Airline & Holiday Information

Archive for the ‘City Guides’ Category

The capital city of Scotland and one of the major destinations for cheap flights within the UK, Edinburgh is a large city with approximately one million residents. It combines a unique blend of a modern lifestyle with the ancient buildings and varied cultures, all overlooked by the symbol of the city, Edinburgh Castle.

The castle itself is one of the main reasons for taking flights to Edinburgh and is easily the major tourist attraction in the city. In fact, both the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh are listed as World Heritage Sites and as of 2009 YouGov rated Edinburgh as one of the most desirable cities to live in within the entire UK.

Cheap flights to Edinburgh can be found through a variety of airlines and given the current state of the global economy cheap flights have never been more readily available. Because of the fact that the city has a major international airport, it is also fairly easy to find flights to London, as well as flights from Edinburgh to Brussels.

Beyond the major airport and the castle there are a wide variety of attractions throughout the city, ranging from Old Town to New Town to Stockbridge and Cannonmills, as well as the port area of Leith. Situated as it is on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh’s landscape is a unique blend of ancient volcanic rock and glaciers, making this one of the most picturesque cities in all of Scotland to visit.

Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is one of the Caucasus countries close the Middle East. It borders the Caspian Sea to its immediate East, Georgia and Russia to its north, Armenia and Turkey to its east and Iran to its south.

Throughout the 20th century, Baku was known as an oil town. The city is heavily industrialised due to oil exploration and transportation. Travel to and from Baku, especially that related to the oil industry, is mostly by air. Flights to Baku will take you to the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The airport was modernised in the mid 2000s to develop its function as a major cargo centre serving the wider region. Though there are further airports surrounding Baku, these tend to be private or military ones, making Heydar Aliyev International Airport the only commercial travel destination in the area.

Other than the oil industry, Baku is the main cultural destination within Azerbaijan. The city has a number of museums, principally devoted to history and art. The city is home to the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic, the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Baku International Film Festival and the Baku International Jazz Festival.

Baku is a place of historic interest, with ancient buildings, palaces and mosques, mainly concentrated in what is known as the Old City. Parts of the Old City have been named as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Modern culture is represented by an array of nightclubs, cafes and European or eastern style restaurants.

Turkey is steeped in history. This is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, Achilles fought with the Trojans at the siege of Troy and the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the future of the world. The country is dotted with reminders of its past from ruined castles and palaces to battlegrounds. For those interested in history and how the modern world has been shaped, Turkey is a fascinating place.

However, for those seeking a more hedonistic holiday Turkey has beautiful beaches where the warm waters of the Mediterranean will lap at your feet. Alternatively take a trip to a local Haman and be pampered. More adventurous holidaymakers should head for the Nemrut Dagi National Park in Eastern Turkey. The peak of Nemrut Dagi rises to 2150 metres and a pre-Roman local king cut two ledges into the rock and had them filled them with colossal statues of him. Earthquakes have knocked the heads off the statues, but it is still an intriguing place to visit. Other activities include balloon flights, trekking and white-water rafting on the Dalaman River, the Zamanti River, the Koprulu River or the Coruh River. Professionals rate the latter as one of the top rafting descents in the world

Istanbul is a colourful cosmopolitan city whose markets and bars are among the most stylish and atmospheric in the world. Modern Ottoman cuisine is also highly rated. A ferry from Eminonu dock will take the visitor to Princes’ Islands a popular summer getaway with local people. Cars are banned and the transport of choice is bicycles or horse-drawn carriages.

There is a large range of villas or holiday apartments for rental in Turkey, ranging from stunning luxury villas to more modest family villas. Luxury villas can be rented on the beach front with a private jetty and pool. Cheaper options are available and if there are a group of you then renting a villa may not work out as expensive as you might think. Generally the cheaper villas will be less secluded and may be on complexes.

Damascus is the capital city of Syria. Syria is one of the Middle Eastern countries, bordering Turkey to its north and Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq to its south. Though mainly bordering with other countries, it has a relatively short coastline to the west, giving access to the Mediterranean Sea.

Damascus is situated in the south of Syria, within a short distance of Lebanon and Israel. Flights to Damascus arrive and take off from Damascus International Airport, which is situated around 20 kilometres from the city. Flights to Damascus leave from the main UK cities of London and Manchester.

Damascus is a very populous city, with around one and a half million inhabitants. The main reason for many travellers to visit the city is the city’s historical and cultural richness, as well as its proximity to other places of interest. Travellers can take flights to Tel Aviv, flights to Tehran or any other of the main cities in the Middle East, with travel taking a relatively short time.

The history of Damascus dates back to Biblical times. The city has many current architecturally significant buildings, palaces and mosques as well as many ruins, most of which are of archaeological interest. The Grand Mosque of Damascus is one of the largest mosques in the world. The Old City of Damascus is encircled by the old walls and gates dating back to the Roman period.

Damascus was the 2008 Arab Capital of Culture, as run by UNESCO, promoting Arab cooperation.

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. It ranks as one of the ten most populated cities in the UK. Within Scotland Glasgow, to Edinburgh’s east and also situated in what is called Scotland’s Central Belt, is the most populous city.

Edinburgh is popular as a travel destination for a number of reasons. Foremost, perhaps, is the Edinburgh Festival, which takes place in the summer months. The Edinburgh Festival has been an annual feature of UK cultural life for many decades, with the careers of several well-known UK actors and comics started during it. It is often said by local people, perhaps somewhat inaccurately, that Edinburgh’s population size doubles during the Festival months.

Other reasons to take advantage of cheap flights from other UK cities or abroad to Edinburgh are the city’s historic, world class university, which is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, its historic architecture, its proximity to the North Sea and beach resorts and its excellent location as a place from which to travel to Glasgow, Perth, Dundee or even Aberdeen and Inverness.

Despite being situated in the Lowlands of Scotland, the rugged spaces of the Highlands are easily reached by car or cheap flights to Inverness or beyond to the Western Isles.

Edinburgh Airport is both an international as well as domestic airport. Travellers can thus explore the UK from the city, or fly abroad on further travel, whether in Europe or on long-haul flights to a range of international destinations.

Offering such a unique atmosphere, vibrant nightlife and historical attractions, it is hardly surprising that Glasgow has become such a popular destination for weekend breaks. Flights to Glasgow are provided by a wide range of airlines and the city is easily accessible from numerous destinations across the world.

Named a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow is easily a must for culture fans and has the highest rate of musical performances out of any UK city – averaging 130 per week. As the city will be the host for the commonwealth games in 2014, there is expected to be plenty of excitement leading up to the event.

Of course, history enthusiasts will also find plenty to see and do – fascinating landmarks such as the Glasgow Cathedral, City Chambers and Glasgow University are sure to impress – but this lively city is developing a reputation as one of the best shopping locations in the UK and is considered to be second only to London. The recently revamped city centre is packed full of the biggest high street stores as well as a wealth of charming smaller traders.

Glasgow is served by both the Prestwick and Glasgow International airports. As it is so well served by budget airlines, cheap flights to Glasgow are very easy to come by and there is always a chance of getting a good deal. For those considering a tour of Europe or the UK, both airports offer flights to London and a range of destinations on the continent – Spain, Germany and the Netherlands to name just a few.

Belfast is one of the most highly recommend UK destinations for a city break and offers something for everyone. Over the last 15 years Northern Ireland’s capital has undergone a vast rejuvenation and now boasts an unrivalled cultural and vibrant atmosphere. Cheap flights to Belfast are very easy to come by and numerous airlines fly into the city’s international airport, which is only two miles from the city centre. Flights to Belfast can be found from a wide range of cities across the UK and Europe – flights to London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Barcelona and Amsterdam are all provided.

For fans of architecture, Belfast will truly have you spoilt for choice. Among the most noted attractions are the City Hall, Saint Anne’s Cathedral, Ormeau Baths Gallery and the stunning Waterfront Hall. However, one attraction that definitely cannot be missed is Titanic Boat Tour, which charts the short life of the ill-fated vessel that was built in the city’s shipyard.

But as much as Belfast can offer historically, perhaps the main reason so many people choose to come is to experience the city’s unrivalled nightlife. The locals are renowned for their charm and hospitality – as well as a reputation for partying hard – and in the city centre you will find a wealth of pubs, bars and clubs that will offer an exciting night on the town. Clubbing is especially big in the city and locations such as the Stiff Kitten, the Globe and the Botanic Inn will be well worth a visit.

You are going to want to stay for more than a long weekend anywhere that it takes you 24 hours just to reach. Sydney is such a place and it makes sense to take a villa rental for an extended break. Australia’s number one tourist destination is packed with apartments, condos and villa rentals that will suit all purses, providing multi-bedroom, self-catering spaces from which to base yourself and spend time discovering the joys of life down under.

Villa rentals these days are thoroughly modern affairs, complete with all the latest modern appliances, Wi-Fi computer access, air-conditioning and furnished living areas and kitchen. Most villas offer easy access to the beach, lively city centre attractions and the harbour area and make exploring this multi-cultural city fun.

Tourists spending extended time in Sydney will have a chance to do many of the things local people take for granted but at a leisurely pace instead of having to rush to see it all before returning home.

Some of the most spectacular views of the city, including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, can be found on the Manly Ferry. Sydney is famous for its beach life, surfing and outdoor entertainment, and nothing beats Bondi Beach for sand and surf. Travelling further afield you can scale the Blue Mountains or stroll around the Royal Botanical Gardens.

There are lots of places to visit and enjoy around Sydney before you even have to consider going outside the city limits, so perhaps that could be left for next time.

Regardless of which country visitors booked their cheap flight to Israel from, they are sure to be amazed when they arrive. However, as any traveller knows and as can be seen from flights to London or flights to Baku and other destinations, there are always certain tips and hints that can assist you with getting around a foreign city without offending the locals and that will help you enjoy your stay.

One of the first things to understand is that Jaffa has been a major port city for more than 4,000 years, and while Tel Aviv was not officially founded until 1909 there are various buildings scattered throughout the city that are remnants of the old days. One of the beauties of Tel Aviv, however, is that it is also a modern hub of international activity, and as can be seen from the millions of tourists taking advantage of cheap flights to and from the city, Tel Aviv boasts a wide range of interesting and exciting things to do.

The clubbing scene is considered as being as contemporary as any European city, with major international DJs regularly performing. However, it is also important to remember that the volatile nature of Israel’s relations with the surrounding countries means that once you have arrived in the city via whichever cheap flights you chose, you need to pay attention to the local news regarding security threats. In addition, be especially aware of suspicious packages left unattended in public places. Beyond that, this is the newest and hottest international destination on the Mediterranean and should definitely be experienced.

Now that the Northern Ireland capital has become such a popular destination for city breaks, there is a wide range of choice when it comes to cheap flights to Belfast. What makes this city even more appealing is that the airport is only two miles from the city centre, so you won’t be spending half your weekend on transport. Travelling to and from the airport couldn’t be easier as there is an extremely reliable bus service that can have you in the centre of town in just 15 minutes. Taxi fares usually come to around £10 and are an ideal option if you are travelling in a group.

Belfast International Airport is served by a variety of airlines and there are routes to destinations such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Krakow and Amsterdam.  Flights to London and other major UK cities such as Manchester and Liverpool run several times a day. The majority of companies offering flights to Belfast are budget airlines, so you can expect their prices to be extremely competitive.

For certain times of the year the cost of flights to Belfast will be higher, but this usually only occurs around Bank Holiday weekends, while the more up-market airlines will increase their prices in the summer months. If you plan on travelling around Ireland, on average Belfast will prove to be a much cheaper destination to fly into when compared to Dublin and, of course, will have you right by some of the country’s most inspiring natural landscape and attractions.