Where Are You Going On Holiday?

School’s out for the summer, sun-tan lotion and oversized sunglasses

are on sale everywhere. Are you planning lazy days on the beach, ice creams

and… donkey rides, or will you be sipping cocktails, gazing at a beautiful

sunset from an infinity pool? Perhaps exploring ancient ruins in Greece or

trekking through beautiful mountains in Corsica? Where do your summer holiday

dreams take you and how much do you base your plans around easy access for travel?

You could stay at home and just take day trips to stunning

South Devon and Cornish coastal villages, such as Dartmouth, Salcombe,

Polperro, Fowey and St Ives, and some local travel agents have details of coach

trips. However, if it is guaranteed sunshine and foreign beaches that appeal,

then Exeter Airport has flights to many excellent locations and is only a bus

ride away. Flybe has

scheduled flights to Croatia, France, Portugal, Spain and Majorca to name a few

– and closer to home to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isles of Scilly.  For something different you could also

fly up to Edinburgh for the Festival which runs 6th to 30th

August.  Among other operators,

Thomson flies from

Exeter to Malta, Turkey Palma and Faro. Check out Exeter Airport website for

details of what is available.

Exeter Airport’s MD, Jamie Christon, says: “The

news that the pound has been steadily gaining in value against the euro for the

last few months is great news for holidaymakers travelling abroad as we head

for the peak summer months. Those who have yet to book for this summer will

find keenly priced holidays on offer but travellers are advised to book as soon

as possible. ”

It’s very easy to book flights direct with the airlines, and

by using the internet you can often find good deals at hotels in all the

destinations.  If you don't want to

contact a hotel direct, then try one of the online companies such as Alpha Rooms  or Last Minute and in fact you can book flights,

hotels, car hire etc on these sites, too.

But if you prefer to have the hard work done for you, talk

to one of Exmouth’s travel agents. If you don’t have a clue where you want to

go, Thomas Cook’s display of colour brochures will either tempt or confuse you - or at least provide you with hours of reading on a rainy Devon day!

Travelworld of Exmouth is an independent agency based at 3 Rolle Street. Tel. 01395 265777. They focus on specialist brochures and

on finding something for the more discerning passenger. 

If you’re after something exotic, how about trying

Real Africa Excursions on Exmouth Road? Call 01395 268639. And if you're looking for the personal touch in your holiday planning, Gilly Markham runs the local arm of Travel Counsellors. She says: "Having worked in the travel industry for over 10 years I have a wealth of travel knowledge to share and have always endeavoured to ensure I give oustanding service."

For me, it's Provence with my family this year. We couldn't resist taking advantage of being so close to Exeter Airport. Last year we flew from Gatwick to a Greek island and after the three-hour car ride home, we swore that we would fly from a local airport next time. So we looked at the list of destinations and picked Avignon. We've booked a gite through Chez Nous. All of their properties are owned by English people and once you've found the one you want, you deal direct with the owner.

Do you have any unusual holiday plans or just some tips for other local Exmouth people? Could you recommend any travel agents in town? If so, review them on the RATE IT section of this website.