11.25.2008 | 7:48 am | Features
Have you ever wondered what makes people want to travel? Not the mundane reasons for getting from A to B (a trip to the shops for milk, or down the road to see a friend) or a week on the Costa del Sol every summer - I’m talking about the force that drives some people to don their backpacks, book a one-way ticket to a far-flung city, and set off to explore the world. Travel has become easier and cheaper as the decades have passed. The world has opened up. But there have always been folk who wandered – the old school explorers, adventurers and pioneers.
Cynics might say that people only travel because it’s the done thing - a trend, and each generation has its own: gap years for school leavers, round-the-world trips for retirees. And this surely holds water. But not everyone does it, so why do some people take these sorts of trips and not others? Of course money is an issue. Not everyone can afford to travel. But more people can than do, so there must be a driving force.
For many, it is pure escape. They are running away from something in their past. A new country or a journey represents a fresh start after troubled times. For others, it is pure curiosity. They realise that there’s a world out there; they’ve seen it in National Geographic, and now they want to see it with their own eyes.
Another pertinent reason why people rove is to gain a higher understanding of the world, themselves, and their place in it. ‘Finding oneself’ is a hackneyed phrase, but it stands to reason. Putting yourself in a foreign place can open you up to all sorts of situations that you would never encounter at home - haggling in a Marrakesh souk, walking through a favela, horseriding on a Mongolian plain…
By this token, the urge to travel often boils down to thrill seeking alone. Tired of a humdrum existence in the suburbs, many people decide to go abroad to inject fresh interest and stimulus into their lives.
So what sets travellers apart from people who are satisfied with a week in Florida? Perhaps it is a willingness to forgo the comforts of home, to take the risk that what is out there may be more exciting than what we are programmed to believe is the path that our lives ought to follow.
For the cheapest flights to world destinations, check FlightComparison.co.uk.
11.24.2008 | 6:17 am | European Destinations
It’s cold outside, and you’re probably feeling the chill, so why not steel yourself and go somewhere even colder? For a winter break, Reykjavik is a great choice. Once rarely visited, Iceland’s capital has become popular with weekend trippers. Celebrities like Bjork and Damon Albarn (who opened a bar there) have brought Reykjavik to a wider audience.
Landing at Keflavik airport, you’ll be struck by the barrenness of the landscape. There are no trees in Iceland, and the terrain is scored with glaciers and geysers. There’s a good reason for its nickname, ‘Land of Ice and Fire’. Only about a fifth of Iceland is habitable, and most people live in a tiny number of towns.
Reykjavik is a colourful enclave in the midst of the icy wilderness. Bright rooves and whitewashed buildings, and the noble limestone church on the hill, make it quite a sight.
Summer temperatures reach an average of 50F, so if you go during the warmer months, you probably won’t need your bikini. Around late autumn the temperatures start to drop quickly. If you go now, you’ll have to pack heavy-duty thermals. A big bonus of a winter trip to Reykjavik is the chance to see the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights.
Renting a car is a good idea. Rekyjavik is an easy city to drive in, and it’s handy to be mobile if you want to visit outlying attractions like the Blue Lagoon. Inside the city, there’s a bus system called the SVR which is quick and efficient. It runs most of the day throughout the week, except Sundays when services start later.
To see the city’s beauty at its most pure, visit the Botanical Garden. Covering a huge area of land and featuring mainly Icelandic flora, the garden has walking trails, water displays, greenhouses, a small zoo, and even a cafe which is famous for its waffles.
Reykjavik’s architecture is heavily influenced by the designer Einar Jonsson. There is a museum dedicated to him (which he designed himself!). Something a little older is the unmissable Hallgrimskirkja which presides over the city. The Lutheran masterpiece was designed by state Architect Guðjón Samúelsson in 1937. It took 38 years to build.
You probably won’t be able to pronounce Fjolskyldugarourinn & Husdyragarourinn, but you’ll most probably have fun if you go there. It’s Reykjavik’s zoo and amusement park, and will easily provide enough entertainment to keep both adults and children occupied for a day. Another good place to spend an afternoon is the National Museum, which contains Viking artifacts and the beautiful Valpjofsstadur church from 1200 AD which is carved with intricate battle scenes.
Possibly the most famous and popular attractions in Iceland is the Blue Lagoon. This huge geothermal pool looks like something from prehistoric times with its lava and geysers. It’s just a short drive out of Rekyjavik, and is truly a must-see while you’re there. Also worth a look is the Gullfoss waterfall.
11.20.2008 | 5:08 am | World Destinations
Dubai
What better way to get over those winter blues than a trip to the desert oasis of opulence that is Dubai? It’s world renowned as a shopping mecca, and attracts tourists from all parts of the globe to experience the glitz and glamour that fast development has brought. There’s a nice mix of old and new - historic minarets stand side by side with towering skyscrapers.
The best times to visit Dubai are autumn, winter and spring (except for the month of Ramadan which can be tricky for non-Muslims). Summer gets ridiculously hot; you’ll spend all your time dashing from one air-conditioner to the next…
Driving in Dubai isn’t recommended. It’s not the easiest place to take a car, and can be dangerous for people unfamiliar with the roads. Taxis are a better way of getting around for tourists. If you fancy seeing some of the other Emirates, buses run from Dubai to surrounding countries like Muscat, Oman and Jordan.
If you go to Dubai for shopping, you won’t be disappointed. There are so many malls that you wonder how they all stay in business. The Wafi City complex is one of the best. If you want a more traditionally Arabic shopping experience try the souks The Bur Dubai Souk specialises in hand-woven clothing and materials, while the Deira Gold Souk is has lots of one-of-a-kind jewellery and trinkets.
To get to know a bit about Dubai’s history, visit the Dubai Museum, which is housed inside the 18th century Al-Fahidi Fort - the city’s oldest building. Its exhibits include Arabian sailboats and ancient weapons, and there are interactive multimedia displays. Another popular attraction is the Grand Mosque which has the city’s tallest minaret. Despite its outward appearance, the mosque was actually built in the 1990s.
Kids will love the Wild Wadi Water Park, and the Ski Dubai complex. You don’t go to the United Arab Emirates expecting to see snow and slopes, but you can at Ski Dubai. It’s the first ski resort in the Middle East and offers skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. The 22,500 square metre area has real snow, and you cam hire ski-wear and winter clothes in case you haven’t packed your salopettes…
Dubai’s nightlife is an interesting scene. Non-Muslims are allowed to drink over the age of 21. There’s no single nightlife hub; the big hotels have bars and clubs, most open until 1 or 2am. Independent bars have happy hours and Ladies Nights, and Thursdays and Saturdays are the main clubbing nights. A beer cost Dh15-20 on average. Dubai has started to attract big name international DJs and the club scene is growing. Shisha bars are always popular if you don’t fancy loud music and bright lights.
Dubai’s currency is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (Dh or AED) Dirham notes come denominations from Dh 5 to Dh1000. One dirham is made up of 100 fils. Coins come in values of Dh1, 50 fils, 25 fils, 10 fils and 5 fils. The exchange is around 7 Dirham to 1GBP British Pound Sterling and 3.7 Dirham to $1 US Dollar. Avoid changing money at the airport as the rates won’t be as good as banks or exchange centres in the city.
Dubai International Airport is the busiest in the Middle East, and it is a hub for onward travel to the Far East. We recommend taking a Transport taxi from the airport to your hotel in Dubai. Buses only go to Deira bus station.
For the cheapest flights to Dubai visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
11.19.2008 | 6:02 am | Travel Doctor
Dear Travel Doctor,
I’m going to visit my family in the States this year for Christmas, but I’m a bit worried about baggage limitations. I want to give them good presents this year as it will be our first Christmas together since 2005. Do you have any suggestions as to how I could lighten the load and not have to pay excess baggage?
- Greg, Gloucester
Hi Greg,
Christmas is a time of generosity and goodwill, but there’s absolutely no reason why you should have to pay over the odds to get presents to your family.
To get the perfect gift delivered directly to your relatives’ door is killing two birds with one stone. Using websites like Amazon which have both British and American versions, you can choose something from the U.S. site and have it delivered in time for Christmas. Let your relative know that it will be coming, and get them to hold off opening it until you arrive. If you want to make sure what you buy is exactly what they want, ask if they have an Amazon wish list that you can pick from. Shopping online will save you a hell of a lot of money and space in your luggage. Some websites even offer free or discounted shipping.
Some chain stores have an option of buying an item online, then picking it up from the shop of your choice. Choose a branch in your relatives’ town and you can go fetch the gifts when you arrive. Alternatively, if you know that the town has plenty of good stores, save your Christmas shopping for when you arrive there.
Something that isn’t quite so personal, but would be good for relatives you don’t know too well, is a gift voucher or certificate. This works for Amazon, but be careful that gift cards or vouchers you buy in the UK can be used in affiliate stores over in the U.S. Gift certificates solve the age-old problem of receiving gifts that you don’t really like, but have to accept with politeness!
If you want to give a gift that’s a bit out of the ordinary, why not organise a trip or dinner for the time you’ll be in the States? This is great because it means you can join the fun too, and end up with some great memories.
Another thing to bear in mind is sharing the load with a travelling companion. You didn’t say if you were travelling to the U.S. on your own, but if you’re flying with someone, lighten the load by going Dutch on gifts.
For the cheapest flights to America, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
11.19.2008 | 6:00 am | Features
Most people visit Hong Kong for the buzz of Kowloon, the views from the Peak, and the glitz of Macau’s gaming halls, but out in the bay are several other reasons to take a trip. If you’re tired of the city, head out to some of the lesser-known islands and see Hong Kong in a new light.
Cheung Chau (Long Island) is one of the most populous of Hong Kong’s islands. It is shaped like an hourglass with mountains at each end. Cheung Chau village is on the thinnest part of the island and is a bustling little town. Tung Wan beach is on the north side, while Kwun Yam beach is to the south. Windsurfing is popular on both. Fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise should head to the cave of Cheung Po Tsai who appeared as a character in the third film. The cave isn’t for the faint-hearted – it’s very narrow and you’ll need a torch. Get there by ferry from the end of Sai Wan Road. To get there from Hong Kong, take a ferry from the Central Ferry pier. They leave daily, every half hour.
Grass Island, or Tap Mun, is grassy by nature as well as by name. There are under a hundred people living here, giving it the atmosphere of a ghost town. Tap Mun is well known for its cuisine (plenty of restaurants) and its scenery (lots of hiking trails). Ferries leave from Ma Liu Shui in Hong Kong during the week at 8.30am and 3pm, and at weekends and public holidays at 12.30pm. They also go from Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung during the week at 10.35am and 4.55pm, and every hour at weekends and public holidays.
The island of Po Toi is about three kilometers off Hong Kong Island. It is rocky and remote, and his home to some unusual geology. Lack of too much habitation has allowed the strange rock formations to survive – including ‘Coffin Rock’ which sticks out from a slope. There’s also Turtle Rock, Monk Rock and Buddha’s Palm. The southernmost lighthouse in Hong Kong is on Po Toi – definitely worth a look. To get there, take a ferry from Aberdeen on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public. Weekday ferries leave from Promenade Pier at 10am and return from Po Toi at 2pm.
For the cheapest flights to Hong Kong, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
11.17.2008 | 6:04 am | European Destinations
Prague has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. History, architecture and a certain essence combine to make it an absolutely perfect place for an early winter get-away. It has a quaint European atmosphere with its cobblestone streets and squares, and some great nature like Petrin Hill with its parks. Prague has seen its fair share of poverty and problems over the years, but it has emerged as a city of deep history and strong spirit.
The Czech Republic isn’t known for its good weather, so it’s likely that Prague will be overcast when you visit, especially around wintertime. The city gets very busy around Christmas, Easter and early summer, and prices go up to co-incide with the influx of tourists.
The centre of Prague is plenty small enough to walk around. Taxis are around for when your feet get tired. Hiring a car isn’t recommended.
Probably the most popular attraction is Prague Castle. It is the largest ancient castle in the world, and dates back around a thousand years. It is so big that it will take most of a day to get around it. From the walls you’ll get amazing views of the city and surrounding countryside. Most of the castloe is open to the public all year round. The grounds are worth a look too.
For more views of the city, climb Petrin Hill. Once home to vineyards, it now has eight parks and an old stone quarry.
If you want to see some beautiful old architecture, visit the Mala Strana district. Its most important street is called Nerudova Ulice, close to the famous St. Nicholas Church. Inside are frescos by Johann Kracker, including the largest in Europe -Life of St Nicholas.
Ruzyne Airport serves the city - the only airport in the Czech Republic. It’s around 10km (6 miles) outside of Prague, and you can take a bus or a taxi.
For the cheapest flights to Prague, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
11.14.2008 | 7:09 am | Pensive Traveller
Something I would never have done in London was talk to a stranger. It’s a tired cliche that no-one as much as looks at each other in the Big Smoke. But in Shanghai, it happens on an almost-daily basis. Often it’s Chinese people who stop me to ask ‘Ni shi nali ren?’ (where are you from?) and stare, perplexed, at my blonde hair. Other times, like today, it’s me who initiates the conversation. I was sitting in my favourite coffee shop on Xinle Lu, soaking up the painfully bohemian atmosphere of slow jazz and cigarette smoke, when a fellow expat caught my eye. He looked interesting, simple as that, so I decided to talk to him. Within five minutes we had exchanged numbers, and he had organised lunch for me and another writer friend of his next week. Maybe in the days before social exchanges became so complex and people got so suspicious of each other, that’s how all friendships began.
On a different note, I was aggrieved yesterday by the theft of my brand new bike. Last week I spent 500 yuan (about 40 pounds) kitting myself out with all the equipment - bike, basket, burly chain lock. But somehow a thief managed to yank it from its moorings outside my office last night and make off with it. I was stupid to think that a shiny new bicycle would survive on the mean streets, so today I went to the local supermarket and paid 150 yuan for a piece of junk than no-one in their right mind would think to pilfer. Fingers crossed…
Today I had my second Chinese lesson at Mandarin House, a well-known language school in a glinting tower block in Gubei. It’s good to be learning again. There’s something almost magical about acquiring a new language. My efforts up until now have been somewhat piecemeal - a glance at the dictionary now and again - but formal learning is the only way to master Mandarin. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to make sense of sounds that were once so strange. And even more so to be able to make myself understood. Today I found myself making a joke in Chinese - that must be some sort of progress!
For the cheapest flights to Shanghai visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
11.13.2008 | 6:41 am | World Destinations
If you’re planning a trip to the states but don’t fancy chaotic New York or flashy L.A., San Francisco could be the perfect choice. It’s not a quiet city by any means, but there is a nice feeling of tranquillity and leisure that makes it a lot more relaxed than its more rambunctious cousins. Walking along Fishermans Wharf, exploring the sands of North Beach, or grabbing some take-away seafood in view of the Golden Gate Bridge… San Francisco will leave you with some special memories.
North Californian weather means that San Fran is good all year round. Summers are bright and sunny, and winters are usually mild with a touch of a chill in the mornings.
You can get around San Francisco is pretty well on foot (be warned – it’s super-hilly), and the Bay Area Rapid Transit system will get you to the outlying areas. Another fun option is an old-time trolley, for a touch of history. The iconic cable cars are great for views of the city, and are a good way to get your bearings.
Downtown is where many of the city’s shops and restaurants are found. There are many beautiful houses and historic buildings which are worth a look, but for a faster pace, go to Chinatown. This busy neighbourhood is made up of alleys and streets, and the air is always filled with cooking smells. Chinese food here is cheap and tasty.
Fishermans Wharf used to be a group of fishing piers, but is now a popular attraction, providing a set-off point to Alcatraz. The island prison is a chilling reminder of San Francisco’s darker history. A federal jail until 1963, it incarcerated famous criminals like Al Capone and “Birdman” Richard Stroud, and there were many high profile escape attempts over the years.
For a bit of high culture, pay a visit to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art which has works by American and European artists, as well as a collection of American abstract expressionist like Clyfford Still, Jackson Pollock and Philip Guston. There are also works by Mexican painters Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. Similarly arty is the Cartoon Art Museum on Mission Street.
Nightlife is plentiful in San Francisco. Each district has its own feeling. SoMa (South of Market) is good for electronica, hip hop and lounges, while hip clubbers favour the Mission district. More sophisticated bars are found in the Marina district. The Castro area is the gay part of town, but the city on the whole is gay-friendly.
San Francisco International Airport is close to the city, and has all the traveller essentials: restaurants, bars, money exchange, and car rental services. Flight time from London is around ten hours.
For the cheapest flights to San Francisco visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
11.12.2008 | 8:51 am | Travel Doctor
Dear Travel Doctor,
I am a wheelchair user, and I’m planning to take a holiday on my own later this year. It’ll be my first time travelling without my dad, who normally comes with me, so I’d like a few pointers on how to get around safely and easily while I’m abroad. I’m planning to stay at a resort, possibly in the Canary Islands. Can you help?
Lucy, Colchester
Hi Lucy,
Great that you’ve decided to go it alone on your next trip. If you follow my tips you shouldn’t encounter any undue difficulties.
Make sure you scope out your intended destination and resort before you book. You’ll need to find out if it’s hilly, and if so, that you can manage the terrain in your chair. Also check that the resort you want to stay at can cater for people with disabilities. It’s a good idea to do plenty of research before you commit to booking, so you can rest easy that your needs will be met once you arrive.
Things to check are whether the public toilets are accessible, whether the resort cafes and restaurants are wheelchair friendly, and will you be able to participate in organised trips or outings. Also, make sure that the accommodation will be suitable for you. Always check that the accommodation will be suitable for your needs - do not rely on second-hand information.
You didn’t mention if your wheelchair is a powered one or a manual. If you use an electric one, make sure that the resort or hotel has recharging facilities. Likewise, if you plan to hire one once you get there, do some research on rental places.
Most of the above is common sense, so I have no doubt that you’ll have a fantastic trip and thoroughly enjoy the experience!
For the cheapest flights to world destinations, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
11.11.2008 | 8:13 am | Features
Holiday Behind Bars
Holidays are traditionally a time to escape from reality, so voluntarily incarcerating yourself seems somehow wrong. But prison conversions are becoming increasingly popular in the hotel world. We’ve chosen four ex-jails that are now holiday accommodation, so you can experience the life of a convict while you’re on vacation.
1. Langholmens Vandrarhem, Stockholm, Sweden
Lanholmens used to be Sweden’s Crown Prison, but has been converted into a peaceful and comfortable hotel. It was built in the 1840s, and was Sweden’s biggest penitentiary until 1975 when the last prisoner left the island. It re-opened as a hostel in 1989 after two years’ renovation. What used to be the prison entrance hall is now the reception area.
2. Hi-Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Canada
Further afield, the Ottawa Jail Hostel provides a spookily realistic prison experience. Guests sleep in actual prison cells and the former sanitorium. The eighth floor was left unchanged, so you’ll be able to see what life was actually like for the prisoners. However, the other floors have been kitted out with all mod-cons, and is situated downtown – the perfect base to tour the sights of the Canadian capital.
3. Hostel Celica in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Back to Europe for the next one. Don’t let the Hostel movie franchise put you off… Ljubljana’s Hostel Celica has all the chills without the murderes (we think…). There are iron bars on the doors and windows, but the rooms are comfortable and homely. Well, as homely as a former prison can be. Celica is well located in central Ljubljana, so you can escape if you get cabin fever. There’s free internet access too, and an art gallery on site.
4. Jailhouse Accommodation, Christchurch, New Zealand
Down Under is no stranger to criminals. Ok, so that goes for Australia more than New Zealand, but the South Island of kiwiland has the pleasantly freaky Jailhouse Accommodation up its sleeve. It was once the Addington Prison, but is now a fully furnished guesthouse.
So if you’re visiting any of these towns, why not go for something a bit different and stay in an old prison?
For the cheapest flights to world destinations, visit FlightComparison.co.uk.
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