08.28.2008 | 12:02 pm | World Destinations
If you live in England, the closest truly ‘foreign’ place is probably Morocco. Situated just underneath Spain at the top of Africa, Morocco is a country with plenty of culture and some stunning scenery.
More popular than Morocco’s capital, Rabat, Marrakech is a fantastic city to visit. Make it part of a longer Morocco tour, or go for a mini-break.
The old walled town, or medina, is where most of the action happens. Life centres on the main square, Jemaa el Fna. In the daytime snakecharmers and orange juice sellers congregate , while sunset brings out the food stalls. You can eat really well for a few dirhams at one of the street restaurants.
Marrakech is famous for its souks and markets. It’s very easy to get lost down the alleyways of the bazaar. Check out the leather goods, and make sure you haggle to get a good bargain.
From Marrakech it’s possible to take daytrips to nearby Berber villages and natural attractions. We recommend Ait Benhaddou where many movies have been filmed, and the town of Ouarzazate across the Atlas Mountains.
Get the cheapest flights to Marrakech at FlightComparison.co.uk.
08.27.2008 | 9:37 am | Travel Doctor
Dear Travel Doctor,
My husband and I are both turning seventy this year, and we’re planning to do some travelling. Do you have any tips for retired folk going on holiday?
Cynthia, Lancashire
Hi Cynthia. Retirement is a great time to do some travelling. You’re free and flexible, no work to tie you down, and plenty of time to visit the places you’ve always dreamed about.
But there are a few things you should bear in mind. It’s a good idea to have a doctor’s appointment before you go. If you take prescription medicine you’ll need to make sure that you have enough to last for the duration of your trip, and also be aware of legalities in the countries you’ll be visiting.
Likewise get your teeth checked out, and have any dental work done before you go. You don’t want your holiday to be blighted by toothache!
If you’re going to be doing activities on your trip, prepare by taking light exercise every day in the weeks prior.
If you’re flying long haul, invest in some DVT (deep vein thrombosis) socks and make sure you take regular walks through the cabin to keep the blood flowing.
When you get to your destination, be sensible with what you eat. Make sure you pack laxatives and anti-diarrhoea pills as well as antacids. The same goes for insect repellent.
Another very important thing is travel insurance. Some people prefer to wing it, but this can be financially ruinous if the worst happens.
Enjoy your trip!
Find the cheapest flights on FlightComparison.co.uk.
08.26.2008 | 9:34 am | Features
Ever fancied blagging yourself a free upgrade? There’s nothing better than stretching out in business class, especially on a long haul flight. There is no failsafe method of wangling an upgrade, but here are some things you could try.
Frequent Flyer
Frequent flyer programs are great, especially if you use one airline a lot. Air miles won’t guarantee you an upgrade, but you will be more likely to get one if you are a silver or gold member.
Avoid The Big Airports
Flying from Heathrow with BA won’t give you the best chance of an upgrade because there will be more BA frequent flyers going from there. Try a smaller regional airport for a better chance.
Dress Well
It pays to look the part if you’re after an upgrade. Wearing business gear and carrying a laptop case will give you the right image, more so than rocking up in cargo pants with a backpack.
Research
Look for flights in which the economy section is likely to be full. Book this flight, then look online a couple of days before you fly to see what seats are remaining in business class. The fuller economy is, and the more seats that are left in business class, the more likely you are to be upgraded.
Don’t Order a Meal
Don’t book a special meal if you want to be considered for an upgrade. Meals can’t be moved up so the airline will bypass you if you’ve booked a specific meal.
Good luck!
Find the cheapest flights on FlightComparison.co.uk.
08.25.2008 | 9:46 am | European Destinations
Sitting calmly on the edge of Lake Geneva, Switzerland’s third largest city is tranquil and self-assured. With museums aplenty, and only a short distance from the Alps, Geneva is a great place for a weekend away, or as a starting point for a mountain adventure.
The Alpine climate makes Geneva’s weather a little unpredictable. The weather is pretty calm settled from mid-August through to late October. July gets hot, January gets cold, and September is rainy.
So what is there to do? If museums are your thing you’ll find several excellent ones. There’s the Musee Barbier-Mueller, Musee d’Arte et d’Histoire, Musee d’Histoire Naturelle and the Musee Internationale de la Reforme.
If you prefer the outdoors, you’ll love the Jardin Botanique and the lakeside, with its views over to the impressive jet water fountain and the Alps in the distance.
There are plenty of chic bars and restaurants to pass the evenings, and the whole city has a pleasant, austere feel.
Find the cheapest flights to Geneva on FlightComparison.co.uk.
08.22.2008 | 11:45 am | Pensive Traveller
There are some places in the world that are charged with so much history that they are difficult to visit. I’ve never been to Cambodia’s Killing Fields, nor to the concentration camps of Poland and Germany, so I can’t speak from personal experience about what is to be seen and felt there. But I did visit Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam, and was emotionally silence by what I saw. To stand in the very room where she hid, and to learn that she was discovered only days before the war finished, was something so incredibly visceral that it evades description.
I was talking to a friend recently about his experiences at the Killing Fields. He said he couldn’t speak for many hours after his visit. “What can you say to people, after seeing all of that?”
Many people avoid going to such places because they feel it would put some sort of ‘downer’ on a holiday that is meant to be fun, and I can well understand this. But it is so incredibly important that we educate ourselves about the horrors and mistakes of history so that such things are never allowed to happen again.
08.21.2008 | 11:52 am | World Destinations
Thailand’s capital is an amazing place to visit. It’s your typical bustling East Asian city – hectic streets, spicy aromas in the air, and some fantastic (and colourful!) nightlife.
If you’re looking for a quiet, tranquil holiday destination, Bangkok probably isn’t your best bet. However, if it’s a fast, fun experience you’re after, put it on the top of your list.
Getting around on street level is often tricky. The traffic is heavy, and the streets are filled with bikes, taxis and tuk-tuks. Walking for any length of time isn’t really an option, but the Skytrain system is cheap, clean and provides great views of the city. The Bangkok Metro is also a good option.
So when is the best time to visit Bangkok? There isn’t really a tourist season, but the oppressive summer heat and humidity is best avoided. The cooler months between December and March are a good bet.
As for things to see, you won’t get bored in a hurry. There is plenty to see and do. Check out the floating markets which were immortalised in the Bond films. They are chaotic and very touristy, but worth seeing.
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a great neighbourhood to explore. There’s jewellery, hardware, food, clothing and even automotive parts available. Look out for antiques – some vendors sell high value items.
Bangkok has some beautiful Buddhist temples, particularly The Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), Wat Po and Wat Arun. Wat Po (or Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is located in the Phra Nakhon district. It is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok and houses over a thousand Buddhist images and the massive Reclining Buddha statue for which it is most famous. The enormous Buddha is forty-six metres long and fifteen metres high and is decorated with gold plating.
For a taste of Bangkok’s history and culture, pay a visit to the National Museum - the largest in Southeast Asia. It has a huge collection of Thai art and artefacts.
Famous for its ladyboys and go-go bars, Bangkok nightlife certainly has its seedier side, but there’s no shortage of quality bars and restaurants as well. One of the most famous hotspots is Patpong. Despite its sleazy reputation, the area is undergoing something of an image change with private investments and a general clean-up. There are some great bars and restaurants here, so don’t be put off.
For the cheapest flights to Bangkok, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
08.20.2008 | 8:21 am | Travel Doctor
Dear Travel Doctor,
I’m going on holiday to Australia next month with my husband and children. We’ve heard that there are some pretty scary and dangerous animals out there. What are they, and how can we keep safe?
Caroline, Liverpool
Hi Caroline. You’re right – Australia has its fair share of poisonous animals. There are venomous snakes, and poisonous spiders including the Red Back, Funnel Web and the White Tip. Contrary to their fearsome reputation, snakes and spiders don’t attack out of the blue. Most bites happen when a spider gets trapped in clothing. Make sure you shake out all garments before putting them on. If you do get bitten, get straight to a hospital where they will give you anti-venom.
Ocean-wise, jellyfish can be a problem. Box jellyfish (also known as stingers or sea wasps) come into the waters around northern Australia and Queensland. They don’t come to the Barrier Reef area much, but are usually found on beaches throughout the Northern Territory. In Western Australia they’re found along the Kimberley coastline. Look out for warning signs on beaches. Many beaches have bowls of solution especially for stings.
Another Ozzie animal to watch out for is the crocodile. Northern Australia has its fair share. Freshwater crocs are found inland in rivers and creeks while their saltwater cousins live in tidal estuaries. Some venture onto beaches, but keep an eye out for warning signs and you’ll be fine.
Annoying but not harmful are mosquitoes.
Australian mozzies don’t carry malaria so you won’t need to take preventative medicine. Arm yourself with some insect repellent which contains DEET (diethyltoluamide) and mosquitoes will give you a wide berth.
Remember, bites and stings are rare, so don’t let worry spoil your holiday!
Find the cheapest flights to Australia at FlightComparison.co.uk.
08.19.2008 | 9:49 am | Features
It’s that time of year again. A-level results have come out and many young people are preparing to set off on their Gap Years, possibly travelling alone for the first time in their lives. And even if you’re not part of the Gap Year crew, you may take a holiday alone at some stage. Here are some tips for keeping safe while travelling solo.
You may think that it’s only women who need to be aware of safety, but men must be vigilant too. Stick to the following pointers:
* Choose a well-known hotel in a safe area. Walk confidently when you’re out, as if you are familiar with the area.
* Be aware of cultural differences. Smiling and flirting can be misconstrued in some countries
* Be prepared for curious questions from locals! Try not to be defensive. Answer politely and move on.
For women travelling alone, the following advice may come in useful:
* Always choose a reputable hotel in a good area, and make use of security facilities like safes. Never tell anyone exactly where you’re staying.
* Avoid poorly lit areas at night time.
* If you use public transport sit next to other women if you can.
* If you don’t want too much male attention, it’s a good idea to wear a wedding ring, even if you aren’t married! Don’t make eye contact, and adopt confident body language.
For all solo travellers, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with some basic phrases in the language of the place you’ll be visiting. Also, for extra peace of mind, learn some simple self defence.
Find cheap flights to world destinations at FlightComparison.co.uk.
08.18.2008 | 11:18 am | European Destinations
If you’re planning a trip to Italy, make sure that Florence is on your itinerary. It is a city steeped in centuries of history, art and architecture, and it’s perfect for a mini-break or a stop off on a longer trip around Italy.
The best times to visit Florence are low season April-June and September-October when accommodation will be cheaper. Early December is lovely too, if you don’t mind a nip in the air. The streets look incredibly beautiful with winter mist in the air.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities. Florence is packed with gorgeous churches and museums. The most recognisable church has to be the Duomo, with its candy-striped bell tower. Other churches you should check out are Santa Croce, Santa Maria del Carmine and Santa Maria Novella.
If you’re a fan of art, you can’t visit Florence without a trip to the Uffizi gallery. Here you’ll find the work of the great masters, including Donatello and Fra Lippi who flourished under Medici rule in the late thirteen hundreds.
Take a day trip out to nearby Fiesole which nestles in the Tuscan hills. It was here that Leonardo Da Vinci tested his flying machine, and where Boccaccio wrote the Decameron during his exile.
Florence’s history dates back to pre-Roman times when a settlement was established on the banks of the River Arno. After a power struggle between rival families the Guelphs and Ghibhellines in the medieval times, the city came under Medici rule after the plague. Florence suffered heavy damage in World War 2 and was one of Mussolini’s strongholds.
The city’s mercantile legacy can be seen on the Ponte Vecchio, where street traders still peddle their wares.
Find cheap flights to Florence on FlightComparison.co.uk.
08.14.2008 | 6:46 am | World Destinations
The largest and most influential city in South Africa, Johannesburg has an interesting and rocky history. Though still somewhat unstable after the breakdown of apartheid, the energy and diversity of Jo’burg will impress you as long as you keep your wits about you.
Getting around the city is easy, but it’s important to keep safety in mind. Take taxis whenever possible – you’ll soon get to know the Johannesburg taxi hand signals! Metropolitan buses are fine for downtown but can be dangerous in the outer boroughs. You can buy multiple-ride tags which are really handy. Open top City Slicker buses are great for sightseeing.
As for weather, it’s best to avoid summers in Johannesburg simply because it’s so hot and humid. Spring and autumn bring milder weather - beautiful sunshine and cool breezes.
There is a lot to see in the city, especially on the museum front. The Apartheid Museum may not be the most uplifting place, but its exhibits will help you understand South Africa’s history. Museum Africa is housed in an old fruit market. Highlights include exhibits called Treason Trials and Transformation. Both document the country’s historic events and how the city evolved. You can also take a mock descent into gold-mines. Bensusan Museum of Photography is located in annex of the museum where you’ll find the work of famous African photographers.
One of the city’s main tourist attractions is Constitution Hill, once a notorious prison. Visitors can see parts of the Old Fort including the Awaiting Trial Block, which held Mandela’s treason trialists of 1956.
The SAB World of Beer is a must for beer lovers. Discover the secrets of South Africa’s rich brewing history, and sample the local ale on the guided ninety minute tour.
To find out more about the gold rush that boosted Jo’burg’s economy, check out Gold Reef City in the southern suburbs. This is more theme park than museum, and the emphasis is on fun so it’s a great place for kids. It has white-knuckle rides, a Victorian fun fair and reconstructions of a bank, a brewery, a pub and a newspaper office. There’s also a 220m shaft which visitors can enter for a glimpse inside a gold mine. Also great for a family day trip is the Johannesburg Zoo and the Planetarium.
Take a break from street level sightseeing at the Top of Africa observation deck in the Carlton Centre. Located on the fiftieth floor of Africa’s tallest building, the deck provides incredible views of the metropolis below. Admire the vista while lunching at the Marung restaurant. On clear days you can see Pretoria thirty miles away.
Johannesburg is the party capital of South Africa, so there’s no shortage of pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants. The music scene is varied – you’ll find everything from rock, jungle and jazz to kwaito and. But if you’d rather chill out with a good meal and a glass of wine, you won’t be disappointed.
Flight time from London is around eleven hours. Find the cheapest flights on FlightComparison.co.uk.
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