Up to standard
British ski instructors can now teach legally in Europe, following recognition by the French of the British Association of Snowsports Instructors qualification. The news is announced in The Good Skiing and Snowboarding Guide 2001, published this week by Which? at £15.99. To order, call 0800 252100).
Work in progress
Eurostar is is closing its Ashford International Terminal in Kent on the weekend of Saturday September 30 and Sunday October 1 due to essential engineering work. Eurostar services from London will not be affected.
Animal instinct
Pet owners crossing the channel with P&O Stena Line can now book travel insurance for their cats and dogs when they book their ferry tickets. Five-Star AA Pet Travel insurance costs £9 per pet for a trip lasting up to eight days.
Taking off
More than 30 million passengers have gone through Orlando International Airport in Florida in the past year.
Twilight zone
Virgin Holiday customers at Gatwick can now check-in the evening before they depart, so avoiding the queues. The Twilight check-in, between 3.30pm and 9pm, is available for all routes except Boston.
Net result
Over 63% of consumers believe that the internet will be the dominant technology for booking travel in five years' time, according to an online travel survey by Anite Travel Systems. Most respondents said they would prefer to book with an established travel company rather than a dotcom. Men make the majority of online travel booking, unlike in traditional "leisure bookings".
Welcome break
STA Travel has produced a booklet called Year Out, which contains information for students taking a break from their studies. STA Travel found that of 3,000 university applicants, 83% said that they were taking a year out. For a copy of the booklet, call 020-7361 6166.
Overseas aid
The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust are offering around 100 British men and women of any age the chance to conduct projects overseas with their Travelling Fellowships. Details and application forms are on www.wcmt.org.uk or send a SAE to The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, 15 Queen's Gate Terrace, London SW7 5PR. The closing date is October 24.
