Student festivals, tours and group weekends
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SEE YOU THERE!
G I AT E VA R S I T Y T O U R
Group weekends & other trips
Call 01279 647 566 SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
www.sportsparty.co.uk
welcome SportsParty is the university festival brand of Sports Travel International Ltd, one of the UK’s leading sports tour specialists. We’ve been organising unforgettable tours for university and college student groups for more than 20 years. Thousands of students enjoy our annual Lloretfest, Dublinfest and Doxbridge festivals every year at unbeatable value for money. It’s no exaggeration to say that the SportsParty tour experience really does represent the time of your life whether you’re a tour virgin or something of a veteran. If it’s a performance oriented training camp, tournament entry or end of season jolly you’re looking for instead, we’ll have the perfect package to meet your budget and expectation. Society trip, hall, college or friends? Sign up for a group weekend away at any time of year and enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris, Dublin, Brussels or Amsterdam on a shoestring. Thank you for all your support over the years – it’s been awesome. Furthermore, if you’ve not travelled with us before, then there’s never been a better time. Help us celebrate the 15th anniversary of Lloretfest in style. We’re offering a range of special deals to both new and existing tour groups alike. Don’t delay... get the ball rolling now. Best wishes, The SportsParty team www.sportsparty.co.uk
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CONTENTS Serious about tour
Lloretfest Dublinfest Doxbridge Group weekends Tailor-made tours General information
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If you die and go to heaven, if you’re lucky, you’ll come here to SportsParty Middlesex University
MORE experience With more experience than any other student tour company, we look after everyone from professional clubs in the Heineken Cup to Premiership football Academies as well as university and college teams and special interest groups from Britain, Ireland, Europe and the USA. Our longstanding network of relationships both at home and abroad ensure you will always enjoy the best possible tour in the best possible hands. Others may try and copy us, but remember there really is no substitute for experience.
MORE suppor t Our independently audited safety management system, unrivalled customer service and student support team both in the office and in resort mean you’ll be well looked after from start to finish. As a group leader we’ll help you every step along the way from choosing the best package for your group, to promotions, payments and a carefree time on tour. Many of our senior reps have a decade of festival experience
Call 01279 647 566
in resort and the invaluable support we provide to you and your students is a feature of our tours.
MORE value We know you want to pay as little as possible for your tour and we promise to help you get the very best deal for your group! However, value means a whole lot more than price. You’ll get better value from us than anywhere else combined with a service and package that’s second to none. Better accommodation, better reps, better facilities and better management mean better value – period! With some excellent offers on excursions and extras too, there’s more to tour than ever before.
MORE fun We could describe just how awesome tour is, but it’s better than that. Remember, we do all the hard work and you just need to have fun! So start planning now and before you know it you’ll be getting your bags packed and heading off on tour. From fancy-dress to foam, booze to banter, sports to sunshine ... it’s time for you to join the Party!
www.spor tspar ty.co.uk
serious about tour Our collective goal is your enjoyment of the whole tour experience with us from start to finish. Your safety on tour is our priority. We are a Partner of the FCO’s Know Before You Go campaign, founder member of TourWatch and operate an independently audited Safety Management System. Remember, acting responsibly on tour will help you and your colleagues stay safe and make for a better tour experience for everyone: ■ Don’t go on tour without adequate travel insurance – a comprehensive package is available from us at excellent value for money ■ Check out the FCO’s guidance notes – you can link to country travel advice and more from our website ■ Read our ‘Before You Go Safety Guide’ and check up on the local laws and customs where you’re touring ■ Adhere to any Code of Conduct issued by SportsParty, your University or SU ■ Follow the TourWatch guidelines on Responsible touring and do not put your safety in jeopardy ■ Make sure you are in good health before you go and visit your GP first if you need to check
■ Check your passport is in good condition and valid and you have all necessary visas ■ Make copies of important travel documents and/or store them online using a secure data storage site ■ Tell someone where you are going and leave emergency contact details with them ■ Take enough money and have access to emergency funds ■ Read the FCO’s ‘travellers checklist’ for practical tips for having a safe and enjoyable holiday ■ Get an EHIC – everyone should travel with a European Health Insurance Card ■ Remember, we’re ABTA members and ATOL holders, so your monies are in very safe hands
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
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www.sportsparty.co.uk
15th
ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL
Amazing atmosphere, amazing people, amazing place, amazing experience! Plymouth Storm
Coach tours from only
■ The ’original and best’ in Lloret de Mar for 15 years!! ■ Europe’s #1 resort for students ■ Official Spanish sports town ■ Unbeatable value for money Lloret de Mar, Spain
£209 per person
Easter 2014
R MAR DE MADE ORET LLORET LL ABOUT Lloret de Mar is an awesome party resort on the famous Costa Brava. This is student tour heaven! A designated ‘vila esportiva’ (sports town) – there are fantastic sports and leisure facilities here on your doorstep. Our hotels and apartments are all in easy walking distance of SportsParty HQ, the beach and bars, creating a brilliant festival atmosphere. The nightlife here is second to none. Enjoy the beach games, catamaran cruise and swimming pools, or head in to Barcelona for the FREE PLACE sights and sounds of the city.
1:20 RATIO
TOUR ITINERARY Day 1: We’re off! Journey to Dover, crossing to Calais and overnight on the coach. Day 2: Coach and flight groups arrive in Lloret de Mar. Check in, relax and head out for the ‘Welcome Party Night’ at Moby’s bar and Tropics. Day 3: SportsParty tournament matches throughout the day in Lloret and other venues. Evening parties and fancy dress. Day 4: Sports matches for those of you taking it seriously, sun bathing by the pool if not. Presentation night and ‘Foam Party’ Day 5: Free day at leisure with optional activities including: ■ Excursion day to Barcelona ■ Catamaran Cruise ‘Party Boat’ ■ Beach and Pool Party fun in resort Day 6: Check out and load coach. Tour has ended too soon! Return flight or start of coach journey home. Day 7: Arrive back home with memories to last a lifetime. The time of your life…!!
EVEN MORE FUN AT LLORETFEST ■ Top DJs ■ Foam party ■ Awesome Partyboat cruise* *Optional extra, see overleaf for prices
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Lloret de Mar, Spain
Easter 2014
LLORETFEST HIGHLIGHTS ■ The original and best in Lloret de Mar ■ Europe’s #1 resort for student tours ■ Premium nightspots on your doorstep ■ Brilliant sports facilities ■ FREE Barcelona excursion for societies
TOP DJs
AMAZING! Actually ‘the time of my life’! Worcester University
PARTY BOAT
SPORTS
Fantastic selection of sports categories
All ea sy walk o r short transfe from y r our hotel
Soccer Sixes (Men’s, Women’s) Football (Men’s, Women’s) Hockey (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed) Rugby Sevens (Men’s, Women’s) Rugby Union (Men’s, Women’s) Rugby League (Men’s, Women’s) Lacrosse (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed) Netball (Women’s) Basketball (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed) Volleyball (Mixed) Beach Cricket (Mixed) Dance (Competition & Instruction) Frisbee (Mixed frisbee fun) Water Polo* (Mixed) Cheerleading (Competition) Tennis* (Mixed) Ten Pin Bowling* (Mixed) Rounders (Mixed) Flag Football (Mixed) Badminton* (Mixed) Martial Arts (Men’s, Women’s) Swimming (Men’s, Women’s) *Premium categories – £10 per person supplement.
PARTY PACKAGE
For friends, societies and groups FREE Barcelona excursion Beach games and fun in resort
Call us now on 01279 647 566
THE DETAILS ... WHEN? WEEK 1: Saturday 5 April – Friday 11 April, 2014 WEEK 2: Saturday 12 April – Friday 18 April, 2014 WEEK 3: Monday 21 April – Sunday 27 April, 2014
TOUR PRICES See website for full details on tour prices, special offers & more COACH TOUR Apartment (self-catering) Hotel (bed and breakfast) COACH THERE/FLY BACK Apartment (self-catering) Hotel (bed and breakfast) 5 DAY FLIGHT TOUR Apartments (self-catering) Hotel (bed and breakfast)
£209 pp £229 pp £299 pp £319 pp (excl. flights) £165 pp £185 pp
EASY
(incl. flights) £315 pp £335 pp
online payment system
EXTRAS DINNER DEAL £10 pp Festival hotel buffet ‘dinner-deal’ costs just £2.50 per person per night (So just add £10 per person for the week) This is available for groups staying in hotels only. DRINK AND BURGER KING DEAL £25 pp 10 x drinks in featured bars & 2 x Burger King burgers SPECIALIST SPORTS TOUR INSURANCE £12.50 pp* Don’t travel without it – policy wording available online. *Normal price £15 pp when booked individually
FREE PLACES & VIP CARDS ■ 1:20 free place ratio* ■ Free VIP card for Group leaders** ■ Free Barcelona excursion (for all team captains) * each 21st person travels FREE **based on 45+ paying persons in your tour group
WHAT’S INCLUDED ■ Accommodation: 4 nights, 2-3 star hotel or apartment (based on 3/4 sharing a room) ■ Board: self-catering, bed and breakfast or half board (dinner included) ■ Travel: door to door executive coach transportation or flight tour options ■ Staff: professional officials, paramedics and 24/7 SportsParty rep assistance team ■ Nightlife: FREE entry to our featured clubs and bars ■ Downloads: Safety Management System, Safety Guide, maps and more ■ T-shirt: SportsParty T-shirt (for all early bookers)! ■ Sports festival: 1-2 day events at first class facilities in or near the resort, or ■ Party package: FREE Barcelona excursion and beach games
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS ■ Catamaran Cruise ■ Barcelona excursion
£20 per person £5 per person
KEY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY NOW: Get the ball rolling by registering at www.sportsparty.co.uk 22 November: Deposit deadline date for ‘Early Bookers’ FREE SportsParty T-Shirt 6 December: Individual deposits of £60 per person due by now* 24 January: Final balances due today Easter: Set off on tour and time for the party to begin! 8
*Flight package groups will need to pay a higher deposit. Please call us for details.
www.sportsparty.co.uk
14th
ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL
A party you don’t want to miss, with friends that you’ll never forget Galway Lacrosse
■ A seriously good sports tour ■ Top quality facilities and great international competition ■ Awesome nightlife in the heart of Dublin at student prices Dublin, Ireland
7–11 April 2014
Coach tours from only
£188 per person
X All Dublinfest accommodation is smack bang in the middle of Dublin, so all the great pubs and clubs of the city are here on your doorstep. The local ‘craic’ is legendary of course and you should arrive at Dublinfest ready to party! Sample 1,000 years of culture, food, drink, verse and song… and take advantage of the self-catering facilities to enjoy Dublin on a shoestring! The sports facilities are awesome here too and there are no long transfers to endure! TOUR ITINERARY
1:20
FREE PLACE RATIO
Monday 7 April: We’re off! Journey to the port and ferry crossing over the Irish Sea to Dublin. Check into hostel accommodation in the heart of the city. Welcome Party night in the city centre! Tuesday 8 April: Short transfer to local sports venue in the city. First day of competition at some of Dublin’s finest facilities. Optional excursions for ‘Society Package’ groups. Exclusive Dublinfest party in the heart of Temple Bar! Wednesday 9 April: The sports tournaments and games continue. Themed party night in one of Dublin’s hotspots! Thursday 10 April: Conclusion of tournaments, subject to scheduling. Leisure time, to experience the sights and sounds of the city or for a trip to the Guinness Storehouse. Friday 11 April: Up early and check out ready for the ferry crossing and onward journey by coach. Arrive back home with memories to last a lifetime.
DUBLINFEST – CLOSER & CHEAPER ■ Unbeatable value for money ■ Dublin on a shoestring ■ Great student nightlife on your doorstep ■ Eat & drink at the hostels saves ££s ■ Short transfers all the way ■ Competition & genuine Irish craic See the video – visit sportsparty.co.uk today
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Dublin, Ireland
7–11 April 2014
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION ■ Legendary lacrosse tournament ■ First class hockey facilities ■ Excellent netball competition ■ Selection of other sports ■ Brilliant rugby tradition ■ Perfect pre-season cricket
Dublinfest is epic Aberdeen University
SPORTS
Fantastic selection of sports categories
FREE SportsParty T-Shir ts
Lacrosse (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed) Hockey (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed) Rugby Union (Men’s, Women’s) Netball (Women’s) 5 a-side football (Men’s, Women’s) Football (Men’s, Women’s) Basketball (Men’s, Women’s) Squash (Mixed) Badminton (Mixed) Cricket (Mens) Cheerleading (Mixed) Volleyball (Mixed) Tennis (Mixed) Dance (Mixed) Gaelic Football (Mens)
PARTY PACKAGE
For friends, societies and groups FREE Dublin city tourist map FREE Guinness Storehouse tour
FREE
GUINN ESS TOUR
Call us now on 01279 647 566
THE DETAILS ... WHEN? Monday 7 – Friday 11 April 2014
TOUR PRICES See website for full details on tour prices, special offers & more COACH TOUR Hostel (self-catering)
3 nights* £188 pp
4 nights £215 pp
FLIGHT TOUR Hostel (self-catering)
(excl. flights) £149 pp
(excl. flights) from £169 pp
EASY
online payment system
*The 3 night tour runs from Monday 7 – Thursday 10 April
EXTRAS PACKED BREAKFAST £9 pp (3 nights) £12 pp (4 nights) Costs just £3 pp per night. Head off for your sports with a packed breakfast or simply use the self-catering facilities at the hostel if you prefer. SPECIALIST SPORTS TOUR INSURANCE £11 pp* Don’t travel without it – policy wording available online. *Normal price £15 pp when booked individually
FREE PLACES & VIP CARDS ■ 1:20 free place ratio* ■ FREE VIP welcome reception for group leaders ■ FREE Guinness Storehouse tour for group leaders** * each 21st person travels FREE **based on 20+ paying persons in your tour group & only applies if taking the 4 night package
WHAT’S INCLUDED ■ Accommodation: 3-4 nights Dublin city centre hostel in multi-bed rooms. Fully equipped self-catering kitchen in each hostel ■ Travel: door to door executive coach transportation or flight tour options ■ Staff: professional officials, paramedics and 24/7 SportsParty rep team ■ Nightlife: FREE entry to our featured venues and the very best student nightlife in the city! ■ Downloads: Safety Management System, Safety Guide, maps and more ■ T-shirt: SportsParty T-shirt (for all early bookers)! ■ Sports festival: 1-2 day events at first class facilities within and around Dublin Centre, or ■ Society package: FREE Guinness Storehouse excursion, culture and fun
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS ■ Guinness Storehouse ■ Dublin City Bus tour
£12 per person £15 per person
KEY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY NOW: Get the ball rolling by registering at www.sportsparty.co.uk 22 November: Deposit deadline date for ‘Early Bookers’ FREE SportsParty T-Shirt 6 December: individual deposits of £60 per person due by now* 24 January: final balances due today Easter: set off on tour and time for the party to begin! 12
*Flight package groups will need to pay a higher deposit. Please call us for details.
www.sportsparty.co.uk
15th
ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL
Utter brilliance – the sports, the hostel the nights out New College, Oxford
SITY TOUR I N T E R - C O L L E G I AT E VA R Doxbridge is the famous annual inter-collegiate multi-sports tournament in Dublin. It’s the unique opportunity for college teams from Durham, Oxford, Cambridge and York to battle it out on and off the field on tour!!
Dublin, Ireland
Coach tours from only
£188 per person
7–10 April 2014
Doxbridge is the longstanding annual inter-collegiate tour to Dublin for the college teams from Oxford, Cambridge, Durham and York. Described as a ‘not to be missed concoction of lash, bash and good times’ Doxbridge has seen rival colleges battle it out on and off the field with a touch of class, competition and craic for more than a decade. If you’ve not been before, then now’s the time to get on board. Doxbridge represents unbeatable value for money for college teams with a unique tour atmosphere that’s second to none. TOUR ITINERARY
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1:20
Monday 7April: We’re off! Journey FREE PLACE to the port and ferry crossing over the RATIO Irish Sea to Dublin. Check into hostel accommodation in the heart of the city. Welcome Party night at one of our traditional Doxbridge favourite venues. Tuesday 8 April: Short transfer to local sports venue in the city. First day of serious competition at some of Dublin’s finest facilities. Optional ‘Guinness Storehouse tour’ for supporter groups. Exclusive Doxbridge party in Temple Bar! Wednesday 9 April: The sports ‘Doxbridge is the tumultuous clash of the tournaments and games continue with top college sports resulting in the most finals in the afternoon. Presentations and enjoyable madness I’ve ever encountered’ Derwent College, York themed party night in one of Dublin’s hotspots! ‘Doxbridge has become a traditional Thursday 10 April: Up early and check institution at Lady Margaret Hall – best out ready for the ferry crossing and to stick to a winning formula’ onward journey by coach. Arrive back Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford home with memories to last a lifetime.
Dublin, Ireland
7–10 April 2014
THE DOXBRIDGE EXPERIENCE ■ The famous annual tour to Dublin ■ Inter-collegiate tournament ■ Professionally officiated sports events ■ Superb facilities and competition ■ Excellent city centre hostels ■ Door-to-door travel by coach and ferry ■ FREE entry to featured nightclubs ■ Fantastic fancy dress, banter and Irish craic!
SPORTS
Fantastic selection of sports categories
FREE SportsParty T-Shir ts
5 a-side football (Men’s, Women’s) Football (Men’s, Women’s) Rugby Union 10s & 7s (Men’s, Women’s) Hockey (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed) Netball (Women’s) Basketball (Men’s, Women’s, Mixed) Lacrosse (Mixed)
SUPPORTER PACKAGE For all the college posse! FREE Guinness Storehouse tour FREE Dublin city tourist map
FREE
Doxbridge is an experience not to be missed St.Aidan’s College, Durham
Call us now on 01279 647 566
GUINN ESS TOUR
THE DETAILS ... WHEN? Monday 7 – Thursday 10 April 2014
TOUR PRICES See website for full details on tour prices, special offers & more COACH TOUR Hostel (self-catering)
3 nights £188 pp
4 nights* £215 pp
FLIGHT TOUR Hostel (self-catering)
(excl. flights) £149 pp
(excl. flights) from £169 pp
EASY
online payment system
*The 4 night tour runs from Monday 7 – Friday 11 April
EXTRAS PACKED BREAKFAST £9 pp (3 nights) £12 pp (4 nights) Costs just £3 per person per night. Head off for your sports with a packed breakfast or simply use the self-catering facilities at the hostel if you prefer. SPECIALIST SPORTS TOUR INSURANCE £11 pp* Don’t travel without it – policy wording available online. *Normal price £15 pp when booked individually
FREE PLACES & VIP CARDS ■ 1:20 free place ratio* ■ FREE VIP welcome reception for group leaders ■ FREE Guinness Storehouse tour for the group leaders** * each 21st person travels FREE **based on 20+ paying persons in your tour group & only applies if taking the 4 night package
WHAT’S INCLUDED ■ Accommodation: 3–4 nights Dublin city centre hostel in multi-bed rooms. Fully equipped self-catering kitchen in each hostel. ■ Board: self-catering – but with the option of a packed breakfast (see ‘Extras’) ■ Travel: door to door executive coach transportation or flight tour options ■ Staff: professional officials, paramedics and 24/7 Doxbridge rep team ■ Nightlife: FREE entry to our featured clubs and bars ■ T-shirt: SportsParty T-shirt (for all early bookers)!* ■ Downloads: Safety Management System, Safety Guide, maps and more ■ Sports festival: 2 day events at quality venues in and around Dublin City Centre, or ■ Supporter Package: FREE Guinness excursion also included
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS ■ Guinness Storehouse ■ Dublin City Bus tour
£12 per person £15 per person
KEY DATES FOR YOUR DIARY NOW: Get the ball rolling by registering at www.sportsparty.co.uk 22 November: Deposit deadline date for ‘Early Bookers’ FREE SportsParty T-Shirt 6 December: Individual deposits of £60 per person due by now* 24 January: final balances due today Easter: set off on tour and time for the party to begin! 16
*Flight package groups will need to pay a higher deposit. Please call us for details.
www.sportsparty.co.uk
The level of service was excellent compared to other operators
s d n e k e e w Group s p i r t r e h t o & ■ Weekend breaks throughout the year ■ Societies, clubs, halls & colleges ■ Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels & Dublin ■ Tailor-made trips & sports tours
Coach tours from only
£109 per person
Spor tsParty ... the time of your life!
S GROUP WEEKEND & SOCIETY TRIPS Perfect for a long weekend getaway at any time of year, these short trips are ideal for groups from societies, halls or colleges looking for an inexpensive hop abroad. With door-to-door coach transportation, city centre hostel accommodation and plenty of time to enjoy the sights, enjoy a European city-break at a price you can afford. Choose from Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels or Dublin and enjoy the sights, culture and nightlife with your friends and colleagues. Clubs and Societies are also welcome at Lloretfest (see p6)
IPS EDUCATIONAL TR Educational trips can also be organised to suit your special interest and requirements. So whether it’s history of art, language or geography that’s on the agenda our experienced team can help with all the different elements. Call us now to discuss your requirements.
AMSTERDAM ■ Student favourite ■ City centre hostels ■ Famous nightlife on your doorstep
BRUSSELS ■ Belgium’s capital city ■ Superb nightlife ■ Legendary Belgian beer
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Many other destinations available
PARIS
TYPICAL ITINERARY TO PARIS
■ Romance & all the sights of the city ■ Optional day at Disneyland theme park ■ Croissants, coffee & the Champs-Elysees
DUBLIN ■ History, literature & culture ■ Guinness Storehouse tour ■ Nightclubs & pubs in Temple Bar
Thursday: Late evening departure by coach from the SU for journey through the night. Friday: Ferry/Eurotunnel crossing to Calais and onward journey to Paris. Arrive early morning. Free day in the city to see the famous sights or shop along the Champs Elysees. Check into your hostel accommodation and then hit the town and enjoy the Parisian nightlife. Saturday: After a lazy morning, how about a spot of culture at the Louvre, a boat trip along the Seine or climb the famous Eiffel Tower? Alternatively, why not head out to Disneyland and enjoy Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain and all the thrills at the park, before the bright lights of the city at night? Sunday: Relax with a coffee and a croissant before packing your bags and checking out of your hostel. Grab a baguette and set off for the journey home, arriving back late evening.
Call us now on 01279 647 566
SPORTS TOURS, TOURNAMENTS & TRAINING CAMPS We’ve been organising bespoke sports tours for student groups since 1992. In that first year, there was a football tour to Athens and a rugby tour to Lisbon, a netball tour to Malta and a lacrosse tour across to Prague. Since then, as well as hockey in Holland, cricket in the Caribbean and basketball in Italy there have been tours to America, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Belgium, Scandinavia, France and Barbados. Time flies by when you’re having fun. From high-performance training centres like La Manga and Browns to traditional Easter tournaments and festivals, there is something here to suit everyone, whatever your budget and expectation. Tours can include friendly matches, tournament entries or training time as well as travel, accommodation and excursions. Here’s just a selection of our favourite destinations. Call us now for a chat to discuss your requirements.
BARBADOS ■ Fabulous cricket & netball ■ Awesome local hospitality ■ Fun in the Caribbean sun ■ Brilliant holiday excursions
MALTA ■ Beautiful island ■ Lovely climate ■ Fantastic sightseeing & excursions ■ Superb selection of sports on offer
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Call us now on 01279 647 566
HOLLAND
ITALY
■ Favourite with British students ■ Amsterdam ■ Superb football pedigree ■ Traditional hockey festivals
■ See Milan at the San Siro stadium ■ Football, basketball & golf ■ Jesolo, Rimini & Rome ■ Indoor and outdoor swim camp venues
PORTUGAL
SPAIN
■ Lisbon, Estoril & the Algarve ■ Fabulous climate ■ Great for rugby & football ■ Excellent for hockey & netball too
■ Great for football, hockey & tennis ■ La Manga, Lloret de Mar and Madrid ■ Training camps, beach sports & tours ■ Watersports packages & tuition
Many other destinations available
General Information & How to Book CHOOSING YOUR TOUR Where and when? Simply decide which tour you would like to attend and the dates you wish to travel. If you’re not sure which event may be more suitable for you then please just give us a call to discuss first. Coach or fly? The most economical way to travel as a group is on the coach and nearly all our groups prefer to choose this option. However, if you’d prefer to fly - bear in mind that most of the airlines are not group-friendly and charge more per person, the larger your group. You’ll also need to pay for the flights up front on top of the standard deposit, so you’ll need to act quickly if you want a flight based package. If we book the flights you’ll be ATOL protected, but you may find it easier to simply book the flights yourselves and let us handle the rest of the tour. If you are booking a flight-exclusive package, please contact us and obtain written confirmation regarding your booking prior to booking your flights. Accommodation options All our accommodations have been checked by us in advance and are suitable for student groups. They do vary from one destination to another, so check the tour prices and descriptions before you decide. You can choose between hotel or apartment options for Lloretfest and select either self-catering, bed and breakfast or half board options (dinner also included). Self-catering and bed and breakfast options are available in the excellent Dublin hostels we use. Excursions and extras Excursions can be added by individuals or the group as a whole either at the booking stage or at any subsequent point up until the final payment deadline. Some excursions may also be purchased in resort, although you may secure a better deal by buying as a group in advance. Travel insurance It’s a condition of booking that everyone travels with adequate travel insurance, although it’s not compulsory to purchase insurance from us. The cover we offer is arranged by Fogg Travel Insurance, used by many leading tour operators and with considerable experience of student tours. An EHIC (European Health Insurance card) should be carried by all students, but it does not replace travel insurance as amongst other things neither cancellation nor repatriation is included. Do not travel without adequate insurance. Remember, exclusions and conditions apply to all insurance policies and you will not be covered due to any self-exposure to peril, or if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
BOOKING YOUR TOUR
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Group leader benefits We know how important your role as a Group Leader is in booking the tour and co-ordinating your group, so we offer some excellent benefits to Group Leaders. These include VIP cards, free excursions and free places (see individual tours for details). Additional free places for SU staff overseeing very large centrally organised groups are also available. Remember, you are responsible for liaising with us before and during tour and passing on all information supplied to you to your tour members, as well as ensuring that deadlines for information and payments are met by your group.
Free places We offer a generous 1:20 free place ratio meaning that every 21st person can travel free on tour. Either travel free as a Group Leader(s) or split the value of any free places amongst your committee or tour members as you wish. Some free places carry additional benefits (see individual tours for details). Signing up Registering for tour is easy by visiting the website at sportsparty.co.uk and clicking on ‘Book your Tour’. Simply choose your package, payment method and enter your personal details and we’ll send you a confirmation e-mail. You can then either sign up individuals from your party on their behalf, or direct them to the website to sign up themselves. You’ll need to authorise them into your group before they can be accepted. Online facility Each year we improve the online facility based on feedback from Group Leaders and the system gives you the ability to manage and oversee your group members. You can appoint administrators or captains to look after teams within your group if you are booking a larger party. You can create your own home page, upload information and send messages to participants. Full ‘Booking System Guidelines’ can be downloaded from the website. Payment options As a group, you have the option to pay online or make traditional payments collectively if you prefer. The online system allows you to make payment instalments individually at any stage (subject to the stated deadlines) by debit or credit card. A small per person charge is payable for use of the online system but no additional fees are imposed for the processing of your payments. Alternatively, you are welcome to send us a single bank transfer (BACS) or a single cheque (payable to SportsParty) to collectively pay for all the individuals in your party from a central account, free of charges. Payment schedule You will be required to make individual deposit payments to secure your places on tour (typically £60 per person) by the deadline dates, but ideally as soon as possible after booking. All deposit payments are strictly non-refundable. Your final balance payment must be paid by the deadline date shown and we reserve the right to treat your tour as cancelled if these have not been received on time. Should you request an extension for any reason, then this will only be valid if authorised in writing by us in advance. Damage deposits & Tourist Tax In 2013, a new Tourist tax was introduced in Spain. For groups travelling to Lloretfest, an amount of 0.50 Euro per person per night is payable directly to the hotel at check-in on your arrival. Sometimes accidents do happen, so damage deposits are required to cover any damages that may occur on tour. The amounts and payment methods differ from one tour to another (see individual tours for details). These may be added to the package price you pay online in advance, but are typically paid in resort on arrival at check-in. They are refunded, less any amount held back to compensate suppliers, as soon as practicable thereafter. Lloretfest Dublinfest/Doxbridge
€50 pp €20 pp
Cancellations and name changes Should you wish to cancel as a group or individually, then cancellation charges will apply. Please see our standard booking terms and conditions for details. Once a booking has been made, we understand that some tour members may drop out along the way. Name changes are possible on the online system and may be free of charge at an initial stage. Names changes for coach groups will be subject to an administration charge of £35 per person from 2-8 weeks prior to travel. Name changes thereafter may be possible on request at a further cost. Name changes on flight tours are often very expensive, depending on the appropriate airline. Passports, visas and EHIC You are responsible for ensuring that you and your group have the correct documentation required to travel including valid passports and any visas that may be required. Let us know if you need a confirmatory letter from us to help you process any visa applications. Please note that visa applications can take several weeks to process, so we recommend you start this process as soon as possible. Remember, we won’t accept any liability for your failure to have the correct documentation for you and your tour members to travel to your selected destination. Everyone that qualifies should travel with an up to date EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Please keep photocopies of all important documents. Special requirements Any special requirements, needs or requests must be made at the initial booking stage in writing if we are to attempt to accommodate your request.
GENERAL INFO ABOUT YOUR TOUR Coach and ferry travel You are required to supply us at booking with one nominated ‘Pick-Up point’ on the UK mainland and as long as your group has at least 25 persons travelling together, the coach will meet you there for departure. Smaller groups may be required to meet at a collective regional pick-up point instead. We endeavour to ensure that all members of a group can travel together, but this is not always operationally possible based on the numbers travelling in your party and the capacities and allocations of the coaches we contract. Due to additional costs incurred, unfortunately there is a supplement of £20 per person for coach departures from Scotland (Lloretfest only). Please see our Code of Conduct for notes on travel by coach and ferry. Flight groups Airport transfers in your destination country are included in your package when you book a flight or flight-exclusive package with us as long as you have a minimum of 15 persons travelling together on the same flight. Your arrival and departure airport must be agreed with us in advance and the times and flight numbers supplied to us at least 4 weeks prior to travel to qualify. Coach transfers may be shared with other groups travelling to resort. Should you have less than these minimum numbers travelling together, or select an airport other than approved by us, a supplement will be applicable should you still wish us to book transfers for you. Rooming We’ll supply a rooming allocation to you with your ‘Final Tour Details’, although we may be able to supply these
earlier on request. A rooming list will be required from you prior to tour as this facilitates the check-in process on arrival. Specific requirements must be requested at the Booking stage. Supplements will be charged for single and twin room occupancy where these have been specifically requested by you. Sport on tour Our festivals are staffed by experienced and qualified officials under the management of a tournament director. The facilities we use for the festivals have all been checked by us or our representatives in advance. You’ll be asked to enter an indicative number of teams at the booking stage and to confirm the exact number of teams you will enter no later than 4 weeks prior to tour. A minimum number of participants are required to enter selected categories (please visit the website for details). On tailor-made tours, we are happy to organise friendly matches and training facilities based on the tour package that has been agreed and we’ll work closely with you to ensure the best possible itinerary. Options for clubs & societies Clubs and societies travelling to the festivals can still enjoy the fun. We offer free excursions (see individual tours for details) instead of tournament entry and a special interest activity can be organised subject to other participating groups, although a supplement may be required if appropriate. Final tour details The ‘Final Tour Details’ we send you approximately 10 days prior to travel will confirm your accommodation, travel times, rooming allocation and transfers. These will only be sent once all payments and information that is required from you has been received by us. Any changes requested by you after this stage will incur administration charges, should these still be possible. Please distribute to all tour members and leave copies with a responsible individual back at home, who you know can be contacted during tour in case of an emergency. Downloads & documents A number of important documents will be available on the ‘Downloads’ section of the website at sportsparty.co.uk prior to tour. It is essential that you read these and ensure that all your tour members do likewise as soon as these are made available. These documents include Insurance policy wording, Safety Guide, Resort map and Tournament schedules. Please take sufficient copies with you on tour and save these for easy access. Responsible touring In signing up for tour you and your group agree to adhere to our ‘Code of Conduct’ as well as any specific Code of Conduct that you may choose to implement specific to your university or group. Our suppliers all have their own conditions as well, to which you should also adhere. All are aimed at ensuring your safety and wellbeing on tour. Remember, you should act responsibly at all times both individually and collectively. T&Cs & code of conduct A copy of our standard ‘Terms and Conditions’ is available at www.sportsparty.co.uk and combined with our Code of Conduct and any appendix, form the basis of any group booking with us.
DISCOUNTED HOLIDAYS FOR STUDENTS
Head off on tour with us in 2014 and receive a FREE ÂŁ15 holiday voucher* per participant! *Book though Absolute Travel, the independent ABTA Travel Agency. Conditions apply. Please call for details.
www.sportsparty.co.uk 01279 647 566 Sports Travel International, 10 Chapel Hill, Stansted CM24 8AG Email: info@sportsparty.co.uk
www.design-mill.co.uk
Celebrate 15 years of SportsParty festivals with a cheap holiday too!