Thetownend.com

On a lighter note amigos, after those cunts sent us down. Where are we vacationing this year. Got my holiday booked to Opatija in Croatia. So I ask the question, where you loons going and any recommendations?

Costa del Cornwall this year... still... it's great if it's sunny

Isle Of Wight in June

It's real tough scamming the system and idling whilst pondering a Summer in the blazing sunshine.  :pint:

Oslo in June.

Probably Somewhere in the Med later in the year

Good call Ginginho, lovely campsite in Wooten Bridge, where anything goeds

Posh Red, I hear it is very expensive in Oslo, but they have mixed sex saunas for us voyeur types

Batch is on the money with Cornwall. Can't fault him there, unless you have an ex in Cornwall and a price on your head. Great place, especially Lizard and Roseland

Fish and chips from Lizard chippy is  mandatory for the Batch family.

Nice one batch, and good pub in Lizard, where you can hear many Cornish folk with their adorable accents. I trod in dog shit on my way back to the YHA which is an old lighthouse, which still gives fog booms

I'm off to Venice next week for a few days. Never been but heard good things.

Good way of finding out when people's houses are empty, clever Dossy.

Hi Quag, never been but it has to be done in a lifetime. Dress up smart, and get a tan otherwise they will fleece you dry in Venice. If they think your Italian they go easy

Florida, with friends, shared house. Upgraded to Premium Ecconomy for the first time at a cracking price as it's the last hurrah until after the young 'un leaves education and I need to save for my retirement too. Really up for it.

soapy tit wank, I'm casing a couple of joints, one in Calne, with the Dovecote looks ripe for pickings. Keep 'em coming, to reiterate, where are you going and when?

Nice one mate, just be careful of the entitled class over there. It's all our fault attitude

Tropical island in Lanzarote after PaulD's recommendation. It better be good, if not I know where he lives...

Scotland in June (Great Glen Way).

Maybe a trip to the South East of Ireland in July.  ;)

Soi Cowboy.

Turkey in May, Amsterdam in July, Naples in August and Florida in October.

Fort William for a week in August, a couple of short day trips to London and 2 days in Paris on Eurostar end of June.

Honeymoon. 2 weeks in Mexico and 5 nights in NYC on the way home. Last hurrah before knuckling down and acquiring a house/a child.

 Amazingly Fort William didn't finish bottom of the Highland League this season, that slot belonged to Strathspey Thistle.

The Fort managed the double over Thistle and beat mid table Turriff.

 A mate who did a course at the college there, couldn't wait to get away.... the place was full of racists, and as an Englishman he was on the end of it.

Scotland in June. Visiting days after General Election - could be interesting.

One of my best mates lives in Dundee and he is always the brunt of anti English comments, he loves Scotland having moved there from Hartlepool but is not over keen on many of the residents, except his own Scottish wife, who ironically is as badly anti English as any of them!

We've just hired an ex-Army guy who hails from Aberdeen, seemed like a nice guy. We all went out for beers on Friday nigh and it turns out he's a massive fucking racist. Oh well

He'd spend more in fuel getting up here than he would selling my shit ;)

Portugal and Spain for me this summer!

Devon in my caravan may and august

I am the entitled class. I'm entitled to have a good time because I've worked my arse off to pay for it all. It is also my fault good or bad.

Is he black ?

Las Vegas for the 2nd time. Stag do. Wont make it back alive.

Like so many things in life, it's what you make of it (aka not my fault if you hate it :) ) You'll have a great time, make sure you take some time to walk (both ways) along the coastal path in the evenings and try out the seafront restaurants, there's some really nice ones.

We went to Puerta Vallarta and Mexico City in February. Loved it, great beer, great food (stodgefest) and friendly people. You will have a blast!

Fuckin' hell you get about a bit, are you Judith Chalmers?

His username does indicate he's orange, so quite possibly

Would loved to have done some exploring, particularly the west coast, but we are going to a resort on the east coast to sit still and maintain a respectable blood alcohol level. We've never done the whole 5* all-inc resort, and won't again, but if we're ever going to do it, Honeymoon is the time I guess.


I'm more looking forward to NYC though - incredible city and I've never been in the summer.

Haha. We are in a situation with no kids and both in reasonable jobs and with a love of travel so trying to make the most of seeing as much of the world as possible.

But I can confirm, I am not JC :)

NYC will be HOT and probably quite muggy.

After my trip to Swindon (which I just got back from), will be doing Nashville, Memphis and Orlando this year (the joys of being able to drive them all).  Might try and add New Orleans in as well.

Potentially hosting some Walking Dead tours :-)

AC, pool parties and fuck loads of beer should help.

Yep, that's what we did for honeymoon. 2 weeks in St Lucia in a luxury resort. With hindsight would probably have done 1 week there and another week somewhere with a bit more life. Don't get me wrong, I love a lazy holiday but not for such a long period of time.

City breaks are class and NYC is a top place also, so good choosing!

Tenerife in September and again in November.

SE Asia in May and July. Next year I want to go somewhere else!

Went to Sri Lanka in February, going to Cornwall on Friday (just as the weather turns shite) and a weekend in Lisbon in November

Where did you go? I really liked it there, it's got a bit of everything, is easy to get around and not too crowded.

Venice is great, although during the day San Marco is overwhelmed with tourists even outside the normal season. If you're staying a few days then it's much quieter at night. Largely avoid the restaurants right near Rialto Bridge bridge - they try to rip you off big time

A couple days in Colombo, a couple in Kandy and Elle and the tea country, then we went to the south coast to Yala national park. Spent a 5 days in mirissa and then finished in Galle

I really enjoyed it. It was my first time in anywhere in Asia but I get the sense it's not the biggest culture shock possible, despite some local quirks. Curry for breakfast everyday got a bit tiresome in the end!!

SF, Denver, Chicago and Toronto, watching baseball in August.

Yeah, India it's not :)

Pretty much the same as me, although we turned back before Yala as we had a wedding to go to near Colombo. After that went to Kandy, Elle, Sigiriya. Beaches, wildlife, culture, history, hills. Can't complain.

Turkey in August, loads of "travel agent" or "security intelligence operatives" friends saying stay away big trouble brewing. Where are you going Bob? We're Antalya. Being honest the close proximity to Syria does play on my mind. I'll ask yoyoafter youre break about late May how it was and what issues you had if you don't mind.
TiA

Hi skip...

We own an apartment in Turkey and we have personally experienced no issues with the country. Clearly its a bit of an unknown currently but we are friends with a number of ex-pats who live and work and will not be leaving anytime soon.

Of course, there is an unknown situation there and nobody knows what the hell Erdogan is going to do. Personally I have no issues going, as my opinion is that something nasty could happen ANYWHERE in the world.

We are going this weekend for 10 days and so I will let you know what the feeling is and if that has changed since the last time we were there.

We are going to Kusadasi which is 400 km north west of Antalya so its hard for me to give any advice but you should of course be cautious.

Which baseball team are you off to see? I'm off to see the Red Sox against the Blue Jays in July. As well as fitting in a couple of days in New York and Nashville (for July 4th).

Thanks Bob.
I was fully aware of the risks when booking if but the same family holiday to Spain was 3K dearer. I won't be going on many excursions.
Enjoy your break & stay safe.
Thanks again

It is a really sad state of affairs that we should be having these conversations isn't it?

Thanks a lot for the best wishes, its really sad to see as we love Turkey and I personally think its a wonderful holiday destination with interesting history and culture. I really hope it won't be ruined.

Sure you know this already, but the Cubs tend to sell out so worth booking tickets in advance. It ain't cheap! They don't seem to promote it, but a couple of times last year (Cubs and the Cards v Cubs 'local' derby in St L) we bought standing tickets at the gate for $10/$15. Bargain, esp if you can find an empty seat or 2 - midweek daytime matches best because some season ticket holders can't come to the games then, so plenty of spare seats.

If you've never been, try and get to a Minor League match or 2. Some great stadiums, cheap to get in, friendly people in my experience. Just don't choose 'Scouts go free' night - 8,000 screaming kids getting high on sugar drinks and processed meat products = nightmare.

My brother goes to Turkey (Antalya)every year. Was out there in November and said it was absolutely fine.
Must admit i wouldn't fancy it myself though

I won't lie to you, i have my concerns but as Bob said a terror attack can happen anywhere.
It is a shame what is happening in the world, politics devides families like religion dominates and divides countries.
I only want to enjoy some sun and a few ales, safely!!

Efes is a lovely cold beer. I hope things remain calm and you get your holiday mate.

Love Efes, local Lebanese restaurant near me sells it.
Fingers crossed there are no restrictions on travel put in place.

Yep already got tickets thanks! Also going to see the Nashville Sounds (for $19), will be my first minor league game so looking forward to it. Haha same thing has happened to me I went to a Padres game in the middle of July (daytime midweek so we got very good seats) slightly hungover and had 10,000+ holiday camp kids screaming for the entire 3 hours! Do you follow a team or just enjoy the game?

Had tickets for the Cubs a few years ago - rained off that day in April, previous season none of their 190 games ( or whatever it is these days) were rained off. So going to Wrigley became a bit of a bucket list thing, finally made it last year plus it's one of my favourite cities - ride the L to the stadium, beers in Wrigleyville, game, blues bar in town. What's not to like? So 'my' team. And world champs too - game 7 of the World Series was genuine sporting theatre, watch it if you've never seen it.

Like the Phillies too cos a kid of mine went to U Penn. Seen a few other majors, a few Midwest Single A clubs (think div 4) and don't forget the Independent Leagues - the Evansville Otters (Frontier League) aren't too far from Nashville.

Check out the Minor League website, loads of info there. I just love the whole experience. Like others, I grew up listening to AFN radio from Germany which you could just pick up once the sun went down on their powerful medium wave signal. It was like listening to a magical world. Didn't understand the details of baseball, but listening to a live description coming from, say, New York was addictive in our black and white Swindon lives.

Enjoy the trip, have a footlong for me!

Anybody ever used any of the non airline lounges  at Gatwick ? Any recommendations ?

Off to Florida, flying with Thomson and fancy getting away from the masses.

Cheers 

We've used the £25 quids before. They're great - unlimited booze, food and peace and quiet. You'd rack that up on a shit burger, a pint and paying for half-decent wifi.

We're using the Clubroom on No1 Lounges next month - £40 but even nicer, and fast-track security too.

We've booked mylounge at Gatwick South. With the kids it makes sense. Only nibbles to eat but they have a games room. £55 for 2 adults, 2 kids. We'd pay that for a meal. Wetherspoons is £5 a pint anyway...easily drink that in 3 hours...

Phillies fan here too. MLB infuriates me because it pretty much pot luck what the game will be like. I've been to games where i've sat for 3-4 hours and seen 2 runs and ive been to games and seen home runs, grand slams ahoy.

Don't know if you saw but just the other day, Yankees and Cubs were 4-4 at the 9th inning ans for those who don't know, if its a draw after the 9th its sudden death until there is a winner.
It took to the 18th inning for the Yankees to score the winning run. Fuck that

Also if you book through Holiday Extra's there are many discount codes out there.

If anyone needs access to airport lounge my mate might be able to help out with this

Used No1 Lounge last month, well worth the cost - basic hot food offering, free nibbles, free booze after you pay the entrance fee.  Way more civilized than the masses out in the departure scrum.  Do the same in all airports now, even the ServiceAir ones, which are cheaper and don't do hot food are worth it - especially if you like the odd tipple to smooth the flying process.

Oh, and sign-up tie Virgin Atlantics' flying club and they give you a discount on No1 Lounges when you pre-book, you don't need any miles (in fact, I think they may even give you some miles for booking the lounge first time).

Is the posh lounge at Cardiff any good ?

Cheers everyone

First big league game I saw live was 1-0 Phillies, which as you know is the lowest score poss. Couple of base hits and, er, that was it.

I watched the Cubs / Yankees on TV, fell asleep during the 14th inning, woke up and it was still going on in the 17th. Yawn.

It can be as much fun watching a game in a bar, esp if the local team is a perpetual no-hoper. Same sense of resigned humour as watching the Town, except with several extra noughts on the wasted money aspect.

As we travel quite a lot, we have a Priority Pass and so use the lounge almost always when travelling. As others have said, its definitely worth it, bearing in mind how expensive eating and drinking at airports are. If you have a couple of hours in your lounge you easily get your moneys worth and more.

The Turkish Airlines lounge at Istanbul airport has the best lounge I have ever been to, on two floors, one which includes a scalextric track and one of those golf simulator things.

Ok, as previously mentioned, I'm being made redundant, well I've volunteered so it's my choice. However, managing to get some extra bunce has given me the opportunity to take my 13 YO son away for a week to ten says before our main gig in Florida. So who amongst you can suggest a half decent place for the two of us to do some bonding? Bit of beach & pool time with other persuits to do like interesting sight seeing and some sporting activities? Any constructive suggestions greatly appreciated.

In Lanza now. Day 4. Windy, but lovely. Hotel is superb- thanks to Paul for the recommendation. 'Free' Amstel on draught.

Mylounge at Gatwick north also very good, worth every penny.

Only annoying thing.... Brits abroad. Rude, arrogant to staff and waste so much food. Yes, you are AI but have a bit of respect.

Looking at booking a last minute week away first week of September. Make the most of being able to go outside term time.
Any recommendations of resorts good for a 2 and 3 1/2 year old? Ideally no more than 2.5hrs flight time, 3 at a push.

Magaluf

Costa Blanca

Got back last Sunday from two weeks in Norway.

Expensive as fuck (if you have to pay for accommodation) but Norway is beautiful in the summer. Almost two weeks solid of long, hot summer days.

Where abouts in Norway did you go?

About 20 miles east of Oslo

Currently toasting my deminishing moobs in Malta. Last visited in 1980..... Plenty of lovely EU money being spent ATM by the look of things.

Just booked up a 3 day trip to Dusseldorf, getting Bielefeld away in the pokal in.  :beers:

Why aye man! That's living alright.

Off to the Amalfi coast on Wednesday morning for a wedding. Having only been to Italy briefly (Milan - meh) when I was very young, I am excited to see what the place offers.

Pretty sure I am going to love the food.

Oz or Barry?  :hmmm:

Barry was a brummy. T'was just a Dusseldorf reference, not a suggestion of where to go.

I'm off to Rome in September, never been to Italy before.

I'm off to Trondheim as soon as circumstances allow. As it is, er, I might go to Norwich away  :beers:

My only visit to Trondheim was changing trains on the way up north and some guy shouting "TRAIN TO BODO????" in my face. Hopefully yours is nicer.

Going to the states in October, can't decide whether to go to Florida or Vegas

Do both!
Have you been to either before? And what sort of holiday are you looking for/length?

Just back from a drive down to Orlando for a few days, and we had our family over a month ago to see us and checkout Nashville, Memphis and Biloxi.  Been fun being able to see loads of new places.

It's just me and the Boy (albeit that he's 21 now).

Have been to Florida several times in the past before his Mum passed away, but not for 5 years or so.

Have never been to Vegas, we were going to go a few years back when we went to California, but ended up going to San Diego (to watch a Cowboys game) instead. I quite fancy a day trip to the Grand Canyon, but also quite fancy a day out in the everglades.

We're planning to go for 7-10 days so not really sure I fancy trying to fit both in.

Probably a bit long for Vegas, so if you go there I'd definitely suggest adding another location into the mix on the West coast.  I combined it with a few days in Napa a few years back, very contrasting locations!

For Orlando you could always slot the Everglades in with a night or two in Miami, even fly back from there.  If you do end up in. Disney park, I can highly recommend the new Avatar ride, was not expecting it to be as good.  Universal have just opened their new water park as well and Disney Springs has loads of new bars and restaurants.  Throw in an evening in Epcot for the food and wine festival while you are at it!  Done that twice and have no memory of leaving yet.

You could combine Vegas with a trip to the canyon and a few days in San Francisco? Plenty to see and do there

@ RobertT private message for you. No not more shed advice 😉

The Amalfi coast part of Italy has to be one of the finest places in Europe. Breathtaking scenery, cracking weather and great food.

Not overly looking forward to climbing over 100 steps in a suit for the wedding today but you can't have everything in life!

Be careful of people making an offer you can't refuse in that part of the world.

Would love to visit Naples, more so after the recent Ross Kemp Extreme World episode!

Hasn't happened yet :)

I like the Ross Kemp programmes. Presumably that was meeting the commorra? (Possible sp)

Yes, a real eye opener.
Tied in with watching Gomorrah on Sky as well.

The food must be great over there. Enjoy.

Booked a week All inc. for the family to Majorca. About 30 min from Palma in the opposite direction of shagaluf.
Didn't have a massive budget but im happy with what i managed to get. Few dodgy Trip Advisor reviews but on the whole it looks decent enough.
Going on the 1st of Sept so with any luck it will be a little bit quieter as kids start going back to school

We got back early Tuesday morning. Highly recommend playa Blanca in Lanzarote. Go off the tourist track by one road, and the prices drop dramatically. We are talking 49p for a pint can of estrella. To put this in perspective, a 500ml bottle of water costs 45p.

Tropical Island was spot on as a resort. Food was edible, kids loved all the pools. Beer on site was Amstel but was 'tampered' with like all AI resorts. Cou,d only drink so much of it so bought a lot off site.

Now the kids have gone back to school time for me and the wife to go on our jollies.

Off to Turkey for 2 weeks of sun relaxation and watching Town lose on TV (I have seen us lose 3 times in Turkey without scoring any goals).

Then back for a couple of days before we are off to Florida for my sister's wedding. Hopefully the hurricanes will have made their exit by then! (the weather ones, not the 90s TV cartoon football team, they are welcome and here to stay)

Florida is currently emigrating to me.

It will be back up and running within a few weeks, they know how to recover post Hurricane.  Was there in 2004 when a Category 3 came directly through where we were staying, two days later, bar the missing trees it was as if it had never happened.  This one is a bit stronger but they build houses and stuff here in weeks.

Heading to Tallahassee in Florida today/tomorrow. Owt to do there, worth visiting?

We are staying close to FSU so imagine the bars etc will be fairly lively!

I went to Northumberland last week and had an amazing time.

NY and Washington on business next week, then Florida for a week's holiday from there. Likewise crossing fingers everything is back to "normal" over there!

Florida will be fine, they know how to deal with a Hurricane.  It is the islands that are in trouble.

having a good time in Rome, hth

Going to Leek for the weekend in a few weeks.  :smugfu:

Off to Windermere in a couple of weeks.

Plumbers convention?

I'm visiting Appleton, Wisconsin, next week for work.  They have an International Airport, but as far as I can make out it's at the end of the main road in the centre of town.

Just got back from Barcelona. We went to see Barcelona play, but also managed to take in an Espanyol game while we were there.

It was 25 euros to watch Espanyol in La Liga (v Celta Vigo), which is cheaper than it is to watch us play in League 2 :(

I've been to Espanyol a few times and each game was just awful 8)

I'll get them on a good day eventually.

I saw espanyol v atletico Madrid a few years ago. The football was terrible, and they played this weird jingle before a corner in the second half. Ground was only half full at best but the whistles of discontent were ear splitting

Home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.....except the season ended 3 weeks ago.

Another thing ticked off the bucket list. Driving a mustang in the States.

Pretty pointless really given the speed limits!

I know, but it is somehow satisfying isn't it.

We had one when we went to Dallas the last time.
I particularly liked the projected image of a Mustang on the floor when you opened the doors :)

This year I will be going to Swindon on holiday, how exciting.  Going to pop to Scotland for a couple of days well - oddly never been when I lived in the UK!  Just booked our flights, going from Nashville as BA are opening up a route and the flights were cheap, so we will pop to the Smokies on our return, probably Pigeon Forge where Dollywood lives (not visiting that though).

My better half and daughter are popping down to Tampa and Miami for Spring Break.

Swindon, Couldn't think of anywhere nicer !.

My sole trip that can be classed as a holiday of sorts is to Aberdeen, but that's just for beers and music really. Then 3 UK based Stags. People I like keep choosing to get married and/or have kids all at a similar time... it's proving costly.

Feeling envious of all your jet setting i've decided to book a holiday.

That's right, we're going to Butlins Bognor Regis, just for tots week.
Mr Tumble will be there, and i'm a little bit excited.

That's my life now.

No holidays for me this year. Missus is in Vietnam this week.

Got a few decent work trips lined up though. Vail this month. Lisbon, Austin hopefully to come.

problem with work trips though, is the work.

nothing booked here, other than a few days in Rome in may

Yeah, some are ok. Vail means I get a night off in Denver. Some are shit.

We had two holidays last year, one at home, one abroad. We've bought Merlin annual passes this year so the plan is to have more weekend trips rather than big holidays. Although, it's our 10th wedding anniversary this year (fuck that's gone quick) so thinking about getting away somewhere for that.

The MAP group on FB is both informative and annoying Samdy. Have you found it yet?

We did MAP last year, decided against renewing until the smallest gets tad taller. Did the big 6 at AT in about 2.5 hours in the pouring rain last year, that was good. You'll have to try to sneak in Wicker Man  and let me know what its like

Treating ourselves when we go up to Glasgow/Edingburgh - booked a hotel with a free mini bar, free bottle of Gin and Exec lounge access with free drink and food from 5pm to 11pm.

Yeah, I found the group but quickly turned it off from appearing in my feed because of the sheer amount of posts all asking the same thing.

We've done a 2 day stint at Alton Towers for several years now, plus taking the kids to Legoland, Chessington etc. so it made sense to get the passes. We're booked in for the passholder day at Chessington next weekend and we're off to AT again on the 18th so hopefully Wicker Man will be open by then.

 You can't go too far wrong with The Merlin....

It is a cracking piece of engineering.

Never been in there on principal.

Got a week in Italy all inclusive in June and which I’m looking forward too. Sorrento, just south of Naples, but I’ve never been all inclusive before so that will be fun

Also going on a city break next weekend, to avoid the cold and the snow. DestonatIon is Estonia, but at least they should be better equipped to deal with this eastern beast

So you're going to Estonia to avoid the cold and snow? Much like you'd go to Manchester to get out of the rain?

I'm waiting to hear what the pre-season games and next season's fixture are before I book my holiday. That way I won't be coming on here and moaning about missing home to Exeter in League Cup 1st round due to lack of foresight.

We went to Ravello in southern Italy last year for a wedding. It’s a quite stunning part of the world, seemingly Sorrento is equally as stunning.

For me, it’s Turkey, Turkey, Turkey and then closing out the year in Australia. I want to squeeze in a trip to Lisbon as well at some point.

Off to Egypt in June.  2 weeks all inclusive cost me just over 500 quid. And all you ever hear about terrorist attacks are the negatives....

You are all posh. I’m off to Bideford Bay for 3 nights in April.

That’s our holiday for the year.

My sister, brother in law and 3 kids have been to Egypt all inclusive the last few years. She says it’s definitely the best place for value for money and the kids are well looked after over there.

This will be my 4th visit. Bit more difficult now, as you can't get a direct flight at the moment, but if you're into sun, sea and amazing snorkelling you'd be hard pressed to beat it.

We're off to Lisbon at the end of next month  - kidney stone notwithstanding. Flights are dead cheap and we're renting an apartment for the week in the city.

Kefalonia in June and then, hopefully, Spain in September.

I could do with a holiday, not had one for years. Some seem to think I'm on a permanent holiday considering my location, but it doesn't work like that.

Hoping to get to Dallas for Thanksgiving this year, with any luck we will be able to get in two Cowboys games as well as a Stars game.

Other than that was thinking of going to Prague to watch the Speedway GP, but it's the play-off finals weekend (albeit if we make it we wouldn't be playing until the Monday).

Other thoughts are Rome or Turin (Milan or Juventus), Dortmund (again).

Only problem is Son is thinking of spending aa month travelling around Europe with some mates in the Summer so he won't have much holiday left

not a big fan of Dallas when we stayed there a while ago. Still, good to do the obvious Kennedy stuff. That were building the new stadium when we saw the Stars play.

I'd head over to Cowtown though, that was good.

We've been to Dallas a few times before. In fairness we are going for the games & to see the Cowboys new training facility (The Star, which has a 12,000 seater stadium that the local High Schools can use).

On previous visits we have done the tour round the book depository which was really good.
One time we were over we stayed a couple of days in Fort Worth.

cool, you know more than me then :)

Off to the Yorkshire Dales in April to stay in the same village where my direct ancestors lived for at least 350 years, then Hong Kong in November to watch the Hong Kong Open Golf & see the sights again.

Booked a week in Porto next month. Anyone been - changed my mind from Lisbon.

Riviera Maya in Mexico over Easter for a couple of weeks, Rome for a week in September and then apparently the wife wants to go to Bruge for xmas

I'm currently on a cheap holiday in the Algarve.

The home of shit graffiti tagging.

Porto Talboto?

Backpacking around South East Asia with my mate McMenemy  :soapy tit wank:

Made it to our apartment in Turkey flying with Turkish Airlines.2 flights -London to Istanbul, Istanbul - Izmir were pretty uncomfortable with my leg in a cast but what a god send to be able to use the special assistance staff wheeling me about in a wheelchair through ‘secret’ passport controls and security checks away from the normal people. Can’t fault those staff for efficiency at both Heathrow and Istanbul/Izmir.

We’re flying EasyJet on the way home direct which I’m a little reticent about.

Was there no direct flights to Bodrum BJV? or was it just cheaper to go two journeys?

Anyway I'm sure the beverages are flowing nicely. Where in Turkey are you. I stayed between Bodrum and Izmir

Booked a cottage in broadchurch for the week end of May. Taking the mother in-law so could make the next series 😉

The holiday season starts this Saturday so the choice of flights weren’t that available. Generally the Turkish Airlines flight through Istanbul is not too expensive but the overall journey takes ages. Return is direct from izmir.

We are coming back the end of May direct to Bodrum. The good news is that more people are coming out to Turkey after a pretty barren couple of years. Not sure how long that will last with that rocket Erdogan in charge!

We are in Kusadasi, an hour from Izmir and about an hour and a half from Bodrum. I’ve already reserved a seat in our ‘local’ for the football on Friday. Last time I was there we beat FGR away on the big screen. The people who were watching were questioning if it was always that bad! I said no, sometimes it’s worse!

Can’t beat an Efes or two in a frozen glass by the sea! I love it.

Haha! Will keep an eye out for that on ITV. Won’t be much of a suspense now you’ve given the ending away!

It is filmed about 16 miles from us, my car was in one of the episodes as I was driving through Bridport, we saw them filming but thought nothing more of it until we saw our car.

The wife did spot David Tennant and had a moist moment!

Absolutely. A nice temperature hike of 20C too I'd imagine. I was last out there in October 2016 but missed last year. Was at Didim but have been to Gulluk previously. It was about 40C when we arrived at 11pm and sticky. Love going to local restaurants that basically turn into a Football Fanzone for a few hours.  Enjoy your Efes BO  :pint:

Pretty sure I asked this on a thread previously but i'm taking the wife to Valencia tomorrow for her birthday. Luckily Spain won the group and are playing Sunday afternoon rather than Saturday night when we are out for dinner!

Unfortunately my walking is still not great after my achilles surgery so I can't walk around as much as I would like but for those that have been to Valencia and local hints and tips, mainly food and drink wise I guess. Is there likely to be a big screen/square setup for the football?

Have a great trip!  You've probably already seen this: https://www.visitvalencia.com/en/blog-turismo-valencia/where-watch-2018-world-cup-valencia

I hadn't actually, that's great appreciate that PF. :)

Going to Chicago for work tomorrow for 4 nights, any bars/restaurants recommendations from the great minds on the TEF? I saw the Chicago Blackhawks are playing Ice Hockey tomorrow night which I could potentially go to, they have unallocated standing tickets for 30 dollars, what on earth can that be? Like leaning against the glass at the back of the arena or something?

I remember there being a good deep dish pizza place at the front of the pier. We went out on one of the cruises on Lake Michigan

https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/photos/290826260/1024x576/cut.jpg (https://nhl.bamcontent.com/images/photos/290826260/1024x576/cut.jpg)

I had to look. This is Golden Knights but it's basically a concourse at the back of seating. Probably pretty enjoyable if not close to the action. Can't help you on "drinkeries/eateries". I've not been although one of my sisters has (she went to a White Sox game) but never discussed food which we usually do. Apologies BO :)

Time for a little break, thinking of doing a last minute trip down to Pensacola in Florida next weekend.  Feels like a while since we got away, but then I remember we had two trips abroad last year - both to Swindon!

Off to Doha next Wednesday (had some free reward flights to use) for a long weekend.

I read somewhere that when you are out they frown on people wearing shorts, its going to be mid twenties so ideally I'll be in shorts and t shirt etc but if anyone has been and can advise if jeans would be more suitable?

It'll be interesting to not have a beer with lunch etc (although we can at the hotel of course) but there are some places in Turkey that are like that so not the end of the world!

Jeans and a long sleeve jumper Bobster.

https://www.onlineqatar.com/living/dress-code-doha-qatar.aspx

Cheers Mr D. :)

I had better pack some more clothes!

Looking for somewhere long-haul for November for some winter sun. Mrs wants Asia, but not the best time of year for a lot of it.

Currently thinking Singapore>Phu Quoc>Ho Chi Minh - anyone been to any of them, or got any other recommendations, particularly south Vietnam?

Nha Trang is nice.

I've done Thailand and India over that neck of the woods. Both come highly recommended. Great food and friendly people, loads to see and do and you can do it as cheap or as expensive as you like.

My wife loved Malaysia when she went there (before we met).

If you can, try and fly with Qatar airways, absolutely superb service (although we went business class so that probably had something to do with it!)

Apparently so, but weather in November is questionable?

Not sure to be honest. I don't remember which time of year I went.

Bob’s orange is a flash cunt...pass it on...always banging on about where he has been/going

Wouldn’t say flash. Just enjoy travel, plus the holiday season thread seems apt for travel related posts.

I've a mate who's a country collector.... it is a thing. Although I suspect you'e not.

https://slate.com/technology/2011/09/country-collectors-how-did-wanderlust-become-a-competitive-sport.html

I'm less ambitious being a county collector... that is the historic and ceremonial counties of GB and Ireland.  Not quite there yet...

Currently performing the long ass drive to Scotland,  walking the Great Glen way.
Driving overnight to avoid the BH traffic
 :suicide:

Driving down to Orlando next week for 67 days of childish fun.

That sounds so wrong.

At least he didn’t say he was off to Tampa with the kids.

Off to Costa Del Butlin’s first week June for Tots week.
Yeah, beat that!

Came back from near four weeks in Vietnam yesterday. Beautiful, bonkers country. Would go back in a heartbeat

In not unrelated news, jet lag is a cunt

And fao flashheart - I did eat durian in the end. Was not as horrible as the smell (although it was very mushy, so I’m not sure I had some ripe fruit), but think I’ll gldly go without it in the future

durian is fucking horrible!

Hmmm 67 days would be nice :-0, more ike 7!  And Mother Brown, you have a sick mind :-)

Off for 2.5 weeks in November - can't wait. Singapore-Hoi An-Phu Quoc-Ho Chi Minh.

Got a week sailing round the Ionian islands in July first though.

We went to all of those (excluding Singapore)

Phu Quoc was very quiet, but we went in the low season, so kind of akin to going to Cornwall in April (albeit with 30 degree sunshine still)

Hoi An was my favourite place. The river at night lit up was one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen

Ho Chi Minh was hectic - the war museum was harrowing, but preferred Hanoi I think in terms of ‘big city’ experience

I have very little knowledge or expectation currently - my missus has been before and a wanted to go back. Any more must-see tips or food tips would be welcome.

Phu Quoc seems to get mixed reviews but very much looking at that bit of the holiday as a classic bit of R & R so quiet and sunny works for me! Can't wait for Hoi An, everyone seems to love it.

Arrived back from 10 days in Turkey yesterday. Love the place, even though Side is for Germans as Costa Blanca is for Brits.

Feeling quite fortunate to have been able to have 3 holidays in the past 7 months (Disneyland Paris last year and a week in Cornwall in February). We were going to wait until next year before booking any further trips, but my old dear's booked up a family trip to Cape Verde in October and I couldn't really say no.

oooh I've never head of Side, it looks lovely.

We 'did an Audrey' and bought an apartment in Turkey 3 years ago so head over there 2 or 3 times a year (generally off season).

I've only been to Istanbul, Kusadasi and Bodrum but I see from the map Side is more East, past Antalya. Enough to see and do there?

The Lira is quite weak at the moment so you presumably got beers for about £2 ish? (on the presumption they are around 14 Lira which they were when we went over in April.

We were staying at an all-inclusive place so didn't venture out much. The main town of Side is Greco Roman so there's a bit of history if that's your kind of thing, and the Taurus mountains are not far.

Outside of the hotels you mostly find clothing stores selling knock off designer gear. You don't get a lot of bars and restaurants in the tourist areas, I guess there just isn't the demand because most hotels are all-inclusive.

Because of the sheer amount of German tourists, most places price everything in Euros.

We're looking at going back to Turkey next May, this time we'll probably look more toward the west coast.

the knock off clothes shops are ten a penny in Turkey. I have bought some stuff to leave over there but the quality is generally less than bad (you aren't stupid so I am sure you know that!).

If you are looking west, Bodrum or Marmaris would be my tip.

There’s a restaurant in Hoi An called nu, which was the best food I had in the whole country. Would heartily recommend

If you have time in Saigon go to a water puppet show - we went to one in Hanoi and although I had no idea what was happening (it was all in Vietnamese) it was bizarre and entertaining. A different vibe, but would also deffo recommend the war remnants museum for a (brutal) Vietnamese view of the ‘war of American aggression’

One thing I would say about Phu Quoc would be to be wary of starfish beach if recommended it - promises of golden sands and starfishes, reality is a dirty littered beach with SE Asian tourists taking starfish out the water and leaving them there

Oh, and download an app called grab - essentially Vietnamese Uber - if you’re anything like me and can’t be doing long walks around the city in the midday sun, you can get a grab-cab for about £1

Spending some time in Washington and just seen a man set fire to himself in the White House Park. Thought it was a stunt but within seconds the area was full of secret service police including a helicopter and extinguished the flames as the guy collapsed on the ground. Won’t forget this trip in a hurry. We were thinking of going to watch DC United tonight but might give it a miss and watch in the local bar instead

Currently in Wengen Switzerland - probably the most amazingly scenic place I have ever been.
The cog railways up to the main summit have more Chinese than the Hong Kong underground. Thankfully we avoid tourist traps !
Nightmare trip for us, boat, sleeper train, tube, train, plane, bus, train, cog railway & electric buggy - but worth every minute, the best places are always the most difficult to get to 8)

Family holiday for us this year.. 12 of us staying at a huge house in Levignac de Guyenne.

I've never been to that region before, so I can't wait!

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar over Christmas/New year, if I survive that long.

Not sure where else this could go but if the Mods want to move it then so be it.

Family talking of summer holidays this evening, so I’ve been perusing some brochures. Never been to but fancy Portugal for a change. Looking for self catering with accessible restaurants, food shops and bars not screamingly lively but not miles from nowheresville.

Plenty to fit the bill there in Devon/Cornwall. And don’t need to worry about any nasty foreigners while you’re at it

We’re going to Swindon for our holiday - well, Lydiard Tregoze to be exact!

Walsall away followed by Salford at home being the highlights!

No fucking chance I want to go and poke fun at the poor impoverished foreigners now their cash cow or ‘treasure island’ as the Germans refer to us as have left the building.

Maybe you misread my post, easy to do late at night pissed on cheap booze.

Not really. I live in Greece so a trip to Swindon is my holiday.

Tbf, the Algarve is ridiculously cheap in terms of picking up accomodation and flights are pretty cheap too. If you're happy to go self catering, pick and choose your own restaurants etc then you'll likely spend much less than a holiday to devon/cornwall/pembrokeshire.

Just a quick search using one of my travel filter faves brings up this;

https://www.weekend.com/en-GB/destination/algarve?startDay=4&endDay=2&lengthOfStay=5&boardType=breakfast&hotel=297734&destinationId=1299&utm_source=Website&utm_medium=TVZ&utm_campaign=GB-20200109-WEBSITE-ODP-ALL-AIRPORTS-ALGARVE-T1&utm_term=GB-Website-ODP-Algarve&utm_content=GB-Website-ODP

Gives you an idea of pricing etc. Flights, Breakfast, 5nights yada yada.

Thank you mate.

Portugal is nice. My mum lives out there. Some lovely little towns like Tavira, Quarteira. Little bit inland from the coast but lovely area. Nice restaurants and bars in both. Fly direct to Faro

Albufeira is ok, old town is better than the new town. Villamoura is expensive

Thank you mate.

Can you fly somewhere more Nearo?

Live web cam of a beach in Koh Pahngan

Are you still under those horrible travel restrictions, or reporting rules, whatever it was?

Funny you should ask now as they officially lifted them today. Although, in reality, they gave up on it long ago.

I don't keep up with it, but I haven't noticed anyone complaining about it for a while. Now I know why! I thought maybe everyone had left for Vietnam. Seems to be popular at the minute.

I made it to Koh Samet a while back btw. Very nice, but now the wife wants to take her whole family.

Samet is nice but the pollution was bad last time I was there. The local restauranteurs and hoteliers have a habit of taking their rubbish out to sea to dump it. They all then end up blaming each other when, surprise surprise, it comes back to shore again and tourists are swimming among plastic bags and nappies n shit. Do the locals learn? Do they fuck!

I bet it's dead lately. The Ruskies stopped coming in swarms ages ago when their currency through a wobbly. Then the Thais focused heavily on the Chinese, leaving a lot of the regulars feeling alienated. Now there's fuck all Chinese about because of the virus. It's the same story all over Thailand. It's dead, Jim.

A lot of expats are complaining that Pattaya has turned into little India. I reckon that'd be a good craic though myself.

We loved Lisbon, great city with loads to see and fantastic food and drink and the locals we found super friendly. The wife has a relation in Cascais so we got the train to the sea and had some fantastic seafood and wine. Would love to visit Porto, heard its even better than Lisbon.

Mentioned Porto a page or two back. It really is a lovely place. I imagine it'd be right up your street.

Is anyone brave enough to book a holiday in the coming months or are you waiting to see how long the current situation drags on for?

I usually go abroad for a week in June but am resigned to having to re-think my options, fortunately I haven’t booked anything yet.

This leads to me ask - any UK recommendations on where to go for a week or so? Can be coastal based, city or whatever really  :)

I'm supposed to be going on an Eastern European stag party (all paid for) in early May but the organisers are already figuring out if a UK Plan B is possible.

We didn't book anything abroad, seems daft at the moment, so we're off to Cornwall doing an Air BNB instead which we can postpone and rearrange if shit continues to hit the fan.

Have you been to the west coast of Scotland?  Weather can be a lottery, but rainfall in May & June lower than later in the summer.  Stunning scenery, if that's your thing.

I'd be very cautious of doing so because many (all?) insurance companies have now suspended covering on coronavirus related  cancellations.

Your best bet is to just keep looking and watching prices. If you have nominal commitments (ie no kids/people/pets to look after) and are flexible, you could be in for lots of very good deals if you're prepared to wait last minute. Normally you would get good deals but I'm certain you'll get a lot once the panic button mode is in deceleration and the industry(ies) look to recoup.

A good tip would be to book off/schedule the time you roughly would go away anyway, if travel or flying is still limited then, there will still be some UK based bargains to be had. All of that industry will be looking for any bookings they can. Even a direct phone call to a b&b/hotel/tour operator will likely put you in a position of negotiating power and you won't pay what it advertised. If they won't budge (highly likely they will), try the next place. One of them will as they will rather make something week to week rather than nothing for "x" weeks.

Have a week booked Devon 20th april and 2 weeks Lanzerote near end of June.
TUI refunding holidays cancelled currently so am sure will be refunded if mine cancelled.
Devon one might be touch and go depends on what the government do between now and then.

Wait and see I guess

My brother's family have had their family holiday to Cyprus at Easter cancelled. Now looking to go later in the year.

Due to go to Egypt on 3rd of April, hoping it gets cancelled so that we can go later in the year, don't fancy the Egyptian medical system if we were to get ill.

I haven’t but have always heard good things from those who have been so definitely one to consider. Cheers  :)

All good advice, nice one Bamboo. Let’s just keep fingers crossed for some normality to return sooner rather than later, no football is bad enough, couple that with no holidays abroad and my sanity is being tested!

How do the annual travel insurance policies usually work ? I have an annual policy that runs until June, I've already booked flights & some accommodation for Northern Italy in July, which I guess is looking doubtful even this far out. If when I renew the policy I go with a different company, will they cover anything previously booked if it is cancelled last minute ? Or will I be claiming on the old policy ?

And if I book any more accommodation now, will that be covered as the virus is now known about which it wasnt when i booked the first lot

I know I could read the small print but can't be arsed right now....

if it runs until June, I'd be surprised if they pay out for holidays in July. I guess the hope is the current company could see it as continuation of in place policy - you are going to have to ring them..

I'd be even more surprised if a new insurer will even conver covid-19 related cancellations, accommodation or the flights

sorry, I hope I'm wrong

A lot of travel insurance companies are not taking on any new business at the moment - id act quickly if I were you

If you manage to get insurance now it might cover you for previous bookings (check first), but won’t for anything booked now

just looked at my travel insurance.

it doesn't cover pandemics.

still, I'm sure Ryanair will be reasonable...

Trawling through Netflix and there’s a film called Pandemic.

Whadda you thunk?

Probably best to avoid Contagion - a film that would echo a lot of what we see play out right now!