09.29.2008 | 8:35 am | European Destinations
Cologne is often overlooked in favour of its larger cousin, Berlin, but it’s a great place for a minibreak. Great nightlife and music coupled with impressive architecture add to its charm.
The best time to visit is the end of the year. Autumn and winter temperatures are chilly but brisk, and mid-November is when Cologne bursts into life with carnival.
The city is served by Cologne-Bonn Airport, Germany’s fastest growing airport. It’s quite far from the city centre but there’s a train which gets to the city in about 15 minutes. Buy a ticket from a vending machine or kiosk and you’ll get access to the whole of Cologne’s transport system including the U-Bahn, trams and buses. The subway and tram system is a great way of getting around the city and is easy to use.
The undisputed icon of Cologne has to be the cathedral. Built over a period of 600 years, it is a Gothic masterpiece and a World Heritage s. It’s near to the station so you’ll see it straight away when you get in to the city. If you don’t mind a bit of effort, climb the 509 steps up one of the towers for an amazing view of Cologne. The Cathedral is open between 6am and 7:30pm except for Mass.
Another must-see is the Museum Ludwig which has modern pieces, permanent exhibits and touring displays. The museum grounds are pleasant for a walk. Cologne has an array of other museums including the Museum fur Angewandte Kunst (Museum of Applied Art), the Wallraf-Richartz Museum, and Museum Schnutgen. We recommend The Wallraf-Richartz for its pieces by Rubens and Rembrandt. Museum Schnutgen has some great Medieval and Baroque displays.
Party season hits during the winter, especially for Carnival time. You’ll catch the tail end of it in February when things reach a climax with five days of partying. The last night is a celebration of ‘Nubbelverbrennung’ – the burning of Carnival’s spirit to atone for sins.
Find the cheapest flights to Cologne at FlightComparison.co.uk.
09.29.2008 | 4:12 am | Pensive Traveller
One of the things that attracted me to Shanghai was the art scene. When I first visited in springtime this year, I went to the galleries of Moganshan Lu – an area of reclaimed warehouses backing onto the stagnant creek. What I saw there impressed me enormously, both the art inside the galleries and the freedom of expression in the form of graffiti on the walls in local streets.
Other art districts have sprung up including Taikang Lu, an area of old-style alleys dotted with cafes, galleries and bars. Wulumuqi Lu has some fantastic galleries including the Kunst.licht which is currently showing an exhibition by Shen Wei called ‘Almost Naked’ in which the artist explores emotional nakedness through images of bodily intimacy. All quite intense for a place that many people think is still stifled by the jackboot of Communism.
It isn’t just Chinese artists who display in Shanghai. The city is becoming an international mecca for painters and sculptors, such as Joan Fontcuberta whose ‘Googlegramas’ (photo collages taken from Google image searches) are on display at the Spanish Consulate.
A good measure of how Shanghai is viewed on the world art scene is the quality of its events. The Shanghai Biennale is now in its seventh year, and is going from strength to strength. This year the theme is ‘Translocalmotion’ which, according to the hosts, is a look into ‘the spatial mad social boundaries between the rural and urban populations, migrants and citizens, guests and hosts.’
Coming from Europe – and especially London – where the art scene is so well established that it has all but disappeared into its own reflection, Shanghai is a breath of fresh air where art is concerned. I really feel like I’m at the centre of a burgeoning scene, and it’s very exciting.
Find the cheapest flights to Shanghai at FlightComparison.co.uk.
09.25.2008 | 8:58 am | World Destinations
Orlando is probably best known for being the world’s premier amusement park centre. With Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and more, visitors flock year-round to enjoy all it has to offer. The city itself doesn’t have that many attractions, but is still one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Clearly it’s the amusement parks that attract the crowds, but there are some interesting things to do and see if Disney isn’t your thing.
If you fly to Orlando you’ll rock up at Orlando International Airport. It’s the biggest in the state and has some great shops and restaurants. Some downtown hotels offer free shuttle services, and there is a free public bus too.
Getting around Orlando is easy. It’s a pretty laid-back city so you won’t be caught in gridlock outside of rush hour. Renting a car is a good idea if you’re going to the amusement parks, but be warned - traffic around Disney World can get manic.
Orlando’s weather is good all year round. Avoid school holidays if you don’t have children as it can get very busy. Autumn is a good time to visit. The crowds are smaller and prices are lower, but the parks are all still open.
Disney World isn’t just Orlando’s biggest attraction. It’s actually the biggest tourist draw in the whole of south-eastern America. It’s made up of four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and the Animal Kingdom. With restaurants, shopping districts, a police force, transport system, medical centres, and more than 20 hotels - it’s a city all of its own. Other popular theme parks in Orlando are SeaWorld and Universal Studios.
If you’re all Disneyed out, take some time to explore the area’s other attractions. Downtown there’s the Orlando Museum of Art and the Science Center which has a great exhibit of the laws of physics known as the Tunnel of Discovery. Orlando attracts golfers from around the world thanks to its many resorts and sporting facilities. For some greenery, head to the Harry P. Leu Gardens. Made up of nearly fifty acres of landscaped gardens and lakes, these public gardens are great for a day trip. The Gardens were established by Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu, who bought Leu House and its grounds in 1936. They travelled the world in search of exotic plants including 240 varieties of camellias. The house and gardens were opened to the public in 1961. Highlights are the Palm Garden, Tropical Steam Garden and Arid Garden. The butterfly garden is popular with children. Admission is surprisingly cheap - $5 for adults and $1 for children. Monday mornings are free.
If you want to let your hair down after the kids have gone to bed, downtown Orlando has a large selection of clubs and bars. The music scene is thriving (the pop group Creed come from Orlando) and local theatre and dance is worth a look. Grab a copy of the Orlando Night Guide for up-to-date listings.
Find the cheapest flights to Orlando at FlightComparison.co.uk.
09.24.2008 | 9:57 am | Travel Doctor
Dear Travel Doctor,
I’m really passionate about photography, so I’m planning to travel around South America later this year on assignment. Do you have any tips on how I can keep myself and my camera safe?
- Barry, Edinburgh
Hi Barry,
Sounds like a fantastic trip. You say you love photography, so clearly your camera means a lot to you. I’m guessing that you’re worried that it may get damaged or lost, so I’ll give you some tips on how to avoid disaster.
However, the best advice I can give you is to think of your own safety first. Your camera can be replaced, but your life and health can’t. Most of the tips are pure common sense, but a quick read will refresh your memory.
The mark of a great photographer is the ability to capture interesting and exciting scenes. Most photographers are willing to go out on a limb to get that amazing shot, but when you’re in an unfamiliar country or area, this is a potential source of danger. Gen up on some local knowledge to find out if there are any no-go districts or danger spots. Always carry a map and a mobile phone with you in case you get lost.
Be aware of road safety. Most countries outside the UK drive on the other side of the road, so don’t step out into oncoming traffic while trying to cross the road in search of a good photograph.
Your camera is the whole point of your trip, so you’re likely to be taking a high quality model with you to get the best possible shots. This presents an immediate temptation to thieves and muggers, so invest in a simple carry case that won’t draw attention to the expensive goods within. Always keep the camera on the front of your body, never on your back. The less attention you draw to your equipment, the safer you will be.
Another obvious point, but make sure that your travel insurance covers your camera.
And don’t play the hero. If you’re mugged, don’t try to stop the thieves taking your camera. It may be a treasured possession but it’s really not as important as your life. Back up your photos onto an external hard-drive at the end of each day so you don’t face the pain of losing all your shots in the event of theft.
Find the cheapest flights to South America at FlightComparison.co.uk.
09.24.2008 | 9:53 am | Features
Gap years are pretty much the done thing these days for students finishing school. Having a year out of the education system is great for earning a bit of money and seeing the world.
But getting the finances right is important. If you or someone you know is about to start a gap year, the following pointers will come in handy.
Most young people save money before they embark on their gap year. This means that it’s important to find a savings account with high interest. Internet accounts usually have good interest rates, and are especially good because they can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
Internet banks are good for current accounts too. Make sure you’re aware of the charges that your bank will levy when you use your debit card abroad. There are some accounts which don’t have charges, which is ideal.
Credit cards are useful when travelling, but beware of running into debt. It’s a good idea to set up a direct debit from your current account to pay off the minimum monthly fee so you don’t end up with a nasty surprise when you get home from your adventure.
You’ll definitely need travel insurance on your gap year. There are some companies that offer special gap year insurance for long trips encompassing many countries. When you’re travelling, always keep your documentation with you.
If you’re thinking of working while you travel, make sure you are clued up on visa requirements. Apply for all visas before you set off, and research the tax system for the countries you want to work in.
As for daily funds while you’re away, travellers cheques are a good idea. They cost money to buy and use, but have the advantage of being replaceable if they’re stolen, which isn’t the case with cash.
So bear these points in mind and your gap year finances will run smoothly! Good luck.
Book the cheapest flights to world destinations at FlightComparison.co.uk
09.22.2008 | 7:31 am | European Destinations
Since budget airlines have opened up new areas of Europe to holiday makers, people are daring to venture further from the usual tourist hotspots. So what would be the perfect unusual Spanish city for an autumn getaway? Madrid, Seville and Barcelona are the normal choices, but why not look to the Basque country for your next Spanish destination?
Bilbao is one of those up-and-coming destinations that everyone will be talking about before too long. The city is served by Sondica airport, also called ‘The Dove’ thanks to its unique design by Santiago Calatrava. It’s a quick and easy bus ride into the centre of town from the airport. Once you arrive in the city, you’ll find that it’s easily navigable on foot and by taxi. The subway system, designed by Norman Foster, is not just a transport system but a work of art!
As for sightseeing, there’s plenty to do. Bilbao is Spain’s biggest port city, so has lots of bustling shipyards and picturesque villages. No visit would be complete without a trip to the Guggenheim. The external titanium structure of the building is an iconic Bilbao sight. The best views are had La Salve Bridge. Inside the museum you’ll find some of the best art exhibits in the world.
Another museum worth a look is the Fine Arts Museum, which is home to a huge collection of pieces from the 12th century to the present day. Visit the Museum on a Wednesday when admission is free, or get a combined access ticket to both the Guggenheim and Fine Arts Museums for a discounted price.
Close to the Guggenheim is a large waterfront centre with parks, shops and apartments. It’s a fantastic place to take a stroll or have a bite to eat. If you walk along the river, you’ll come across the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter), famed for its café street life. Ride up the Artxanda for a stunning view of the whole city.
Another piece of interesting architecture is the Teatro Arriaga, a concert hall modeled on the Paris Opera House.
So give Bilbao a go. Find the cheapest flights on FlightComparison.co.uk.
09.19.2008 | 7:17 am | Flight Comparison
It has now been exactly two weeks since I left London. I’ve been in Shanghai for the majority of that time, aside from a brief sojourn to Hong Kong.
My stopover in Hong Kong proved to be something of a stop-gap between Europe and Asia for me. It allowed me to acclimatise to the presence of skyscrapers, the buzz of neon and the chatter of foreign voices. And it got me thinking about how the geography of a city affects its citizens.
London is a relatively low rise city. Sure, there are tall buildings – the cluster of Canary Wharf, Big Ben, the BT Tower – but there is nothing close to the scale or the density of the skyscrapers in an Asian metropolis, particularly Shanghai.
Yesterday in a cab crossing the Nanpu Bridge, I witnessed the prickly forest of high-rises spreading out all around. The agate fingers of the Pudong financial district stood out, but most overwhelming was the sheer number of skyscrapers. Even one of them, if transported to London, would dwarf every other building in its vicinity.
So how does an environment like this influence its inhabitants? Have I felt hemmed in since being here? I certainly don’t see as much sky, and what slivers I do see are fogged with pollution and cloud. But I haven’t felt choked or stifled by the atmosphere. There are pockets of calm. People’s Park, though frequently busy, is an oasis in the centre of the city. The beautiful French Concession with its tree-lined avenues is a relief from the bustle.
I guess it will take me a while longer to work out the psycho-geography of this city, but I’ll work on it!
For the cheapest flights to Shanghai check FlightComparison.co.uk.
09.18.2008 | 7:02 am | World Destinations
The highest concentration of skyscrapers in the world, historic landmarks, great transportation, and a city feel with deep cultural roots – this could be nowhere else but Hong Kong! The former British colony is the perfect destination for newcomers to Asia. Hong Kong is made up of the Island, mainland Kowloon, Stone Cutter’s Island and the New Territories, and each part has something different to offer. Take a stroll along the harbour or hike up to the highest point in the city. Head out to one of the many bustling districts, or visit a park for break from the bustle. You’ll find that underneath the glitz and glamour of the modern city beats a traditional heart.
The best time to visit Hong Kong is the autumn. It’s less crowded and the humidity is more manageable. The sun is mild at this time of year, and the air isn’t so polluted. Hotels are cheaper in December too.
Hong Kong is well served for transport - buses, the Mass Transit Railway, Light-Rail Transit, or double-decker trams. There are lots of stops so it’s easy to get from one part of Hong Kong to another relatively quickly. As the city is built on a series of hills, funiculars and escalators are a part of daily life. Check out the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator which is the longest in the world. Another good way to see the city is on a historic Star Ferry. Established in 1888 and something of a Hong Kong institution, the ferry has four routes and boats leave every eight minutes.
Start your sight-seeing excursion on Hong Kong Island. This is a business and commerce centre where most of the skyscrapers are. Visit Aberdeen on the south side of the island and you’ll find thousands of people working on all kinds of boats. Tours are available throughout much of the day. Stop in at one of the floating restaurants for a bite to eat or head to one of the beaches. Aberdeen also has the famous Central Market, Man Mo Temple, and the Zoological & Botanic Gardens.
Next on your list should be the Kowloon part of Hong Kong, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, pubs, and more shops! Kowloon is where you get those classic Hong Kong street scenes - the neon signs down Nathan Road, the busy night markets… Go for a late evening stroll to soak up the atmosphere. Kowloon is also home to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Space Museum and Museum of History. These are all fantastic attractions that the whole family will enjoy. Take a stroll on the Promenade for a view of Victoria Harbour, especially in the evening. Rising 552 metres into the sky, Victoria Peak is another place for great views. It is Hong Kong’s number one tourist attraction with around six million visitors each year. Hop on the Peak Tram funicular from the centre of town and you’ll be at the top in seven minutes. The wok-shaped Peak Tower has a viewing deck, so make sure you take your camera.
You wouldn’t think so to look at it now, but in the mid-1800s Hong Kong Island wasn’t much more than a small group of houses. In 1898 the New Territories were leased to Britain for 99 years. When this lease period ended in 1997, the British handed Hong Kong back to China. Under the motto ‘one country, two systems’, Hong Kong is now a Special Administrative Region of China. Over ten years on from the handover, Hong Kong continues to develop as a commercial city.
Find the cheapest flights to Hong Kong at FlightComparison.co.uk.
09.17.2008 | 3:44 am | Features
Oktoberfest holds a firm place on Europe’s social calendar. Beer enthusiasts from across the globe flock to Munich to taste Germany’s best brews, and the parties are world-renowned. With so much alcohol and high jinx, it’s easy to get lost in the spirit of the festival and end up having a bad time, so follow our tips and your Oktoberfest experience will be one to remember for the right reasons!
1. Get there in September
Despite its name, most of Oktoberfest actually happens in September. This year it starts on September 20th and runs until October 5th. So make sure you don’t miss out on any precious drinking days by getting your dates wrong.
2. The early bird catches the, um, beer…
As any beer fan worth his salt knows, drinking starts early. To ensure you get a place in a good tent, you’ll have to get up early – to the tune of 8am. Especially at weekends, tents and gardens fill up quickly.
3. Choose the right tent
There are fourteen main tents, each seating between 4,000 and 11,000 people. Each tent has its own character, whether it’s the food served, the decor or the music. Ask around for the best tents, or do some research.
4. New drinking buddies
With so many thousands of beer drinkers gathered in one place in honour of their favourite pursuit, you’re bound to make some new friends. Keep an open mind and a friendly smile.
5. Eating ain’t cheating
While it can be tempting to imbibe all your day’s calories from beer alone, true veterans go the distance by making sure their engine is stoked with some quality nosh. Oktoberfest is almost as famous for its food as for its beer, so chow down on some classic Teutonic tucker like roast pork knuckle or bratwurst.
6. Don’t overdo it
We’re not trying to spoil your fun, honestly. Oktoberfest is designed for a spot of good old-fashioned drunkenness. We’re just giving you a very gentle warning not to go completely crazy. Breweries make their Oktoberfest beer stronger than normal, so you may find your capacity is lower than back home.
Enjoy!
Find the cheapest flights to Munich on FlightComparison.co.uk.
09.11.2008 | 6:28 am | World Destinations
Not many people would consider going to Atlanta, Georgia, for anything except business, but the city has a certain something special if you look closer. Rich history makes it a really interesting place to visit.
In many ways Atlanta is your typical American city – tall buildings, busy roads, wide expanses of parkland – but it has certain facets that make it unique. Look out for the old-style buildings that run for twenty blocks downtown. These were built after the Civil War, and show how the city would have looked in antebellum times. The contrast between this style of architecture and the modern buildings of midtown proves what a diverse city Atlanta is.
Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, and his childhood home in the Sweet Auburn district has been preserved as the National Historic Site. Other historical attractions are the Atlanta History Center and the Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum. The Georgia State Capitol, built in 1889, offers tours and exhibitions.
If history isn’t really your thing, you might prefer the Georgia Aquarium - the largest in the world. It was opened in 2005 and holds eight million gallons of water. Next door is World of Coca-Cola which tells the story of famous soft drink brand. Both these attractions are in Pemberton Place, within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Dome, Philips Arena, the CNN Center and other downtown features. Spend some time walking around Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s biggest, which holds cultural events throughout the year.
If you’re in Atlanta during September, visit Stone Mountain Park for the Yellow Daisy Festival. This event revolves completely around the daisy, with arts, crafts and displays dedicated to the flower.
Atlanta’s most famous literary export is novelist Margaret Mitchell, who wrote the 1936 Pulitzer Prize winning novel Gone with the Wind. The tale of Southern belle Scarlett O’Hara is one of the most popular books of all time, selling more than 28 million copies. Mitchell wrote her magnum opus while living at 990 Peachtree Street in midtown, and the house has been turned into the Margaret Mitchell House and Museum.
Another facet of Atlanta is the buzzing music scene. The city is home to big record labels and many rap and hip-hop stars are based there. As for night life, midtown is where all the action happens, with major clubs around Peachtree Street and Crescent Avenue. Buckhead has some bars and clubs, and Little Five Points is where the college crowd go. Get your hands on a copy of the Atlanta Night Guide for up to date listings.
Make sure you try some proper Southern food. It’s rich and portions are big. Southerners’ love of sugar and honey is plain to see in classic desserts like pecan pie, banana pudding and peach cobbler.
Find the cheapest flights to Atlanta at FlightComparison.co.uk.
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