Words About Things

It’s not very often that you hear good news about fuel prices. The normal trend seems to be price rises even when the oil price goes down. This makes sense I suppose, why pass on the saving to the consumer if they are going to buy fuel anyway? Anyway, back to the good news before this deteriorates into a rant…

Fuel costs in mainland Europe are apparently 12% less this year than last and the cost of hiring a car is also falling. This is good news for tourists looking to keep costs down this summer particularly those visiting Switzerland where unleaded petrol is currently at 91p per litre. Everything else in Switzerland is massively over priced (over £4 for a Cappuccino?!) so if you’re not paid Swiss wages you might want to keep on driving.

The cost of renting a car has also fallen across the continent with Portugal seeing a 21% drop in price and french car hire also coming down in price. One place where driving costs are increasing is Florida where ‘gas’ prices and the week pound are affecting British holidaymakers. I would be surprised if it was anymore expensive than driving here though as petrol prices in the US are still much lower than in the UK.

“This year’s report shows more evidence of price cutting activity to boost tourism in popular European summer holiday resorts. The huge drop in costs in both Portugal and Greece is great news for UK tourists and is another factor that should be taken into consideration when choosing a holiday this year.”
Sarah Munro, Post Office head of travel

Volkswagen have launched a new site to celebrate their reputation as van makers of choice for those with an eye for adventure. The popularity of their camper vans with surfers and other outdoor types is clear to see, particularly in the summer time.

The site VWescape.co.uk is tied in with a series of summer events including the GoldCoast Oceanfest in Devon and the Blackheath Bike and Kite Festival in London. At the these events people will be able to have a look at some of the Volkswagen vans for sale the Caravelle and the California.

There will also be a chance to look around some split screen camper vans that will no doubt be out and about this summer. The used vans seem to all come out of the woodwork once the sun is shining!

A high speed ‘Javelin’ train that will speed up journey times for visitors to the 2012 Olympics has been tested in London. The train took 30 minutes to get from St Pancras station to Ashford in Kent, a journey that usually takes 80 minutes. The Javelin train will act as a shuttle taking spectators from St Pancras station to the Olympics site at Stratford in just seven minutes. It is part of a series of major investments in London’s transport system in order to prepare for the influx of visitors in 2012.

London aims to improve it’s public transport system and provide green alternatives for 2012. Walking and cycling routes are being created in order to encourage spectators to ‘stride or ride’ to the events in order to reduce congestion.

Although the Olympic committee is focusing on green and low cost travel alternatives the influx of people into London will also benefit other areas of the transport industry. Taxi cabs and car hire companies are sure to benefit. Those who offer car hire at Heathrow airport or a taxi ride out to the east end will no doubt see a rise in customers.