Something To Declare: Destination of the week - alternative beds in Britain and Europe
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Your support makes all the difference.Destination of the week: alternative beds in Britain and Europe
"Holistic Health Hostels offer reflexology, aromatherapy and massage therapies," says the proprietor of this Snowdonia hostel, Joan Haggas. Her new hostel in Llanfairfechan (01248 680 692) is one of hundreds listed in the Independent Hostel Guide 2003 (£4.95), just published by the Backpackers Press (01629 580 427).
On the Isle of Skye, the former village school in Portnalong has been converted into a hostel (0800 027 7059), complete with a bar and the village post office. In Ireland, the Shiplake Mountain Hostel in Dunmanway, Co Cork (00 353 23 45750, www.shiplake mountainhostel.com) offers beds in barrel-top caravans. Other options include the former Venezuelan Consulate in Liverpool, now the Embassie Hostel; an 18th-century house in Bruges; and "eco-hostels" in Lausanne and Munich.
Warning of the week: Florida
"Violent crime remains a serious concern. Many attacks have occurred in the Miami area, and others have taken place on rural roads and at interstate highway rest areas."
The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs has stepped up its warning for visitors to the Sunshine State. It urges travellers to drive only during daylight hours, and warns that when you get to your destination, "theft is increasing, particularly from trunks of parked cars in the North Miami Beach area, South Beach and at airports."
Bargain of the week: the Iberian peninsula
You can get a short-notice bargain to the sun if you book by next Tuesday, 28 January, at least a week ahead, and travel by 13 February. GB Airways, which flies on behalf of British Airways (0845 77 333 77, www.ba.com), is selling off cheap seats from Gatwick to a range of destinations without no-frills competition, including Gibraltar (£99), Valencia (£89) and Porto (£79). If you cannot travel in that window, you can fly later in the spring at fares £20 higher – but you must book at least a month in advance. Some of these fares may be further reduced by £5 if you book through thewebsite www.opodo.co.uk.
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