f4aviation Holiday Information & what to do when you're there

Which package deal?

May 19, 2013 | Travel Guides | Permalink

Whether booking a trip to magical Majorca, beautiful Bulgaria or sunny Spain, most people these days opt for the package holiday option – it takes all the fuss out of holiday planning, meaning you no longer need to stress about the little things like hotel transfers.  There are three main types of package deals available – self-catering, half-board and all-inclusive.  Which is the best deal for you?

Self-catering

Self-catering holidays are perfect for people who want to cook for themselves, yet this type of deal also leaves the option of sampling the local cuisine open.  With proper planning, you can save a lot of money this way, but you need to be organised and know where to buy the cheapest groceries.  Self-catering gives you the freedom to choose what you eat as well as when and where.

Half-board

A popular option found in hotels, this is the modern day equivalent of the B&B.  Your breakfast is included and will usually be offered buffet style.  Once you eat your fill in the morning, you can head out and about for the day and probably skip lunch.  Then you only need to pay for your evening meal.  This is a great way of sampling the local cuisine, but remember that you won’t have cooking facilities available, so you’ll need to eat out or in the hotel every night.

Full-board (or all-inclusive)

All inclusive deals are brilliant for those who don’t want to worry about money while they are travelling.  Every meal is paid for, and you can eat as much as you like (within reason).  Most all-inclusive deals include soft drinks and sometimes even alcoholic beverages.  All meals are generally served buffet-style.  The downside of this system is that you may feel somewhat tied to the hotel – it’s hard to justify paying for a meal in a restaurant when you have already paid upfront for meals in the hotel.

Whichever option you choose, plan accordingly.  Happy holidays!

Picture: Mamboman1

The beautiful island of Ireland

May 14, 2013 | Travel Guides | Permalink

It’s small wonder that Ireland is a destination which usually features on people’s top ten list of places to visit in their lifetime.  Ireland offers captivating music, stunning scenery and a wealth of history, along with the best Guinness you’re ever likely to sample.  The Irish themselves are known for being extremely friendly and welcoming.  Of course, Ireland has not been without its troubles over the years, and the island is still separated into two.  Five sixths of the island is named the Republic of Ireland and the last sixth – Northern Ireland – remains part of the United Kingdom.

Ireland has numerous attractions, so here is just a sampling of some must-visit destinations to put on your itinerary.

Dublin City

Dublin is small enough for visitors to explore thoroughly, whether on foot or by bus.  With its bustling streets lined with shops, museums and historical architecture, the city will leave you spellbound.  Dublin is particularly packed on a Saturday, so if you’re not a fan of crowds, it’s better to visit midweek.

The Giant’s Causeway

A top attraction in Northern Island, the Giant’s Causeway is a set of oddly regular basalt columns.  The origins of these columns has inspired debate for centuries, and plenty of theories on their formation remain even today.  Visitors can travel to the site by car or by shuttle bus.  While there, don’t forget to pay the famous Old Bushmills Distillery a visit.

Cliffs of Moher

These famous cliffs are simply spectacular – the undulating landscape sudden slips away to a sheer 650 foot drop down into the Atlantic Ocean.  The cliffs and watchtower provide stunning views of the Aran Islands as well as several mountain ranges in the north.

Galway

Those into music will enjoy Galway in the west of Ireland.  Almost every pub in this city holds its own live music session featuring highly talented local musicians on a weekly basis and sometimes even daily.  Galway’s streets are also lined with interesting shops, so make sure you set aside some time to explore the area.

Old Bushmills Distillery

A Roman holiday

May 8, 2013 | City Guides, Travel Guides | Permalink

No city on Earth is more beautiful or historically significant than Rome. With the centre of the city being a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is easy to find ancient churches, romantic ruins, ornate fountains and grand statues around almost every corner.

Rome, the capital of Italy, is also the home of the Roman Empire, the Seven Hills and the Vatican City. With such a significant history and romantic atmosphere there is little wonder that this is one of Europe’s and the world’s most visited and influential capitals.

Many tourists prefer to stay in Rome’s modern city centre, with its great shopping district, restaurants and numerous hotels. While there, you will doubtless want to visit each district, many of which are famed for one thing or another, from the Papal city-state of the Vatican; the Forum, Colosseum and the Pantheon, in the Old City; the banks of the Tiber River in Trastavere, to the Spanish Steps in the North Centre.

Travelling to the city by road is easy; after all, as the saying goes, ‘all roads lead to Rome’. You can also get there by air and sea; many cruise ships and ferries offer day trips. When staying for several days it is a good idea to get hold of a Roma Pass, which provides free admission for the first two archaeological sites or museums visited, along with full access and reduced fares on the public transport system. Most agree, however, that getting around Rome is best done on foot. Stroll around the old cobbled streets as you take in all the ancient architecture and magnificent scenery the city has to offer.

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Rome is the perfect destination for travellers; the summers are hot and the winters are mild. Summer temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C and in the winter months average temperatures are between 15°C and 20°C.

Rome at Night

Picture: raindog

Egyptian Dream – Summer Holiday Destination

May 7, 2013 | Travel Guides, Worldwide Travel | Permalink

Egypt is still a popular destination for many tourists. Its rich and diverse history is really something which should be experience. Sharm El Sheikh is normally the most popular resort but Hurghada is following very closely behind. Temperatures for Egypt  are year round hot, with summer months being exceptionally warm so it’s a good option for an affordable sun holiday.

Hurghada is ideal for families and couples and it has become one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Red Sea coast. It’s a thriving resort, with plenty on offer for visitors. Sharm El Sheikh may hold the crown for some of the best diving in the world, but Hurghada has just as inviting waters with spectacular thing to discover with coral reefs and tropical fish. It’s a great spot for those new to diving or snorkelling.

There are so many hotels to choose from in Hurghada it can be hard to know where to start. Many look out onto the amazing beach. If you want a great hotel suitable for kids of all ages, then check out the Titanic Palace and Aqua Park. This hotel complex is right on the beachfront and not too far from the centre of Hurghada. It is a five stars hotel and has a number of amenities including an aqua park, kids club, games room, fitness centre and an entertainment programme. This is an all-inclusive hotel so all your drinks and meals are included.

The Continental Resort Hotel Hurghada has its own beach so you are just footsteps away from the beautiful clear waters. As well as sports and fitness club and a spa, this hotel also benefits from childcare facilities and kiddy pools. Plus it’s another all-inclusive hotel so you won’t have to worry about spending extra on food.

As well as an amazing beach and a number of great hotels, Hurghada has a great town centre with a bustling bazaar, where you can find a great bargain or too. It also has a number of restaurants and a lively nightlife with a number of clubs and not forgetting the many shows a number of the hotels also put on. It’s still a traditional area though so you will also see a number of mosques and venturing further afield, enjoying the ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ landscapes.

Picture: Sunshine.co.uk

Luxury Maldives Holidays – what to know before you go

May 3, 2013 | Travel Guides, Worldwide Travel | Permalink

Before embarking on your Maldives holiday why not take some time to learn about their culture and practices.

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, but English is widely spoken throughout the Islands especially in the resorts. The main religion in the Maldives is Islam so women are expected to dress appropriately when outside the confines of the main resorts.

The Maldives are a popular destination for divers because of it white sandy beaches and coral reefs. There are also many caves and caverns to explore throughout the islands as well as other wildlife.

The Maldives are situated in the Indian Ocean 700 kilometres south west of Sri Lanka and consists of 1,190 islands, 90 of which are tourist resorts.

The predominantly 30°C temperature makes the Maldives the perfect holiday destination and is ideal for couples and families alike.

Travelling to the Maldives is easy and flights are available from all major UK airports, with some direct flights and others travelling via Dubai and Doha.

Picture: thew…g

Relax in London’s royal parks

April 28, 2013 | City Guides, Travel Guides | Permalink

One of the best things about London is the juxtaposition of all the noise, action and bustle you would expect from a capital city directly next to the gorgeous green open spaces of its many parks; so pack a picnic and see what is in store in London’s royal parks.

Regents Park

In the heart of north-central London is one of the city’s most beautiful open spaces, lined with elegant Georgian mansions and boasting acres of green land and sports fields.  Regents Park is home to many creeping, climbing, roaring, winged and feathered creatures at London Zoo not to mention Britain’s most stunning and romantic rose garden, an open-air theatre and boating lake. It is close to Kings Cross/St Pancras station, so it is really easy to get to. It’s a great spot to visit if you are staying at The Jesmond Dene Hotel London, as it’s only a short distance away.

Hyde Park

At the end of bustling Oxford Street at Marble Arch, flanked by Notting Hill, Park Lane and Kensington, Hyde Park is the most central and perhaps the most famous of London’s Parks.  Amongst the acres of green grass, meadows and tree-lined footpaths are Kensington Gardens – home to the Peter Pan Statue, Kensington Palace, Serpentine Lake and gallery where visitors can browse beautiful artwork, paddle around on pedaloes or enjoy refreshments in the cafe.  Other activities include roller-skating, horse-riding and shouting controversial opinions at Speakers Corner.  In the summer, Hyde Park is the venue for the capital’s biggest outdoor music concerts and in the colder months, it is home to Winter Wonderland, full of festive fun.

St James’ Park

Adjacent to Buckingham Palace, St James’ Park is arguably the most royal of the parks and home to pristinely maintained footpaths, flowerbeds and open grassy expanses.  One of its biggest attractions is the Princess Diana Memorial playground in the south-eastern corner.

Picture: Ewan-M

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2013

April 25, 2013 | Travel Guides | Permalink

The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, now colloquially known as Jazz Fest, which started up in 1970 is returning for another year. It is a celebration that takes place annually around April and May and puts the spotlight on the music and culture of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana.

This year the festival will run for seven days over two consecutive weekends from April 26th to 28th and May 2nd to 5th. In its first year, the festival only attracted around 350 people; now some 400,000 people attend and it is the second most popular event in the state following Mardi Gras. The Fair Grounds Race Course plays host to the festival each year.

Jazz is not the only type of music going on though; the festival also celebrates all types of music from blues to R&B to country music to gospel music. Headlining in 2013 at the festival will be popular bands such as Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Maroon 5 and Dave Matthews Band. There is always something that everyone, young and old, will be sure to enjoy. There are 6 different stages as well as 5 tents, including a Blues Tent, Gospel Tent and Kids Tent. The music runs during the day time from 11am until 7pm.

It has been announced that the seven days of music will be broadcast live by AXS. Tickets for the event are available via the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival website as well as at the New Orleans Arena Box Office.

Picture: Markmans

Holiday in Grenada

April 16, 2013 | Travel Guides, Worldwide Travel | Permalink

Covering only about 350sq km, Grenada is a tiny island nation in the Caribbean.  It has been dubbed the Spice Isle because it produces immense quantities of spices, especially nutmeg and mace. Grenada is a tropical paradise with a narrow coastal plain, white sandy beaches, lush rainforests and panoramic views of volcanic cliffs.

Attractions

There are enough attractions on Grenada to keep visitors busy, ranging from breathtaking lakes and waterfalls to historic forts and picturesque gardens.  The pristine beaches attract droves of sunbathing tourists while the clear cobalt-blue waters of the Caribbean are perfectly suited to different water sports.  These include yachting, snorkelling, sailing and game fishing.

Scuba divers will have a lot of fun exploring the underwater art gallery at Moliniere Bay or the numerous wrecks scattered on the sea floor.  Those seeking other outdoor activities can follow hiking trails winding their way through the Grand Etang National Park to the Concord Falls.

After a busy day sightseeing, the bars and clubs in St. George, the island’s capital, offer a vibrant and diverse nightlife for visitors to enjoy.  A holiday in Grenada would be incomplete without a trip to one of the markets to purchase the country’s famous nutmeg, vanilla, rum and chocolate.

Visitor information

Grenada has one large airport – Maurice Bishop International Airport – located about six kilometres from St. George.  The capital is also a popular port of call for cruise ships that ply the Caribbean between October and May.

The weather in Grenada remains warm throughout the year with the peak tourist season running from late December to mid-April.

Picture courtesy of udo schuklenk

Spain Reigns Favourite with us Brits

April 11, 2013 | Travel Guides | Permalink

Spain has been at the number one spot for a number of years as the most popular destination for British families, and again this year it reigns supreme. There is some movement on the list, with the USA moving up and Turkey as well. Both have been faring well with good prices and exchange rates. Turkey also benefits from some of the hottest temperatures whilst still being under 5 hours flying.

So here is the top ten list:

1. Spain
2. United States
3. France
4. Italy
5. Turkey
6. Portugal
7. Cyprus
8. United Arab Emirates
9. United Kingdom
10. Egypt     

In Spain there are a number of places which attract high numbers of tourist’s year on year, thanks to their hot temperatures, warm blue waters and soft golden sand beaches. For us Brits nothing can beat Benidorm, on the Costa Blanca. This is the original package holiday resort and it has grown into a holiday mecca. Known for its affordable hotels such as the Atenea Hotel Benidorm also caters for families, couples and young travellers anyone looking for fun in the sun.

Benidorm isn’t the only hot spot in this region, see hotels in Costa Blanca, Dania and Javea are also popular, but offer a different taste of Spain compared to the built up resort of Benidorm. It doesn’t mean they are quiet; they are still full of Spanish spirit. Spain’s Islands welcome thousands of tourists every year, close to home you have Majorca and Ibiza and further afield you have the Canary Islands, with Tenerife being popular in that collection.

Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands has resorts for everyone, the party town of Magaluf, the destination for many young travellers on their first holiday away from their parents. Or how about Alcudia, full of traditional Spanish charm and steeped in history.

Next up you have Ibiza which is the quintessential party island. Known for summer long parties in the resorts of San Antonio and Playa D’en Bossa Ibiza has a party atmosphere and a relaxed vibe, so no wonder hippies have made it their home.

Tenerife in the Canary Islands draws many tourists in with its sun drenched beaches, what more could you want for a relaxing holiday? There are also plenty of other attractions on this island which draws people back year after year including a lively nightlife, varied shopping and a number of historical spots.

So the question is will Spain be your destination for your summer holiday, or will you be trying some of the other hot destinations on the list.

Picture courtesy of comunitatvalenciana

Travel Canada by train

April 9, 2013 | Travel Guides, Worldwide Travel | Permalink

If you ever find yourself with time on your hands and nothing to do, why don’t you jump on a train and take one of the truly great journeys of the world: Toronto to Vancouver.  This trip takes five days and covers a distance of 2775 miles.  VIA Rail’s ‘Canadian’ makes runs between the two cities three times a week during the summer months.

Timetable

You will enjoy four nights on board the train, which features original coaches from the 1955 ‘Canadian.’  The timetable was changed in 2008 so that passengers could enjoy and marvel at more of the spectacular scenery of the Rockies during daylight hours.  The train departs from Toronto at 10.00pm on the first day, and arrives in Winnipeg at just after 8.00am on the third day after covering a distance of 1,207 miles.  It spends just four hours in Winnipeg before departing for Vancouver via Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper and Kamloops North and arrives in Vancouver at 9.42am on the morning of the fifth day.  Tickets cost between Can$507 and Can$2,324 (which is around £325 and £1497) depending on the season and the accommodation you choose.

Stop off

It is possible to stop off along the way, but to do so you will have to ensure that you book each step.  There is a multi-city option that is cheaper than buying a separate ticket for each stage of the journey.

Train

Economy class provides travellers with a reclining seat and access to the skyline car and coffee shop.  These seats provide more comfort than an average airliner, but if you feel that you need more than this, the Sleeper Plus car will provide you with a private bedroom, and all meals are included.  However, whichever way you decide to travel, you can be sure that you will marvel at the magnificent views along the way.

Picture courtesy of ASAP