What an eventful year 2025 has been both in business and personally for us.
Travel has continued to be a much-needed distraction for us all as Stanhope Travel enters its 19th year in Weardale. From family holidays and adventurous city breaks to once-in-a-lifetime tailor-made trips, we’ve truly seen it all over the past year. Helping to turn people’s dreams and aspirations into unforgettable memories is what we love most about what we do.
We are now entering what the travel industry calls “Peak Booking Season.” This is when major travel companies launch their biggest sales of the year, offering the best prices, widest choice of flights, accommodation, and packages for the year ahead. Early booking is key to securing dream holidays before availability reduces and prices rise. It’s the perfect time to turn those New Year resolutions into booked adventures, whether for summer or winter travel.
I’m really looking forward to catching up with our regular customers over a cuppa and welcoming new faces into the shop. Not only do we aim to offer our clients the very best deals, but we also enhance the travel experience with expert advice from our experienced team. I’ve always believed it’s special to deal with like-minded people who live and work in the local community, people who genuinely care about delivering excellent customer service.
Our monthly newsletter keeps clients up to date with the latest travel advice, offers, and events. Over the coming year, there will be important changes to European entry and exit requirements. Some of you who have travelled since October may have already noticed the introduction of fingerprinting and biometric facial checks when entering and leaving EU countries. Certain destinations may also ask for proof of medical insurance and financial means. These systems are expected to be fully implemented by April.
From October, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be introduced. While it will not be compulsory at launch, it is expected to become standard. ETIAS will cost €20 (£17) and is similar to the US ESTA system, but valid for three years. Travellers under 18 and over 70 will still need to apply, but the application will be free. A six-month grace period will apply initially; however, even during this period, airlines may refuse boarding if ETIAS cannot be shown.
As always, Stanhope Travel will fully inform and assist all our customers with these new requirements. Supporting our clients is all part of what we do.
We’ve recently launched our 24 hour what’s app helpline +441388529436 and our welcome back letter, and would be very grateful if you could leave us a review so we can help grow our business further.
We also provide full assistance for anyone with special needs or requirements, from airport and port support to room requests and personal touches that help make every trip truly memorable.
Finally we are holding our Super Saturday Fun Day in the Stanhope Travel Office on Saturday 10th January. There’ll be lots of special offers, a raffle, prize giveaways, fun activities, refreshments & nibbles. We’d love to see you pop in and join us.
So, next time you’re thinking of travelling,whether close to home or abroad, pop in for a chat. We might just surprise you. After all, the internet & AI do not always have all of the answers. We’d love to see you.
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year.
Jon Cager, Stanhope Travel
