First for Bridge Newsletter

First for Bridge was the specialist bridge holiday and travel newsletter published by Arena Travel, a UK operator with over 20 years of experience organising bridge holidays, cruises and competitive events. The publication brought together an international community of bridge enthusiasts, pairing their love of the game with high-quality hotel stays, luxury cruises and trips to spectacular global destinations.

Bridge Holidays for Every Level

Arena Travel's bridge breaks were designed to suit players of all ages and abilities, from short UK weekend breaks to 21-day Mediterranean stays. Holidays combined a structured programme of seminars and bridge sessions with carefully chosen hotels, giving players the chance to hone their skills and relax in equal measure. All-inclusive board options and flexible itineraries meant guests could dip in and out of play as they chose, ensuring the holiday suited them rather than the other way around.

Cruises and International Events

For those seeking a more adventurous setting, Arena Travel offered bridge cruises aboard luxury ships sailing through European waters, as well as packages to renowned international bridge competitions and congresses. These events allowed dedicated players to test their skills against the best in the game, all while exploring destinations ranging from striking mountain landscapes and picturesque countryside to vibrant city centres.

The First for Bridge Newsletter

Published by Wave Media, First for Bridge kept readers up to date with the latest bridge holiday offers, event calendars and travel news. The eNewsletter format meant subscribers received regular updates direct to their inbox, ensuring they never missed a new programme or limited availability departure. The publication served as the primary channel connecting Arena Travel's bridge travel portfolio with a loyal readership of passionate players across the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of destinations did Arena Travel include in its bridge holidays?

Arena Travel covered a broad range of destinations, from short breaks within the UK to longer stays in the Mediterranean, European river cruise routes and beyond. Locations were chosen to complement the bridge programme with genuinely memorable surroundings, including coastal resorts, historic cities and scenic countryside retreats.

Were the holidays suitable for beginners as well as experienced players?

Yes. Arena Travel's bridge breaks catered for all levels of experience, from relative beginners looking to improve their game through structured tuition to seasoned tournament players seeking competitive events. The mix of sessions, seminars and social play meant there was something appropriate for every standard.

What was included in a typical Arena Travel bridge holiday package?

Packages typically combined quality hotel accommodation (with all-inclusive options available), a programme of bridge sessions and seminars, social events and excursions to local attractions. Cruise packages additionally included cabin accommodation and on-board bridge facilities as the ship toured European itineraries.

How did First for Bridge keep subscribers informed about new holidays?

The First for Bridge eNewsletter was distributed regularly to subscribers, covering new holiday launches, event dates, early-booking offers and destination features. It acted as the direct link between Arena Travel's bridge travel team and the wider community of bridge-playing travellers in the UK.

Were the holidays group-oriented or could couples and solo travellers attend?

Arena Travel's bridge holidays attracted a mix of couples, small groups and solo travellers. The built-in bridge programme and communal dining arrangements made it straightforward for solo players to meet like-minded guests, while couples and groups benefited from the flexible itinerary options and varied social programme.

Did Arena Travel organise access to competitive bridge events abroad?

Yes. Alongside leisure-focused holidays, the programme included trips to recognised international bridge competitions and congresses, giving committed players the opportunity to compete at a higher level in genuine tournament settings while still enjoying the travel and accommodation benefits of a fully organised holiday package.

Note: this brochure is from our archive. Arena Travel ceased trading in 2022 and its assets were subsequently acquired by the Leger Shearings Group. Details, pricing and itineraries shown in the original brochure are no longer current. The listing is preserved here for reference purposes.