07.24.2008 | 10:39 am | World Destinations
If you want to go to the Middle East but aren’t sure where to go first, the island nation of Bahrain is the place to start. One of the more liberal Gulf states, it is well known for its great education system, strong economy and moderate Muslim culture. Bahrain was an important trading centre in ancient times, and its fusion of the historic and the modern make it a popular travel destination.
So when’s the best time to go? Bahrain summers can get extremely hot, so it’s best to plan your trip for November or February. Traditional festivals like Ramadan and the annual pilgrimage to Mecca are best avoided since the island gets very busy.
Once you arrive there are several options for travel. A bus service links the major towns and this is a great and inexpensive way of getting around. Walking is a good way to see Bahrain from street level, but you’ll need a car if you want to explore further afield. Rental agencies can be found in major hotels. Make sure you have an International Driving Permit before you go. Taxis in Bahrain are metered, but longer trips are charged at an hourly rate.
Most of Bahrain’s attractions are in the capital city Manama. It is Bahrain’s largest city and is located on a peninsula at the north-east corner of the state. Manama home to 155,000 Bahrainis - nearly a quarter of the country’s population. The city is steeped in history and has remnants of Portuguese and Persian rule.
The National Museum in Manama is worth a look. It has a wide array of exhibits spanning 7000 years of history. The highlights are the calligraphy section and the collection of Korans dating back to the 7th century. Visit the souk to take in the sights and sounds of a Bahraini marketplace. Its bustling atmosphere is quintessentially Arabian, and haggling is a must.
Muslims and non-Muslims alike are welcome at the Great Mosque (Al-Fateh), the largest building in Bahrain. It is a modern mosque built by the late Sheik Isa bin Salman al Khalifa in the early 1990s, and named after Ahmed al Fateh, the conqueror of Bahrain.
Take bus number 5 from Manama to the Barbar complex. Here you’ll find three temples from the 2nd and 3rd millennia BC built in honour of Enki, the God of Wisdom. Another historic landmark is the Portuguese Fort, Qal’at Al-Bahrain. Archaeologists have discovered that the earliest civilization to build at the site was in 2800 BC. Another fort that’s worth a visit is the Abu Mahir which offers great views of the Manama skyline.
Bahrain has 85,000 burial mounds of which The Royal Tombs are the biggest and grandest. They are located in the town of A’ali in the centre of the island, and reach heights of 50 feet. If you visit A’ali, don’t miss the pottery workshop (said to be Bahrain’s best) where you can pick up hand crafted items.
Europe is well served by direct flights to Bahrain. Fares are cheapest during the low seasons of early January to mid-June and mid-October to mid-December. If you’re planning to travel within the Middle East, Bahrain is well served by routes to other Arab states. Be prepared for an airport departure tax of around US$8.00. Bahrain International Airport is on the nearby island of Al Muharraq which is connected to the capital city Manama on the mainland by a causeway. Important note: if your passport holds an Israeli stamp you will not be allowed to enter Bahrain.
For cheap flights to Bahrain check FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.22.2008 | 5:40 am | Features
If you’ve ever flown long haul, you’ll probably have experienced jet lag. You emerge from the plane after hours of travelling, only to find that it’s a completely different time of day. Either you’re raring to go at 3 a.m., or you’re completely knackered and the day has just dawned.
Scientifically speaking, jet lag (or desynchronosis) is a disruption of the body’s circadian rhythms caused by a change in light and dark patterns. This can cause sleepiness or insomnia, mood swings, dehydration and a lowering of the immune system. Roughly speaking, the number of hours you fly will correspond to the number of days you will suffer jet lag. Not great if you want to make the most of your holiday from the word go.
So what can you do about it? The best way to cure jet lag is to get used to the time zone in your new destination as quickly as possible. Here are some things to consider:
Direction of Travel
Because jet lag happens when you travel between time zones, flying north to south won’t be as bad as going east. To combat symptoms when you’re going east, make sure you get plenty of light in the morning and less in the evening for a week before you fly. Wake up earlier and get to sleep earlier to acclimatise your body in preparation for your trip. If you’re flying west, avoid light in the morning and seek it in the evening.
Don’t Over-Stimulate
While you’re travelling and once you land, stay away from caffeine and alcohol, and don’t do any vigorous exercise before you sleep. This will prevent your body becoming over-stimulated. Make sure you drink plenty of water.
Sleeping Conditions
When you finally get to bed, make sure you’ll get a good night’s sleep. Wear ear-plugs and a blindfold if necessary. Do your best to minimize light and noise while sleeping - even wearing earplugs if necessary.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland. Take 0.5 mg to help fall asleep. However, don’t take it if you are pregnant or lactating and don’t give it to children.
Rest Up
Don’t organise too much for your first day. A day of relaxation will put you on the right track to avoiding jet lag.
Find the cheapest flights to world destinations at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.21.2008 | 11:48 am | European Destinations
Santorini has to be one of the most beautiful of the Greek Islands. Formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, the island is shaped like an inverted ‘c’. Towns and villages perch precariously on the hillsides overlooking the sea, dotted with blue domed churches.
Because it is so picturesque, Santorini is something of a tourist trap. Daily cruise ships dock in Thira and spill hoards of vacationers onto the island who throng the narrow cobbled streets. But don’t let this put you off. Once the tourist chaos dies down, Santorini is a hugely enjoyable place for a holiday.
Fira is the main and largest town on the island. Here you’ll find the most active nightlife, a variety of shops and a historic museum. Head to Oia if you want the typical Santorini experience. Oia (pronounced Ee-a) sits on the northernmost tip of the island. Traditional whitewashed houses nestle against the hillside and cobbled streets lead through the village to the castle overlooking the sea. On one side Oia faces the caldera, or lagoon, and the other side it looks onto the Aegean Sea with views to the other Cyclades islands.
Oia has some exquisite boutique hotels and lots of villa style accommodation. It isn’t a cheap place to stay, but it’s worth every penny to have a view of the famous sunset. A set of steps leads down from the castle to the beach village of Ammoudi where you can swim in the ocean and try the local fishermen’s catch of the day at one of the seafront restaurants.
Some airlines fly direct to Santorini but most stop off in Athens. Find the cheapest flights at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.18.2008 | 7:09 am | Pensive Traveller
There’s nothing quite like watching a sunset in foreign climes. They are beautiful full stop, but the view over a damp British city to the sun fading behind a grey horizon dotted with tower blocks doesn’t quite have the same appeal as watching it fall in a shimmer of vermillion behind a tropical sea.
The most beautiful sunset I’ve ever seen was in Santorini. They make quite a thing of it there. It’s best viewed from the tip of the island in the village of Oia. Islanders and tourists throng the streets as dusk begins to fall. The summer sun is a big disc of misty orange, toning the sky with murmurs of azure and cerulean before disappearing like molten topaz behind the distant hills of Eos. When it finally sets, applause breaks out among the gathered crowds. You feel like you’ve witnessed something almost theatrical.
Another great place for sunset viewing is Mallory Square on Florida’s Key West. It’s a similar set up to Santorini. After a day soaking up rays, boating, or dining on Key Lime Pie, everyone flocks to the square to watch the day’s end made manifest over the ocean.
I’m not sure what makes holiday sunsets so romantic. Maybe it’s because it’s a natural end to a day of relaxation, tinged with the promise of more the next day. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that the folks back home haven’t had their sunset yet, or had it hours ago. Whatever it is, you really can’t beat it.
Find cheap flights to sunset destinations at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.17.2008 | 11:12 am | World Destinations
If you’ve had your fill of big, brash New York City and flashy, flamboyant L.A., but still want the buzz of an American city, why not give San Francisco a try?
Although it’s a busy metropolis, the city has an air of calm. Whether you’re walking along Fishermans Wharf, kicking your feet in the sands of North Beach, or sampling on some take-out seafood in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll love the worry-free, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Getting around downtown San Francisco is perfectly do-able on foot, but if you want to head over to the coast or need a break from the hilly terrain, use the Bay Area Rapid Transit system. You can ride an old-time trolley, take a bus, or use one of the light-rail lines. Bicycles are a no-go simply because it’s just too hilly.
Hop onto one of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars for a great view of the city. The steady 9mph roll of the wooden carriages allows for plenty of photo opportunities. It’s a great way to get your bearings before you start sightseeing in earnest.
Most people start exploring San Francisco in the downtown area, where many of the city’s shops and mainstream restaurants are located. There are some beautiful houses and historic buildings which are well worth a look, but for a faster pace, head to Chinatown. This dense neighbourhood is made up of alleys and streets and the air is always filled with tempting aromas. Stop off at a sidewalk food vendor for a taste of traditional Chinese American cuisine at very reasonable prices.
Fishermans Wharf was once just a busy group of piers to which boats brought their morning catches. Now it’s a popular attraction, and a gateway to the island prison Alcatraz. Nearby North Beach is great for a jog or a walk, and San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge are also close. Sitting out in the bay, Alcatraz began as a lighthouse. It then became a military fortification, a military prison and finally a federal prison until 1963 when it was declared a national recreation area. Well known inmates include Al Capone and “Birdman” Richard Stroud, and there were many high profile and often ingenious escape attempts over the years, several of which have been immortalised in film.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has a great permanent display of works by great American and European artists, as well as a big collection of American abstract expressionist like Clyfford Still, Jackson Pollock and Philip Guston. Mexican painters Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo are also represented.
For something a bit different check out the Cartoon Art Museum on Mission Street. This homage to all things animated was founded by cartoon enthusiasts in 1984 and financed by Charles Schulz, the creator of ‘Peanuts’.
San Francisco is a city that knows how to have fun. Each district has its own vibe. For electronica, hip hop and arty lounges, the SoMa (South of Market) is where it’s at. Trendy clubbers head to the Mission district, while more sophisticated bars are located in the Marina district. The Castro area has mainly gay bars, but the whole city is gay-friendly. North Beach is home to late night bars and seedier joints. Whatever takes your fancy, you’re sure to have a great night out as there really is something for everyone.
Find cheap flights to San Francisco at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.16.2008 | 11:03 am | Travel Writers
The writing industry is renowned for being incredibly difficult to break into, so some writers decide that the only way to get their work out there is by self publishing. Often this amounts to little more than a crate of books to give to your nearest and dearest, and the pride of seeing your work in print, but for one writer it was the beginning of a highly successful career.
Stephen Clarke’s novel A Year in The Merde was published in 2004 through his Red Garage Books website. He printed 200 copies along with a murder mystery and a book about teleportation. A Year in The Merde became popular in Paris through word of mouth and was reviewed by a French newspaper. Thanks to the novel’s runaway success, Clarke sold the rights to Transworld in the UK, Bloomsbury in the USA and Penguin in Canada. It was published in French under Nil Editions as God Save La France.
The novel’s name is a play on Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence and alludes to the amount of dog excrement the author witnessed on the streets of Paris. The book tells the story of Paul West, an Englishman who sets up home in Paris. He is under orders to set up an English-style tearoom by his boss, a rich businessman. Despite chaotic times and many misunderstandings, Paul meets Alexa and manages to fall in love.
Clarke followed up with a sequel, Merde Actually, in 2005, charting Paul’s further adventures, and a third instalment is due out later this year.
His continuing fascination with France led to his penning Talk to the Snail in 2006, which is a survivor’s guide to the French language and people.
Before becoming a publishing phenomenon thanks to the Merde books, Clarke was a comedy writer. He wrote sketches for BBC Radio 4 and material for a stand-up comedian as well as comic-book stories for the American cartoonist Gilbert Shelton. He worked in Glasgow as a bilingual lexicographer for HarperCollins before moving to Paris to work for a French press group. He has lived there for more than a decade.
If you’ve read the Merde books and want to see Paris for yourself, check FlightComparison.co.uk for the cheapest flights.
07.15.2008 | 9:01 am | Flight Comparison
The lure of Las Vegas has made it one of America’s most popular holiday destinations. A heady mix of gambling, showbiz and all-round glitz make it an irresistible place for a vacation.
We’ve chosen three of the best Sin City casinos to tempt you.
1. Bellagio
The iconic Bellagio hotel and casino sits on the Vegas strip surrounded by fountains and a huge eight acre lake. It was built in on the site of old Dunes hotel and casino, and was inspired by the Bellagio resort on Lake Como in Italy.
The Bellagio complex was masterminded by Steve Wynn and built by his company, Mirage Resorts, Inc. The casino opened with an extravagant $88 million ceremony on October 15th 1998, and has been Las Vegas’ benchmark for elegance ever since.
One of the Bellagio’s most famous features is the ornate ceiling work in the lobby. Dale Chihuly’s ‘Fiori di Como’ is made up of thousands of hand-blown glass flowers covering two thousand square feet of ceiling space.
The Bellagio’s fountains are not only for decoration. They form part of an spectacular music and light display that can be seen from the Strip.
The fun continues inside. The Bellagio is home to Cirque du Soleil’s aquatic production ‘O’, the second permanent production for the world famous circus show. The resort also has a conservatory and botanical gardens with seasonal displays.
When it’s time to get down to the important business of gambling, the Bellagio holds its own. Professional card players flock to the poker room, many using it as their home base due to the high table limits. Such is the Bellagio’s kudos that it has also partnered with the World Poker Tour to host several of their tournaments.
The Bellagio is a Las Vegas icon, featuring in many films including ‘Lucky You’ and ‘Ocean’s Eleven’.
2. Wynn Las Vegas
An imposing slab of polished stone looking out over the strip, the Wynn Las Vegas Resort and Country Club is a AAA five diamond and Mobil five-star complex, and is the flagship property of Wynn Resorts Limited. The US$2.7 billion outfit is named in honour of casino developer Steve Wynn.
The complex was built on land formerly occupied by the Desert Inn Hotel and golf course, and was originally to be called Le Rêve. The site was designed by Jon Jerde, and opened on Wynn’s wife’s birthday in 2005. The Wynn was the first casino to combine the room key and the casino frequent-player card into one.
Among its unique points is the Penske-Wynn Ferrari-Maserati dealership where lucky gamers can spend their winnings.
There are several free attractions to lure in visitors such as the curtain waterfall which spills into a three acre lake. This is where the ‘Lake of Dreams’ show happens, during which images are projected onto the wall of water with a musical accompaniment.
Also on a musical theme is the ‘Le Rêve’ show which mixes sound with spectacular diving routines. The Wynn is also home to ‘Avenue Q’ and ‘Spamalot Las Vegas’.
After basking in the buzz of the gaming halls punters can enjoy some retail therapy in the shopping complex or wind down on the only golf course on the Las Vegas Strip. Partygoers flock to nightclubs Tryst and Blush to live it up among the high rollers.
3. Caesars Palace
Built around an Ancient Roman theme, Caesars Palace is located on the west side of the Strip between the Bellagio and the Mirage. It is operated by Harrah’s Entertainment and was begun in 1962.
Creator Jay Sarno chose the name ‘Caesar’ to evoke royalty and prestige. The hotel has over three thousand rooms in five towers called Augustus, Centurion, Forum, Palace, and Roman. The Forum tower contains suites with a thousand square feet of space. The Roman theme is carried on throughout the complex, with elaborate decoration and architecture. The shopping centre was designed to resemble the Forum in Rome.
The Colosseum is where the entertainment happens. It was built especially for Celine Dion’s ‘A New Day’ show, and has since hosted stars such as Elton John and Bette Midler.
As well as the shows there’s an exotic car showroom, Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain free shows, and the Pure Nightclub with a Pussycat Dolls lounge.
There are plans in place for a massive development to the casino with an additional 37,000 square feet of floor space being built. At present the casino is spread over 129,000 square feet, and has everything from high limit slots to table games.
Make your own mind up about Las Vegas’s best casinos. Find the cheapest flights at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.13.2008 | 10:23 am | European Destinations
Greece’s capital city is one of Europe’s highlights. Ancient ruins and modern bustle combine to make it an unforgettable place for a holiday. Standing on the hill looking at the Acropolis you get the feeling that you’re right at the centre of ancient civilisation. Dine out at a cosy taverna or drink at a trendy bar and you’ll know you’re in a modern European metropolis. Athens has so much to offer.
Spring and autumn are the ideal times to visit as the weather is moderate and the streets aren’t too packed with tourists.
So what is there to do and see? The Acropolis is the most famous ancient monument in the Western world. It stands on a hill overlooking the city and is lit up at night. The complex consists of the many-columned Parthenon, and the Erechtheion with its six maidens who hold up the porch.
The Agora was the place of administrative, commercial, political, and social activity in Ancient times. All the roads in ancient Greece led to this centre. It contains the Temple of Hephaestus dating back to 449 BC - the best preserved Doric temple in Greece, and the Stoa of Zeus Eleutherios where Socrates gave speeches. The Stoa of Attalos was built between 159 and 138 BC and has been restored. This is where rich Athenians used to congregate to flash their cash in the expensive shops. It is now home to the Agora Museum which has a useful model of the complex. Near the south entrance of the market you’ll find the early 11th century Church of the Holy Apostles with its Byzantine frescoes.
Athens is home to the oldest museum in Greece, established in 1931. It has over 20,000 items ranging from costumes and jewellery to paintings. The National Archaeological Museum has a huge collection of Greek antiquities including the Mask of Agamemnon.
The National Gardens in the Syntagma area provide welcome relief from street life. Here you’ll find a beautiful array of trees, ponds and pathways along with the Botanical Museum, children’s playground, duck pond and café.
If you’re in Athens during the warmer months you’ll probably run into a festival happening somewhere in the city. There are the carnivals that run for a number of weeks before Lent, and a grand Easter celebration. This involves a night-time candlelit procession up Lykavittos Hill to the Chapel of Agios Georgos. The biggest event is the Hellenic Festival which takes place from mid June to September. Classical music and dance performances are held, and Ancient Greek Drama is performed at the Theatre of Herodes Atticus with the floodlit Acropolis visible as the backdrop.
Discover Athens for yourself. Find cheap flights to Greece at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.11.2008 | 7:14 am | Pensive Traveller
This week our globetrotter muses on the architectural treasures of Miami Beach.
Some of my favourite cities in the world are ones whose architecture is completely unique. I could spend hours wandering the streets of Barcelona in the shadow of the Sagrada Familia with its weird spires, or staring at the melted-wax façade of the Casa Batllo. I love it when a city is typified by its architecture.
That’s why I’m so fond of Miami Beach, famous for the candy colours and soft lines of its Art Deco district. Walking down Ocean Drive is like taking a step back in time to an era when Cadillacs cruised the boulevards taking swells and hustlers to the nearest speakeasy.
The Art Deco area lies between the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Lenox Court to the west, 6th Street to the south and Dade Boulevard to the North. It has the largest number of Art Deco buildings in the world, all built between 1923 and 1943. The area fell into disrepair after the Art Deco boom was over, and the buildings were threatened with dereliction. That was until former interior designer Barbara Capitman came to the rescue and made it her business to preserve them. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and there is now a street named in Barbara’s honour.
Miami is one of America’s most popular party towns and the sun shines for most of the year. But what makes it really magical for me is that stretch of pastel coloured buildings.
See Miami Beach for yourself. Get the cheapest flights at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.11.2008 | 5:24 am | European Destinations
Amsterdam – a unique mix of hedonism and European charm, and a brilliant place for a holiday. From the picturesque canals to the seedier backstreets, Amsterdam has a magic all of its own.
The capital city of the Netherlands was built around a series of canals, earning it the nickname ‘Venice of the North’. A temperate climate makes Amsterdam an ideal city to visit at any time of the year.
Whether it’s a slice of history and culture you’re looking for, or just plain entertainment, you can’t go wrong in Amsterdam. The city is famed for its coffee shops and ribald underground scene and many visitors come here with that in mind. However, for the more discerning tourist, there’s a whole host of museums, shops and galleries to enjoy.
Start your Amsterdam adventure on the Leidseplein, the busy central square. This is a popular meeting place for city dwellers, and has a multitude of restaurants and bars. It’s a great way to see the city in full swing, day or night. Another big square is the Dam, bordered by the imposing Royal Palace. There’s also the Rembrandtplein which is extremely popular with tourists thanks to its traditional Dutch pubs, restaurants and hotels. In the centre of the square is a small park with a statue of Rembrandt.
The Albert Cuyp market is Amsterdam’s largest and busiest, and sells an array of foods and spices as well as clothes. This is Amsterdam at its most vibrant and multicultural. The market is named after 17th century landscape painter Albert Cuyp whose paintings can be seen at the Rijksmuseum. The area around the market has lots of cafes and restaurants serving Dutch and foreign cuisine.
Jordaan was once a rundown area but is now highly sought after for its converted warehouses, narrow streets and eclectic social scene. It is home to students, businessmen and creatives and is a great place for a wander.
There is no shortage of museums and galleries in the city, from the Rijksmuseum
and the Anne Frank Huis to the Van Gogh Museum. A stroll along the canals offers views of the countless churches and quaint bridges. The Vondelpark and Amstelpark provide a verdant break from the city streets. And when night falls, you can enjoy the other side of Amsterdam life in any of the many cafes, bars, cabarets and restaurants.
Amsterdam is served by Schipol airport, and flight time from London is a speedy one hour. Once you get to Schipol there are direct trains to the main city station, as well as taxis which will get you into town in around twenty minutes. For cheap flights to Amsterdam visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
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