When every last bit of turkey has been stewed, curried, and sandwiched, the Christmas decorations are back in their box and the New Year’s Eve ‘bongs’ are a distant memory, it’s not unusual to feel a bit deflated… but fear not! Help is at hand!
The month of January is named after Janus, the Roman god of doors, doorways, archways and openings of various sorts – a god known for his ability to turn one face to reflect on the past and the other to look to the future…. and so, as January marks the start of the new year, it’s time to turn your attention to the year ahead. Here are ten great ways to kick start the new year and stay positive.
1. Out With the Old: Time to Declutter
‘Tidy house, tidy mind’ as the old saying goes, so get rid of unwanted clothes and other belongings you’re never going to use – recycle them, throw them in the local charity bin or sell them online; sort out your paperwork; spring clean… basically, get your life in order – you’ll feel much better once it’s done!
2. Reset the Clock
After all those Christmas lie ins and late nights, it’s not surprising your body is suffering from some kind of Christmas version of jet lag! Readjusting your sleeping patterns by going to bed and getting up at regular times will fix you in no time!
3. Attention Please!
Take time to think about the areas in your life that need attention and do something about it! We’re talking small changes here – don’t make unrealistic plans that will just leave you disappointed when you don’t achieve them. Whether it’s to do with your job, house, car or relationships with friends or family, work out what you want to achieve and go for it.
4. Move It
Time to exercise… yes, I can hear the groans right now, but even if you’ve already dipped in your new ‘healthy regime’, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just try and find something you like doing – it might sound obvious, but if you don’t like it, you’re not going to stick to it! Even if it’s something as small as going for a 30-minute brisk walk in your lunch break, taking the stairs instead of the lift or even dancing around your kitchen while you’re cooking, it’s better than nothing. Just get moving! You’ll have that ‘feel good’ factor in no time.
5. Plan your Getaway
With a couple of months left of dark nights, what better time to start flicking (or clicking) through those holiday brochures? (Well, we would say that, wouldn’t we?!) Get your next holiday organised now so that there’s no stress sorting it out nearer the time – you could save money by booking early too – plus, it’ll give you something to look forward to later in the year.
6. Take Time Out
January is a time when social calendars tend to be a bit on the empty side, so make the most of it. Take time to treat yourself: buy yourself something with the vouchers or cash you received for Christmas or enjoy reading a book in a long, hot bath full of the bubble bath you got for Christmas.
7. Do Something Different
Now is the time to do something you’ve always wanted to do: start a new hobby, learn a different language or learn a new skill – think of all those things you’ve said “I’ve always wanted to ….” about, and see which ones you can realistically achieve. It could be something fun, something extreme or something less intense… it’s up to you to make it happen!
8. Embrace the Darkness… and the Light!
If you work indoors all day, take whatever opportunity you can to get outside during the daylight hours. Research shows that experiencing the ‘great outdoors’ has benefits on our health and wellbeing, so get outside and breathe in the fresh air. When darkness falls – and it IS getting later, gradually – make the most of the season by staying cosied up on the dark nights and watch all those DVDs or read the books you got for Christmas.
9. Save Money/Make Money
With bank balances a little lighter following the festivities, make the most of free activities such as walks or reading and save money by inviting friends round for drinks instead of going out. As this is the time of year to ‘declutter’ (see No. 1), you can make a bit of extra money by selling all those things you don’t want or need any more. There’s sure to be loads of things hiding in your drawers and cupboards that you don’t use any more, or clothes you haven’t worn for ages, and, as the saying goes, ‘your trash is someone else’s treasure’. Make use of sites like eBay or visit your local car boot sale – someone out there might just be looking for what you’ve got.
10. Escape!
If you can’t wait ’til summer, why not make the most of what this season has to offer? The scenery of Austria and Italy are especially wonderful at this time of year, so take a holiday in January and get the year off to a great start! Well, there’s our list of suggestions… let us know how you get on. And if you have any other suggestions of your own, be sure to let us know!
By Margo
I got into gardening just after I got married and I’ve been addicted to it ever since. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no Charlie Dimmock but I’m certainly not afraid of grabbing a trowel and some compost if there’s a bit of landscaping to be done.
I suppose I’d politely class myself as an experimentalist. I like to indulge in my hobby and follow the likes of Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh before interpreting their ideas in my own garden. So far, this approach has seen me right. And, apart from a minor mishap with a 7ft Verbena, I have to say I’m pretty bloomin’ proud of my home-grown sanctuary (forgive the pun)!
For my next wave of inspiration, however, I’m planning a little trip overseas with a coach-load of my fellow flower enthusiasts. Having worked at Leger for so many years, it’s hard to believe I haven’t been on a horticultural-themed tour before now but it’s certainly always been on my list. Over the years, I’ve booked hundreds of our customers on a garden-based tour and the feedback they’ve given on their return has always been great. In fact, it’s enough to leave you green-eyed as well as green-fingered! If, like me, you’ve been considering a green getaway yourself, here are Leger’s top three reasons to persuade you to turn your gardening hobby into a hob-iday:
• The sights: There aren’t many places in Europe where you can immerse yourself in a sea of springtime flowers like those found in Holland, France and Brussels. In one easy trip, you’ll see tremendous trees, flowering shrubs, a huge variety of perennials, water gardens, fountains and lakes; it really is a gardener’s paradise.
• The scale: part of the joy of gardening is seeing all the colours, structures and shapes of plants working together. However, until you’ve experienced the acres of flora at Keukenhof Park (Holland) or the grand designs of Monet’s Garden (France) you can’t truly appreciate just how inspirational a garden can be. With so many carefully landscaped scenes in one place, you’ll be buzzing with ideas to take home with you.
• The shared experience: there’s nothing as enjoyable as sharing some of the most spectacular garden scenes in Europe with people that share your appreciation and passion for gardening. Of course, it’s up to you how much you talk about your experience on the coach home!
If you have any further questions about Leger Holidays’ horticultural tours please do get in touch through our Facebook page or call us at 01709 787 463.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas up at Leger Holidays this week, as bookings for our festive markets continue to fly in. From the bustling bazaars of Bruges to the Christmas cave markets of Valkenburg, Brits are heading to Europe by the coach load to get their festive fix. But what is it about these seasonal markets that make them so magical? We asked our driver of 24 years, Phil Hayton, about his experience:
“Over the years, I must’ve visited the European Christmas markets over 120 times and, let me tell you, I never get fed up of them. From Berlin to the Tyrol, there are so many markets to choose from and each location has its own character and offers something completely different to the next.
“Cologne is great for those that want a bit of variety; it’s got six different markets spread out across the town and a cracking atmosphere to enjoy. Whereas Rüdesheim offers more of a picture-postcard setting with its wooden chalets and olde-worlde feel. One thing they do all share though is an overwhelming jovial mood that you just won’t find anywhere else.
“People often ask me which specific part of the markets I enjoy the most but, I have to say, I struggle to name one thing. The food and drink is always good. For me, there’s nothing better than wrapping your hands around a glass of hot Glühwein or enjoying a sneaky bratwurst sausage between meals! There’s just so much to try though and the smells travel for miles around, there’s certainly no chance of dieting whilst you’re there!
“The atmosphere is also second to none. The decorations look great, the locals are friendly and you’re surrounded by crowds of shoppers that are feeling just as festive as you. We even deck our coaches out with fairy lights to join in on the seasonal spirit!
“All I can say is, if you’ve never been to an original Christmas market before, get it on your list! We do have some great markets here in Britain but nothing really compares to seeing one in Europe itself. It’s hard to explain as the sights, sounds and smells are unlike anything I’d ever experienced before but even now, 120 trips later, I can’t wait to go back again!”
Fancy booking yourself a merry little Christmas this year? Be sure to head over to our website for the more details or pop over to Facebook to ask for further advice from the team.
‘Booking brain’ leaves our customers asking the funniest questions…
Does the ferry sail straight to Disneyland Paris? How much does the free shuttle bus cost? Apparently, asking a holiday howler is becoming an increasingly common affair amongst Brits arranging their holidays, as the excitement about escaping abroad truly sets in. Our research reveals that, the closer you get to your getaway the more likely you are to trip yourself up with a question you later laugh about. We believe that the ‘booking brain’ may also lead to lost luggage, a packing faux pas and relationship hiccups in the build up to your break.
Speaking about the holiday howler trend, Leger Holidays’ Marketing Director, Huw Williams said:
It’s only natural that our minds start to wander as the prospect of a holiday draws closer. Having spent all year battling the daily grind, we need to be able to drop the pace for our holidays and this is when even the most focussed of minds will begin to wander off to an exotic beach or cosmopolitan cityscape.
A few minor mishaps and a holiday howler can be expected on every break and for some they make the most interesting memories, providing a bit of light-hearted relief and humour to share. However, to stop things turning sour, the trick is to start your preparation early so that you can truly enjoy the build-up without any major complications. Or, for an even easier experience, let us take care of all the details for you.
According to research, here are a few of the top booking bloopers. Recognise any?
In relation to self-drive holiday – Booking agent: “What car are you taking?†– Holidaymaker: “John’sâ€
Holidaymaker: “How much does the free shuttle bus cost?â€
Holidaymaker: “Can you explain what self-drive means?â€
In relation to a journey back from the continent – Holidaymaker: “When you say we would gain an hour on the way back, is that because the wind is behind us on the ferry?â€
Holidaymaker: “Does the ferry sail straight to Disneyland Paris?â€
Holidaymaker: “Is Dover in the UK?â€
Holidaymaker: “At Disneyland Paris, can I have a room with a sea view?â€
Holidaymaker: “What language do they speak in France?â€
Booking agent: “How is your party made up?†– Holidaymaker: “They’re ecstatic!â€
Holidaymaker: “Are the Disney hotels OK for kids?â€
Holidaymaker: “I need to change my Mum’s name to what’s on her passport. Her date of birth is still the same though.â€
Do you recognise any of these holiday howlers? Have you made any yourself? Let us know in the comments below.
It’s amazing how far cameras have come in the last few years, and taking photographs has never been easier. And with digital cameras, you can now snap away as much as your memory cards will allow!
Here are Leger’s Top Ten Tips for better holiday snaps…
1 Set your camera to automatically switch off after so long. That way, you won’t have to worry about leaving it switched on and ending up with a flat battery, and it’ll be ready for action as soon as you see something you want to photograph.
2 When travelling on the coach, be sure to turn your flash OFF if you’re taking photos through the window – otherwise you’ll just end up with a photograph of a big white light!
3 Turn the flash ON in the day if you’re taking photos of people just a few feet away from you to avoid their faces being in shadow.
Follow these simple steps for the perfect holiday snaps!
4 When taking photos of people, try and angle yourself with the sun at the side of you, rather than behind you or behind your subject. (If the sun is behind you, the photo will be brighter but your subject will be squinting… if the sun is behind them, you’ll end up with a silhouette.) Again, use the flash to remove the shadows in your subject’s face.
5 To avoid people blinking in your shots, get them to close their eyes! At least, while you get your camera ready! Just as you’re about to take the shot, tell them to open their eyes!
6 Photograph street signs and restaurant signage to remind you where you were.
7 Take a few memory cards and keep swapping them over. That way, if you do have problems with one of your cards, all won’t be lost.
8 Always carry spare batteries and memory sticks with you and remember to take your battery charger on holiday with you (if your battery is the rechargeable type).
9 When photographing at night, if you’re in an area with lots of light (restaurant, under bright street lights, etc) turn your flash off, but find somewhere to rest your camera (a scarf or soft bag positioned on a table/wall etc will do the trick) and use the self-timer. This means that your camera will be still and by not having to press your shutter button manually, your photographs won’t be blurred.
10 Most people use digital cameras these days and many have access to email. In the event of a ‘camera malfunction’, ask around to see if other passengers would mind emailing you a selection of their holiday snaps. They might not feature you, but at least you’ll have a record of your trip. If that fails, postcards are a great way to remember where you’ve been and what was there – you can even record your memories of the place on the back.
2013 marks Leger’s 30th year of operating escorted coach holidays throughout Europe, so it’s a very special year. Ian Henry, Leger’s Managing Director, has been with the company for more than 20 years. Here he tells us the Leger story…
Ian Henry, Leger’s Managing Director,
Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone who has travelled with us since 1983, and to those of you who haven’t yet enjoyed a Leger holiday, I hope you’ll join us in this milestone year. It’s hard to believe that the 30 years have gone so fast, but great to know that Leger continues to attract thousands of holiday makers each year – some customers that have been with us from the very beginning. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Leger traveller, I look forward to welcoming you aboard in 2013.
How did Leger Holidays begin?
Leger was started by my father, Alan Henry whilst I was at University. He had the idea of running coach tours to Austria and needed to be able to offer customers the security of being ABTA bonded, meaning all customers’ money would be protected. The quickest way to do this was to acquire a company which already had an ABTA Licence. That company was a small travel agent with shops in Wakefield and Doncaster called Leger Travel.
Where did the name ‘Leger’ come from?
Horse racing fans will know that Doncaster is home to the St. Leger Horse Race. Within Doncaster many places are linked with the name ‘Leger’. There are roads and even the local public bus company with the name Leger. I guess the original owners of the travel agencies named the company Leger for that reason.
How many people worked for Leger in the beginning?
In the beginning it was just my dad and mum, plus some part time work from me and a little bit of help from the travel agency staff. As I said, the business was started whilst I was away at University and, in fact, the company’s first office was my bedroom, which was transformed whilst I was away with a couple of desks, telephones and even a telex. Not many students found they’d been evicted when they got home at the end of the first term!
What was the first tour that Leger ran?
The first tours were 6 and 7-day holidays to the Austrian Tyrol. The ferry crossings we used to use were overnight from Felixstowe to Ostend and we even used Belgian coaches, as in those days standards of coaches were higher in Europe than they were in England. Also, getting to Dover used to be a lot more difficult than it is now as this was before the days of the M25, so, as much as we complain now about traffic, getting through the outskirts of London was even harder then.
When did you become involved in the business?
In the early days I helped out during my University holidays, but I joined properly on 28 February 1989. Sadly my dad died suddenly in 1993, so I’ve been running the business ever since.
How has the company changed during the last 30 years?
Well, to start with its much bigger. Today we offer more than 180 different holiday itineraries throughout Europe and even the World. However, apart from 30 years of constantly striving to do things better, I think we still retain much of the original philosophy of what my father started: offering good value, well planned holidays to interesting and exciting destinations. The other major change has been the innovation of our Silver Service coaches. We recognise that the comfort of the coach part of our holidays is very important and so, 10 years ago, we introduced our Silver Service coaches for the first time, not really knowing whether we were doing the right thing. The proof of the pudding is in the eating and today we have 28 Silver Service coaches.
What is your all-time favourite Leger tour and why?
It’s hard to pick one tour specifically as different tours mean different things for different reasons. On the one hand I’m very proud of our Battlefield tours and I think the emotion anybody experiences on the tours of Ypres and the Somme are difficult to express. I’m also proud of how we brought some new destinations within the reach of our customers, in particular our Rome, Pompeii and Capri tour, where we ‘discovered’ a spa town in southern Italy that offered a great location for touring Rome and its surroundings but at a very affordable price. We’ve been going there now for over 20 years. If I was forced to pick one tour, then for now it would be back to our roots, the Austrian Tyrol. I love the beauty of the scenery, the food and the hospitality of the people.
High in the Pyrenees Mountains, bordered by Spain and France you’ll find the small, yet stunning country of Andorra. The delightful Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe, being at an elevation of 1023 metres. Whilst here many of you will enjoy the shopping, especially since Andorra has the status of a tax haven, the scenery is also a highlight – there are towering peaks, lush green meadows and deep gorges dotted with remote mountain villages. Our ‘Andorra ‘Haven’ of the Pyrenees’ tour would be a great way to see the area, plus it includes a visit to the Catalan capital of Barcelona. The view of Barcelona harbour by Moyan Brenn
Cosmopolitan Barcelona
The city of Barcelona ranks as Spain’s most visited city and is well known for the various works of art-nouveau architect, Antoni GaudÃ. He is perhaps best-known for the immense, but still unfinished Sagrada FamÃlia church, which has been under construction since 1882. A popular area of Barcelona is Las Ramblas, a pedestrian street in the centre of the city. It’s the ideal place to people watch and take a stroll, and there are dozens of outdoor cafes. Nearby is Plaça Real, a square in which you can buy traditional Catalan cuisine such as ‘Coques’, a kind of pizza, and ‘Pa amb tomà quet’, bread with tomato and olive oil. If you fancy a full day in Barcelona and visits to other Spanish sights, try our Barcelona and Spectacular Spain tour and if you’re travelling individually but don’t want to be on your own, we have a very similar tour especially for single travellers.
Medieval province of Catalonia
Further up the Catalonian coast and inland, is Girona. The old town stands on the steep hill of the Capuchins, while the more modern section stands on the plains. You’ll get to see the stunning cathedral, which is one of the most important monuments and is an excellent example of Spanish Gothic architecture. The city wall of the old town was an important military construction built in Roman times in the 1st century BC, and today you can walk the entire length of the wall and climb the towers to enjoy panoramic views of Girona and the surrounding countryside.
Sun, sand and sangria
Along the Catalonian coast lies the Costa Brava, a place more for relaxation than city sightseeing. Costa Brava as a holiday destination has a combination of a very good summer climate, nature and excellent beaches. One of the most popular holiday destinations is Lloret de Mar, where you can relax with a glass of sangria in hand, on the main beach which is consistently awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.
To chill out on the Costa Brava and Costa Moresme and enjoy some sightseeing our Highlights of the Spanish Coast and Barcelona tour might just be the holiday for you.
Historical Montserrat and Andalucia
Further down the coast we come to Montserrat, which is well-known as the site of the Benedictine monastery, Santa Maria de Montserrat, a very important religious retreat. This is certainly a sight to see as the monastery is set high in the mountains.
In the south of Spain we have the region of Andalucia, and within that, Seville, the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain. Here you’ll see the Cathedral of Saint Mary, which is Roman Catholic and the largest Gothic cathedral and third largest church in the world. An equally imposing building for you to visit is the Alcázar of Seville, a royal palace that dates from the 12th Century. If you want to see three Andalucian gems our Seville, Cordoba & Granada by Air tour is the perfect choice. The Puerta de l’Alcala in Madrid by Moyan Brenn
‘Live in the moment’ Madrid
Right in the centre of Spain is the capital city of Madrid. It is a cosmopolitan city very different from other well known cities around the world, as although the architecture is beautiful there’s no Eiffel Tower, no Colosseum, no Gaudi-inspired buildings to photograph. Madrid is an idea, a way of life that is about ‘living in the moment’, and once you are here it is hard to resist. Madrid has a feast of fine restaurants and tapas bars, exceptional live music and astonishing art galleries, all waiting for you to enjoy. Plus, explore the beautiful muralled buildings which line Plaza Mayor in Old Madrid, and take a leisurely stroll around magnificent Retiro Park. Our Grand Tour of Spain & Portugal is the ideal choice if you want to visit Madrid and many other great cities.
If you would like to discover more of Spain with Leger Holidays you can view our full collection of Spanish breaks here.
Images courtesy of flickr user Moyan Brenn
Brendan Sheerin, is without doubt, the ‘larger than life’ star of Channel 4’s reality TV show, Coach Trip. As long-suffering Tour Guide on the show, Brendan’s 30+ years of tour guiding experience has certainly come in handy. We spoke to him to find out why he still loves coach travel after so many years in the business. Brendan Sheerin is the star of Channel 4’s Coach Trip
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO?
I’m in Spain now, looking out at the palm trees. It’s a bit wet because there’s a storm coming through. I’m getting ready to fly to Havana on Friday. I’ve always wanted to do Cuba – this is my holiday. I’m being picked up at the airport by the Secretary to the Ambassador of Belize in Cuba. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know [laughing].
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve planned my itinerary – I’ve got about three or four nights in Havana, then I’m flying down to a small island for snorkeling; I love anything aquatic. I’m really getting into my swimming to get fit for the next series of Coach Trip. I’ll aim to get a bit of a tan and then return to Havana for four more nights. I’m staying at the Hotel Nacional: it’s the best hotel in Cuba. Ava Gardner, Gregory Peck, Winston Churchill and all the big stars have stayed there, and now me – not bad for a lad from Hunslet, eh?
WHY DO YOU THINK COACH HOLIDAYS ARE APPEALING?
I think it’s more of an adventure, travelling by coach; your holiday starts as soon as you get on. You might go to Austria for example: you get on at your local stop, work your way down to the south of England, head through Belgium or France – you see far more. If you made the same trip by plane, you board at the airport and see nothing but clouds!
Also, travelling in general still makes some people a wee bit nervous. When you holiday by coach, you’re looked after from the moment you join the tour right up until you disembark. Not just that, you get to meet like-minded people; there’s usually a great sense of camaraderie amongst passengers.
DO YOU OFTEN SEE THAT CAMARADERIE BETWEEN THE COUPLES ON COACH TRIP?
I do, well, the thing is, they all get along on the surface. But, when it comes to vote time, the claws are out! It can surprise you – you’ve got to remember that it’s a game.
The young students start networking as soon as they get on board – they watch the series and they know what to do because they’re very savvy. It takes the older passengers a while to cotton on and get going; by the time they do, they could be thrown off or have a yellow card at least!
Everyone’s looking for a reason to vote you out and you need to be aware of that.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT COACH TOUR GUIDE?
You’ve got to have a genuine interest in the places you visit and have lots of knowledge of the local history, geography, art etc. There’s no point showing a cathedral in France and not know what Gothic means. It’s no good going to Reims if you don’t know how important their champagne is to their economy. It’s no good going to Florence if you don’t know about Michelangelo!
If you’ve got a natural enthusiasm for all these things, it makes a big difference, especially when you visit some locations so often. I used to work on the Costa Brava, taking groups to Barcelona every Thursday; the trick is to keep energy levels up, make your enthusiasm contagious. Even though you’re doing it week in and week out, your passengers are there for a holiday and are excited to see all these sights.
As a tour guide, the most important thing is caring about your passengers; you’ve got to be a ‘people person’ and know how to communicate with everyone.
I remember once, at the airport, my driver and I were waiting for a coach load and a series of boxes suddenly started to appear on the luggage carousel. I went to investigate: they were all hatboxes! I had a Lord and a Lady on my tour. It was a complete surprise but, at the end of the day, you’ve got to handle a Lord and Lady in the same way you might do a miner from Barnsley – everyone’s important to a good guide.
You should never underestimate anyone’s little foibles or needs either; even a little problem can spoil someone’s holiday.
COULD YOU OFFER ANY TIPS TO ANYONE THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A TOUR GUIDE?
As a piece of advice to any guide just starting out, all I can say is never tell a lie. If someone onboard asks you the name of a mountain range, don’t make it up, telling them “Why, it’s the Costa Brava mountains, Madameâ€, for example. “It’s the Mont Seine†or “it’s the Pyrenees†or whatever.
She might be a Professor of Geography – everyday’s like having a mystery shopper on board! Just be honest, say “I’m sorry, I don’t know but I will find out for you.â€
HOW DID YOU END UP BEING THE BRITISH TOUR GUIDE ON THE REALITY TV SHOW COACH TRIP?
I’ve worked in tourism since I was eighteen; it’s been my life. I came back to live in England some years ago and started working for Scarborough Tourism Board. It was great. I became good friends with the manager and got to use my languages because there were always a lot of foreign students and tourists about.
I was asked to run the spa complex on the seafront which suited me fine; I loved all the history. I would show people around to book conferences – sometimes they’d spend a lot of money, it was quite an important role because that sort of money was the lifeblood of the town. On the odd occasion where we had a VIP in Scarborough, I would jump on a bus and take them to see Whitby, Scarborough, Filey, the moors and then Robin Hood’s Bay.
My boss at the time received an email from a production company looking for a tour guide and she said I’d be perfect for TV. I was a bit of a character, still am really. So, I filled in the form, emailed it to London and the team got in touch. It all happened so quickly and was pretty manic. I got asked for a photograph then I had to go through a questionnaire over the phone talking about my highs, my lows, my career, all that carry on. Others would call to ask me the same questions all through the day. They’d ask me to come down to London – I’d have to tell them I couldn’t. I mean, I was working!
Anyway, I got there eventually for an interview. There were about eight or nine people firing questions at me, looking over my CV and pointing a camera in my face, but I was just myself and they seemed happy.
SO, WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THAT?
The first step was the pilot; we needed to see whether the camera would spin round, check there wouldn’t be too much background noise from the engine or air conditioning. We filmed with only 8 to 10 people from London to Oxford and visited Longleat Safari Park, Oxford city centre for the vote, had a pub lunch and ended up back in London.
I was more interested in Oxford than the vote. I always say I’m like the country Switzerland: neutral. The red and yellow cards have been in my pocket ever since though. If the service isn’t any good at a shop, I give them out there and then!
Once the pilot was all wrapped up it was sent to Channel 4 because they’d have a big say in the series. Adam, who was the commissioner at that time, was happy to go ahead, so we filmed Series One with real passengers. Nobody had ever filmed anything like it before and it was a lot of hard work until Noel Edmonds came along with Deal or No Deal; Coach Trip was shelved for a wee bit until the new commissioner came in. At her say so, we were back to it, filming Series Three and it just took off – mad.
HOW DID CELEBRITY COACH TRIP COMPARE WITH THE ONES WHICH USE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC?
Celebrities are quite easy to workwith, no matter what activities we do on the trip. Our other passengers are a bit quiet – it takes them a day or two to come out of their shell. With actors and actresses, they’re much bigger personalities and quick to respond.
If you want them to sing, they’ll sing. If you want them to dance, they’ll dance. Wherever the camera is, they’ll want to be there. I suppose members of the public are shyer and it takes a while to get to know them. The celebrities are the complete opposite – ask them to strip naked and they would (and they do.) They’re not phased by anything; they know what the Director’s job is and what the Producer does because they work with them all the time. Members of the public take a little while to find out who does what and wonder “why is that camera in my flipping face?†It’s a wee bit easier with celebrities even if they do all vie for the attention.
DO THE CELEBRITIES HAVE A DIFFERENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE VOTING?
Oh no! I still think they’re very competitive. You can see feathers ruffled during the day and it all comes out in the vote; they’re quite ruthless.
In fact, Alex Fearns from EastEnders and Imogen from Big Brother really fell out. Cheryl Baker hated David Van Day too – he lasted twelve hours and then he was gone. Unfortunately, so was Tony Blackburn. It was a real shame, he was a perfect gent.
IF YOU COULD INVITE FIVE PEOPLE TO TRAVEL ON YOUR FANTASY COACH TRIP, WHO WOULD THEY BE?
I think I’d like Victoria Wood and Julie Walters. As a couple, they’d be absolutely brilliant; they’re so witty and full of laughter. I’d like Alan Bennett too – he’s a wonderful playwright, he’s from Leeds and I love him. Maeve Binchy – I like her novels, I’d have her on. Lastly, to round it all off: Abba. I have very fond memories of Abba.
HOW MANY LANGUAGES CAN YOU SPEAK? DID YOU STUDY THEM OR PICK THEM UP ON YOUR TRAVELS?
I speak Spanish every day. I live in Spain and I don’t have any of the satellite channels or watch the BBC. Sometimes, I won’t speak English for three or four days. Spanish is my first language now, really.
When I first started in tourism, no-one on the Costa Brava spoke English – you had to speak Spanish to everyone. In the villages they actually spoke Catalan, it’s the language of the four provinces of Catalonia – Girona, Barcelona, Lleida and Tarragona – and I originally learned from that.
One of the girls I worked with had a dreadful accident. She was sent home and I had to take on her duties, going to the airport on the coach and leaving the office. They didn’t want to fly anyone else over from England because it was mid season – there were probably only three or four months left.
Sitting with a Spanish coach driver and not being able to speak with him was so frustrating. I’m Irish, I like to talk. I started to learn bits so I could communicate and the drivers would teach me things too. I studied French at school and I was very very good at it. When I got to Corpus Christi College in Leeds, I should’ve carried on with it but I loved Geology and I loved Geography and I couldn’t do all three. It’s a bit rusty now but I’m fine once I get going.
And then of course Italian; I understand a bit – every Latin based language is quite similar though really.
YOU MUST HAVE SO MANY STORIES FROM ALL YOUR TRAVELS. WOULD YOU EVER WRITE A BOOK ABOUT THEM, OR AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY?
Maybe by Christmas there might be something. I’m beavering away getting all-sorts of things sorted. Watch this space!
Whether you’re travelling alone or with friends, you’re always in good company on a Leger Single Traveller holiday.
Travelling on your own doesn’t have to be lonely with Leger Holidays
You can enjoy the great atmosphere of travelling in a group with like-minded people or savour the time on your own – the choice is yours.
What’s more our great-value holidays for Single Travellers feature:
? Door-to-Door travel on coach tours
? No single supplement
? Sole use of your own room at no extra cost
? Travel by SILVER SERVICE luxury coach
? Welcome drink
? Tour host or services of a Leger representative during your stay
Steve Cowley has travelled on Singles holidays with Leger several times now. Here, he tells us what makes a Leger Single Traveller holiday the right choice for him…
I’ve been back for five more since my first Leger ‘Singles’ Holiday in 2006, visiting Austria, Prague, Vienna and Budapest and Italy. To me a holiday is important, a getaway to relax and forget about the everyday things happening back home and at work, especially when you are ‘single’. Leger really care that your holiday is something special and they do their best to ensure it meets your expectations. They’ve done it for me!
My Next Holiday
In October I’m off on the Italian and French Riviera trip. I’m looking forward to this one – another new area to explore – maybe I could visit the Casino in Monte Carlo and win a few Euros to pay for next year’s holiday… now where shall I go next???Steve Cowley, Pontefract
Steve Cowley from Pontefract
Our Single Traveller Holidays are proving more and more popular each year, so we have added a new great-value tour
for 2013. The Rhineland and Austrian Tyrol 9-day holiday is available now from only £859pp.
Join one of our Single Traveller holidays this year, for fond memories, great holiday experiences and new-found friends!
France is said to be the most visited country in the world, which is hardly surprising when you think of its incredible mountain scenery, delightful sandy beaches, stunning royal châteaux, amazing historic sights, plus romantic Paris as its capital. See the impressive Mont St. Michel just off the coast of Normandy
Where better to go for a weekend break and recharge your batteries. Its landmarks are incredible and include the world famous Eiffel Tower, the most visited paid monument in the world, which stands 324 metres tall – around the same height as an 81-storey building. Other popular monuments in Paris include Notre Dame, a Gothic cathedral in the centre of Paris on the River Seine, and the Arc de Triomphe, which honours those who fought for France.
Art and Architecture
On the western outskirts of the city are the truly breathtaking Chateau and Gardens of Versailles. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city you can take a stroll through the gardens and see the opulence and grandeur of the Chateau, one of the finest achievements of French art in the seventeenth century.
On the subject of art, the Impressionist painter Claude Monet had a rural retreat in the small French village of Giverny, just 80 km to the west of Paris. The house and gardens, made famous by Monet’s ‘Water Lillies’ paintings, have been restored to their original designs. Planned out meticulously so that a different colour would dominate each month, the beautiful shades and shapes ensure the gardens are a delight at any time of year.
Going Green
If flora and fauna are your pleasure then the Loire Valley is the ideal destination for you – an enchanted land of vineyards, flowers and rolling green hills dotted with more than a thousand chateaux.
Admire France’s stunning scenery and wine-growing areas from the water on a cruise along the river Rhône in the South of France. It’s the ideal way to experience the colourful history of this area.
Along the river you can visit delightful Avignon, surrounded by ramparts and perched on a rock overlooking the river. Avignon is famous for being the city to which the Popes fled when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century, and the palace they built, ‘Le Palais des Papes,’ or the palace of popes, is the world’s largest Gothic edifice. The ramparts themselves were erected to keep the plague and invaders out during the turbulent middle ages. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world
For those of you attracted to striking scenery and charming villages then the Auvergne in the heart of France is your ideal holiday destination and home to no less than eleven of the 150 villages ranked as ‘the most beautiful villages of France’ teeming with heritage, history and stunning architecture. Sparsely populated, The Auvergne boasts beautiful valleys, large expanses of coniferous forests, and spectacular hillscapes and is a region much appreciated by ramblers and nature lovers, as well as by people in search of a holiday away from the crowds.
A Land of Contrasts
An area of France which has certainly become very popular is Normandy in the west of the country, with its rolling hills, sandy beaches and quiet little harbour towns. More significantly, this is where you can visit the landing beaches, battlegrounds, military cemeteries and museums of D-Day. Only by seeing it all for yourself and having it explained by a Specialist Battlefield Guide can you ever really begin to understand the depths of the sacrifices made and the heroism involved. You can visit the British Sector at places such as Pegasus Bridge, Ranville Commonwealth Cemetery and Merville Gun Battery, plus there’s the American Sector with sights such as the cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, Utah
Beach, plus the headland of Pointe du Hoc.
With a country offering so many diverse and wonderful sights and destinations, knowing where to start is perhaps the hardest choice! You can view Leger’s full selection of holidays in France on our website now.
