Press release: Christmas 2008

MEDIA RELEASE: 24 November 2008

Great value Christmas holidays that make a difference

Still looking for a Christmas or New Year escape that does some good for you, your destination and your wallet? Leading online ethical travel company, responsibletravel.com has a range of holidays available. Indulge in delicious local produce at a country farm cottage in Herefordshire or cosy up at a Christmassy cabin for two in the Dordogne. Venture to Egypt for a spiritual yoga retreat or party all the way to Rio for a dance holiday you’ll never forget. If you prefer something more adventurous, explore Jordan and Egypt's ancient past, take the family to Slovakia's winter wonderland or volunteer with children in Sri Lanka.

Stay in an English farm self-catering cottage in Herefordshire over Christmas or New Year, from £400 per week for four
This award winning accommodation is based on a working farm - a 'slow' food provider. Situated near a major nature trust reserve and Hay-on-Wye, it is a great place to explore. Choose from Chess Cottage for £400 per week or Apple Blossom Cottage for £500. Both cottages are old restored stables and will be festively decorated with mistletoe and holly! Fresh produce breakfasts and hampers can be provided.

Dordogne self catering cabin for two - special festive package - £650 for Christmas week
This cosy, off-grid cabin is the ideal romantic retreat for those wanting to spend a traditional Christmas away from the commercialism. Enjoy a woodburner, no TV, a christmas tree with solar powered fairy lights, a food hamper including homemade mince pies, chocolate truffles and hand-picked chestnuts to roast, and a mystery present under the tree! The Woodsman’s Cabin has no electricity so lighting is provided by candles, solar lamps and oil lamps. Go cycling, take the boat out on the lake, enjoy local produce from the local market.

“The cabin was the perfect balance of comfort and simplicity, with a low ecological footprint.” – read what other visitors have said here .

Family winter holiday in Slovakia - £979 per adult and £899 per child for 8 days including flights, departing 27th Dec
A far cry from the ski “factories” of the Alps, the snow-clad mountains of the Tatras are the perfect place for an invigorating week of winter activities. You’ll enjoy many different and fun activities including a meal with a Slovak family, an expedition on snowshoes, sledging and even swimming in a hot thermal pool. The week peaks with a dog-sledding trip and – if you’ve any energy left - there’s even the chance to try night skiing!

Alternative Christmas Yoga Holiday in Egypt - from £350 for 7 days between 24th Dec and 10th Jan
Head for the sunshine of Dahab - a small and friendly village on the Gulf of Aqaba, South Sinai in Egypt, stay in a local Bedouin-owned B&B on the beach and enjoy two yoga classes per day with co-teacher David Olton, one of London’s leading yoga teachers. You can also go diving, sea kayaking, trekking, snorkelling, camel riding and horse riding. Price excludes flights.

Egypt and Jordan holiday, departing 20th Dec, from £1,399 for 11 days, including flights
Explore Cairo, the Pyramids, Sinai, the Red Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dana National Park and the Dead Sea in this fantastic trip with winter sun included! This small group trip uses local group leaders and guests will stay in locally owned hotels and eat in local restaurants. £100 local payment not included.

Two weeks volunteering with children in Sri Lanka , departs 21 Dec, from £495 for two weeks
Work with children from disadvantaged backgrounds, teaching English and doing creative activities. Includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, airport pickup, in-country orientation and online TEFL course. Excludes flights, insurance, return transfer and lunch.

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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 Roe
press@responsibletravel.com
01273 648 519 or 07717 348 368