Airline & Holiday Information

Archive for the ‘UK Airports’ Category

Cheap flights are everywhere. Many countries now have their own low cost airlines that operate both domestic and international flights for relatively little money. Low cost airlines are opening the world up for those who otherwise would never get to see so many wonderful places.

This means those living in the UK can obtain flights to Moscow or flights to Cairo for example, for as much as it would cost to fly to Spain. This makes people more inclined to visit areas off the tourist trail, that at one time were reserved for those with bigger budgets.

Cheap flights mean that short breaks and city breaks are also much more appealing. Not so long ago city breaks were considered to be a lot of money for a short time away, whereas these days short city breaks are common and are a perfect get away for hen or stag parties, or a unique way to spend a birthday. Of course they are also ideal for those people who need a break but have limited holiday time.

Children can also benefit from short breaks and city breaks, they get to see a little of other cultures and they can learn a little about another way of life. Cheap flights can be a godsend for those with larger families on a tighter budget and can help to make school holidays more bearable without costing too much.

A cheap flight within one’s own country is a quick and easy way or travelling between two cities, and there are many cheap domestic flights to be found online.

Take advantage of cheap flights from Manchester to Aberdeen and experience two of the UK’s most fascinating and diverse cities.

With flights to Manchester and flights to Aberdeen being so competitively priced, and most major airlines including them in their package deals, there has never been a better time to explore these two proud and historically important cities.

Manchester has two of Britain’s largest universities and two of the world’s most famous football clubs. In addition to a vibrant nightlife, Manchester has many historic buildings and places of cultural interest to enjoy.

Aberdeen, Scotland’s third largest city, is nicknamed the ‘Granite City’ because of its wealth of sparkling granite buildings, and is less commonly known as Europe’s oil capital because it is at the centre of the UK’s North Sea oil industry.

A world away from oil, though, Aberdeen is a city that takes its flowers very seriously, winning Britain’s prestigious award of Flower Capital 10 times.

With a major university and great nightlife, museums and galleries, as well as being home to the Scottish Premier League football team Aberdeen FC, Aberdeen has something to offer every visitor.

The area around Aberdeen is also fascinating, and there are a number of popular trails to take. As this is Scotland, there is the obligatory Whisky Trail, and also the Victorian Heritage and Grampian Castle Trails for those interested.

Aberdeen is also within easy reach of the Moray Coast with its beautiful beaches and wildlife, including dolphins.

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.

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.

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.

Although Cairo may sound as if it is an expensive flight away, then think again. If you look around there are some excellent bargains to be had that are in a moderate price range.

Cairo has a history stretching back thousand of years and a break in this exciting city offers many ancient and modern attractions for the traveller to explore.  While you are in Cairo you should never be bored.

Officially known as al-Qahirah, Cairo of course has the pyramids, including the Pyramid of Giza, last wonder of the ancient world. The Egyptian Antiquities Museum and the Cairo Opera House are also worth a visit.  Do not overlook the fantastic shopping from the traditional souk to the modern air-conditioned shopping centre.  There is also an array of restaurants offering delicious international and local cuisine.

British Airways operates a daily flight from London Heathrow to Cairo and a return flight can be picked up for £350.  This is comparable to, or is even a better price than those on offer from the other airlines operating this route. 

British Airways, BMI and Egyptair operate direct flights to Cairo. Other carriers, such as KLM, Air France and SwissAir will also fly you there, but with a stop in their country of origin, i.e. Amsterdam, Paris and Zurich.  The stopover will add time to the flight but they do tend to be the cheaper option, reducing the price by as much as £50.

Do consider Cairo as an alternative to the more popular option of Spain for your winter sun.  Cheap flights to this ancient city make it an affordable option.

Once you arrive in Manchester either through a cheap flight or on public transport the city is possibly one of the easiest cities in the UK to navigate. Manchester itself boasts an extensive city transport network, in addition to out of town services coming into the city.

Trams, also known as the Metrolink, operate through the city centre.  These are currently on two routes but there are plans to expand this. One line runs from Piccadilly to Eccles, the other between Altrincham and Bury. Tickets can be bought from machines for travel on the Metrolink but the service is relatively expensive.

Metroshuttle is a free bus service that runs through three routes around the city centre covering most of the major areas. Bus stops for this service are located at all major train stations and car parks dotted around the city.

There is an extensive bus service in and around Manchester, with more than one operating company, but due to congestion it may take a long time to go a very short distance. Most bus services are relatively cheap and you pay the driver for the journey as you get on. There is a selection of all day travel and weekly bus passes available, so if you are making more than one journey it may be worth asking about this option.

Driving or taking a taxi is another option, but again due to congestion this may not be the most practical solution.  Car parking in Manchester is very expensive.  Seeing the city on foot is the best way to view all of the sights at leisure.  Boards with street maps are dotted around the city to help with navigation.

Glasgow is situated in the east of Scotland just 42 miles from Edinburgh.  Visitors to the city will find travelling there straightforward as the area is connected by rail and flights to many of the UK’s biggest cities.

The city’s Buchanan Bus Station is where most long-distance buses and coaches arrive and depart.  Companies such as National Express and Silver Choice have regular services from major cities such as London, Newcastle and Birmingham with reasonably priced fares.  This does make them very popular so seats will need to be booked in advance.  A number of Scotland’s motorways meet at Glasgow, including the M74, M77 and M8, making it easy to reach the city by car if you prefer to drive.

When travelling by rail into Glasgow from both England and Wales, trains arrive at Glasgow’s Central Station.  Booking rail tickets in advance can work out considerably cheaper than buying on the day and it is a quicker journey than by the bus. 

Glasgow International Airport is just a few miles outside the city and brings in visitors on both domestic and external flights. A number of budget airlines have scheduled flights in and out of the city, which means that flights to Glasgow can be relatively inexpensive.  Flights are available to and from several cities including Brussels, Amsterdam and New York.  Prestwick International Airport is situated a little further away and receives flights mainly from Eastern Europe and some internal shuttle flights.  Both airports have good public transport links into the city.