Great Offers on Neilson Watersports Holidays

We love Neilson watersports holidays we’ve even been known to go on them.  Our favourites include Ortakent & Vassiliki for the windsurfing and Finikounda just beacause it’s a lovely chilled-out place!

A Neilson holiday is all about relaxing as hard as you like… Flat out on a windsurfer or lying on a beach. Or anything in between. However you unwind, and at whatever level – whether you’re a salty sea dog or looking for your first taste of the surf, a hardened mountain biker, waterskier or windsurfer or a beginner looking for expert tuition. Whether you want a great time with the kids or for someone to take them off your hands, Neilson have created the perfect holiday for you.

So if you fancy sailing, yachting, windsurfing, kayaking, kite-surfing or a host of other activities then check out these latest deals from Neilson, all available on www.inspiringholidays.com

The summer’s not too far away and they’ve got some superb offers available at the moment to tempt you in the direction of sunshine! And with their online discount you can now save £15 per person!

Book online and save £15 per person
All offer prices are based on flights from London Gatwick.

To take advantage of these great offers visit the watersports section on inspiringholidays.com

BeachPlus Offers

Lesvos - Aeolian Village
15-May 7 nts £559 SAVING £100
15-May 14 nts £559 SAVING £376
05-Jun 7 nts £436 SAVING £349
02-Oct 7 nts £435 SAVING £100 

Lemnos - Portomyrina Palace
31-May 7 nts £739 SAVING £30
07-Jun 7 nts £649 SAVING £150

Ortakent - The Seaside
12-May 14 nts £709 SAVING £30
12-May 7 nts £509 SAVING £70
02-Jun 7 nts £459 SAVING £246

Halkidiki - The Anastasia
31-May 14 nts £949 SAVING £50
07-Jun 7 nts £699 SAVING £50

Sivota - The Retreat
11-May 7 nts £449 SAVING £130
11-May 14 nts £609 SAVING £150
01-Jun 7 nts £599 SAVING £120

Beachclub Offers

Vassiliki - Cosmos
11-May 7 nts £399 SAVING £96
11-May 14 nts £659 SAVING £50
01-Jun 7 nts £399 SAVING £210

Vassiliki - Mikalis’ House
11-May 7 nts £389 SAVING £96
11-May 14 nts £639 SAVING £6
01-Jun 7 nts £389 SAVING £210 

Finikounda - Fini Beachclub
18-May 7 nts £329 SAVING £226
18-May 14 nts £529 SAVING £240
01-Jun 7 nts £529 SAVING £90

Porto Heli- Nautica Bay
17-May 7 nts £429 SAVING £140
07-Jun 7 nts £455 SAVING £191 

Dahab - Coralia Club
08-May 14 nts £665 SAVING £334
15-May 14 nts £665 SAVING £334
12-Jun 7 nts £449 SAVING £226

Yacht Savings (per person)

1 Week Flotilla	May	June	July	August	September	October
Ionian	£75	£25	£50	£25	£25	£25
Peloponnese	£50	£50	£50	£25	£25	£75
Dalmatian Coast		£100	£175	£150	£75	£75

 

2 Week Flotilla	May	June	July	August	September	October
Ionian	£175	£25	£100	£25	£25	£25
Peloponnese	£100	£25	£125	£100	£25	£100
Dalmatian Coast		£25	£175	£150	£125	£75

 

Stay and Sail	May	June	July	August	September	October
Nidri	£100	£25	£75	£100	£50	£50
Sivota
Porto Heli		£100	£25	£25	£75	£75
Korcula		£25	£175	£175	£150	£100

 

To take advantage of these great offers visit the watersports section on inspiringholidays.com

F1 Grand Prix Ticket-Only deals now on inspiringholidays.com

Inspiringholidays.com is pleased to announce that ticket-only deals are now available for Formula One Grand Prixs through worldticketshop.com.

With the F1 tour starting to hot up now’s the perfect chance to get out to cheer on Lewis Hamilton at one of the F1 events around the world.  To add to the existing F1 holiday packages on the Inspiring Holidays website we now have a number of ticket-only deals available through worldticketshop.com.

If you’re happy to sort out your own accomodation, hotels and meals then why not take advantage of the worldticketshop.com service and book your event tickets online.

For more information click on the inks below:
Valencia Formula One Grand Prix tickets
Singapore Formula One Grand Prix tickets
Monaco Formula One Grand Prix tickets
Italian Formula One Grand Prix tickets
Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix tickets
German Formula One Grand Prix tickets
French Formula One Grand Prix tickets
Canadian Formula One Grand Prix tickets
Chinese Formula One Grand Prix tickets
Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix tickets
British Formula One Grand Prix tickets
Belgian Formula One Grand Prix tickets

Why buy from worldticketshop.com
 - All prices including VAT
 - 120% order guarantee
 - Over 100,000 Customers Served
 - Secure Online Ordering
 - In Business since 1995

About worldticketshop.com
Worldticketshop.com is a private company that buys and sells tickets to all major music and sports events worldwide: from Celine Dion to Bruce Springsteen, from football to Formula 1. Worldticketshop.com is based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, the perfect high-tech location to offer you swift, first-rate service and prime seats to any event around the world. Basically, if there are tickets for sale, then they’ve got them!

How’s this for a funky activity holiday!?

Learn Spanish & learn to surf in Costa Rica.  Language & Surfing Course (10 Spanish group lessons & 10 Surf lessons per week) - Jaco Beach, Costa Rica with Cactus Languages. 

It’s not all about sitting in a classroom…picking up a language is as much about getting out there and doing it as it is about learning verb tables. Cactus Language & Activity courses are the perfect opportunity to combine language classes with a whole range of exciting activities, and Jaco Beach offers high quality Spanish instruction as well as World class surf and surfing instruction on a teacher:student ratio of 1:2 or 1:3. The surf lessons are suitable for surfers of all levels. Beginners receive personal instruction from qualified instructors so that they feel confident in the water. Advanced surfers are taken to World class local breaks with qualified instructors. Language courses are arranged around the tides to accommodate those taking the surfing lessons as well so class times vary from day to day.

Jaco Beach area is widely regarded as the most consistent surf in Costa Rica. The Spanish & Surf programme is offered year round in 1,2 or 4 week durations. Beginner Surf students will be introduced to the basics of paddling, standing and turning, along with wave selection and other fundamental skills. Those participants with previous experience are taken on guided surf sessions on the area of Jaco Beach and Playa Hermosa.

The Spanish classes schedule is subject to change and are based around the high tides.

See this holiday listing on the Inspiring Holidays Website

The 4 week Spanish & Surf programme includes:
- 2 hours of Spanish class and 1-2 hours of optional Spanish labs each day.
- Daily Surfing from Monday to Friday with surf-board, instructor/guide, and transportation included (2 hours per day)
- A kayak and snorkel trip, A nature hike, A waterfall hike (per fortnight)
- Accommodation in the residence.

Start dates:
Dates are available starting every Monday, excluding May-Aug where the start dates are limited. Please note that for June and July start dates the mimimum length of a booking is 2 weeks.

Summary Info
Testing Methods -  On first day
Age Range -  18 to 100
Average Class -  Size 4
Maximum Class -  Size 5
Nearest Airport -  San Jose

The School
The school was founded in 1997 with the aim of providing learning holidays for travellers in inspirational surroundings - something that’s easy to see with Jaco Beach’s stunning setting. Jaco is the quientessential language holiday school perfectly combining language learning with fun activities which allow you to make the mst out of beautiful Costa Rica. Spanish courses incorporate international Spanish teaching guidelines with Costa Rica’s local variations of the language and, while classes cover all aspects of Spanish, teachers place emphasis on developing students’ verbal skills.

All teachers are qualified, native speakers and classes are kept small to ensure personal attention and interaction among students. There are also optional ‘labs’ designed to reinforce the work covered in class through homework assistance, games, readings, conversation practice and lessons about Costa Rican history, culture and food. The new residence has excellent facilities including air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, zen garden, chill-out area complete with hammocks, a small pool to cool off in and wireless internet.

Jaco Beach is a nature-lover’s paradise, with its long golden beach, backdrop of forest and proximity to the rest of Costa Rica’s fertile landscape. Much of life here revolves around the beach, which you can’t avoid in Jaco. The beach’s central location makes it an ideal home base for travellers that want to explore. It’s known for its surf but even if that’s not for you there’s still plenty of fun to be had ther!

Please note that for June and July start dates the mimimum length of a booking is 2 weeks.

Important Information - Please note that single rooms in the schools residence are fully booked for January. Twin rooms are available. If you require a single room please choose the host family option.

See this holiday listing on the Inspiring Holidays Website

Best Time to Go - The climate is tropical and subtropical.
Dry season: December - April
Rainy season: May - November, cooler in highlands.

Activities
Daily Surfing (Monday-Friday)
Kayak/Snorkeling Trip
Nature Hike (2 and 4 week program only)
Waterfall Hike (4 week program only)
Travel Assistance Program
In addition to fantastic surf conditions, Jaco offers endless opportunities for water sports and other outdoor activities, as well as a bustling nightlife.  The school helps students organise many additional activities for the afternoons and weekends such as yoga, canopy tours, hang gliding, horseback riding, river rafting, massage, mud treatments, ATV tours, scooter and bike rental and sport fishing.

Airport Transfer Options  - San Jose - £0.00

Length (Weeks): 1 - 12
 
Price
Course Only  - From £289
Course with Host Family (Single, Breakfast + Dinner) - £379
Course with Student Residence (Single, No Meals) - £439
Course with Student Residence (Twin, No Meals) - £369

About Cactus
Cactus is an award-winning company and one of the world’s leading providers of language travel abroad and tailor-made language training. Established in 1998 in Brighton’s North Laine (See Map), we are proud to offer language courses in over 25 languages, and in some 45 countries and 150 destinations, worldwide.  At Cactus we are passionate about languages and lifelong learning and, as well as speaking some 12 languages between us, have personally visited all the locations we send our clients - often taking the language courses ourselves! This means we are consistently able to offer you, our clients, the highest levels of customer service, good value and enjoyment. And, unlike our competitors, there are no hidden costs as all registration fees and course materials are included in our prices.

See this holiday listing on the Inspiring Holidays Website

The Mosaic Studio join inspiringholidays.com

The latest holiday provider to join www.inspiringholidays.com is Leigh-on-Sea based ‘The Mosaic Studio’.

As their name would suggest they are specialists in the design, creation and installation of Mosaics.  And if you think Mosaics are all about bits of old Roman pottery then you really do need to check out their website to see some of the fantastic contemporary designs they have produced.

The Mosaic Studio has created a large body of work for private clients, corporate businesses and public spaces.  They range from small, intricate designs to large pieces that fill floors in shopping malls.

Paul Siggins, founder of The Mosaic Studio, is a skilled artist & craftsman. He combines innovative, contemporary design with over 20 years’ extensive technical knowledge - a combination which enables us to collaborate productively and successfully with architects & designers.

Paul has exhibited in London, France and the NEC. He was guest speaker at a gathering of International Mosaicists in France and is author of ‘The Mosaic Sourcebook’ . His work has featured in numerous national publications and he has contributed to a number of TV programmes.

If you’ve ever fancied learning to produce mosaics, or indeed if you want to develop existing skills then you’ll be interested to hear that The Mosaic Studio also offer a range of courses in this fascinating artform:

Weekend & 1 Day Courses
Informal, inspiring and highly rewarding, they offer 1 Day and Weekend Courses at their delightful purpose-built studio in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. They supply all the tools, materials and guidance you need to design and produce a challenging mosaic project. On completion, guests leave with their own mosaic work and are equipped with the confidence to tackle future projects on their own.

To maintain the highest standards of one-to-one tuition, they offer limited places and advise early booking.

Corporate & Group Workshops
Much can be achieved by a group working together. Whether you are looking to reward staff with a truly unique experience resulting in a sizeable artwork for siting in your office or grounds - or simply want to attend a course as part of a group, they offer tailored packages to suit groups of all sizes.

For more information on The Mosaic Studio and their Courses see their listing on the Inspiring Holidays website.

May 2008 Newsletter from www.inspiringholidays.com

Welcome to the May 2008 Newsletter
It’s been a hectic month here at Inspiring Holidays with a number of new holiday providers and tour operators coming on board.  We’ve been busy making sure their details are all online and up to date for you.  We’ve featured a few of them here in this newsletter.

Last month also saw the launch of the inspiringholidays.com blog which we encourage you to take a look at.  Details follow below.

Finally, our ‘In Focus’ section this month looks at sailing holidays.

Language Holidays from Cactus Languages
We’re pleased to welcome Cactus Languages on to the inspiringholidays.com website.

This Brighton-based travel company specialises in language holidays around the world.  What’s particlarly great about them is the fact you can combine learning a language with a range of different activity based holidays.  Here’s just a sample:
 - Learn Spanish & Surfing in Costa Rica
 - Learn French & the art of Provencal Cooking in France
 - Learn Italian & Opera in Italy
 - Learn Spanish & Salsa Dancing in Barcelona
 - Learn Spanish & Tango Dancing in Argentina

… & the list goes on including Yoga, Tennis, Sailing, Photography & more.  Of course, you’re free just to take a simple language course in French, Spanish, German or one of the many languages they cater for.

For more information check out our language holidays section

Motorsports Holidays From Page & Moy
We’ve recently updated our site with the full range of motorsports holidays from Page & Moy.

It is difficult to go back to 1961 and imagine the early days of Page & Moy some 45 years ago when 23 people travelled to the Le Mans 24 hour motor race! Since then the Company has gone from strength to strength and they are now one of the top tour operators in the UK.

You can now get straight to the heart of the action with Page & Moy’s excellent range of motor racing packages to Formula 1 championship races, the Monaco Historic race and the 24-hour Le Mans endurance race. Whether you’re a first-time traveller or seasoned pro, there is something here for you, with 13 major Grands Prix on offer, a wide choice of travel arrangements and great hotel options.

Visit our motor racing section now…

Rabbie’s Trail Burners
Rabbie’s Trail Burners provided small personalised group tours to the Scottish Highlands and Islands.  They provide a variety of tours including their famous 8 day Whisky Coast Island hopper tour which allows you to explore the natural beauty of the isles of Arran, Islay, Mull and Skye.

You can also experience malt whisky making, the secrets behind our local produce and the unrivalled wildlife.  Rabbies’s also have a Gold Green Tourism Business Award so you can be sure that your tour will have a positive impact on the local environment.

More information on Rabbie’s Trail Burner Tours

The All New Inspiring Holidays Blog
That’s right - Inspiring Holidays now has its own Blog.  On it you can find press release, in-depth articles, RSS feeds, interesting links and much more.  Please let us know if there’s anything else you would like to see on it and feel free to post a mesage - We’d love to have your feedback.

Visit the Inspiring Holidays Blog…

Focus on Sailing Holidays
Wikipedia describes sailing as “The art of controlling a sailing vessel.”  For anyone who has ever been sailing you’ll know that this just doesn’t do justice to the whole sailing experience.  Whether sailing small dinghys or large yachts sailing is always a full sensory experience.

The sport (or art) of sailing is sometimes seen as being relatively inaccessible, often because there is a perception that its’s costly to become involved.  It needn’t be.  There are sailing & yacht clubs all around the country who often hold open days and their members are always on the look out for crews to help out.

If you are looking to become a proficient sailor then look out for sailing schools who offer the Royal Yacting Associations’s (RYA) suite of courses.  If you can’t face the cooler waters of the UK then it may be worth considering learning to sail at one of the many RYA registered schools abroad.  The perfect place to learn to sail is obviously the Med with its warm waters, consistent winds and fantastic climate.

Here are some pointers if you are looking for a sailing school at home or abroad:

 - Be realistic about your capabilities.  Learn on a easy to control boat and, equally, choose a centre with conditions that will let you develop.

 - Are the family coming too?  Nothing is guaranteed to spread family disharmony if a non-sailing partner and children are stuck on a wind-swept beach with no facilities.  Choose a resort or holiday that has something for the whole family.

 - Facilities: Make sure that the holiday provider has up-to-date kit, trained, experienced staff and a good reputation.

If you’re interested in a sailing or watersports break then inspiringholidays.com has a wide range of holidays from different providers and in some fantastic locations.

Visit our watersports holidays section

And finally…
A dynamc duo from inspiringholidays.com are planning to walk up Scotland’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, to raise money for charity.  Robert & Nik Green (MD & Company Secretary respectively) are aiming to climb the mountain in late June.  If you’d like to sponsor us and raise money for some very worthy causes please see our blog for more information.

April 2008 Newsletter from www.inspiringholidays.com

Welcome to the April 2008 Newsletter
The clocks have gone forward and summer is nearly here!  In this month’s newsletter we’re focusing on all the little extras to help your summer holiday go swimmingly.  We’ve got some great deals on travel insurance, airport parking, clothes and more plus some special holiday deals and a focus on garden tours & holidays.

Recharge Yourself on a Yoga Holiday
More and more people are taking up yoga and pilates.  It’s a great way for people of all ages to keep fit and supple and also to provide a bit of balance in your life.  If you already enjoy yoga or would like to find out more then why not consider going on a yoga holiday.  We have a fantastic selection of holidays featured on our site in stunning locations in the UK and abroad. 

See yoga holidays…

The Open Road on Two Wheels
There’s nothing quite like the sensation of slowing winding your way through the countryside on a bicycle.  Cycling holidays are a great way of really getting to know a country, its sights and smells.  You can choose between guided and independent holidays with routes and dificulty levels to suit all levels. 

See cycling holidays…

Great Deals on Travel Insurance
Don’t leave home without it!  It’s vitally important to make sure you’re covered for all eventualities when you head off on holiday - even more so if you intend to take part in any physical activities.  Our travel insurance partner is Essential Travel who offer a range of different insurance packages via their simple to use website.

See Travel Insurance…

Cut a dash on holiday!
You’re off on holiday and you want to look good.  Check out the latest deals with our clothes partner, White Stuff.  Their mid season sale is currently on, offering great bargains across the range

Visit the White Stuff Website…

Flower Power
Here at Inspiring Holidays headquarters in Devon spring has well and truely sprung.  Daffs & primroses are everywhere and we even spotted a hedgerow of bluebells at the weekend (and it’s only the 1st April).  If, like a huge number of people across the UK, you’re potty about gardens and gardening then take a look at our selection of garden-themed holidays.  We have holidays to all the major UK flower shows plus tours to the Dutch bulbfields, Monet’s gardens in Giverny, France and much more.

See Garden tours & flower shows…

Great Deals on Airport Parking
It’s probably one of the least interesting aspects of your holiday (after travel insurance!) but you need to get your aiport parking right.  Our airport parking partner, Essential Travel, give you the ability to book airport parking at great rates at airports across the UK.

Visit the Essential travel website…

March 2008 Newsletter from www.inspiringholidays.com

March 2008 Newsletter
Welcome to the March Newsletter from Inspiring Holidays. 

This month we are focusing on holidays where the emphasis is on learning new skills or developing existing ones.  There’s something hugely satisfying about coming back from a holiday relaxed, reinvigorated and with a ‘new string to your bow’.  Featured below are links to cooking holidays, tennis-coaching holidays dance holidays and more.  Most of these are able to cater for complete beginners setting out for the first time all the way up to experts wishing to perfect their skills… Go on, give a new activity a go - you might surprise yourself!

Anyone for Tennis?
We have a range of tennis holidays available on our site.  For the ultimate in tennis coaching take at look at the amazing facilities available at the exclusive La Manga club in spain.  Alternatively, why not take some tennis lessons as part of a multi-activity holiday at a range of venues with Neilson or Crystal Active.

View tennis holidays…

Could you be the next Gordon Ramsay?
Cooking holidays are a fantastic way to really understand the culture of a country.  We have holidays on our site which not only teach you how to prepare exciting regional specialities but will show you the best markets, vineyards and restaurants. 

View cooking holidays…

Inspired by Strictly Come Dancing?
Do you want to learn how to dance like the celebrities on Strictly Come Dancing?  Take at look at our dancing holidays section for a range of dance styles and holiday locations - you can Salsa in Cuba, Flamenco in Cordoba or even Belly Dance in the Sahara!

View Dancing Holidays…

Like a Duck to Water…
Are you a bit bored with the standard bucket & spade beach holiday?  Ever dreamt of learning to sail or windsurf?  Well we have just the holidays for you!  Take at look at some of our dedicated watersports holidays from companies such as Neilson or Crystal Active.  You can choose to try your hand at a range of watersports activities such as sailing, windsurfing, sea-kayaking, wakeboarding, waterskiing and more.

View watersports holidays…

Focus on Dancing Holidays
Nobody knows when humans first started dancing but it was probably not long after the first caveman started banging an old bone on a rock to form a rhythm.   Ever since that day dancing has become a core part of cultural life around the world.  Different dance forms have developed to celebrate births, deaths, marriages, festivals, religion, spirituality and just plain having fun!

In Britain, up until the early 20th century and certainly before the 1950s and 60s most dancing was relatively formalised with established styles such as waltzes, foxtrots etc the norm.  Since the 50s more individual styles such as rock and roll, disco dancing etc have been in fashion.

However, the enduring appeal of classic TV shows such as ‘Come Dancing’ and the more recent success of programs such as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ have highlighted the huge interest in learning classic dance steps such as Salsa, Tango, Foxtrot, Polka, Ballroom, Jive, Jitterbug and more.  And what’s more it’s shown that learning to dance ‘properly’ isn’t just for the oldies – it’s great fun for the young and the young at heart.

A great way to learn to dance is to take an evening class.  These are available across the country – check local papers and websites for details.  However if you really want to immerse yourself in dance, either to learn from scratch or develop existing skills, than a dance holiday may be the answer for you.  For example, what better way to learn Salsa then to travel to its spiritual home Cuba.  Not only do you get to learn the moves but you experience the unique atmosphere and culture that gave birth to this vibrant dance style.  Likewise, if you really want to get to the heart of a dance like Flamenco then you just have to experience it in places such as Seville or Cordoba in Spain.

We have featured dancing holidays in a range of different styles and destinations on inspiringholidays.com.  Why not take the plunge and embark on a holiday of a lifetime where you not only learn new skills but experience unique and vibrant cultures as well.

View Dancing Holidays…

 

February 2008 Newsletter from www.inspiringholidays.com

Welcome to our February Newsletter
Well that’s January over and done with!  The snowdrops are already up and the first hints of spring are coming.

This is the busiest time of year for holiday planning so we hope we can make life that little bit easier for you.  Are you a bit stumped as to what to do this year - why not check out our ‘Be Inspired’ page for some ideas for inspirational activity holidays.  Alternatively, look at our ‘Holiday Themes’ page for a full listing of all the different types of activity holiday featured on the site.

We’ve also listed below some special offers from some of our holiday providers - you’ll have to be quick though as they are bound to be snapped up quickly.

Save up to £1850 per couple with Kuoni Travel
Kuoni Travel have some amazing offers running at the moment on spa holidays, ski holidays & escorted tours to China, Peru and Egypt.  

See offers on escorted tours
See offers on spa holidays
See offers on ski holidays

Savings of up to £120 with Warner Breaks
Warner Leisure Hotels provide a massive range of activities at hotels & resorts across England & Wales.  From dance holidays to painting holidays to learning how to fly fish they do it.  They currently have a number of special offers running with savings of up to £120 per person available.

Check out the Warner Leisure Hotels Special Offers

25% off Watersports Holiday in Greece with Crystal Active
Get your adrenaline pumping out on the water, or relax and unwind in the yoga pavilion - everything from the activities to your meals is included at Club Active Galini on the beautiful island of Lefkas in Greece.  And what’s more Crystal Active holidays are offering 25% off a 7 night holiday in June.

Find out more about this Crystal Active Special Offer

(Quote voucher code WB01 - valid until 13th Feb 200

Huge Savings from Neilson
Neilson are undoubtedly one of the premier providers of ski & snowboard holidays & watersports holidays.  They are currently listing some huge savings on holidays such as £101 off a ski/snowboard holiday in Risoul, France or £95 off a ski/snowboard holiday in Baronecchia, Italy.

Visit the Neilson Special Offers Page

Rail Travel the way it’s supposed to be…
We recently joined up with Venice-Simplon Orient Express to promote their range of luxury train journeys.  If you really want to treat yourself then a trip on the Orient Express is definitely for you.  The Orient Express name is synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and service for over 25 years.

Visit the Orient Express Website

Focus on Windsurfing Holidays
There’s not much that can beat the sensation of skimming across a warm blue Mediterranean sea on a windsurf board.  With your feet in the straps, your harness hooked in and your sail powered up, frankly life doesn’t get much sweeter!

Windsurfing, as we know it, has been around since the late sixties but developed rapidly during 1970s and 80s.  With advances in design & materials the sport has become much more accessible at the entry level but has also pushed the boundaries at the extreme sports level.

Learning to windsurf has a number of advantages.  It’s relatively cheap to get set up, it’s portable, it’s a sport that can be enjoyed by young and old, there’s a huge opportunity to develop new skills and you can do it in a wide range of weather conditions.

The only requirements for learning to windsurf are basic fitness, a good sense of balance and a willingness to ‘give it a go’.  For anyone interested in learning to windsurf we would recommend a few taster sessions, either at a beach, river or lake near home or whilst on holiday.  If the windsurfing bug then starts to bite then there are a large number of watersports holiday providers in this country and abroad who can help you progress whilst giving you a superb holiday at the same time.

If you’re interested in a windsurf holiday then there are a few things you need to think about:

Do you want a dedicated windsurfing holiday or are you looking a more general watersports holiday with other activities such as sailing or kayaking?

 - Be realistic about your capabilities.  Don’t go to an ‘extreme’ windsurf centre if you’re just learning and equally choose a centre with conditions that will let you develop.

 - Are the family coming too?  Nothing is guaranteed to spread family disharmony if a non-windsurfing partner and children are stuck on a wind-swept beach with no facilities.  Choose a resort or holiday that has something for the whole family.

 - Facilities: Make sure that the holiday provider has up-to-date kit, trained, experienced staff and a good reputation.

If you’re interested in a windsurfing or watersports break then inspiringholidays.com has a wide range of holidays from different providers and in some fantastic locations.

View Watersports holidays…
View Windsurfing holidays…
View Dinghy & Catamaran Sailing Holidays…

January 2008 Newsletter from www.inspiringholidays.com

Welcome to our January Newsletter
Happy New Year and welcome to the first inspiringholidays.com newsletter of 2008.  With the festive period over we’re straight into the January sales.  As you might expect we’ve brought you a number of enticing holidays to tempt you this year - ski and snowboard holidays from Neilson, walking holidays from Sherpa Expeditions and much, much more. 

Also, look out for special offers from some of our equipment and clothing partners - huge discounts are available across the board.

Have a great 2008 and make sure you do something inspiring!

Ski & Snowboard Offers From Neilson
Neilson are one of the most experienced wintersports operators in the business with over 25 years providing top quality holidays to the best locations.  This year they have some fantastic offers on lift passes, children’s ski-ing and equipment hire, not to mention last minute discounts on holidays. 

Check out our special offers page to see the latest deals

Walking & Trekking Holidays for all levels of experience
Shake off the effects of Christmas over-indulgence by booking a walking holiday - we have a huge range of holidays both home and abroad for all levels of fitness and intrepidness.  If you’re feeling particularly adventurous book a trip to Nepal through Sherpa Expeditions and you’ll receive a free kit bag.

Check out our selection of walking holidays

Will it be Lewis Hamilton’s Year?
Are you an F1 fan?  Do you think Hamilton can do it this year?  Why not help cheer him to victory?  We have a number of exclusive Grand Prix tours available either by executive coach or flying.

Check out our Formula One Grand Prix Holidays

Cycle Tours & Mountain Biking
If you prefer two wheels to four then check out our extensive range of cycling holidays.  You can be as energetic as you want - choose from leisurely cycling tours in France to high-octane mountain bike holidays in Greece or Turkey.

Take a look at Cycling & Mountain Bike Holidays

Remembering the Fallen
2008 is the 90th anniversary of the end of the Great War.  If you’re interested in the history of the great events that shaped our world then take a look at our range of battlefield & historical tours.  We have tours which capture the essence of both the great wars plus conflicts such as the Napoleonic wars or the Falklands conflict.

Take a look at battlefield & historical holidays

Blacks Sale - Up to 50% offIt’s January so it’s sales time.  Our outdoor equipment partner, Blacks, is offering up to 50% off selected ranges - but you’d be quick.  Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Take me to the Blacks Outdoor Equipment Sale

Focus On Train Holidays
Back in the Industrial revolution it was the development of the steam engine that gave rise to the relatively modern concept of holiday-making.  The linking of the great British cities and the coast meant that factory workers could now travel quickly, cheaply and efficiently to seaside resorts to enjoy their free time.  For over half a century trains became the principal mode of transport for going on holiday.  For many, the trips were cheap and cheerful but for others the golden age of railways represented the golden age of travel as well.

And then came the jet engine and cheap mass travel to foreign shores and somehow we managed to forget about the train.  Years of under-investment in our own national rail network provided even more disillusionment with a service that had once been the envy of the world.  However train travel is increasingly coming back into vogue, not only as a means to get from A to B but also as a holiday experience in its own right, and what’s more research has suggested that it’s a more environmentally-friendly way of travelling.

One only has to mention the name ‘Orient Express’ and you are instantly transported back to an age of elegance and style where ‘getting there’ wasn’t an ordeal but an integral part of the holiday.  In fact Orient Express trains & holidays are alive and well and still providing the ultimate in luxury train travel.  A number of Orient Express holidays are featured on the inspiringholidays.com website.

Although Orient Express represents the ultimate in train holidays there are in fact train holidays to suit all tastes and budgets.  And one of the great things about holidaying by train is that it opens up views and landscapes often unseen by other forms of transport.  In fact some train holidays such as the trans-Canadian railroad or cross-Australia route are consistently voted amongst the top travel experiences.

If you’re interested holidaying by train inspiringholidays.com features a range of train holidays in countries as diverse as Peru, India and Canada as well as luxury journeys around the British Isles.

View train holidays…

 

December 2007 Newsletter from www.inspiringholidays.com

Welcome to our December Newsletter
It’s December and the season of over-indulgence is nearly upon us!  However we’ve got some great ideas to get your New Year off to flying start.

Great deals on Wintersports Holidays
We have a huge selection of wintersports holidays across Europe & Canada.  Look out for special offers on ski and snowboard holidays from Neilson including free lift passes & equipment hire for children.

More on wintersports holidays…

Get Kitted out for the slopes
Our ski-wear partner Simply Piste have a huge range of wintersports clothes and accesories available from their online shop.  Get kitted out for the pistes now.

Visit the Simply Piste website…

Looking for something a little more relaxing?
Don’t fancy the thought of speeding down the side of a mountain?  Our selection of spa holidays and retreats will reinvigorate you in a much more sedate manner.

More on Spa Holidays & Retreats…

Are you planning a big trip this year?If you’re planning to head off somewhere exotic this year then make sure you do your research in advance.  Lonely Planet books are the authoritative guides to just about everywhere on the planet.  Visit the Loney Planet website for travel information and advice plus you can order the full range of lonely planet books online.

Visit the Lonely Planet website.