Julia’s House children’s hospice in Dorset is a dedicated team of volunteers that provide care to children who Dorset who have life-limiting conditions. The team consists of over 80 Nurses and Carers who are working to offer around the clock care for those children in need. After hearing about the hard work these volunteers do for our local children. I was excited to be able to offer on behalf of Worldwide Holidays my personal Antiguan villa, Villa North Shore as a perfect prize to offer at the recent Julia’s House ball. A whole weeks stay was offered as part of the winning prize which caused alot of excitement for the esteemed volunteers.

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We are extremely happy to announce that Worldwide Holidays has recently won the TTA Member of the Year award 2011 at the recent Strength & Vision conference held by the TTA in Barcelona. The award recognises Worldwide Holidays as a TTA member that has demonstrated great strength and vision not only this year, but for many years. Since founding the company in 1996 we have taken pride in ensuring our clients receive the absolute best customer service and protection for their exciting holiday experience. The Travel Trust Association (TTA) offers us the ability to ensure the best consumer protection system the market has to offer. We maintain our excellent relationship with the TTA to offer with 100 percent financial protection.

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This September I will be following up with another cycle challenge following last years Irish Charity Cycle challenge. This year I will be taking part in the Cahors Challenge with my team mates cycling 500 miles in relay from St Malo to Cahors in the Midi region of south western France. Over £3,600 was raised last year for charity and I hope we can beat that record this year. 100% of our teams’ sponsorship will go to worthy causes and is divided up as follows:

50% of what we raise will be donated to Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.

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Lonely Planet have put together a great article on the top 10 volcanic experiences in Ecuador. At number 1 they list Quito a city which is ideally situated for exploring the highlights of Ecuador, the city is currently located by an active volcano. Taking the tram up to 4000 meters you can be sure to spot some fascinating views.

Number 2 – Cotopaxi

Located in the Andes, the Cotopaxi volcano rises to a height of 19,347 feet above sea level. The Cotopaxi, which means “neck of the moon”, is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. With the last recorded eruption occurring as far back as 1904 the mountains are now very popular with climbers. Climbing the mountain takes about 6-7 hours and an incredible view can be enjoyed for those who manage to get to the top.

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Our specialist for Madagascar, Moreno Intranova who has recently returned from a fantastic trip to Northern Madagascar has been featured in the first Madagascar Tourist Board newsletter. The newsletter included an extract from Moreno’s Worldwide Holidays team journal which said:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Madagascar. They told me it was unique. It was just that! I found it most rewarding, interesting and the people were very friendly. My highlights were definitely meeting the lemurs, the beaches of Nosy Be Islands and also meeting the local people in their villages and learning more about their culture and way of life.”

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Yesterday the BBC reported that the jungles of northern Mullaitivu will be converted from a war-zone into a wildlife conservation for an array of animals including Sri Lankan elephants.  The area which is now being turned into a park is expected to open next year according to the Sri Lankan government which is great news for the environment as de-forestation?in the area was destroying some natural habitats of Sri Lanka’s exotic wildlife and species.

Sri Lanka’s mixture of culture, history and wildlife together with the local’s natural friendliness, make it one of the most special holiday destinations in the world. From white water rafting, trekking to the relaxing treatments of Ayurveda, you can be sure to find something of interest in this unique country.

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We would like to wish Sam lots of luck with her studies. Sam is now studying to be a Midwife at Bournemouth University – although we are very sad to lose her, we are pleased she will still be working with us on a part time basis.  Sam has so much experience and knowledge in the areas where she specialized and we are really pleased she will be able to use this while she is studying.  Good luck Sam!

Sam at the Anjajavy Oasis in Madagascar

Worldwide Holidays Managing Director, Helen Baillie will soon be travelling to Barney Castle in Ireland to take part in the 2010 Irish cycle challenge for charity. Helen’s group will be cycling for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust www.weld-hospice.org.uk an independent charity based in Dorchester and ‘Kick Asthma for Kids ‘ www.asthma.org.uk which allows children to experience in a controlled environment an outward bound holiday of a life time.

We’ll be keeping an eye on Helen’s progress as she updates us from Ireland. If you want to keep up with the groups progress check back throughout the next few days on this blog or follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/wwholidays) for updates!

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Cruising Costa Rica

We are very excited to have the magnificent Tall ship the Star Clipper sailing along the coast of Costa Rica this winter – it will be an amazing relaxing way to visit Costa Rica and the neighboring countries and within Costa Rica explore national parks not accessible by road.

It was my task to go and check-out the ship, such a hard job!   So, we headed of for a short cruise.  I love sailing so was very excited.  We set sail out of Athens port to the sounds of  ‘Vangelis’ playing and the crew on deck ready to host the sails in the evening breeze, very dreamy.

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On the 30th September 2010 I will be taking part in the 2010 Irish Cycle Challenge. In two teams of four ladies we will cycle in relay over 500 miles in three days from Blarney Castle in south west Ireland to Dublin and aim to raise a minimum of £2000 for charity. 

50%  of the money raised will go to ‘Cancer Research UK’ and the ‘British Heart Foundation’, 25% to ‘Weldmar Hospicecare Trust’ and 25% to ‘Kick Asthma for Kids’.

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust www.weld-hospice.org.uk is an independent charity based in Dorchester and their services are provided free of charge. 70% of the funds they need is raised locally; the rest is given by the NHS. The trust supports people in Dorset affected by cancer and other life-limiting diseases. We have chosen the Weldmar Hospice for the loving and caring support they gave to our team member Julie and her family when Julie’s brother, Steve, was in their care.  Julie says “Steve died at the age of 37 and, although its the most painful thing I have been through, I dont know how we would have coped without their amazing support.”

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