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Spend Valentine’s Day In The World’s Most Romantic Spots

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:02:35 +0000

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and your significant other may be dropping not-so-subtle hints to make sure you don’t forget it (again). But what if you can’t stand the idea of shelling out for roses that will die in a couple of days, and can’t stand the sight of another saccharine card? Well, if you hurry, you may just be able to whisk your other half away to one of these romantic places in time for a Valentine’s break.

Galesnjak, Croatia – This little islet may not immediately spring to mind as an ideal spot for romance, but a bird’s eye view of it will clue you in on why it’s one of the most romantic spots on Earth. This drop of land is perfectly heart-shaped, and no one lives on it, so it may just be the perfect desert island getaway you and your lover are looking for.

New York, USA – The harried pace of life in The Big Apple may not seem conducive to romance, but look closely enough, and you’ll find it in every corner. Whether you’re splashing out for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or sharing a hotdog in the rain, you’ll be sure to have many moments to remember.

Prague, Czech Republic – The City of a Hundred Spires is an unashamedly romantic city, its endless cobbled streets and many bridges providing lovers with a beautiful backdrop to an unforgettable affair. Steal a kiss under an ancient spire, or wander through its centuries-old streets hand in hand just like countless other couples have done throughout the ages.

Venice, Italy – Venice and romance go together like, well, like a couple just meant for each other. A gondola ride while the sun sets may be too cheesy for words, but you can always hire a boat and explore the canals yourself. This way, you won’t have a noisy gondolier intruding on your romantic moments. Have dinner at a cosy little family-run restaurant by the water to cap off a wonderful day.

The World’s Wackiest Laws

admin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:38:02 +0000

Sex on a public beach is never a good idea – not least when you’re in Dubai. It’s a lesson a British couple learned the hard way when they were caught in the act and jailed in the Emirate state earlier this year.

The pair aren’t the only ones to fall foul of the law: thousands of Brits are arrested abroad every year, a clutch of whom were unwittingly breaking local laws and customs. So, to help your holiday remain jail free, check out these weird and wonderful laws.

Toronto, Canada
Watch your Italian intake in Toronto where it’s illegal to ride a streetcar on a Sunday if you have been eating garlic.

Iran
Culinary restrictions can happen anywhere. In Iran it is forbidden to eat snakes on a Sunday. Perhaps order a double portion on Saturday, then, just to see you through the weekend.

Israel
If you struggle to maintain your modesty, a trip to Israel may best be avoided, as no person is allowed to dress or undress with the light switched on.

Madagascar
Expectant mothers should beware in Madagascar: pregnant women are banned from wearing hats.

Guinea
There are more restrictions for mothers. Should you happen to give birth to a girl in Guinea, it is illegal to call the baby ‘Monica’. ‘Sharon’, on the other hand, is fully acceptable.

Iceland
The NHS may have its problems, but watch out in Iceland. Here, anyone is allowed to practice medicine provided they display the word ‘Scottulaejnir’, meaning ‘Quack doctor’.

UK
And finally, one from our own fair shores: in the city of York it is legal to murder a Scotsman within the ancient city walls, but only if he is carrying a bow and arrow. Jock McTavish, you have been warned.

London: The Cheapest Way to Heathrow—Train, Tube or Car?

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:51:03 +0000

Every traveler has been there: You touch down in an unfamiliar city and feel immediately discombobulated. Getting out of the airport, sleep-deprived, with all of your luggage in hand is one thing—then you’re faced with the sometimes gargantuan task of figuring out how to get into town. Some of us jump in a taxi—and pay dearly for it.

Fortunately, London has a number of cheap transport options to and from Heathrow, making the journey a much more pleasant—and wallet-friendly—experience.

Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect

Without a doubt, the Heathrow Express express train is the fastest—and most comfortable—way into the city. Heathrow Express departs every 15 minutes from the airport and takes just 15 minutes to reach Paddington station in the city’s West End. (The trains also leave Paddington every 15 minutes going the other way.)

To save yourself even more time, you can buy a ticket online before you leave the U.S. and have the actual ticket sent to your mobile phone—a bar code in the text message will be scanned when you board the train. Plus, another bonus starting this month: Free Wi-Fi on board! What could be better?

Well, the price, for one. A one-way ticket on the Heathrow Express costs a whopping £16.50 online (or £18 at Heathrow); a round-trip ticket will set you back £30 online (or £32 at the station).

A slightly cheaper option is the Heathrow Connect train. It takes slightly longer to reach Paddington (25 minutes), but the price is only £7.90 for a one-way ticket and £15.80 for a return if you purchase online. Watch which train you board—both the Heathrow Express and the Heathrow Connect stop at the same platform at the airport.

The Tube to Heathrow

Heathrow, mercifully, is also served by the Piccadilly line on the Underground. (Why can’t La Guardia be this well connected?) With an Oyster card, which you can buy at the Heathrow Tube station for £3 pounds, the cost of a one-way journey into central London is just £3.80.

The only major drawback is the travel time—allow yourself at least an hour to get to or from the center of the city; sometimes, the journey can even take an hour and a half. Another annoyance: Parts of the Tube are routinely shut down on weekends for maintenance, meaning you may have some difficulty reaching your final destination if it’s not on the Piccadilly line.

Car Service (also known as Unlicensed Minicabs) to Heathrow

This is the biggest secret in London when it comes to Heathrow connections. It’s actually how I suggest most of my out-of-town guests go to the airport at the end of their stay—it’s far less trouble than trying to figure out the train schedules and worrying about being late for a flight.

There are numerous car service companies in London that will take you to any destination of your choosing for a flat rate (no tipping necessary). Most companies charge around £30 per trip from central London (anywhere in Zone 1) to Heathrow, which is actually cheaper than purchasing two one-way tickets on Heathrow Express.

It’s simple to find a company if you have a cell phone that works in London. Just text the word “home” to the Transport for London’s information number (62967) and within minutes, you’ll receive a message with the numbers of several car companies near you.

If you aren’t that technologically savvy, fret not. Try calling Bloomsbury Cars, a reliable company that I’ve used before, at 020-7631-1334. They’ll pick up passengers from any location in Zone 1 and charge £30 per trip to Heathrow. The journey usually takes less than an hour.

Scotland’s most romantic Valentine’s escape?

admin — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:58:42 +0000

Ardanaiseig, one of Scotland’s most romantic hotels and just 90 miles from Glasgow, is offering the ultimate Valentines break in its waterside love nest. The Boat Shed, recently converted into a contemporary hideaway, offers total seclusion with breathtaking panoramic views of the loch. The Valentines package includes arrival by steamboat across Loch Awe, with welcoming Champagne and oysters served by a personal butler, who is on hand for the duration of the stay. Guests can wake up every morning to watch the mist rising over the water and mountains and enjoy lazy days of boating, exploring or fishing before feasting on local seafood and game in the award-winning restaurant, which serves a five-course gourmet menu every evening. The package is available from 9th to 20th February 2009 and starts from £942 per couple, based on two nights’ accommodation, five course dinner on both nights, Champagne and oysters on arrival, steamboat hire and a personal butler for the duration of the stay.

Mobile travel services – debut at ITB Berlin

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:14:51 +0000

Mobile communication devices are becoming an increasingly dominant aspect of the global travel industry. Business travellers as well as holidaymakers carry smartphones, mobile phones and netbooks in their hand luggage to ensure they can be reached anywhere and at any time. For the first time ITB Berlin is providing this fast-growing market with a platform of its own, and establishing itself in the mobile travel services segment at the earliest opportunity. There will be a centrally located presentation stage and an adjacent exhibition area, along with targeted marketing activities and a convention both for newcomers and professionals, providing trade visitors, exhibitors and the general public with expert, first-hand information. “Presentations and practical demonstrations of innovative products and services as well as fascinating discussion rounds with experts will help to make the wealth of mobile travel services comprehensible to the user, to travel managers and private consumers alike“, said David Ruetz, Senior Manager ITB Berlin.
Mobile communication devices boost efficiency and productivity on business trips, saving companies an average of 42 minutes per working day and employee. For holidaymakers they are increasingly becoming everyday travel companions. Irrespective of the fact that nearly 25 per cent of German holidaymakers check their e-mails several times a day, mobile electronic devices are increasingly replacing traditional travel guides. Innovative mobile phone applications and mobile internet access provide travellers with more flexible ways of obtaining directions, information and meeting people than language/travel guides, weather reports and tour organisers’ information, for example. Tour operators, travel agencies and tourism organisations also benefit from mobile networks, as they are more able to reliably reach and talk to customers.

ITB Berlin will also be catering to the booming market for specialist software for the tourism and mobile services sector with graphic demonstrations on the presentation stage. Examples showing that consumers are quick to accept the innovations offered them include the use of in-car sat nav devices and electronic boarding cards. Industry observers expect all airlines to be offering them by the end of 2010.