Letter from France: May 2013

Whether you’re a novice or seasoned traveller, France will steal your heart. Each month, Frederic – our French correspondent – gives us the low-down on what to see and do across the channel

Bulgaria ancient treasures, current events and great value

Anthony reports on Bulgaria and an extraordinary memorial garden created by a Queen for herself and meets up with two famous footballers…

Consumer Focus

From the website:

“Consumer Focus is the statutory organisation campaigning for a fair deal for consumers in England, Wales, Scotland, and, for postal services, Northern Ireland.

Advice for individuals on energy and post is given by Consumer Direct (08454 04 05 06).”

European Capitals of Culture

This year there are 3 capitals, Istanbul in Turkey, Essen in Germany and Pecs in Hungary. Now that there are so many countries in the EU it is getting to the point where one place each year will mean it will take 27 years to get around to the same country again. So we will have at least two per year and probably three. Yes I know Turkey isn’t in the EU but the definition they use of Europe is wider than the geographical or political definitions.
So, a little about each.

Clocks go forward

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward by one hour tonight to mark the start of British Summer Time tomorrow (Sunday 25 March ).

Ryanair refuses to get rid of credit card charges

Last week we told you how airlines et al had been ticked off for the silly surcharges that they imposed on people paying by credit card.

What’s new to cruising

More and more of us are taking to the water for our holiday. With this in mind, we asked travel guide publisher, Berlitz, to tell us what’s new for 2013 in the world of cruising