The True Cost of a Holiday

by Jennifer on May 14, 2012

The promise of a package holiday instantly conjures up ideas of relaxing on a lounger, cocktail in hand, idyllic ocean water lapping at your feet , the sun beating down, with every need being cared for and not a worry in the world.

One of my most memorable holidays was to Malaysia, when my parents splashed out on what they thought to be an all inclusive holiday to an incredible island resort.  The reason as to why my parents would want to take their three grumpy teenage daughters to what can only be described as pure paradise perplexes me to this day, but with all the costs covered, my parents were optimistic about the perfect family getaway. From airport transfers, boat transfers and drinks to parasailing, tennis equipment and towels (yes, towels!) there was a hidden cost at every turn. Whilst my dad sat smiling at dinner I couldn’t ignore the feeling that he was weeping like a small child inside.

Unfortunately, the sad reality of so many ‘all expenses paid holidays’ is that there are a lot of hidden costs that will leave you panicking before you have even left the airport.  So many offers promise the world but lurking at the bottom of the page, in the fine print, is a list of things not included.  Here are a few things to consider before you hit the book now button:

  • Luggage
  • Transfers
  • Credit Card/ Debit Card fees
  • Insurance
  • Booking Fees
  • Protection Fees

With all these factored in you then depart on your holiday, arrive at your hotel and the extra costs again start piling up:

  • Drinks
  • Sport Activities
  • Spa Treatments
  • Shuttle Buses
  • Kids Clubs

We took it upon ourselves to investigate several top holiday providers to see if their offers lived up to their package deal promises. We searched for a 3 star holiday to Tenerife departing in June and unsurprisingly none of the lead in prices represented the real cost of the holiday. Out of all the holidays searched only one included transfers and luggage. Below is a breakdown of one of the offers and some of the unexpected costs:

3* All Inclusive Tenerife departing from Gatwick on the 5th of June
Advertised Price = £380 per person

Not Included:

  • Transfers = £39 per booking
  • Luggage = £28 per bag
  • Debit Card Fee = £9
  • Travel Insurance = £14

Total: £90 Extra

Actual Cost = £470

Based on the offers we researched, the extra costs, which included things from transfers to in-flight meals, on average amounted to around £70 and if travelling as a family of 4, you are looking at close to £300 more than anticipated.  And these extra costs do not even include what you might spend once on holiday.

What Teletext Holidays are looking to do is to make all these hidden costs more transparent. So as well as getting great savings and exclusive deals you can rest easy in the fact that you will be paying the advertised price.  People plan, scrimp, save and dream of a memorable, relaxing and exciting holiday so the last thing anyone would want is to feel cheated by big claims that don’t necessarily deliver.

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How Much is a Package Holiday

by Mark on May 11, 2012

How do you work out a holiday price – and what are the prices I see

Holiday prices vary for a number of reasons, time of the year, departure airport, accommodation type, board basis, airline, flight times to name a few of the main ones, and of course all holidays are available at the time of advertising, so to clarify exactly what prices you see please follow the following guidelines:

The price you see – is the price you CAN pay

Although sometimes its difficult to understand how a holiday price is made up – Teletext Holidays want to make sure you understand how to look at the costs, what is and isn’t included in that price, so that when you call, you understand the process.

This isn’t about hiding costs or selling more, this is the way that modern travel is “packaged” together, and how to avoid feeling you are paying too much for your holiday.

The law states that a package holiday includes at least two of the following:

  •    Transport
  •   Accommodation
  •   Tourist services, such as a tour representative or day trips

Therefore the majority of Teletext Holidays trusted partners sell at least two of the above – a flight and accommodation – to bring you the best prices, our partners work with a large range of popular hotel and accommodation and providers, and a wide range of flight companies.

They buy the two parts of the “package” put them together and advertise through us. This is classed as a dynamic package – “dynamic” as our travel partners can build the holiday to suit you.

This means that these prices are the most competitive in the marketplace, and you will be able to buy this at the price you see advertised – for any reason this is not possible – please see our compliance page.

If you require other parts added to your package -  you will have to pay additionally with our travel partners who will be able to offer you all types of support.

Baggage: although this seems necessary – the lighter traveller wins out – baggage is sometimes included within the price – and this will be stated on the offer page, however – a lot of holidays now use low cost airlines that do not include this fee, therefore this will be added to the booking.

Transfers: To and from your destination airport, as with baggage, some operators will offer transport in resort, but as a good majority of holidays are built to get you the best price – this also may need to be added and where it is it is stated on the page.

Insurance: You may have your own insurance cover which is adequate for the holiday you are booking, but if not all our travel companies offer a range of deals which can be  added to the base price of a holiday.

Alternative flight or flight timings: if you prefer alternative flight times or departure airports to those advertised, this maybe a higher (or lower) cost, our travel partner will be happy to advise you of what the deal was based on, and the cost of other airports or timings at the time of enquiry.

Payment Charges: where there are charges for using different methods of payment it will be stated on the page.

So please speak to any of our travel partners and discuss the price before confirming your holiday, what it DOES and DOES not include.

The below prices are an indication of additional costs at the time of writing, but please speak to the travel partner or go to the relevant website.

Baggage

Please check baggage fees when you call as they differ between low cost carrier’s. For a guide you can check the following websites:

Easyjet

First Choice (flight only)

Thomson Holidays

Ryanair

Transfer Costs

(Based on a typical family price of 2 adults and 2 children to Alcudia, Majorca in June)

Price

  • Shuttle bus £81.60 (average £20.50 pp)
  • Mini bus £151.21
  • Private Taxi £267 per vehicle
  • Tour operator shuttle Most included in price. Thomson £20 pp
  • Tour operator (flight only) £20pp

Insurance

(Based on a typical family price of 2 adults and 2 children to Alcudia, Majorca in June)

Prices range from £18-30 per family cover per trip.

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Top 10 Places Where Films Were Made

by Teletext Holidays on April 11, 2012

Take a tour through our top 10 places were films were made and let us know which one is your favourite!

  • Casablanca, Morocco

The Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman film classic put this Moroccan city on the map. It was shot entirely on Hollywood sound stages so you won’t find the labyrinthine streets and alleyways from the film – but you will find plenty of French colonial buildings in the old city.

There’s even a Rick’s Café modelled on the saloon in the 1942 film. There are plenty of other cafes in the northern part of the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, or in the city centre.

Click the link for our guide to Morocco

  • Malta

Most of the exteriors for the hit Roman epic Gladiator (starring Russell Crowe) were shot here. Sadly, it was also here that his co-star Oliver Reed played his very last scene.

Malta is a small, rocky island with few sandy beaches and a lot of over-development. However it offers some excellent scuba diving and other water sports. The food’s good and winters are warm.

Click the link for our guide to Malta

  • Kefalonia, Greece

This largely unspoilt Greek island was the setting for the film of Louis de Bernieres’ bestseller Captain Corelli’s Mandolin starring Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz, which was filmed in and around the pretty port of Sami and along the coast at AntiSamos. In the Ionian group, south of Corfu, Kefalonia is a mountainous but green island with numerous quiet and beautiful coves offering clear seas and safe bathing.

Click the link for our guide to Kefalonia

  • North Carolina, United States

The beauty of this US state provided the backdrop for Last of the Mohicans (starring Daniel Day Lewis). Locations included Lake James, areas around the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and Chimney Rock, with its spectacular rock spire and 400ft waterfall. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs all the way from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Last of The Mohicans filmed at The Waterfalls of Western North Carolina

Visit North Carolina

  • Savannah, Georgia, Deep South, United States

Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil, John Berendt’s real-life story about the colourful inhabitants of this Deep South city, was shot in and around the locations in his book. John Cusack and Kevin Spacey starred in this tale of southern charm laced with a lethal mixture of voodoo and murder. On the Atlantic coast, the city has elegant buildings, tree-lined streets, manicured gardens and a serene, Old South ambience.

Visit Savannah

  • Isle of Wight, England

Judi Dench and Billy Connolly starred in Mrs Brown, the story of Queen Victoria’s relationship with Scotsman John Brown. Much of it was shot at the Queen’s former home, Osborne House, near Cowes. If you’re into sailing, time your visit to coincide with the annual Cowes week in late July/early August. There are also great walks, plenty of cycle paths and relatively uncrowded roads.

Visit Isle of Wight

Browse Teletext Holidays UK breaks

  • Tuscany, Italy

The Oscar-winning The English Patient (starring Ralph Fiennes and Kristin Scott Thomas) was partly shot here. Locations included Pienza, some 50km south of Siena. The beautiful pinkish light in this area of rolling countryside, warm, stone buildings and vineyards provided the perfect backdrop. Must-sees in Tuscany include Florence, Siena and the hill towns of San Gimignano and Montepulciano.

Discover Tuscany

Click the link for our guide to Italy

  • Scotland

Much of the Mel Gibson epic Braveheart was shot in and around Glencoe, Glen Nevis and the Mamore Montains in western Scotland. Glencoe, scene of one of Scotland’s bloodiest battles in 1692, is also one of its most beautiful glens. The Central Western Highlands offers a well-beaten tourist path to places like Fort William. For really rugged country and wildlife, strike out west of Fort William to Ardgour and Ardnamurchan.

Visit Scotland

Browse Teletext Holidays UK breaks

  • The Andes, Argentina

Seven Years In Tibet (starring Brad Pitt) was shot mainly in the foothills of the Andes on the Argentina-Chile border, and especially around the Argentinean town of Uspallata, set in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. It’s in the Cuyo region where much good wine is produced. Summer activities include climbing, canoeing, white-water rafting, fishing and riding. Skiing is pricey but popular in winter.

  • Thailand

Leonardo DiCaprio’s character had an unpleasant time when he went looking for paradise in the film version of Alex Garland’s bestseller The Beach. You’re likely to have much more fun. Locations were Phuket; Krabi, famous for rock climbing, canoeing and island hopping; Khao Yai National Park, north of Bangkok; and the island of Ko Phi-Phi Leh.

The Beach filmed at Maya Bay

Click the link for our guide to Thailand

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How to get a good deal on your travel money

by Esther Shaw on April 3, 2012

Packing for a holiday can be a pretty stressful experience, and especially as the departure day draws near. But whatever you do, don’t leave sorting your currency until the last minute, as if you buy your money at the airport, the exchange rates are usually the least competitive.

Instead, set aside a few minutes to order your currency in advance. The most competitive rates tend to be online, and you may find you can even book over the internet, and then pick up money from the airport.

Another trick to watch out for is deals which claim to be “0 per cent commission” or “commission-free” as while these may sound attractive, you need to look beyond the marketing hype at the exchange rate you’re actually getting. If not, you could find you end up paying through the “hidden fee” in the rate.

The key is to check the small print and do your sums, remembering to include any handling charges and delivery costs. Once you arrive at your destination, you need to play your cards right, or you could get stung by a range of fees. Most credit and debit cards will automatically add a foreign usage fee or conversion charge of between 2.75 per cent and 2.99 per cent. On top of this, some debit cards will also charge you a set fee for each purchase transaction you make of up to £1.50.

Also note that if you take money out of an ATM, it will cost between 2.5 per cent and 3 per cent of the amount you withdraw.  One way to avoid getting stung repeatedly is by trying not to make lots of small withdrawals or purchases of £10 or £20; another option is to pay in cash instead.

If you’re a regular traveller, it may be worth applying for a card that does not levy fees for foreign usage. Debit cards that do not charge include cards from Metro Bank, and those that come with the Gold Classic current account from Norwich & Peterborough building society.  Credit cards that do not charge include the Halifax Clarity as well as cards from the Post Office, Saga and Metro Bank. The Gold card from Sainsbury’s is also free for purchases and withdrawals, but there is a £5 monthly fee.  That said, the card includes comprehensive multi-trip family travel insurance.

Also bear in mind that when using a credit card for goods worth £100 or more, you benefit from the extra security offered under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means foreign transactions will be covered if the company goes bust or if you have a dispute regarding non-arrival or damaged goods; similar protection is offered by Visa debit cards.

When using either a debit or credit card abroad, keep an eye out for a practice known as “dynamic currency conversion.” This is where you are given the option of paying for goods and services in either sterling or local currency.

While this may sound tempting – as you’ll know exactly how much you’re spending – as a general rule, you should choose to pay in the local currency. This is because the foreign exchange rate will be determined by the retailer, and will often be less favourable than your card provider’s rate.

A further option worth considering is a prepaid card from the likes of Fair FX, Caxton FX and Travelex. With these cards, you load the money before leaving the UK, allowing you to lock into a favourable exchange rate.

Although you can get more specialist currency cards, the majority are in either euros, US dollars or pounds sterling, and can often by obtained without any commission. The cards can then be used to withdraw money from a cash machine, or to make purchases from retailers in shops using a PIN. As the cards are pre-loaded, you can’t spend money that you don’t have – making it easier to budget.

Another benefit of travelling with a prepaid card is that if you lose it, you have the security of knowing it can be replaced and that your money is not lost. If you’re heading overseas, avoid relying on a single payment method such as foreign cash or a single debit card; a combination of cards and currency will give you back-up if something goes wrong.

Finally, if you plan on using your debit or credit card, call your card issuer to tell them where and when you are going, as this will prevent your provider from thinking the card has been stolen, and blocking all transactions.

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The making of Harry Potter

by Rachel on March 30, 2012

Last week I was lucky enough to experience the new Warner Bros studio Tour – the making of Harry Potter!  As a big Harry Potter fan I was very excited and went along with high expectations about what I was going to see…. and I was not disappointed.

 

All the famous scenes from the films are there for you to see both inside and outside the studio – from the Burrow, the Ministry of Magic, 4 Privet Drive and Diagon Alley to the Night Bus, Snape’s potion classroom, Shell Cottage, Gryffindor Common Room, Hagrid’s Hut  and of course the Great Hall.  The costumes that the cast members wore are also arranged in each display as if you just walked on to set, including Harry’s first set of robes and his invisibility cloak.

The attention to details is one of the most amazing things about the day. The amount of coins, newspapers, wands, letters, goblets, skulls, potion bottles, books, sweets, chocolate frogs, broomsticks, gargoyles and portraits that make the films so great are all on display for you to marvel at. You can even experience some of the magic yourself tasting Butterbeer or riding on a broom stick complete with cloak in front of a green screen!

The special effects display guides you through how they created some of the characters for the film from the mechanics behind animals like Aragog, Buckbeat, even Scabers the rat and the prosthetics that were used to create the Gringotts Goblins and Hagrid. Throughout the whole exhibition there are videos explaining and guiding you through how the films were all made possible from the lighting, set, wardrobe and technical departments to hair, makeup and props – definitely not something to be missed if you are a true Harry Potter fan!

Where you need to fly to!

Opening tomorrow, the tour features authentic sets, costumes and props from the Harry Potter film series and showcases the British artistry, technology and talent that went into producing these iconic movies.

To book this and more UK Attraction tickets and days out click here

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Kenya – a perfect holiday destination

by Teletext Holidays on March 28, 2012

Wide open plains, hidden coastal coves and exotic colonial hideaways, there’s more to Kenya than just the greatest wildlife show on earth. Whether you’re up for basking on the beach or making friends with an elephant, Kenya has you covered.

Home to some of the friendliest locals you might ever encounter, hospitality is a way of life in Kenya. Forty-two tribes reside on this land and everyone is ready to make you feel at home.

 

Breathtaking views

Trend-setters make a beeline for the heartland of Kenya, the capital city of Nairobi, before heading out to take their chances on some big game viewing in some of the 59 National Parks. From the world famous Maasai Mara, to the lush Aberdare and soaring red plains of Tsavo National Park, all are rich in game and home to an impressive array of species.

For those who enjoy a little R&R after an action packed safari, Kenya’s coastline offers 500 kilometres of tranquil Indian Ocean waters to sample. From the pretty 14th Century town of Kilifi on the north coast, which boasts some of the best beaches in the country, to the bustling resorts on the southern coast which offer unparalleled scuba diving, kite surfing and deep sea fishing – the coast is the perfect end to any break in Kenya!

If you’re ready for a holiday of a lifetime, book now with Dial A Flight, where you can currently save £210 per person with their 13 night safari and beach holiday from £1,870 per person.

 

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Top 10 Holidays To Treat Mum To

by Teletext Holidays on March 6, 2012

With Mother’s Day around the corner, we have come up with our Top 10 holidays for women in case you want to treat a special lady in your life.

Spain

If you don’t want to spend a fortune, consider Finca Armonia in Malaga where women-only courses are offered. Relax among peaceful orange groves and discover your inner peace through Reiki.

Private readings and meditation are also available. This is a true, chill out break for those who would prefer what alternative Spain has to offer.

Canada

Specialst operators offer women-only, sea kayak tours in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. No experience is necessary for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Enjoy the sight of orcas and eagles in the fabled waters of the Inside Passage. You can expect first class gear, gourmet meals and highly-trained guides if you book with a premium operator. Camping, lodge and yacht-based trips are also available.

Bahamas

For the ultimate in spa escapism, choose the Caribbean flavour of the Bahamas. Far-flung and sun-drenched, it has spas blessed with ocean views and tropical climates, perfect locations in which to unwind.

Take breakfast on your veranda, with exotic fresh fruit to stimulate the palate and great fluffy dressing gowns to soothe the soul. After a dip in the pool, succumb to the delights of a full body massage before heading out to the beach to windsurf, waterski – or simply lie in the sun.

New York

Head to Manhattan for a weekend of superb eating, shopping and trendy boutique hotels. From art galleries to Broadway plays, museums to cinemas, New York has some of the best in the world.

Whether you’re travelling on your own or with a bunch of mates, the Big Apple has something to offer everyone.

The city that never sleeps

England

Walking holidays in the Lake District offer a terrific way to unwind. You can book a break with a specialist operator and travel alone. You’ll be paired up in a twin-bed room and won’t be expected to pay a single supplement.

Or you could head off independently. The trails are well marked and there’s plenty of maps and information available at local tourist offices.

United States

Take a women-only outdoor skills course to boost your confidence, and build your knowledge and experience the vast open spaces of the American wilderness. Women-only courses are offered in backpacking, canoeing, sea kayaking, rock climbing and sailing.

The instructors are female and the environment supportive, but this is a challenge, not a guided tour. You’ll be expected to push yourself, contribute to the group and get fit before the course even starts.

Greek Islands

Consider a break to the Greek Islands. Some have yoga centres, such as the one on Skyros. Aside from yoga, other activities you can do include hiking, painting and writing.

Avoid the busy package holiday resorts by choosing quieter isles like Kefalonia or the Aegean Isles where Fourni is a true haven for escapists.

France

Bicycle tours are a great way to holiday whilst staying fit at the same time. Opt for France which boasts reasonably flat terrain, mild weather and, most importantly, great pit stops.

If you’re mega-fit, hit the steep, winding trails of the Alps. Or else, consider a spring visit to Provence, when poppy fields, wild flowers and flowering almond trees can be seen.

Provence region

Italy

Art lovers will be seduced by the warm tones of Tuscany, with opportunites for landscape, portraiture, architectural studies and still life painting holidays. Most trips are based in a villa or farmhouse, where creativity is nourished and watered with the gourmet food and fine wines of the region.

Though usually not restricted to women, singles are welcomed and the atmosphere is comfortable. It’s common to find one half of a couple taking the course without their partner, indulging in quality “me” time.

Morocco

Adventurous souls can hit the Kasbah trail in Morocco for a hiking, cycling, and camel trip to the edge of the Sahara. The journey starts from Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech and follows sections of the ancient trade route to Timbuktu. Then you’ll head over the High Atlas Mountains to follow the river Draa and its oasis to the desert.

With low cost flights available to Morocco – one of this year’s trendiest hotspot – an adventure holiday here is an affordable option.

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How to do Florida on the cheap

by Esther Shaw on February 14, 2012

Families looking to get away in the Easter or summer holidays may have Florida on their wish-list, but with household budgets stretched to their limits, few will imagine it could be a reality.

The good news is, it is possible to have a holiday in the Sunshine State without breaking the bank; here’s a look at how.

The key to getting a good deal on your Florida break is booking early, as this means you can take advantage of greater availability and lower fares. You can also make big savings on lots of other extras, such as car hire, airport parking and travel money by pre-booking online as far ahead as possible.

If you are booking your own flights, register on the airlines’ websites for email alerts of when special offers appear to cash in on heavily discounted fares.

But while you might assume it will be cheaper to go down the DIY route and book flights, transfers and accommodation separately, you may well get the same deal at a lower cost as a package through a tour operator – plus you’ll have the additional level of protection offered through Atol bonding if something goes wrong.

Orlando, Florida Skyline

If you’re looking for a hotel in Orlando, don’t fall into the trap of paying a premium to stay in the conveniently-located ones in Disney World and Universal Orlando, as there are plenty of far more affordable accommodation options just minutes from Mouse HQ – from where it’s also easier to enjoy other attractions.

As a family, and especially as a larger family, a far more cost-effective option is to rent a villa, as you not only save on the cost of accommodation, but can also make savings by cooking your own meals, rather than eating out.

The depressed housing market has given rise to a glut of rental properties, making it cheap to stay in a villa with a private pool in the Orlando area.

With a villa rental, it is likely to be cheaper to do it yourself. Pick a well-priced condo within close proximity of the parks, and shop around for the best deal you can find on flights; book carefully, and you may be able to save yourself enough to pay for a couple of theme park tickets.

For a home from home, sign up to a home swap scheme through a well-established site such as Homeforexchange.com, HomeLink.org or Intervac.co.uk.

As you wipe out the accommodation bill and only have travel costs to pay, you can holiday in Florida for a fraction of the price, and get to live like a local without sacrificing home comforts.

It’s also a child-friendly option, as your little ones may have the use of exciting new toys, while the whole family may be able to borrow other equipment, such as bikes – and even the owner’s car.

When it comes to buying tickets for the theme parks, the golden rule is to do so in advance.

Shop around, and don’t just buy from your travel agent.

There are also some big savings to be made by booking through sites such as Teletextholidays.co.uk/Holidays/Family/Highlights/Florida-Attractions; deals include the Orlando Flexticket which offers unlimited access to your choice of five or six of the top must-visit Florida theme parks from £201 for an adult and £187 per child.

Also try Visitorlando.com/discounts-and-tickets, Completeorlando.co.uk/theme-parks/attraction-tickets.php and Attraction-tickets-direct.co.uk.

Take advantage of flex tickets and multi-day passes at the attractions, and make sure you get the free Magicard which offers discounts on a range of attractions, hotels, restaurants and shops.

For an inexpensive day of fun, it’s worth spending a day away from the theme parks at a beach or a nearby museum; there are plenty of children’s play areas located in shopping areas near the major attractions, as well as activities such as go-karting and mini-golf.

Just because you’re on holiday, you don’t have to eat out for every meal, so go to the grocery store as soon as you arrive to stock up on meals and snacks.

If you plan to be out for the day, pack a picnic in a lunch bag, and on the occasions when you do eat out, take advantage of coupons at restaurants, and look for early-bird special deals.

If you have to travel in the school holidays, book well ahead, as discounts rarely apply to travel in peak-season periods. Peak prices are Easter, Christmas, July and August, while February and October can also be higher as most schools are on half term. For some Orlando Easter family Holidays see here  http://www.teletextholidays.co.uk/Holidays/Holidays/Grid-Pages/Orlando2ad2ch

If you can travel out of season, there are some big cost savings up for grabs, as tour operators offer bargain package deals in a bid to lure in visitors, plus you can benefit from better weather, and also get to avoid the longest queues for the rides.

Easter deals available through Teletext include14 nights at the three-star Econolodge Inn and Suites, International Drive, from £499 per person; based on four people sharing – a saving of 40 per cent. Departures are available from both Gatwick and Manchester airports.

For more information visit Teletextholidays.co.uk/Holidays/Holidays/Top-Deals/3-Star-Room-Only-International-Drive

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Pester Power is big influence on holiday decision making

by Teletext Holidays on February 9, 2012

Two-thirds of children think the best way to book a holiday is via the internet, whilst only 16 per cent think travel agents are the place to book.

More than half of children aged between six and 15 think the internet will be the most popular way to search for a holiday in years to come, followed by 23 per cent who think mobiles and smart phones will the lead the way as the place to start searching for their perfect trip.

A survey of more than 650 children aged six to 15 carried out by Teletext Holidaysshows pester power is influential when it comes to booking a holiday.

Children and Travel infographic

 

Only four out of ten children say their parents never let them choose where the family goes on holiday.

More than half of those surveyed said parents always ask their opinion of the location of the holiday and what they would like to do when they get there.

The report also shows the growing influence of mobile technology and social media amongst children.  Almost 70 per cent of those questioned said they own a laptop, 60 per cent own a mobile phone, 46 per cent own an iPod and 39 per cent have an iPhone or smart phone.

Facebook is the social media of choice amongst teens, with 56 per cent of those interviewed saying that is the social site they are most likely to use.

Ipods and mobiles have taken the place of buckets and spades as kids’ must-have holiday essentials, the study also found.

Well over half of all youngsters wouldn’t dream of leaving for their annual break without their Nintendo DS, mobile phone or iPod.

Not surprisingly Disney is the brand with most resonates with young travellers, with 32 per cent saying it is the best holiday brand.  Thomas Cook follows, with 25 per cent of young holidaymakers’ votes, followed by Thomson, Virgin Holidays and British Airways.

The ideal travelling companion for young holidaymakers would be Cheryl Cole, followed by One Direction, JLS, Ollie Murs, Tulisa and Jessie J.

A greener future is also on the horizon for holidays.  Just over a third of those surveyed say it does matter to them that the holiday companies commit to protecting the environment.  Half of all children polled think travel companies will need to be greener in ten years’ time.

Victoria Sanders, managing director of Teletext Holidays said: “Understanding how families  make decisions about where they go on holiday is an important consideration in the holiday booking process.

“We wanted to understand more about the influence children have on their parents when choosing a holiday and what a future generation of holidaymakers think about different aspects of travel.”

“Technology clearly plays a big part of holidays for children and that is set to grow.  The internet allows families to be involved together when searching for a holiday and the increasing use of smart phones and internet connected TVs, such as the Samsung Smart TVs, means online search moves into the living room.”

“Although children don’t see travel agents as the best place to search for a holiday, I think travel agents will have a clear space in the holiday booking process of the future, but their role will evolve.”

“As an industry we need to be aware of the influence children have on their parents in the booking process.”

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New TV partnership for Teletext Holidays puts App on Humax Freeview HD boxes

by Teletext Holidays on February 1, 2012

Teletext Holidays has agreed a new partnership with Humax, the digital TV recorder and set-top box specialist, to offer a holiday search App on all new Humax Freeview HD boxes.

The App will allow travellers to check-out great value holiday packages by destination whilst relaxing on the sofa, with the best of the online deals and best sellers delivered via the television.

The Teletext App can be accessed through the Humax TV Portal, available on the HD-FOX T2 and HDR-FOX T2 boxes, by clicking on the Teletext Holidays button or App, in a similar way to the smart phones format – but on the television. The App will sit alongside other on-demand and internet services, including BBC iPlayer, YouTube and internet radio.

The move is a first for the travel industry and follows the successful launch of Teletext Holidays’ App on the Samsung Smart televisions and Samsung Smart blu-ray players last year.

Teletext Holidays wants to grow its presence across all internet connected televisions as part of its strategy to keep its place as the travel industry’s only television market place.

Victoria Sanders, Teletext Holidays managing director, said: “Searching for holidays on the television is what our brand is famous for so the partnership with Humax is an exciting new direction for us. Like our deal with Samsung, this is a first for the travel industry and I believe it has the potential to transform the holiday search process. We’ve invested in creating an App which is simple, inspiring and practical to use. The joy for customers is being able to browse through available holidays, then see hotel images and destination video guides all from the comfort of their sofa.”

Victoria Sanders, Teletext Holidays managing director

She added: “There’s been a lot of consumer marketing about the switch to digital this year and this has prompted high volume sales of the new breed of televisions and boxes. As people get used to the technology it will become the norm to have an internet connection via their TV and we are leading the way as a platform for holiday search.”

Graham North, Commercial Director, Humax UK, comments: “Our agreement with Teletext Holidays will ensure Humax can expand the range of on-demand and internet services available on our Freeview HD boxes, with a trusted brand. Alongside advanced recording and fantastic HD sound and picture quality, the addition of Teletext Holidays ensures Humax continues to offer value-added services that will be a welcome addition to the TV viewing experience.”

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