Chris

Beginning to plan your winter getaway? Across Europe, there are a host of magical Christmas markets. From trying mouth-watering international food, to illuminating market stalls, and even a dog outfit trying contest, these markets will certainly make it a Christmas to remember.
 
We have handpicked our favourites from across the continent that we hope will give you that inspiration needed before the festive season arrives later this year.

For much of 2020 sadly many of us were unable to holiday abroad, so let’s make 2021 the year to get away and rekindle our love of travel. 

Our attached brochure showcases the very best beach holidays, from remote island retreats to luxury villas and family resorts along with culturally inspiring itineraries. We are also delighted to include Europe, along with a host of stunning other destinations and properties in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf, Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexico, USA, Africa, South East Asia, India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka plus a selection of cruising options. There is sure to be something here to suit everyone.
 
Click here to view the full brochure, to see a range of stunning destinations and exclusive offers.

Peace of Mind

In an ever-changing and unpredictable travel climate, we know that providing our clients with both flexibility and reassurance has never been more important. Our team of experts are on hand to assist you in planning the perfect itinerary as well as helping to guide you through complex and fluctuating travel advice, COVID-19 protocols and immigration requirements.

All of the holidays in this brochure offer full financial protection with all package holidays ATOL protected while non-flight packages and accommodation only bookings are protected by way of a bond held by ABTA.

Planning your holiday should be stress free and that is what you can expect when you book with Howard Travel and for many holidays we are able to negotiate lower deposits and flexible balance payments giving you that peace of mind and will enable you to book your long awaited break.

Let us help make this year a memorable one, with a host of exclusive offers, all carefully selected to provide the very best in value and variety. 

Contact our travel experts today on  01225 777 227 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Following the government guidelines and in light of the increasing risk of COVID-19, we have made the decision to the close our office at the present time, to protect both our staff and clients alike. 

We will be working from home and are able to deal with all of your enquiries and bookings as usual, our opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm. 

If you have any questions regarding your current or future travel plans, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our team on 01225 777227 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Howard Travel Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 9.30 – 5.30

Saturday: 9.30 – 5.00

Sunday and Bank Holidays: Closed

Airport Coronavirus Testing

Please be aware that certain destinations or airlines may require a negative Covid certificate or a 'Fit to Fly' certificate in order to travel.  It is imperative to check this information before confirming any travel arrangements and our teams are able to assist with this information, please contact us on 01225 777227 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

General Travel Guidance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides guidance on COVID and non-COVID risks overseas. The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to many countries and territories on the basis of COVID risks. You should check the travel advice for your destination.

For the most up to date information you can check various resources below for quarantine and entry requirements or contact one of the team.

 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

https://openupforbusiness.com/

While the world of travel has been put on pause for now, there’s nothing to stop you engaging in a bit of armchair travelling with us, before we can get back to exploring our wonderful planet again. We’ll be taking you to some of the world's most popular, surreal and magical destinations from across the globe, to give you that brief escape that we are all in need of.

So, sit back, relax and take in the world with us, all from the comfort of your own home.

Need your outdoor adventure fix? With most events/gatherings being cancelled due to COVID-19, the organisers of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour are rescheduling their UK screenings but have made ALL their films free to view for our quarantine viewing pleasure.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival brings fearless explorers and intrepid film-makers onto the big screen as they venture deep in the world’s most isolated and spectacular landscapes. The below free list, curated by Lianne Caron, features movies starring climbers, skiers, mountain bikers, sailors, kayakers, high-wire walkers and much more. Enjoy your stay in!

With cases of Coronavirus being reported in specific locations in a number of countries throughout the world, it is very important that travellers are aware of affected areas and stay up to date with Foreign Office travel advice.

• The FCO currently advises against all but essential travel.
• Travellers are advised to stay up to date with the UK Foreign Office travel advice which is updated regularly here.
• This is a very Fluid changing situation and you should check with our teams on any specific destination.
  
  

Norad Travel Group are constantly in contact with all major representatives of the industry and working on several innitiatives to assist in the restart of travel.

Please follow links to World mapping and updates of Countries Data on the pandemic. The interactive service provides you with the information you need to start planning your next business trip or vacation, as we all start to open up for business.

If you have any questions regarding Coronavirus travel advice, are travelling near affected areas, or have a specific question regarding your holiday booking, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Travellers should also keep up to date on local advice during their visit. 

CORONAVIRUS FAQ

Q:What happens if my travel plans are affected?
A: Your travel plans may be affected in different ways, depending on Foreign Office advice. If the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against travel to a destination and your holiday arrangements have been affected, your travel provider will get in touch and advise you of the options open to you. Travellers are advised to read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice for the country they are travelling to, which includes a link through to the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) TravelHealthPro website that provides specific travel health advice for countries. The Foreign Office also has a specific page with more information on Coronavirus.

Where the Foreign Office advises against travel to a country or a specific resort or area of a country the following applies:

Q: Does my tour operator have to refund the full package or only the parts of my holiday that are cancelled?
A: Tour operators can offer alternative holidays if they are able to. If these mean a significant change to the original arrangements, for example spending the whole or part of the holiday in a different country, you aren’t obliged to accept the alternative and will be entitled to a full refund of the package price.  

Q: When am I not entitled to a full refund? 
A: If you have booked a package and are not due to travel imminently, tour operators will decide on an ongoing basis how far in advance they’ll begin offering alternative arrangements or providing refunds. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice is in relation to imminent departures and it is too early to say that your holiday can’t go ahead as planned. Therefore, customers with future departure dates will be required to wait to find out whether the advice changes and their holiday can continue as planned. If you cancel early you may have to pay cancellation charges.

Q: If I cannot follow my initial travel plans due to the Coronavirus outbreak, am I entitled to compensation?
A: You won’t be entitled to any compensation, as the reason for the holiday not continuing is outside the control of the tour operator. 

Q: I’ve booked a flight to a country where the Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to a country or a specific resort or area of the country, what are my rights?
A: Speak to your airline or travel provider to check what the airline’s policy is. You should also check your travel insurance to see if this will cover any additional costs. 

Q: What if I'm unsure about going on my holiday?
A: Most destinations do not have any British Government advice against travel. If there is no advice against travel to your destination, if you don't want to go, you’re free to make that choice, but there's no obligation on your holiday company to give you a refund. Normal cancellation charges will apply. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to claim any cancellation charge on your insurance as there isn’t normally cover for disinclination to travel but you can check the terms of your policy. 

If you have any questions regarding Coronavirus travel advice, are travelling near affected areas, or have a specific question regarding your holiday booking, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Howard travel expert Kimara has returned from her trip exploring some of the finest sights Italy has to offer. During her 4-night stay, she came across some of the world’s most famous sights such as Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the Colosseum. From a tour of the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, to trying a metre-long pizza, have a read about Kimara’s action packed time in Italy through her daily travel diary.

Christmas is already just around the corner, which also means that the stressful Christmas shopping period is nearly here. If you're stuck for gift ideas and you know someone who just loves to travel, this is the perfect list for inspiration. From cheap to pricey and essential to fun, this list covers all areas of what you need to inspire someone to explore somewhere new!

Earlier in the year, our Travel expert Hannah went to explore some of the fascinating landscapes Uzbekistan has to offer. Read her travel diary to see what she got up to on her trip, from the glittering Turquoise Domes of Registan Square to the amazing roof top views of Bukhara.