Grumpy's Getaway Guide

UK Advertising Standards Authority says TripAdvisor is misleading

TripAdvisor has been told it cannot claim all of its reviews are written by real travellers, following a ruling by the Advertising
Standards Authority (ASA). The ASA concluded that the sites claims that all reviews on the travel site are genuine were ‘misleading’. TripAdvisor and similar review sites have come under fire from many sections of the hospitality industry, which have asserted that many of the reviews are made up by competitors and that guests attempt to blackmail hotels, threatening bad reviews unless discounts are given. The complainants said they understood that TripAdvisor did not verify the reviews and therefore could not prove that they were genuine or from real travellers, despite claims on the site that claim "read
reviews from real travellers". The ASA upheld the complaint
and said that consumers would take the claims on the website to mean they could be certain the reviews posted were from genuine travellers.

Tobago's Newest four star resort

The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort is nestled in the tropical Tobago Plantations Estate, a 750-acre gated community of luxury villas, condos and bungalows around the Tobago Plantations PGA designed Championship (18 holes) golf course. Situated along two and one-half miles of beach and coastline the grounds offer nature trails and canopy walks through a virgin mangrove forest. "Magdalena" was the original name of Tobago, derived from the name of one of Christopher Columbus' ships, and the name pays homage to the island's rich history, tradition, and people. It signifies the majestic beauty of Tobago in its natural and purest form. Experience Tobago's rich culture and rejuvenate your body and spirit with exceptional comforts and service at the majestic Magdalena Grand Beach Resort.

Hungarian airline Malev is grounded

Hungary’s national airline Malev, which has been making losses for years, was grounded last Friday almost a month after the European Union said the carrier had to pay back state aid. “At 0500 GMT 3 February, after 66 years of almost continuous operation, Malev stopped taking off,” Malev chief executive Lorant Limburger told a news conference as low-cost rivals Wizz and Ryanair jumped into the gap left. The immediate reason was a refusal by Israeli ground staff to service a Malev flight in Tel Avi without immediate payment of a “hefty sum,” Limburger said. Partners became jittery after the European Commission ordered Hungary’s flag carrier on 9 January to repay various forms of state aid received between 2007 and 2010 amounting to 38 billion forints (130 million euros, US$71 million), a sum equal to its entire 2010 revenue. The EU decision prevented Malev’s owner, the Hungarian state, from providing liquidity to the stricken airline.

Expedia study shows world travel trends

Expedia has revealed the results of their annual Vacation Deprivation Study which monitors the vacation trends and choices of people all over the globe. Who gets the most holiday and where the No 1 spot is – the study has the answer. The survey, which took place between 19th September – 9th October 2011, includes 7,083 respondents. There are significant differences across the continents, namely in terms of the number of days one can actually spend off work as well as what the preferred manner of relaxation is. The French, Danish, Spanish and Brazilians seem to have the best conditions, as their employers offer 30 days off work each year. The British follow with 25 days, still contrasting with 14 vacation days in the U.S. South Koreans get only 10 free days, out of which they tend to use only 7. Overall, many nations seem not to take full advantage of the free days given which is neither healthy nor wise.

Win a trip to the Great Gardens of Cornwall

Courtesy of Caerhays Estate Holidays and the Great Gardens of Cornwall, this fantastic prize includes accommodation for two people in a beautiful Caerhays Estate Holiday Cottage and entry to each of the magical Great Gardens of Cornwall. http://greatgardensofcornwall.co.uk/competition/?utm_source=vcnewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=main&utm_campaign=emailfeb2012

Up to 80% off on hotel rooms

Amazing New Year deals in February. Hotels up to 80% off until February 27, 2012. *Search and Save on the best hotel deals, only available at OpenRoomz.com. Hurry, the best discounts go fast! http://www.openroomz.com/au/