Press release: Friends and families club together for credit crunch holidays

MEDIA RELEASE: 17 February 2009

Friends and families club together for credit crunch holidays

As the recession kicks in, more and more people are choosing to holiday with groups of friends and family, staying at self-catering properties to keep the costs down according to ethical travel company responsibletravel.com. The website has seen a staggering 81% year on year increase in the number of people enquiring about self catering eco accommodation for groups of up to 10 people.

Justin Francis, co-founder of responsibletravel.com said:
“Clubbing together for a group holiday can be a great money-saving solution, particularly for those with young children - kids will have their friends around them and parents can take turns with the babysitting. You’ll also save money on food and can share the cooking. There are now some fantastic eco places to stay – the UK in particular has a wide range of options on offer. Many of these accommodations are situated on working farms and therefore provide a great opportunity to help farmers who are having to diversify into tourism in order to subsidise incomes.”

If the thought of a group holiday leaves you longing for some ‘me time’ then a smaller, self-catering holiday might be just the key. responsibletravel.com has seen a 54% year on year increase in self-catering holidays in general.

“There’s no doubt that self-catering holidays can be much cheaper and certainly offer greater flexibility. Plus, you get the chance to scour markets for delicious local produce and explore the nearby area, helping to boost the local economy in the process. Choose from some fantastic old and renovated buildings, full of character and run by people who are passionate about the environment.” says Francis.

See www.responsibletravel.com/selfcateringfor10 for large group options or www.responsibletravel.com/selfcatering for facilities accommodating from two or more people.

Options include:

Cornwall self catering accommodation for 10 people, near Launceston - from £400 - £1500 per week
Stay on this wonderful organic working farm. The main room of this converted barn is 50 feet long, with big double doors at the kitchen end, opening onto a stone terrace and looking over the orchard. The large sofa at the other end looks out over the farmyard. There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The kitchen is beautifully equipped. There are plenty of activities on offer including helping out on the organic farm, walking or fishing in the river. You also have access to the piano, trampoline, table tennis table and BBQ.


Loire self catering accommodation, France - from €120 per cottage per night or €750 per cottage per week (sleeps 5-7), PLUS special exclusive 10% off if booked before end Feb 2009 Nineteenth century stone holiday cottage in the heart of the picturesque Loire Valley. This two bedroom gîte is part of a traditional stone longère farmhouse entirely renovated with traditional features of its era including terracotta floor, stone walls and oak beams. Canoeing, horse riding, walking and cycling and other outdoor activities such as archaeological dig days are all available locally. Enjoy local markets and regional specialities including a wealth of locally grown fresh vegetables and fruit, St Maure de Touraine goat cheeses, fresh water fish, snails, melons, wild mushrooms, "rillettes de Poitou" and game. Or help yourself to the well stocked veg & herb garden on site. This property can also be booked in conjunction with the following cottages (for larger groups): http://www.responsibletravel.com/Accommodation/Accommodation900717.htm and http://www.responsibletravel.com/Accommodation/Accommodation900716.htm


Tuscany accommodation – from €1100 - €2600 per week (Friday - Friday) (sleeps 8)
Located an hour from Florence and 45 minutes from San Gimignano this 1,100 acre organic agricultural estate and cultural centre produces organic wine, olive oil, vegetables, fruit, honey, grains, and pasta, and serves dinner nightly to residents and guests if desired. Casetta al Padule (sleeps 8) is the most recent renovation, located on the site of a medieval tannery. The house has four bedrooms. Local yellow Sienese travertine marble features throughout and the stone sink in the kitchen was rescued from a local construction site. The living room features an unusual heating system which incorporates both firewood used in the fireplace, and a natural gas furnace, with vents to the upstairs, allowing for heating with both wood and/or gas. Kids love to see the pigs, chickens, cows, sheep, and ponies. There are also hiking trails and a pool.

All holidays are subject to availability.

Notes to editors

About responsibletravel.com:
responsibletravel.com is the world's leading online ethical travel company, selling over 3,000 holidays from over 270 specialist operators and 550 accommodations. All the holidays meet specific responsible tourism guidelines and aim to create better places for people to live and to visit. Launched in 2001 with backing from Dame Anita Roddick, the website is for travellers who want more real and authentic holidays that also benefit the environment and local people. The organisation - based in Brighton, England - also campaigns for positive change in the travel and tourism industry.

Contact:
Krissy Pentland
press@responsibletravel.com
07717 348 368