07.31.2008 | 6:34 am | World Destinations
Canada is often overlooked in favour of its brasher neighbour America, but it has so much to offer visitors. Toronto is one of Canada’s most vibrant and interesting cities.
There is culture and history aplenty, along with all the buzz you’d expect from a North American metropolis. It’s incredibly easy to navigate thanks to a well-planned grid road system and top-notch subway (the TTC).
As for weather, Toronto escapes the intense snowstorms that batter northern and central Canada, thanks to its location on the south-eastern edge of the country. Nevertheless, winters are still freezing. Summer is the perfect time to visit. Spring and Autumn are pleasant too, but there is more happening in the summer months.
One of Toronto’s biggest draws is its fantastic museums. If you’re a fan of a bit of culture and history, you’ll feel right at home. The Textile Museum has over 10,000 items from Latin America, Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and India, as well as modern Canada. There’s also the living museum at the First Post Office where you can write a letter with a quill pen and pay to have it sealed and sent with an 1883 postmark. For something a bit out of the ordinary, try the Bata Shoe Museum which displays everything shoe-related from 19th century French chestnut-crushing clogs, polar boots, and pairs worn by Elton John, Indira Gandhi and Pablo Picasso.
When you’ve had your fill of museums, head to Ontario Place. This huge recreation complex is built on three artificial islands. Buy a ‘Play All Day’ pass for access to the rides and attractions, which include Soak City water park and Cinesphere.
Cabbagetown may not be the most evocative name for a district, but it has some of the best buildings in Toronto, such as the grand Romanesque Dance & Theatre School.
Downtown Toronto is home to the famous Canadian National Tower - the highest freestanding structure in the world. The main purpose of the CN Tower is a radio and TV communications mast, but visitors can tour the two observation decks for a birds’ eye view of the city. On a clear day you can see for about a hundred miles. Downtown also has the Old Town district with its Flatiron Building, St Lawrence Market and North Market clock tower.
If the bustle of the city gets too much, relax at the Toronto Music Garden - a sculpted garden designed to express Bach’s Suite No 1 for Unaccompanied Cello. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma helped create the landscape, with its arc-shaped grove of conifers, wildflower meadow and outdoor amphitheatre which hosts free summer concerts.
Toronto has a vibrant and varied nightlife. Broadway shows premier here before hitting the main American theatres, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra is world famous. The city is a hot bed of comedy talent. Its clubs have nurtured stars like Jim Carrey, Mike Myers and John Candy. There’s also a buzzing nightclub scene as well as plenty of smaller pool bars and pubs.
See it for yourself! Find cheap flights to Toronto at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.30.2008 | 11:30 am | Travel Writers
Of the Durrell brothers, it is Lawrence who is the best known. The elder Durrell is famous for his illustrious writing credits including his stunning Alexandria Quartet of novels. However, Lawrence’s younger brother Gerald was a great author in his own right.
While never reaching the literary heights of his elder brother, Gerald wrote several books of note, most on his favourite topics - animals and conservation.
The Durrells were children of the Raj. Gerald, along with his siblings, was born in India in the 1920s and grew up on the Greek island of Corfu. It was here that Gerald wrote his most well-known and best loved book, My Family and Other Animals.
It is Gerald’s love of Corfu’s flora and fauna that is the premise for the book, along with the antics of his family. What makes the book so successful is the childlike wonderment with which it is written. Gerald pays attention to the details of his surroundings, bringing Corfu to life. Anyone who has read the book will remember the family’s hilariously morbid maid, Lugubria, and the wise Dr. Stephanides who helps them settle in to island life. The book is peppered with funny, interesting and moving incidents, such as Gerald’s sister Margo falling ill after kissing the feet of St Spiridon…
Gerald followed My Family and Other Animals with two further books about his time in Corfu - Birds, Beasts and Relatives, and The Garden of the Gods.
While not a travel writer as such, Gerald Durrell writes so beautifully about Corfu that it tempts the reader to visit.
Discover Gerald Durrell’s Corfu – find cheap flights at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.29.2008 | 10:18 am | Features
How to avoid being ill on holiday, and what to do if the worst happens…
The last thing you want when you’re on holiday is to get sick. There’s nothing worse than being confined to your hotel room while your friends are out seeing the sights or enjoying the nightlife. And it’s not just a bout of diarrhoea that could hit – there are some nasty diseases out there that you need to be aware of. Follow our tips and you’ll be set for a healthy, happy holiday.
Food Poisoning and Diarrhoea
Adapting to the diet of a foreign destination can play havoc with your digestive system. To avoid ‘traveller’s belly’ you should:
• wash your hands frequently
• be sensible with your choices and avoid street food or anything that looks unsanitary
• check if the water in your resort or city is suitable for drinking. If not, make sure you use bottled water to clean your teeth and avoid ice with drinks, as well as fruit that you haven’t washed yourself
• only eat well-cooked meat and fish, or avoid it altogether if you’re unsure that it’s fresh
If you’re unlucky and feel the symptoms coming on, don’t panic. Drink plenty of water and avoid dairy products and alcohol. Rest up, and only use anti-diarrhoea medication as a last resort. They may help in the short-term, but it’s better to let the bug leave your system naturally.
Sunstroke
Sunstroke strikes when the body’s heat-regulating system shuts down after exposure to the sun. It can be life-threatening, so make sure you catch it early. Symptoms include weakness and fatigue, aching muscles, nausea, clammy skin, rapid pulse, dizziness, heavy sweating, fainting and headaches.
Avoid it by staying out of the midday sun and limiting your exposure throughout the day. If you think you have sunstroke, you must lower your body’s temperature with a cold bath or ice pack, then seek medical advice.
Serious diseases like hepatitis, malaria and typhoid are rife in many countries (especially developing nations) so make sure you ask your GP about inoculations before you travel.
Find cheap flights to world destinations at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.28.2008 | 7:41 am | European Destinations
Laid out over the expanses of several islands, Stockholm is one of best-looking cities in the world. The capital of Sweden is famous for its clean air, uncluttered streets and diverse culture.
The common misconception that Stockholm is always cold is completely untrue. While the more northerly reaches of Sweden may experience Arctic chills, the capital’s climate is temperate. It never gets stiflingly hot, but neither does it get prohibitively cold. Daylight averages nine hours in the summer.
A slight disadvantage is that Stockholm’s airports are quite a distance from the city centre. Vasteras is about an hour and a half’s drive away, and the main airport Arlanda is nearly 30 miles outside the city. The Arlanda express train will get you into town quickly though.
Once you’re there, you’ll find that you can walk around the city easily. Stockholm’s multiple islands make for some lovely walks across the stretches of water, and some fantastic views of the castle and town hall.
One of Stockholm’s most popular attractions is Haga Park. In the park grounds there’s a butterfly garden, walk-through aviary and museum exhibits.
Skansen is the world’s first open-air museum. Begun more than 100 years ago, the museum sits on a hilltop, from which you can view much of the city while immersed in something of a cultural bonanza. Costumed actors play out their daily routines, and there’s an aquarium which kids will love.
The castle, or Kungliga Slottet, is one of Sweden’s most visited attractions. Though is not the oldest castle in Europe, it is one of the largest. It still serves its original purpose as the residence of the royal family. The castle has a total of 608 rooms, and visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard everyday around noon in the summertime, and three days a week during the off-season.
The old quarter, Gamla Stan, is well worth a visit. The cobbled pedestrianised streets give you a glimpse of what Sweden’s capital would have looked like hundreds of years ago. There are some lovely bars and cafes in this area. Make sure you stop for one of Sweden’s legendary ‘fikas’ – coffee and cake.
The newer centre of the city has several wide, clean boulevards packed with shops and department stores.
For cheap flights to Stockholm visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.25.2008 | 11:38 am | Pensive Traveller
One of the things I love most about travelling is the first day in a foreign city. It’s like stepping out into uncharted territory.
I went to India a couple of years ago. I had arranged to meet an old friend in the Karol Bagh district, and I arrived before him so I had a whole day to myself. It was my first time in India and I was filled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. Once I’d found my hotel I went for a walk through the streets of the district. It was incredible. So utterly unlike any other city I’d been to. And what made it all the more amazing was that a mere ten hours previously, I’d been walking through cold, sterile London. Absolutely everything was different - the smell of the air, the sound of the car horns… (if you’ve ever been to India you’ll remember that strange duck-like quack that stands out from the rest of the traffic noise). India will never be truly familiar to me, but I got used to it after two weeks, and never recreated that first morning of awe.
I guess it’s for that reason that I love the places I’ve been to, but I like the ones more that I haven’t yet been to.
Find cheap flights to world destinations at FlightComparison.co.uk.
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.
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