Argus Car Hire

All over the UK people must have awoke expecting to see a flying snowman knocking on their bedroom window.  Blanketed in snow, the countryside was picture perfect for a Christmas card.  The scene wasn’t quite so dreamy though, if were taking to the country’s roads this morning.

The heaviest falls were experienced in North East England and South East Scotland as wet weather met cold air which had been hanging over the country.  Northern Ireland and some parts of Wales were also affected.

Strong winds last night caused drifting, forcing some roads to shut completely and lane closures on dual carriageways located on higher ground.

Almost 15cm of snow fell in the Scottish Borders and dangerous conditions were reported on the roads in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and across Yorkshire.

Over the next week daytime temperatures are set to average 4-7C in the daytime, with some unsettled showery weather also predicted. Our advice is be prepared! For a comprehensive guide to driving in winter please click here!

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Planning to hit the post-Christmas sales in the US? Apart from booking your flights, hotel and car hire, you’ll now need to add something else to your ‘to do’ list.  From January 12 2009, US authorities require all travellers to fill in an online form at least three days before they travel to ensure they are cleared by the US Department of Homeland Security.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), it replaces the I-94 form, which is currently handed out during the flight to passengers from Europe and a number of other countries who do not require visas.

However, the form can only be filled in online and the US Embassy is making no provision for the millions of people who do not have access to the internet.

When asked what these people should do, a spokesman said:  “For those who don’t have access to the internet, it’s best to contact a friend, family member, colleague or travel agent who is online,  any of those folks are able to fill out the Esta form on behalf of the traveller.”

The Telegraph newspaper did some digging at the Office for National Statistics and found that up to eight million homes in the UK do not have an internet connection, either because they do not understand how it works, do not need it, or cannot afford a computer.

So it seems if you’re not online, you’re a nobody as far as the US is concerned.  Has the internet become the great divider?  Should the travel industry be putting all its eggs into one giant online basket?  Drop us a comment and let us know what you think!

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The Costa del Sol has lost its spark for British holidaymakers-so says British travel agent Thomas Cook.  The holiday giant has seen bookings slump by 18 per cent because of expensive hotel prices and unattractive currency rates.

Spain has always been a firm favourite with families looking for guaranteed sunshine and a short flying time but the recent downturn in the economy has seen penny pinching holidaymakers switch to cheaper resorts in Turkey and Egypt.

Commenting on the recent dip in Spanish bookings, Thomas Cook chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa said:  “It is a dangerous time for tourism in Spain unless it shows some flexibility on cost.  Consumers will not pay more to go to Spain if Turkey is better value.”

So where will you be heading next summer?  Are you willing to trade Spanish paella for Turkish kebab to save a few quid?  Let us know your thoughts!

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