various locations and courses, there are plenty of golf courses in France to fit your style and budget. North and South Frances Finest France offers some of the finest golf courses, with more than 25 of the top 100 courses in Europe. When taking a golf holiday in the south of France, there are many well-known clubs and courses to try out such as the Royal Mougin Golf Club, Monte Carlo Golf Club, Cannes-Mandelieu Old Course, Domaine de Terre Blanche, Golf Country Club de Vievola, and St. Endreol Golf, to name a few. In northern France, there are top quality courses such as Le Touquet, Hardelot Les Pins, Belle Dune, and Nampont St. Martin Golf Course. A golf holiday south of France is often preferable year round due to the milder climate and gorgeous scenery. The weather is beautiful most days, and many of the golf courses in southern France were designed by some of Europes most skilled golf course architects. And though there are premier golf courses in the south of France, this doesnt always mean extravagant prices or pro-style golf only. You can find courses to fit almost any budget and also courses that welcome golfers of all skill levels. Youll also be able to tour some of the finest cities in Europe such as Marseille, Vence, Cannes, Nice, Monaco, or Toulon. Many of these cities are just a very short distance from the French Riviera, so you can secure great holiday rentals in France and tour several areas around the French Riviera. South France holiday rentals are available at hotels and resorts, or you might find a cozy apartment to spend your golf holiday.
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Although cost is not the sole deciding factor most of these water parks have lot many features which are sure to give you an enjoyable outing with your families and kids. The following are some of the most popular water parks in London : 1) Oasis Swimming Pool: Located in the heart of the city, this water park offers two heated swimming pools which are located indoors as well as outdoors. It can be frequented all the year around and also has loads of other entertainment and sport options such as a health suite with an efficient masseurs and masseuses, a squash court, a sauna, a gymnasium and a cafeteria as well. The pools are well guarded by hoists in order to discourage unlawful entry. The Oasis Swimming Pool is a great place to visit with families and kids. 2) Leyton Leisure Lagoon: A perfect destination for your children especially if you are looking at an option which engages play and learn games. This Water Park conducts swimming classes for kids who are interested in learning how to swim. Children below the age of five can be kept busy at the creche which engages them in play and learn activities. Moreover there are a variety of fun filled water games such as flip n fun, water scooters, water walkers and wet play sessions on a large sized fun flume that ends on uniquely shaped pool of a standard size. Your kids are surely well taken care of while you can take a walk around the other places in the park. 3) Waterfront Leisure Center: Located at about eight miles away from the city of London, the Waterfront Leisure Center is a perfect getaway destination for you and your kids. The best way to get to this water park is by train and you can check with the National Rail Enquiries for the train schedules. The park houses two swimming pools that conduct pool sessions for all age groups. Some of these sessions also offer training in new techniques. Both the pools are quite large with a length spread across 25 meters and four lanes. Activities such as a 65 meter snake slide, a waterfall along with wave machines, volcanoes, water jets and a five lane water slide will definitely make your kids go wet and wild. The water park also offers a spa facility which allows you to relax and rejuvenate as your kids are having fun in the pool. The above destinations offer perfect family and are easily among the most popular water parks in London.