09.4.2008 | 12:23 pm | World Destinations
With the Olympics bringing China to the world’s attention, many people are taking inspiration and heading out east to see this fascinating country for themselves.
China’s capital, Beijing, is a city steeped in history. From the emperor’s palace to Tiananmen Square, modern and ancient history sit side by side.
As well as the Forbidden City and the plethora of museums, Beijing is popular for its location close to a section of the Great Wall. This is a must-see for anyone visiting China.
Make sure you try ‘Beijing kao ya’ or Peking Duck – a specialty of the city and an international favourite.
Before you go, you’ll need to get a visa. These can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy, or from one of the many agencies that will do the queuing on your behalf.
For the cheapest flights to China check FlightComparison.co.uk.
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.
08.21.2008 | 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.
08.14.2008 | 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.
08.7.2008 | 7:45 am | World Destinations
The capital city of Malaysia is something of a contradiction. One the one hand it’s a gleaming metropolis at the forefront of international business, and on the other it’s a traditional Asian city. It’s truly a mixture of old and new. From the bustling ghettos to the ritziest boroughs, Kuala Lumpur is a world of its own.
The city is hot and humid all year round. It’s best to avoid March, April, September and November as this is when the heavy rains fall.
Start your tour of KL in the Golden Triangle, home to classy hotels and restaurants and the best shopping district in Malaysia. The iconic Petronas Towers dominate the skyline, often shrouded in cloud. Take a ride up to the observation deck of Kuala Lumpur Tower on a clear day for amazing views of the city and surrounding area.
Next, make your way down to the Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur’s botanic garden and science centre. The gardens make up an expansive area of ninety two hectares, and include a butterfly park, planetarium, insect museum, aviary, and hibiscus garden. While you’re in this area the Islamic Arts Museum is worth a look, with its models of the famous mosques.
The KL’s colourful Chinatown is a great place to try some traditional food and stroll past the street vendors selling their wares.
For an insight into Malaysia’s history, visit Merdeka Square This is in the heart of the downtown district, and is the site of Malaysia’s proclamation of independence in 1957. Merdeka Square is known as Padang to locals, and is home to a many historic buildings such as the Royal Selangor Club, the Sultan Abdul Samad building, National History Museum and Library, and the Dayabumi Complex, all built in a striking combination of Victorian and Moorish style.
The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is Kuala Lumpur’s main Hindu temple. Constructed in 1873, it features intricate carvings of Hindu gods decorated with precious stones and gold leaf, and houses a huge silver chariot used in the yearly Thaipusam festival. The 23-metre-high pyramid gate tower is adorned with artwork by southern Indian craftsmen.
Kuala Lumpur has several bustling night markets which offer an eye-opening view of buzzing Malaysian street life. To soak up the night scene, head to Golden Triangle and Bangsar for bars and clubs.
Find the cheapest flights to Kuala Lumpur at FlightComparison.co.uk.
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.
07.24.2008 | 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.
07.17.2008 | 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.
07.10.2008 | 10:15 am | World Destinations
Australia’s oldest city and one of the most beautiful in the world, Sydney has iconic sights, exciting nightlife, wide boulevards cooled by harbour breezes, and an easygoing atmosphere with plenty of cultural attractions.
Sydney is one of the sunniest cities in Australia. Weather is good for most of the year but humidity and showers are common from December through to February. Spring can be rainy too. We recommend autumn which falls between March and May.
If beach life is your thing head straight out to Bondi Beach - the most popular waterside location in Sydney. There’s a lot to see and do, from fried food joints to vendors hawking tie-dye shirts. A short walk from the beach will take you to an alcove where you can see some beautiful Aboriginal engravings.
Sydney’s Circular Quay is popular with tourists. You’ll find your typical shops, parks and restaurants as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the iconic Sydney Opera House. You can easily spend a few hours or even a day here, especially if you catch a free outdoor concert at the Opera House. Take an evening stroll around the harbour for some fantastic views across the water as the sun sets.
The Sydney Skywalk is great fun if you don’t mind heights. A viewing platform 260 metres high takes guests out on a limb from the Sydney Tower for great views over the city.
Sydney Aquarium is Australia’s number one attraction so it’s definitely worth a look. It has over ten thousand animals, and favourite features include a seal sanctuary and Great Barrier Reef exhibition. Carry on the nature theme at Taronga Zoo.
For something a bit different, pay a visit to the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour near Chinatown. The garden was designed in Sydney’s sister city Guangzhou to resemble the private gardens of the Ming Dynasty, and symbolises Sydney’s multicultural ethos. It was officially opened in 1988 as part of Sydney’s bicentennial festivities, and was named in celebration of Australia’s bond with China.
Sydneysiders are proud of their varied and buzzing nightlife. Whether you fancy catching a concert at the Opera House, or living it up in a trendy bar, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do once the sun goes down. There is a thriving gay scene especially around Oxford Street.
Find the cheapest flights to Sydney at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.3.2008 | 5:24 am | World Destinations
Sparkling on Australia’s expansive west coast, Perth is a truly modern city with an influential history. Walk along the coast and you’ll see skyscrapers jutting into the sky behind you, but step back a few blocks and you’ll find 19th century colonial buildings. Despite rapid expansion, there is a quaint Aussie-town feel about Perth, especially in the parks and greenery. Perth’s location sets it apart from any other major city by hundreds of miles, giving an atmosphere of quiet independence.
Perth Airport is a major Australian flight hub, but many international cities don’t have direct access. Depending on which airline you chose, you may have a stop-over in Singapore, Hong Kong or Bangkok. Perth Airport is five miles from the city – a short bus ride away. Flying time from London is around nineteen hours.
The ideal times to visit Perth are spring and autumn (which are the opposite sides of the year to the northern hemisphere’‘s seasons) when the weather is pleasant and tourists are few.
Travelling around Perth is easy by bus or taxi, and bicycles are becoming popular. The city has an extensive network of cycle paths especially in the park, and rentals are very affordable. Cycling is a great way to enjoy the ocean breezes. Taxis aren’t cheap but are more frequently available than buses.
The Aquarium of Western Australia is one of Perth’s top attractions. The AQWA was constructed as a 98 metre tunnel surrounded by ocean life, from tropical fish to sharks and stingrays. Further along is the Discovery Pool where you can interact directly with the animals. Snorkellers and qualified divers can swim with the sharks.
The Western Australian Museum has everything from Aboriginal art to prehistoric specimens. The marine section is famous for the 25-metre skeleton of a blue whale, and the 11-tonne Mundrabilla rock is the centrepiece of the meteorites display. Also popular is the preserved Megamouth, one of the largest species of shark ever discovered.
Culture seekers should pay a visit to the Art Gallery of Western Australia on James Street which has great permanent exhibitions of European, Pacific and Australian art as well as many temporary displays.
For something a bit different, head to the Fremantle Motor Museum at Victoria Quay. The museum houses the automobile collection of a mining tycoon, and features vintage motorcycles, a Ferrari, the first Holden prototype, and Wally’s chariot from Crocodile Dundee.
Overlooking the Swan River, Kings Park attracts many picnickers, cyclists and strollers during the warmer months. Within the greenery lies the Botanic Garden, as well as wildflower meadows and bush land.
If you’ve hired a car and don’t mind a bit of a drive, take a trip down the coast to Busselton Jetty. This wooden construction is the longest wooden pier in the southern hemisphere. It stretches over a mile out into Geographe Bay from the town of Busselton, 130 miles south west of Perth. Near the seaward end of the jetty is an underwater observatory which has attracted over a quarter of a million visitors since it was opened in 2003. Guests descend eight metres in a viewing chamber to see coral and marine life. A trip down to Busselton is a great way to see some of Australia’’s stunning western coast, as well as seeing an interesting feat of marine engineering.
Nightlife in Perth is pretty sedate. Younger folk usually go to Northbridge, Subiaco, or Fremantle to party. Pubs and bars generally close at 11pm, and the action moves to the clubs which are open until the early hours. Most of the top hotels in Perth have exclusive nightclubs which are favoured by over-30s. For detailed listings of cultural events in Perth, get your hands on the West Australian newspaper on Saturdays, and X-Press Magazine which is a comprehensive entertainment guide for the city.
For the cheapest flights to Perth check FlightComparison.co.uk.
« Previous Entries
