According to the Times today British holiday makers are shunning planes in favour of travelling by rail.
The BAA reported that it handled less passengers at 4 of its airports (which include Heathrow and Stansted) than the same month last year. Plus all of its airports, excluding Gatwick, operated fewer flights. Until this year flyers were increasing year on year, but suddenly this has changed.
Some of this may be due to the issues at Heathrow Terminal 5, pushing some customers over to Gatwick which may be while their figures remain constantly increasing.
There may be reasons such as the delays that occur on flights abroad. According to recent statistics 4 out of 10 flights run 10 -15 minutes late, and once you've added in the extra long check in times and the worry of losing luggage you can understand why some people prefer to travel at a more leisurely pace. It could be said as the story of the Hare and the Tortoise.
"Figures released this week by the CAA show that the average delay on an arriving flight at Heathrow is now 20 minutes, a 25 per cent increase from 2003," said a spokesman for the Future Heathrow group. "In comparison, average delays at Amsterdam and Paris Charles de Gaulle are less than 15 minutes, despite having more flights than Heathrow."
Eurostar claim to have had a 21 percent rise in passenger numbers going to continental Europe over the last quarter. Some of this could of course been attributed to the opening of St Pancras station and the marketing effort that Eurostar has put into launching the new service.
The other factor in increased rail journeys could well be the environmental factor. Eurostar now claims to be Carbon Neutral, which of course no flights can ever claim to be.
Going back to the Tortoise and the Hare story, I feel this can only be the biggest factor, with shorter journey times now to Paris and Brussels at only just over 2 hours, flights have no chance in competing once you've factored in checkins and then getting in to the centre of the cities. Plus of course European train operators are far more efficient than British trains and therefore onward journeys to the South of France, Spain and further afield are a piece of cake.
Handy books
Thomas Cook European Train Timetable
Friday, 18 April 2008
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Travel Guide writing controversy
As one of the largest online travel map and travel guide shop on the web, we thought we should comment on some of issues that have been flying about the press and online over the last couple of days.
American writer Thomas Kohnstamm has recently declared in his book, Travel Writers Go to Hell?, that he penned a section in a Lonely Planet Colombia guide without even visiting Columbia. With the London Book Fair currently on it's certainly been one of the main issues on the agenda.
This particular case is obviously an extreme case and hopefully a unique case. There will no doubt be a place for some internet research for travel guides and no writer can ever say that they have the time to stay in every hotel. What may be the case is that writers will research better rated hotels and then choose to visit those ones and review them.
Travel guides will always be of use, simply for their take away handiness, anyone that's ever tried printing out reams of information from the web will know that it's less timeconsuming, and far less wasteful to take a guidebook away.
According to the Times today the current Top 10 Travel Guide books are:
1. Time Out
2. Bradt
3. Lonely Planet (in despite of the recent news)
4. Rough Guides
5. Luxe
6. Footprint
7. Dorling Kindersley
8. Good Hotel Guide
9. Inyourpocket.com
10. Baedeker
American writer Thomas Kohnstamm has recently declared in his book, Travel Writers Go to Hell?, that he penned a section in a Lonely Planet Colombia guide without even visiting Columbia. With the London Book Fair currently on it's certainly been one of the main issues on the agenda.
This particular case is obviously an extreme case and hopefully a unique case. There will no doubt be a place for some internet research for travel guides and no writer can ever say that they have the time to stay in every hotel. What may be the case is that writers will research better rated hotels and then choose to visit those ones and review them.
Travel guides will always be of use, simply for their take away handiness, anyone that's ever tried printing out reams of information from the web will know that it's less timeconsuming, and far less wasteful to take a guidebook away.
According to the Times today the current Top 10 Travel Guide books are:
1. Time Out
2. Bradt
3. Lonely Planet (in despite of the recent news)
4. Rough Guides
5. Luxe
6. Footprint
7. Dorling Kindersley
8. Good Hotel Guide
9. Inyourpocket.com
10. Baedeker
Monday, 14 April 2008
Business Travel still growing
A new survey claims that business travel is still growing despite of fears of a credit crisis. According to research released from the Barclaycard Business Travel Survey 44% of business travellers travelled more in 2007 than they did in 2006.
Plus a third of all business travellers plan to travel more again in 2008 than they did in 2007. The results show that business expansion is the main reason for further travelling, whether that be business expansion in the UK or overseas expansion.
Business travel is increasing but more and more business travellers are tightening their belts and flying economy class. With more and more European expansion, and the rise of cheap flights, means that some companies just cannot justify paying for the more traditional business carriers such as British Airways, when flights can be bought through Ryanair or Easyjet for 1p (plus taxes of course). In fact 55% of business travellers said they they would be more likely to fly economy class. 46% said they would be more likey to fly economy class the previous year.
You can buy travel maps and guides for all types of travel on www.mapsinternational.co.uk/travel.asp
Plus a third of all business travellers plan to travel more again in 2008 than they did in 2007. The results show that business expansion is the main reason for further travelling, whether that be business expansion in the UK or overseas expansion.
Business travel is increasing but more and more business travellers are tightening their belts and flying economy class. With more and more European expansion, and the rise of cheap flights, means that some companies just cannot justify paying for the more traditional business carriers such as British Airways, when flights can be bought through Ryanair or Easyjet for 1p (plus taxes of course). In fact 55% of business travellers said they they would be more likely to fly economy class. 46% said they would be more likey to fly economy class the previous year.
You can buy travel maps and guides for all types of travel on www.mapsinternational.co.uk/travel.asp
point it - the new craze on how to communicate abroad
'Point it' has been a slow burning success, having been first published a good few years ago now. It now sits in the top ten travel books by sales. The concept basically is to put a lot of photo's in one book so that you can point at one in an effort to make yourself understood in any foreign country. A great alternative to a phrase book, especially in countries with varying dialects.
It's so small and lightweight it's perfect for all types of travelling including backpackers, it would easily slip into a side pocket without taking hardly any room.
Plus at only £3.99 can you really afford not to take one with you. The perfect travel accessory.
Purchase Point It on mapsinternational.co.uk. Alternatively we have a large amount of phrase books on offer.
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Ordnance Survey: Cost Effectiveness
Below is the response from Iain Wright MP, Minister responsible for OS to Mark Prisk MP's latest Parliamentary Question, on behalf of Locus. This question focuses on Ordnance Survey's public task following the publication of the both Cambridge Review of Trading Funds and the updated definition of Locus' core public task.
It is interesting to note in Mr Wright's response that the definition was approved before the Cambridge Review, and that neither OPSI or APPSI were consulted.
Mr. Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what account was taken of the cost-benefit analysis commissioned from Cambridge University on trading funds when formulating Ordnance Survey's new public sector task; (2) what account was taken of (a) advice and (b) guidance from (i) the Office of Public Sector Information and (ii) the Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information in formulating Ordnance Survey's new public sector task; (3) what Government agencies and offices were consulted on the formulation of Ordnance Survey's public sector task.
Mr. Iain Wright: In April 2007, Ministers asked Ordnance Survey and the Shareholder Executive to work together to prepare a more precise articulation of Ordnance Survey’s Public Task as set out in the Ordnance Survey Framework Document 2004. This work was undertaken between April and June 2007.
Ministers approved the revised Public Task document in July 2007 before the Cambridge University study was commissioned. The Shareholder Executive conducted discussions with senior officials in Ordnance Survey and the Department for Communities and Local Government before submitting the Public Task document to Ministers. Neither the Office of Public Sector Information nor the Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information were consulted.
Buy Ordnance Survey maps online
It is interesting to note in Mr Wright's response that the definition was approved before the Cambridge Review, and that neither OPSI or APPSI were consulted.
Mr. Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what account was taken of the cost-benefit analysis commissioned from Cambridge University on trading funds when formulating Ordnance Survey's new public sector task; (2) what account was taken of (a) advice and (b) guidance from (i) the Office of Public Sector Information and (ii) the Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information in formulating Ordnance Survey's new public sector task; (3) what Government agencies and offices were consulted on the formulation of Ordnance Survey's public sector task.
Mr. Iain Wright: In April 2007, Ministers asked Ordnance Survey and the Shareholder Executive to work together to prepare a more precise articulation of Ordnance Survey’s Public Task as set out in the Ordnance Survey Framework Document 2004. This work was undertaken between April and June 2007.
Ministers approved the revised Public Task document in July 2007 before the Cambridge University study was commissioned. The Shareholder Executive conducted discussions with senior officials in Ordnance Survey and the Department for Communities and Local Government before submitting the Public Task document to Ministers. Neither the Office of Public Sector Information nor the Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information were consulted.
Buy Ordnance Survey maps online
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Product Review - AA Bed & Breakfast France
Bed & Breakfast France by the AA is perhaps the most popular guide to this style of travelling in France. The book is made in partnership with Gites de France which ensures that each property is up to the required standards for visitors. Gites in France range from grades 1 to 4, but within the AA Bed and Breakfast guide to France you will only find those at levels 3 and 4 to ensure that the standards are high.
The book starts with an easy to read map of France to get you to the page you need quickly. More detailed maps of each area are shown at the back of the travel guide. Then there is a quick guide to staying in a Chambre D'hote in France which is invaluable if you've never stayed in one before. There is also information on how to book a Chambre D'hote and sample letters of how to book in French and in English. Having stayed in a Chambre D'hote myself I can honestly say that the French example of a booking letter will be invaluable. Many of the B&B's are in non commercial areas where not many English visit and you may find your hosts do not speak any English. I'd well advise you to take a phrase book for dinner conversation as well!
The guide also contains general information about travelling in France, such as information about driving in France, how to travel to France by the various methods, French public holidays, medical information and other useful details and phone numbers.
The B&B listings have an easy to use layout, with clear gradings to the standard of each B&B shown, they also display the contact details you will need to book and find your chosen destination. Also a short desciption is provided with invaluable information about what that Chambre D'hote is like. Then there are icons to show what facilities are are available on site and in the local area. Finally the guide tells you whether English is spoken or not, something you should bear in mind depending on your standard of French.
This guide is perfect for those wishing to experience a B&B (Chambre D'hote) in France. It contains everything you will need to know about booking and visiting the Chambre D'hote. It perhaps is slightly to large to carry around for those of you touring and booking as you go, I suggest photocopying the pages you require. All in all a great travel guide for this specific subject, I don't think there's a better one available.
Other useful guides and maps to visiting and staying in France
France by Cadogan
Berlitz Shortcut to French
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Vodka Ad map causes stir
The Vodka brand Absolut Vodka has got itself into trouble with it's latest advertising campaign seen above.
According to the Independent:
"The storm in a shot glass was provoked by advertisements that depict an antique map of North America dating back to before the 1848 Mexican-American War, when large swaths of what is now the United States, including all of California and other south-western states, belonged to Mexico. One of a series of ads that run under the tag-line "In an Absolut World", the spot was a cheeky attempt to tap into simmering nationalistic sentiments in Mexico, which chafes at its status as the "poor neighbour" of a country that it once partly owned."
On the Absolut blog on Friday the spokesperson said
"In no way was this meant to offend or disparage, nor does it advocate an altering of borders, nor does it lend support to any anti-American sentiment, nor does it reflect immigration issues. Instead, it hearkens to a time which the population of Mexico may feel was more ideal. As a global company, we recognize that people in different parts of the world may lend different perspectives or interpret our ads in a different way than was intended in that market."
So far there have been nearly 2000 comments posted on that blog alone and it's caused quite a stir on many other blog sites.
Sources:
Monday, 7 April 2008
Walking in Oxfordshire
The mapsinternational.co.uk team went for a walk in the snow in Oxfordshire yesterday. We used an AA walking guide 50 walks in Oxfordshire to help us choose a good walk that was local to us and specifically one with a pub at the end! The AA walking guides each contain around 50 themed walks of around 2 to 10 miles each with a descriptive about the area you are walking around. They also include a handrawn map of the area with key points of interest to help you navigate the route, and include a useful written descriptive of the route. This method is perfect for those that aren't that confident with an OS map.The areas covered in the book include, Oxford, Chipping Norton, Wantage, Blenheim Palace, Abingdon, Witney and many more. I would advise taking an Ordnance Survey folded map with you just in case you end up off the route. The OS Explorer map series are the most popular and best for walking. However we actually used an OS Landranger map as we happened to have one loitering in the Maps International admin office. The map was OS Landranger number LR164. There are other good walking books to Oxfordshire depending on what you're looking for. A popular one on the mapsinternational.co.uk website is the Best Tea Shop Walks in Oxfordshire , or the Jarrold walking books are also popular, Jarrold Short Walks in Oxfordshire would also be a good book to choose good routes in. Alternatively as many of you won't be based in Oxfordshire just visit our page with a whole host of walking books and walking guides on - see http://www.mapsinternational.co.uk/products_search.asp?mcat=default&search=walk
The walk we chose started and ended at the Boat Inn in Thrupp. Being only a couple of miles from our offices in Long Hanborough it was easy for everyone to get to. The walk took us on a 5 mile circular route along the canal and river and then round the lovely woodland in that area. Ending back at the Boat Inn 2 hours later was perfect, and we enjoyed a lovely Sunday afternoon dinner in the warmth after coming in from the cold.
Friday, 4 April 2008
Welcome to the mapsinternational.co.uk blog.
Welcome to the new mapsinternational.co.uk blog. It’s been a while in the making but we’ve finally made it here!
On our blog you’ll find a variety of product news, travel news, features, destination reviews and much more.
Firstly, I’m sure you’ve all noticed that we’ve been updating our website over the past year. We really want to make it more user friendly and we’re trying to iron out any little bugs there may be. If you have any suggestions of anything we should be including on our website then please put it on the comments to this blog entry.
Over the next couple of months we will be updating our website to include more comprehensive travel and business mapping pages.
Within our travel shop, we’ll be adding more information about each product and making more free travel guides and other information available.
The Business Map Centre will be getting the largest overhaul. This will have lots more information about all the different business mapping services and business mapping products that we offer.
We’re going to add a whole host of information about mapping services that some of you probably don’t even realise that we offer. We’re adding information about our web mapping services, GIS Services and other business mapping solutions. But more about that when it goes live in the next couple of weeks.
We’ll be launching the new Business Map Centre at Internet World on the 29th April – 1st May. You can register for free at www.internetworld.co.uk.
That’s all for the first blog posting, watch out for more very soon.
The mapsinternational.co.uk team
On our blog you’ll find a variety of product news, travel news, features, destination reviews and much more.
Firstly, I’m sure you’ve all noticed that we’ve been updating our website over the past year. We really want to make it more user friendly and we’re trying to iron out any little bugs there may be. If you have any suggestions of anything we should be including on our website then please put it on the comments to this blog entry.
Over the next couple of months we will be updating our website to include more comprehensive travel and business mapping pages.
Within our travel shop, we’ll be adding more information about each product and making more free travel guides and other information available.
The Business Map Centre will be getting the largest overhaul. This will have lots more information about all the different business mapping services and business mapping products that we offer.
We’re going to add a whole host of information about mapping services that some of you probably don’t even realise that we offer. We’re adding information about our web mapping services, GIS Services and other business mapping solutions. But more about that when it goes live in the next couple of weeks.
We’ll be launching the new Business Map Centre at Internet World on the 29th April – 1st May. You can register for free at www.internetworld.co.uk.
That’s all for the first blog posting, watch out for more very soon.
The mapsinternational.co.uk team
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