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Cayman Islands, Which Island Is The Best?

December 19, 2019 News Comments Off on Cayman Islands, Which Island Is The Best?
Cayman Islands, which is best

Where are the Cayman Islands located?

The Cayman Islands are a dependency of the United Kingdom and are located in the western Caribbean, Northwest of Jamaica and South of Cuba.

How is the weather in the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands has a tropical climate meaning it is hot all year round. Average temperatures range between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius making it ideal for sun any time of the year. The best time of year to visit the Cayman Islands is between November and April as there is less rainfall in this time and it is slightly cooler so you can explore the islands.

What to do on the Cayman Islands?

Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore diverse wildlife or even try deep sea fishing, this is the place for you. Just like with any location with so much to see and only a limited amount of time, it can be hard to choose what you want to see. This is even harder because everything is separated across 3 islands. Each island has something different to offer, if you can I would recommend visiting them all. With that been said, that is not always possible, due to time or money constraints. That leaves you with the question, which Cayman Island should I visit?

Grand Cayman

Long sandy beaches that lie next to pearlescent blue water, fused with the culture and history of Grand Cayman, makes it an amazing place to visit. If you love nature you will love stingray city, where you can come face to face stingrays and not just one, hence the name. The Cayman turtle centre is a great place to visit as a family and is the largest land-based attraction in the Cayman Islands, with over 500,00 annual visits. As well as just turtles you can find other wildlife including birds and predators. There are several scuba diving and snorkelling spots throughout the island, in which you can enjoy the wildlife that inhabits the island and the surrounding waters. The cherry on top is that you can enjoy duty free shopping while at Grand Cayman and get a bargain on a big brand.

Cayman Brac

This island is off the beaten track, with sinkholes and limestone caves that are surrounded by clear waters that make it perfect for diving. Various hiking trails will take you to unique flowers, reptilian habitats and an array of historic sites. The island is home to endangered parrots, brown boobies and peregrine falcons, if you are an avid birdwatcher, you will be in your element here. As well as this, Cayman Brac is a popular launch point for deep sea fishing excursions, with such a variety of fish to catch this is the perfect spot for any fisher.

Little Cayman

Only 10 miles long and just 1-mile wide, Little Cayman is the smallest of the 3 islands. Due to its small size there is less than 300 people who live on the island. Sandy beaches line the perimeter of the island and the only sound is that of the wind as it passes through the palm trees. You can’t get much closer to a paradise, if you need a change of pace and want to relax in peace and quiet this is the place to be. If you like diving you will love the 5,000ft deep dive that is Bloody Bay Wall, home to many species this is an experience you won’t forget. 3 islands not enough for you? When visiting Little Cayman, you can jump in a Kayak and visit the unofficial 4th Cayman Island, Owen Island.

How To Travel Around The Different Cayman Islands?

If you visit the largest and most popular of the 3 islands, Grand Cayman, you are in luck, Grand Cayman is the only one out of the three islands that we can offer car hire. On Grand Cayman we have several offers that you can benefit from, these offers are:

Should you plan to visit the 2 other islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman there are several other transportation methods, this includes but not limited to:

  • Bus Service
  • Hire A Bike or Scooter
  • Taxi
  • Local car rental

Whatever method you choose to explore the Cayman Islands it is always best to research before you go. If you need to book anything it is best to do so in advance if possible.

Hopefully this blog helps you decide which island best suits your ideal holiday or maybe you are lucky enough to visit all of them. If you choose to visit Grand Cayman and would like to hire a car, we have got you covered. If you would like to book car hire, please contact us to ensure you get the best deal. You can get in touch with us via call, email or by using the live chat function.

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Hiring A Car In Latvia With Winter Tyres

December 13, 2019 News, Winter, winter car rental Comments Off on Hiring A Car In Latvia With Winter Tyres
Hiring A car in Holland with Winter Tyres

About Latvia

Latvia is a location not many people would consider when choosing where to visit. However, last year 3.5 million people did choose Latvia and although less popular than some countries there is still lots to do and see. Churches, Cathedrals and a huge palace are just a few of the things you can expect to see if you visit Latvia. There are several options if you are looking to go skiing while in Latvia and one of the resorts is home to the only bobsleigh run in eastern Europe, give it a go if you dare.

To experience the slopes in full potential it is best to visit in Winter. If you decide to visit in Winter, it is important to know the laws of the country you are driving in. We have done all the hard work for you by gathering all the information and fitting it into this blog.

Do I Need Winter Tyres In Latvia?

Yes, between 1st December and 1st March, it is a legal requirement to have your car fit with Winter Tyres. As this is required by law, if you hire within this time period, your car will be fit with winter tyres as standard and the full price of your rental with reflect this.

Do I Need Snow Chains In Latvia?

No, you are not required by law to carry snow chains, therefore the suppliers we work with do not offer snow chains available for hire.

What else do I need to consider?

If you plan to go skiing while you are in Latvia, you will need a way to transport your skis. Unfortunately, none of our suppliers can provide a ski rack when you book. Alternatively, we suggest that you hire a larger car to make more room to fit your skis.

You may have booked cross border car hire and plan to travel to one or several of the surrounding countries. If this is you, make sure you have researched the laws of any country you plan on visiting. If you require anything extra, make sure you add this when booking or make alternative arrangements before you enter the country. If you fail to meet the laws of a country, you could end up in trouble with the local law enforcement and your insurance could be void.

We always think it is best to call us if you would like to hire a car, especially if you have exact requirements. Our team of experts are always happy to help with your questions and concerns to make your car hire easier than ever before. Get in contact with us today!

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Debit Card Car Hire Ukraine

December 9, 2019 Debit Card Car Hire News, News, Ukraine Comments Off on Debit Card Car Hire Ukraine
Debit card car hire Ukraine

About Ukraine

Ukraine is nested in between several countries in Eastern Europe. The country spans over 600,000 square kilometers making it the largest country that lies entirely in Europe. In the summer many people jet off to the warm weather to the likes or Spain or Portugal, however Ukraine makes a great alternative. There is plenty to do, with the Motherland Monument, the Medieval Golden Gate and not to mention the countless ornate churches like you have never seen before. All that and in the Summer, you can expect the temperature to lie between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal to explore the sites.

As Ukraine is such a large country, there is bound to be plenty of travelling between visiting attractions, due to this, we think it is best to hire a car. A car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and not be tied to public transport times. You never know what a city has to offer and some places you may only spend a couple of hours whereas others you may want to spend the full day there, but you may not know until you arrive.

Debit Card Car Hire Ukraine

We have been looking for offers that we can arrange in Ukraine to help make car hire more accessible and bring the prices down. After some time, we managed to arrange one of our most popular deals at several locations across Ukraine. We are pleased to announce that we can now offer debit card car hire in Ukraine, providing that your card meets the restrictions set by the supplier. These restrictions can be confusing therefore we ask that you contact our team to find out if your card is eligible.

Where Can I Hire A Car Without A Credit Card In Ukraine?

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What other deals can I get in Ukraine?

We also managed to arrange a few other offers to help you get cheap car hire in Ukraine. If you plan to use any of these offers, we always suggest you contact us directly before booking. The reason for this is that all suppliers have the same offers available, so it is important we place you with the best supplier for you needs.

Young Driver Car Hire – Hiring a car as a driver when you’re under 25 years old can be hard. We have arranged an offer that allows drivers to hire a car from the age of 23 given that you have held your licence for at least 2 years.

Free Additional Driver– Driving isn’t the most enjoyable part of the holiday, especially for the driver. Take stress off the designated driver and add an additional driver for free so you can share the driving.

As previously mentioned, if you would like to book car hire in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world for that matter, we recommend you contact us today. Our expert team will make sure you understand the whole process to ensure you have a stress-free car hire experience.

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Market Magic: Find The Best Christmas Markets In Europe This Festive Season

December 4, 2019 Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, News, Poland, UK Comments Off on Market Magic: Find The Best Christmas Markets In Europe This Festive Season
Christmas Markets Europe

Best Christmas Markets In Europe

With the year slowly drawing to a close and the festive season creeping up on us, cities across the world are decking their halls and trimming their trees in preparation for one of the best-loved Christmas traditions there is – the Christmas market.

With so many stunning locations across the globe offering their take on the traditional Christmas market, it can be hard to choose where to head for a festive break and a chance to grab those extra special gifts. Some of the most popular locations are in central Europe, including the site of the first ever Christmas market – this means not only are they a great way to fit in a city break before the holidays, they’re also relatively cheap and cheerful for travel, stays and shopping. We also offer our car rental services in every single one of these locations, giving us the ability to help make your travel even simpler. To make the hustle and bustle of travelling through the holidays just that little bit easier, we’ve put together a list of the top Christmas markets in Europe to help you decide where to visit next – all that’s left for you to do is work on that Christmas list!

Vienna, Austria

Home of the first ever Christmas market held all the way back in 1289, Christmas in Vienna is the product of centuries of tradition – but that doesn’t mean it’s old fashioned. During the holiday season, Vienna is home to more than 20 different stalls offering everything from traditional homemade gifts and Christmas decorations, to fresh local foods and hot mulled wine to keep you cosy while you shop.

The Viennese Dream Christmas market is definitely the main attraction of the festive season – set against the backdrop of the beautiful City Hall and offering ‘creative workshops’ for children to make their own special gifts and post their wish lists, it’s the perfect Christmas getaway for the family.

With flights from the UK starting at £80 and hotels in the area from £80 for a long weekend (based on two sharing) it is slightly on the higher end in terms of budget, but if you’re looking to lose yourself in festive tradition then Vienna is definitely the spot for you.

The Viennese Dream Christmas market is open 10am-10pm, 15-26 December
Admission cost – FREE

Prague, Czech Republic

With nativity, choirs and angels galore, Prague’s Christmas market in the Old Town district is the cornerstone of everything advent – if you’re after winter wonderland, then look no further. Surrounded by a backdrop of Prague’s beautiful gothic architecture, the rustic wooden huts of the Old Town Square market are the perfect place to pick up one of a kind gifts and experience some cosy Christmas magic at the same time. You’ll be able to find traditional wooden toys, handmade jewellery and delicate Christmas decorations to name just a few, so you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone. Mostly known for its twinkling lights and delicious food and drink, Prague’s Old Town market also has a petting zoo for younger children, and daily tree-lighting ceremonies that are held every hour from 16:30.

Return flights from the UK to Prague in December start at around £60, with hostels near to the markets starting as low as £30 for a long weekend (based on 2 guests) or a cosier, quieter hotel room setting you back just £50 for the weekend, Prague is definitely a good location if you’re looking for a classic Christmas trip with more money saved for the presents!

Prague’s Christmas markets are open every day from 30 November – 06 January, with the lights switched on in Old Town Square every hour from 16:30 – 21:30
Admission cost – 25 CZK (approx. 0.85 GBP)

Berlin, Germany

German Christmas markets, or chriskindlmarkt, are the ones that we in the UK most associate with the festive season, as these magical markets are where ours take most of their inspiration from. Although they’re not the origin of the Christmas market they are arguably the most famous, so it’s a no brainer that they’re one of the most popular locations for a festive break.

There are over 70 markets to choose from in Berlin alone, the largest of which is the WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt. Not only is it the perfect place to pick up creative gifts such as blown glass and origami; there is also an array of theatrical and dance performers to enjoy. Popular for its varied entertainment, beautiful backdrop and delicious food, this is the perfect place to visit if you want your experience to be something a little out of the ordinary.

At this time of the year Berlin is fairly middle range in terms of cost – a return flight from the UK to Berlin will set you back around £75. however the accommodation is a little on the pricier side, with hostels from around £50 and hotels from £90 for 3 nights.

The WeihnachtsZauber Christmas Market is open 11am – 10pm daily, 25 November – 31 December (closed at 6pm on Christmas Eve, and 1am on New Year’s Eve)
Admission cost – 1 EUR

Christmas Markets

Gdasnk, Poland

If you’re looking for some Christmas market magic on a tighter budget, then Gdansk’s picturesque market in Old Town is the perfect festive getaway that doesn’t break the bank.

This traditional attraction has everything you could want in a Christmas market, from cosy handmade woollen scarves and gloves to sledding competitions and a Christmas lights ceremony from Santa himself. The market also features their traditional Christmas fair, which boasts new attractions every year – this year visitors can enjoy a 2-level carousel and food court with traditional mulled wine, hot cider and delicious Polish food.

As well as visits from Santa and his elves for younger visitors, you can also expect light shows and carol performances to entertain you while you take in the sights, along with an ice skating rink within the market itself – what better way to enjoy the twinkling lights and festive spirit?

This is definitely the cheapest option for those looking to travel on a budget – flights from the UK are just £35, with hostels as cheap as £35 for 3 nights and hotels from just £50 GBP.

The Christmas Market and Fair are open 11am-7pm daily, 01 – 23rd December
Admission cost – FREE

Copenhagen, Denmark

Home of hygge and famous for its dedication to all things calming and comfy, Denmark is the perfect place to visit for a cozy Christmas break. Copenhagen certainly seems like the city with everything to offer over the holiday season – from a festive theme park at Tivoli Garden’s Christmas market, to a twinkling kayak parade, you’ll never be short of new experiences in this city that really does take Christmas to the next level.

Copenhagen was also home to storyteller Hans Christian Anderson – and of course, there is a Christmas market dedicated entirely to bringing his fairy tales to life. With a unique theme to each stall named after a classic fairytale, this old fashioned market is a magical experience that’s not to be missed.
If you’d prefer a more traditional market with a cosy Copenhagen backdrop, head over to Nyhavn’s Christmas market; situated right by the harbour it’s the perfect place to lose yourself in the city, with its cobbled streets and some of the oldest architecture in Copenhagen.

It’s no surprise that with its wealth of tradition and extensive list of must-see experiences, Copenhagen is one of the most expensive places to visit at this time of year. Flights start from around £55, however accomodation is on the pricier side, with hostels upwards of £100 and hotels from £160 for a long weekend – however if you’re looking for rich tradition and the cosiest of Christmases, Copenhagen is definitely the city for you.

Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market is open now – 05 January, from 11:00-23:00 Sun-Thurs, and 11:00-midnight Fri-Sat
Admission cost – 110 DKK (approx. 12.60 GBP)

Manchester, UK

Looking for something a little closer to home? Here in the UK we have a long list of great Christmas markets, but none quite as impressive as Manchester.

Voted the best in the UK, Manchester’s award-winning Christmas markets are spread across the city with over 300 stalls to tempt you into the festive spirit. The market is host to a range of suppliers, both local businesses and those from across Europe, so there’s certainly no shortage of stocking fillers to be found. Manchester’s Christmas markets are also famous for their food – with everything from a traditional Bratwurst to more exotic dishes like fresh paella and chorizo rolls from Little Spain and a range of vegetarian options, it’s festive street food at its best.

Albert Square is always the main attraction, with stalls in other various locations across the city. Cathedral Gardens is home to a family-friendly activities hub – this features an ice rink, and the stunning Ice Village with ice sculptures and an ice slide for children – but Santa’s grotto is guaranteed to be the main attraction. This year, Manchester’s markets will also be home to a Tiki Ice Bar serving delicious cocktails –perfect for those who aren’t too keen on the traditional mulled wine, but still fancy a festive tipple.

If you’re based in the UK, Manchester is easy to reach from almost anywhere, and transport is relatively cheap. Hotels in the centre start from £85 for 3 nights, so you can stay close to the festivities without breaking the bank.

Manchester Christmas Markets are open now – 21/22 December, 10:00 – 21:00
Admission cost – FREE

Manchester Christmas Market

So if you’re looking a quick festive getaway this year, there’s no shortage of stunning Christmas markets across Europe to get you into the yuletide spirit – whether it’s picking up last minute gifts or losing yourself in the hustle and bustle of a sparkling city, our top holiday markets are guaranteed to be exactly what you’re looking for.

If you’re heading away and looking to make your trip that little bit easier in the hectic run up to Christmas, why not treat yourself to a hire car to make exploring a new city simpler? Here are Indigo we offer rental services in all of these locations and many more – get in touch with our team to find out more about Christmas car hire.

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Exchanging Your UK Licence For An Overseas One

December 3, 2019 News, UK Comments Off on Exchanging Your UK Licence For An Overseas One
Exchanging Driving Licence

Exchanging your UK licence for an overseas one – is it necessary, and can I hire a car during the process?

With Brexit constantly looming ahead there is a lot of uncertainty currently among expats when it comes to hiring a car back in the UK – do you need to swap your licence over to your country of residence, do you need to keep the UK one, and can you hire a car whilst in the process of switching it over? Hopefully we can clear this up for you below.

Can I keep my UK licence?

So, first of all, why shouldn’t you just keep your current UK licence, and why would having a UK licence affect your ability to rent a car? Well the main reason is that with a UK licence, a large majority of suppliers do something called an electronic address check upon arrival – this involves checks such as your current address matching your licence, paying council tax at that address and being on the electoral roll. Now as you can imagaine, if you are living abroad you are practically guaranteed to fail this check, and if you do fail the supplier wouldn’t release the car to you, possibly leaving you stranded at the airport. With an overseas licence though you bypass these checks, as long as you have some proof of your return flights with you, such as a boarding pass. Depending on the country you’ve moved to also there are often restrictions to keeping a UK licence there once we’ve left the EU, feel free to check the government website for a breakdown on this.

Am I able to rent a car whilst my licence is being switched over?

With wait times at all time high from the Brexit backup, it’s very possible that you may be facing weeks without a licence while it’s being switched over, and may very well need to hire a car within this period. This can be quite a tricky area as essentially at this point your licence is in limbo, it’s not as easy as a simple DVLA check that we can do with a lost licence / expired photocard. Luckily though we have managed to arrange a solution for this with one of our suppliers, you would just need to ensure you have some extra ID with you:

  • Photocopy of your previous UK licence
  • Passport for photo ID
  • Old licence number and National Insurance number
  • Proof of flights in / out of the UK (if flying in and out)

This option is available at all the major airports in the UK and Ireland, as well as most major cities also – just make sure you contact us directly for this as you cannot arrange it online, you can contact us over the phone on +44 (0)1138800748, or feel free to email us too to sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk.

Is there anything else I should know about switching my licence over?

There are a few other things to be aware of in relation to international permits and driving history carrying over. If you are switching to an EU licence then you have nothing to worry about – all EU licences are accepted without an IDP (international driving permit), and your driving history carries over too so you should see your original licence issue date on the back of your new licence. If it’s a non-EU licence though this can be a little trickier.

You may need an IDP depending on the country, if the licence is in English or a Latin language then you will be fine without one, for example a US / AU licence will be accepted by itself, but if you’re switching it to a country with a non-Latin language though, like Arabic or Cyrillic for example, you would need an IDP to rent back in the UK. Generally, your driving history will not carry over also if you’re switching it to a non-EU country – this means it will be treated as a new licence to the car rental suppliers, most of which require at least a year since the pass date on the licence before they can rent to you. If this does apply to you though we do have a specialist option for new drivers across the UK which you can find more info by getting in touch with our team.

If you have any further questions at all regarding this or need any clarification at all feel free to contact us via the same means mentioned before – over the phone on +44 (0)1138800748, or email on sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk, we’ll be more than happy to help!

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Best Towing Vehicles Available To Hire

November 27, 2019 News, Tow Bar Comments Off on Best Towing Vehicles Available To Hire
Best towing vehicles available to hire

As more and more people decide to stick to ‘staycations’ Caravanning is becoming more and more popular. In addition there is a rise of people getting into DIY, causing a surge in trailer sales. Not to mention that cycling is on the up and if you want to take your bikes anywhere then you will need a bike rack.

All of the above have one thing in common, the need to have a tow bar fitted to your vehicle. Towbars can be an expensive addition to your car but for a lot of people its a worth while expense. But what happens if you suddenly find your vehicle off the road and need a replacement. We have you covered, we now have a national supplier offering some of the Best Towing Vehicles Available To Hire. If you need a hire a vehicle with tow bar for any reason make sure you contact our team and we can get you on the road.

Audi Q7 Tow BarAudi Q7

The Audi Q7 is the perfect blend of style and practicality, with 7 seats in the car there is plenty of room for passengers and luggage. In typical Audi fashion, the car looks stunning and is well built inside and out. The Q7 comes in a range of engine sizes, the most powerful been the SQ7 which has over 400 horsepower. Nevertheless, whichever model you go for you will definitely have enough power even with a full car and your caravan on the back.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak

The Ford Ranger is a towing machine, with the ability to tow up to 3500kg, there isn’t much this beast won’t tow. The ranger has a ground clearance of over 20 cm and is capable of wading waters of up to 80cm. Whatever your journey throws at you the award winning pick-up will not let you down.

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is an SUV with 7 seats so if you have a larger than average family plus a dog, cat and a rather large kitchen sink then this is the tow car for you. Volvo are now renowned for there SUV’s almost as much as their estate cars, so if you are looking for something that has been made to work then this is the one.

Mercedes GLCMercedes GLC

Mercedes never fail to impress with the luxury interior and eye catching exterior of their cars. The Mercedes GLC is no different, ride in comfort and style without sacrificing practicality. The standard 550 litre boot space can be expanded to 1600 litres when the seats are folded, leaving you with more than enough room to carry what anything you need.

Volkswagen Sharan

The VW Sharan might not be the first car that comes to mind when you think of a towing vehicle. However, with a healthy minimum of 1800kg towing capacity, the Sharan is capable of towing most trailers or an average size caravan. All that and plenty of room for a large group or family, with 7 seats the Sharan is the ideal car for a caravan holiday.

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Car Hire In Finland With Winter Tyres

November 24, 2019 Finland, News, Winter, winter car rental Comments Off on Car Hire In Finland With Winter Tyres
Hiring A car in Holland with Winter Tyres

About Finland

Finland attracted nearly 7 million tourists last year, with walking trails, impressive cathedrals and it is even home to Santa. There is plenty to see and with a lot of ski resorts it’s easy to tie in visiting Santa with your skiing holiday.

Finland is at its best in Winter,if you are hiring a car at this time of year, you need to make sure you are abiding by the laws. To give you peace of mind we have collated all the information you will need to know when hiring a car in Winter and compiled it into one blog. Below is all the information you will need to know about winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks.

Is it a legal requirement to have winter tyres in Finland?

Yes, it is a legal requirement to have winter tyres equipped between 1st December and 1st March. If you hire a car, the good news is that you don’t have to worry about what tyres your vehicle has. Suppliers will fit all cars with winter tyres in the months that they are legally required and the cost of this will already be included in the full price of your rental.

Do I need snow chains in Finland?

No, it is not a legal requirement to carry snow chains when you are driving in Finland. For this reason, we do not have snow chains available to rent when you book your car.

What Else Do I Need To Consider?

If you are going to be bringing your skis with you, you will need to find a way to transport your skis wherever you go. The easiest way to do this is to rent a ski rack when you book, this costs 100 EUR for the duration of the rental. Ski racks can only hold 2 sets of skis, if you need to carry more than 2 sets, it might be easier to hire a larger vehicle and keep the rest of the skis in the car. If you have any questions regarding ski car hire, do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.

If you plan to make use of our cross border car hire offer, make sure that you research the laws of any country you are going to travel in. Any extra requirements must be made when booking the car or you must make alternative arrangements before you reach the country. If you do break the law in another country it could cause your insurance to be void and you might end up getting in trouble with the local law enforcement.

We always think it is best to call us if you would like to book a car, especially if you have specific needs for your car hire. Our team of experts are more than happy to help with any questions to make sure you have the smoothest car hire experience possible. Contact us today!

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Top 5 Ski Locations In USA & Canada

October 16, 2019 Canada, News, USA Comments Off on Top 5 Ski Locations In USA & Canada
Top 5 Ski Locations In USA & Canada

Ski Season

It is getting close to the time of year where it’s time to pack your bags and get wrapped up to enjoy a holiday of skiing. I have previously written a blog on the top 5 ski location in Europe, but I felt USA and Canada have so many amazing ski resorts they deserved their own blog. With that being said, here are my top 5 ski locations in USA & Canada.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride has a beautiful setting, and with 170 inches of snow mixed with 240 says of sun every year, it makes it ideal for skiing. The skiing facilities live up to the location, with many lifts that take you to various slopes, including the longest, Galloping Goose, which consists of 4.6 miles of terrain to ski down. If you are feeling adventurous and want to push yourself why not try out heli-skiing, where a helicopter will take you to places that the lifts can’t reach. Alternatively, you can try something brand new with the kids, Snowbiking is available here.

How to get to Telluride, Colorado

There are several airports at different distances away. For the majority you are looking at between 1 and 3 hours travel at the other side before you reach the mountain village. One of the best ways to complete this journey is by hiring a car. We offer ski car hire at a lot of airports; this means you will have everything you need to keep you safe when driving in the snow. Please check out the airports below to find out which suits your travel needs best.

Montrose-Telluride Regional Airport (MTJ) – 75 minutes journey
Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) – 15 minutes journey
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – 2 1/2 hours journey
Durango-La Plata Regional Airport (DRO) – 2 1/2 hours journey

Lake Louise Mountain, Alberta

Lake Louise Mountain is a ski resort in the Canadian Province of Alberta. The resort itself lies in Banff National Park which has been accredited as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which already makes this a great location to ski. With over 4,200 acres that spread across 4 different mountain faces each having runs for beginner, intermediate and experts, there will be certainly be something for you. The resort has over 140 runs in total with the longest one lasting for five miles, so you can take in the natural beauty that surrounds you as you rush down the mountainside.

How to get to Lake Louise Mountain, Alberta

With only 1 obvious airport to fly to, the choice is easy. There is a 1 hour 30-minute journey once you land which takes you along scenic roads. The best way to take in all the scenery and stop off for pictures when you want is to travel independently with your own car. We can supply you with car hire, just get in contact with our team and we will help you find the best offer for your needs.

Calgary International Airport (YYC) – 1 ½ hours journey

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana

Whitefish Mountain Resort is in the Western state of Montana. This resort has runs that start from the top of mountains in which you can enjoy a 365-degree views including the Glacier National Park. The area is full of welcoming locals and in the Winter, you can easily grab yourself a bargain on your hotel. Across the 105 trails that are serviced by 11 lifts, you will find a lot of crowd-free space to ski as you wish on the runs. If you go at the right time of year you can enjoy night skiing where you can take to the slopes at night and ski under the lights.

How to get to Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana

There are a couple of airports in the nearby area, with one been significantly closer. Depending on where you are flying from, one may be easier to fly to than the other. Whichever you decide to fly to, it might be a good idea to hire a car. This way you can get to your accommodation at your own pace and have the freedom to explore the surrounding areas while you are there.

Missoula International Airport (MSO) – 2 ½ hours journey
Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) – 30-minute journey

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Whistler Blackcomb is in the Westernmost Canadian Province, British Columbia. With over 8,000 acres of terrain, including 240 marked runs, 16 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, that can be reached by 36 lifts. In fact, there is so many runs you can ski for a full week without touching the same run twice. Better still, you can ski here year-round meaning you can even ski in June and July. There is a good mix of runs ranging from complete newbie to expert, meaning whatever your skill level there is something for you. After a long day skiing, there is many après-ski options including great bars and excellent restaurants.

How to get to Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

There are 3 options, with 1 of the options been a lot further away and including a border crossing. However, it is up to you to decide what will suit your holiday the best. Once you are at any of the airports, you will need a method of transportation to get to Whistler itself. There are some shuttles, but if you want to be independent and have the freedom to stop off where you like, you can hire a car. We offer ski car hire at many airport locations, this includes snow chains, ski racks and GPS to help you find your way. If you are interested in hiring a car for your skiing holiday, please get in touch with our team.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – 2 hours journey
Bellingham International Airport (BLI) – 2 ½ hours journey
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 4 hours journey

Big White, British Columbia

Another ski resort found in the Canadian Province of British Columbia. This resort is the largest ski-in/ski-out village meaning you can set off and return to the village, all without taking off your skis. The area is well known for powder skiing and with 2,765 acres of ski area there is lots to practice on. Due to its location and the amount of snow that falls there is a lot of snow for most of the year. The resort also boasts night skiing facilities and with over 83 acres of snow under the lights, it is Western Canada’s largest night skiing resort. Aside from the slopes, there is a host of activities for the kids and adults too so you will never be short of stuff to do.

How to get to Big White, British Columbia

There are only 2 airports nearby the Big White resort, with one been a lot closer. If you are travelling from Europe, the chances are you will need to get a connecting flight. Once you land at the airport of your choice, you will need a method of transportation. You can either, use the shuttle from Kelowna Airport or hire a car. If you wish to hire a car, please contact our team to discuss your travel arrangements in order to let us secure the best deal for you.

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) – 1 hour journey
Kamloops Airport (YKA) – 3 hours journey

If you decide to visit any of these resorts or anywhere else for that matter, we have your car hire covered. We offer ski car hire at various locations across the USA and Canada, we can provide car hire with the following…
– 4×4’s
– Winter Tyres
– Ski Rack
– GPS
– Snow Chains
Unfortunately, not everything listed above is available at every location. We recommend that you call or email us prior to making your booking, this allows us to find you the best deal for what you need.

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Top 10 Winter Sun Locations In Europe

October 14, 2019 Cyprus, France Offers, Greece, Italy, Malta, News, Portugal News, Spain, Turkey Comments Off on Top 10 Winter Sun Locations In Europe
Top 10 Winter Sun Locations In Europe

As the temperature drops here in the UK, it doesn’t take long to quickly miss the sun that you took for granted. If you can’t manage to wait month and month for the sun to return, why not travel to where the sun is? Most people think that a winter sun holiday means you must travel to the other side of the world. However, you can get temperatures of 20 Degrees Celsius all without leaving Europe. Here are my top 10 Winter Sun Locations in Europe.

Malta

Malta is located in the Central Mediterranean in the middle of Sicily and the North African coast. On the island you will find 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can expect temperatures to rise just above 15 Degrees Celsius on average, which is warm enough to explore the many villages in just shorts and t-shirt. Other great things to try whilst on the island include snorkelling, diving and visiting the 16th century St. John’s Cathedral. The best part is this is less than 4 hours away, meaning your winter sun is closer than you may think.

Cyprus

If you want the warmest temperatures without leaving Europe, Cyprus is the perfect location for you. It is in the Eastern Mediterranean furthermore, it is the 3rd largest and most populous island in the Mediterranean, meaning it’s lively all year round. The average temperatures soar above the 20’s, even in winter, making it the ideal place to top your tan up. Indulge in, luxury boat trips and explore what nature has to offer with numerous waterfalls. Ancient ruins can be found across the country and if you want to have some fun visit one of the many water parks.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a Spanish Archipelago and are 62 miles west of Morocco in the Atlantic Ocean. With many islands to choose from, it’s best to research all of them and see which one sounds like a dream holiday for you. If you are looking for varied culture and amazing beaches, you might want to look at Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote. However, if you are looking to go off the beaten track, the lesser known islands of El Hierro and La Gomera have one of a kind traditions and untouched landscapes. When visiting these islands, you can expect the temperatures to rise into the low 20’s.

Greece

Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, is an island situated in Southeast Europe and has a population of nearly 11 million. The temperatures tend to be around mid to late teens during the winter. Despite the weather not been scorching, the water is still bearable in Winter, making it ideal if you love swimming or surfing, which is especially good at this time of year. The benefit of travelling at this time of year is that you will have most of the beach to yourself and will be able to wander around ancient sites without the big crowds.

Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal, due to its location, temperatures in the winter are around the mid-teens and it is not uncommon for it to reach 20 degrees. This area is best known for its golf resorts and Atlantic beaches, which can both be enjoyed under the sun year-round. The central coast is a lively place with bars, hotels, restaurants and villas, you will find that it’s time to go home before you know it. Best of all, this is only just over a 3-hour flight away, making it more accessible than you might think.

French Riviera

The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, is in Southeastern France and is next to the Mediterranean. Here you can live the life of the rich and famous in beach resorts such as Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Monaco. Although average temperatures only reach around 15 Degrees Celsius, it will still be much warmer than the UK. Should the weather get colder in the evenings, there is lots to do and loads of places to shop. Make sure you take a lot of money with you as some of the worlds biggest designer brands have shops along the coast.

Sicily

Sicily is one of the 20 regions of Italy and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Temperatures in Winter lie around the mid-teens, but it is not unheard of for temperatures to reach 20 degrees during this time of year. If you have a keen interest in history, you will love the city of Palermo and Valley of the Temples. Aside from the history, have a look around the island and look at the breathtaking setting, watch out for Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe and nearly the world.

South Coast of Spain

All the way along the South Coast of Spain has pleasant weather all year round. From Barcelona all the way to Seville, you can expect the temperatures to be pushing up to 20 degrees. With so many cities and towns to choose from on the coast there is something for everyone. Explore the historic sites at Alicante or have a stadium tour around the Nou Camp, the largest stadium in Europe, home to FC Barcelona. Make sure you find out about all the different coastal towns and cities to decide which one is best for you.

Turkey

Although, Turkey spreads across Eastern Europe and Asia, it still deserves a spot on this list. The Mediterranean Coast of Turkey gets lots of sun all year round and the average temperatures are just below 20 degrees. If you are an adrenaline junkie you can take part in paragliding, if you are looking for a more relaxing activity, you can road trip around the coastal towns. Let’s not forget that you are here for the sun and the best place to enjoy the sun is Patara, it is the longest beach in Turkey. At Patara you can relax on the beach or partake in horse-riding along the beach, watch out for the eggs of the endangered Caretta Caretta turtle that nest on this beach.

Azores

The Azores an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic and are a region of Portugal. Azores is best known for its spectacular landscapes that are unlike any others you have seen. For example, the island of São Miguel has lake-filled calderas that you must see to believe. There is also a rich marine life and if you’re lucky enough you might get to see a whale. All of this and temperatures average just under 20 degrees throughout the Winter. If you love nature, this is heaven for you, with hot springs, volcanic peaks, waterfalls and black-sand beaches, you won’t know where to start.

If you plan to visit any of these locations to get some extra vitamin D, it always helps to have a car to explore the area. Should you wish to hire a car at any of these locations, or any other locations for that matter, we have your car hire sorted. Contact us via call, email or by using the live chat and we can help find you the cheapest winter sun car hire deal.

For more fantastic articles on travelling in Europe, check out our friends at itravelnet.com – Travel directory.

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Travelling to Suzuka For The Japanese Grand Prix?

October 1, 2019 News Comments Off on Travelling to Suzuka For The Japanese Grand Prix?
Travelling to Suzuka For The Japanese Grand Prix

On the 13th October Formula 1 returns for it’s annual visit to Japan for the Grand Prix hosted at Suzuka Circuit. Found in the last half of the season, the Japanese Grand Prix is the 17th race out of 21 in the calendar. As the season gets ever closer to the end, will Hamilton take his 6th world championship or will we have a new world champion? The figure of 8 layout that the Suzuka Circuit uses makes the track one of a kind on the F1 calendar. You certainly won’t want to miss all the action this October as the drivers fight to become world champion.

Closest Airport To Suzuka

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) – Chubu Airport is the only airport nearby to the circuit that hosts international flights. You may need to get a connecting flight to the Airport as some European countries do not fly direct.

Travelling To and From The Track

Train

Once you have landed at Chubu Cenrtrair International Airport, you will need to get a train to Nagoya, this will set you back just under £10. Once in Nagoya you have 2 options either the limited express or the standard train. The difference between the 2 trains is the limited express takes 50 minutes, compared to the standard that takes 40 minutes to get to Shiroko station. The limited express costs around £13.00 for one way, whereas the standard train costs just over £6. Once you are at Shiroko Station you are required to use the shuttle bus service to the circuit which costs just under £7.50 for a return.

Using the slower train as an example, by adding all the prices up for one way it will cost you just over £23. If you double that to get your return price you are looking at a price just shy of £50. Now let’s assume you are travelling with 2 other people your total cost for train fares would be £150 if you just went to the circuit for the race day. If you plan to go to the circuit for Friday, Saturday & Sunday it will be cheaper to get a five-day pass, which will cost you just over £30 each. The five-day pass will cover the costs of all your train travel from Nagoya Station to Shiroko station. On top of that add another £22 for 3 shuttle bus return tickets and your total cost comes in at around £170.

Car Hire

Despite being slightly more expensive than the train, car hire should still be considered as an option. A car that will carry 3 people and luggage for 4 days will cost around £187 for a 3 day hire over the race weekend. This particular offer also includes a free GPS and free additional driver. The only other costs you will incur with car hire is the parking at the circuit and fuel. Parking usually costs under £8 for the full day, however this may change when F1 is on, so we recommend researching or contacting the circuit for prices. Main parking may become full but there are reserve car parks that charge at the same rate. Fuel will cost you around £40 to get you to and from the event.

One of the major benefits of hiring a car is that you can use the car to explore the wonderful areas that surround the circuit. The all-in price would be approximately £230, although it is more expensive, if you plan on visiting other areas while you are there it is definitely worth the extra money.
If you are travelling to Suzuka for the Grand Prix or Japan for any other reason, then we are here waiting to find you the hire car that best suits your needs. Contact us directly prior to making your booking and we will make sure you find the best package possible for you. Call us on 0113 88 00 748, chat with us online or email sales@thealternativeagency.co.uk.

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