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1. This format with 2 columns.

2. A single column print friendly version available online, see the link in every e-newsletter (or click here).

3. The text only version, if you’d like your e-newsletter in plain text format, just send a blank email to The Globetrotters Webmaster with “Text+Enews” as the subject

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5. As an RSS News Feed that you can read using you favourite News Aggregator or News Aggregation site such as newsisfree.com. You can download the RSS file here

Need help? Want a travelling buddy or advice about a place or country – want to share something with us – why not visit our Mutual Aid section of the Website: Mutual Aid

UK travel companies have cut the prices of Spanish package holidays, Britain’s most popular package holiday choice by an average £150 as fewer British families book holidays in the country.

The price cuts are being seen as an attempt by travel giants to win back custom from low-cost airlines. There is also evidence that families are getting fed up with what they see as profiteering by Spanish hoteliers where they have increased prices by more than local inflation. In addition, the rise in the value of the euro against the pound means the cost of visiting Spain and mainland Europe will be higher this Summer.

One holiday firm said: “Customers see they will get better value in the Dominican Republic and Turkey. If they don’t take this into account, Spanish hoteliers will get their comeuppance.” John Welsh, editor of the industry newspaper Travel Trade Gazette, said many families were creating their own trips by booking a cheap flight and arranging their own hotels and car hire.

Here’s a little Beetle quiz based on capital cities. See how many you get right! Go on, have a guess!

What is the capital city of the following countries:

1. Andorra
2. Gabon
3. Malta
4. Philippines
5. Thailand

For the answers, see at the end of the e-newsletter.

The first passenger train linking the Adelaide and Darwin in Australia made its debut at the beginning of February. The journey will stretches 1,420 kilometres (882 miles), and cuts through Australia’s outback. The 43 carriage train is called the “Ghan”. named after Afghan camel drivers who traditionally ran the route after European colonisation. The 400 or so people on board included invited guests, the media and regular passengers. Adult fares start at A$440 (US$334). The Ghan has been travelling between Adelaide and Alice Springs since 1929 and it was always the intention to extend the line to Darwin in the north.

If you have a travellers tale that your aching to tell. Then why not visit the “Travel Sized Bites” section of the Website and share it with the world. Travel Sized Bites

Under 30? A member of Globetrotters Club? Interested in a £1,000 travel award?

Know someone who is? We have £1,000 to award each year for five years for the best submitted independent travel plan. Interested?

Then see our legacy page on our Website, where you can apply with your plans for a totally independent travel trip and we’ll take a look at it. Get those plans in!!

How did you do at our little Beetle quiz based on capital cities. See how many you got right!

1. Andorra: Andorra La Vella
2. Gabon: Libraville
3. Malta: Valletta
4. Philippines: Manila
5. Thailand: Bangkok

0 out of 5 – you need to get out more!

1-3 – not bad

4 – Very good! You are a Globetrotter!

5 – Are you sure you didn’t sneak a look?

Around 400 air passengers are thought to have been stranded abroad after Irish low-cost airline Jetmagic announced it is to cease trading. Jetmagic launched in April 2003 and flew to destinations throughout Europe including Alicante, Barcelona, Nice, Nantes and Milan. It has reportedly lost £7.5 million and more than 100 workers are facing redundancy. On the company’s website www.jetmagic.com all booking facilities have been replaced with a statement explaining that the company is no longer in operation.

Travellers who have booked tickets with Jetmagic can obtain a refund from:
Jetmagic
Refunds Department
5100 Airport Business Park
Cork Ireland.