Archive for March, 2010

US Airways.

I came across this article and oh boy have I got exciting news about, US Airways.  I don’t know if the word is out yet, so I’m giving it to you.  US Airways have launch Internet Access when you fly aboard their A321 airplanes.

This new service will allow anyone with a laptop or wi-fi device (iPhones, iPad) to surf the net, get into their email accounts and use Web Services, just like they do at home or in the office.  Amazing and about time too.  I can see this service expanding across the airways with ALL major airlines  over the next few years.

It works like this, once the aircraft is at 10,000.  Passengers will be told they can start using the service and gain access to the Internet.  Now to me, this sounds like a great service, and it could prove invaluable to the business traveller.  However, this as with all services will have a cost and charged by credit card.

At present there are only 5 A321 airplanes equipped with this service, but they say that their entire fleet of 51 A321s will be equipped with the inflight Internet service by 1st June 2010.  Passengers interested in the service will get a FREE TRIAL.

This is great news for travellers, and it extends the entertainment range while flying to and from destinations around the world.  I have a feeling the number of people that travel with US Airways will increase a great deal.  I love it!

Picture BY Arpingstone Wikipedia.org.

Route 66.

I was listening to an alternative radio station yesterday and the song; Route 66, (Chuck Berry Version), started to play.  I woke up this morning and guess what?  That’s right, the song was still in my head.  It was so distracting that it got me wondering about all sort of things about, Route 66.  I couldn’t remember where in America it start/ended etc.  Naturally, I googled it and was looking up a few other travel stuff and hey presto!

All kinds of info popped up so I thought I’d share it.  Route 66, I found out, was built in 1926 and runs from Chicago to Los Angeles.  Along the famous route, there are Diners that have been around since the 1930s.  Apparently the original route has been re-aligned, shifted, re-designated and re-named over the past 25 years or so.  I think this happened when the Interstates where built.  However, true to form most states still recognise it as, Route 66, some re-naming parts of it for historical reasons.  Examples I found were; “State Route 66″, “Historic Route 66″.

If you’re up to the 2,400 mile drive.  You can travel to Chicago and have a City/Rural travel experience.  If you’re already in the United States, lucky you!  Especially if you’re in Los Angeles or Chicago.  I know that a long car drive from State to State in the US, so maybe this appeals to you.  Wouldn’t it be great to have one of those huge luxury Campa Vans and enjoy the ride, better yet, a huge luxury coach that’s as big as a house.  Hmm something to add to my travel list I think.

The other States along the route before the end (Califonia), are; Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona.  If you are feeling a little nostalgic and want to go on a road trip, Route 66, would be it!

Check out a fly-drive city break or package holiday with Expedia.

Check travel insurance information.

CityPASS.

Here’s some good news for Travellers and tourists, a new CityPASS is available.  If you are hoping to save some money during a city breaks in New York, this will help.  There is a New Attraction called “Top of the Rock”.  Visitors and residents can now go to the top of Rockefeller Plaza to view Manhattan.

What’s also good new is the CityPASS,  is that it is a book of admission tickets to some major tourist attractions in certain Cities across America and Canada.  In New York for example, Once purchased, you will again access to tourist attractions such as Ellis Island, the Museum of Modern Art, the Statue of Liberty, the Guggenheim Museum and Empire State Building.

The CityPASS is valid between 9-14 days (depending on which city).  It also gets you into these famous attractions for about half the price you would normally pay.  Plus you’ll skip the long queues.

Other US Cities that CityPASS Books are available are; Chicago, Boston,San Francisco, Canada; Toronto.

Price: (approx) Adults; $79 (£53) Children 6 – 17 $59 (£39); Children under 6yrs FREE.

The Passes can be purchased on the CityPASS Official Website or at any participating Tourist Operator. Check with your local travel agent.

Don’t forget travel insurance if you are flying abroad.

Egyptian Exhibition.

If you are going to travel to Toronto, Canada, a great tourist attraction would is The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).  It is currently showing: An Egyptian Exhibition, on Tutankhamun. (Egyptian Pharaoh of ancient Egypt).  The Exhibition will feature numerous artefacts and special images of the Pharaoh created from his mummified remains.

Don’t miss this very rare, fascinating, Egyptian Exhibition.  if you live in Toronto, or anywhere near.  Or if you are into ancient Egypt and you live in the USA. You won’t have much trouble visiting for the weekend away.   Toronto, Ontario could be the place for you.

The works of the German sculptor and painter, Anselm Kiefer will also be showing.  Promises to be a great day out.

Egyptian Exhibition Details.

Dates: 4th March – 18th April 2010.
Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto Ontario, Canada, M5T 1G4

If you’re making the trip to Canada, don’t forget travel insurance.

Check out flights with BA.

Picture by JOH_7977 Wikipedia.org.

Saint Patricks Day.

Today is, St Patricks Day.  A Republic of Ireland Public Holiday and a Bank Holiday for Northern Irleland.  This day celebrates the patron Saint of Ireland, St Patrick.  I’m traveling to London’s Trafalgar Square to enjoy the occasion.  Look out for the famous dyeing of the Chicago River IL, USA. Not to mention the Marching Parade Up Fifth Avenue in New York City, USA.

Next year, 2011 will mark the 250th Consecutive year of the Parade up Fifth Avenue, New York, in honor of Saint Patricks Day.  It’s gonna be a huge celebration!

Saint Patricks Day, is also celebrated around the World by other Countries including America, Argentina, Canada, Japan, Montserrat, New Zealand and South Korea.

Picture by Mike Boehmer Wikipedia.org.

Fantastic Travels.

Fantastic travels Blog, writes about, travel companies, events, travel tours, airlines, train travel, and all kinds of interesting travel news.

Travel Florida.

Travel Florida, enjoy sun sea and Disney. Some of the most popular holiday destinations this Spring have been named. Florida is among them as well as, Spain, France, Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Majorca, the Caribbean, the Canary Islands and Egypt.

If I can getaway, my first choice would be to, travel Florida, or maybe to France.  It’s not that I’m ignoring the other Countries.  It’s just that I’ve never been to Disney World or Disney Land Paris.  I know it’s a little sad but true!

If you are going away, travelling to Florida, could be your first choice too. You can details of flights and packages from Expedia or Opodo.

As always, don’t forget your travel insurance.

Picture from wikipedia.org.

Travel Around London.

Travel Around London.  You know, travel doesn’t have to mean travelling abroad.  In a city that is rich in entertainment all year round.  London is a gem of a City for annual events and general entertainment.  I live just outside London, but I was born there and love many of the architect, arts, and available entertainment I visit friends and family almost every week.

If you live in London, then it’s easy.  If you live further afield,  it can be a great day and a good reason to travel around London with friends or family.  Train travel, travel by car or the underground.  If you live abroad, then why not, travel around London, as part of a Spring break?

This Spring will see dozens of interesting events, and here’s one I found coming up later this Month.  The Country Living Fair.  Located at the very popular Business Design Centre in Islington. Hundreds of exhibitors which include hand-crafted accessories wine and music, special products to add to your home or garden.

Travel Around London – Event Details.

Dates: 24th – 28th March 2010.
Location: 52 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH.
Times: Wed – Fri 10.00am – 6:00pm; Sat 9:00am – 6:00pm & Sun 10:00am – 3:00pm.
Tickets Prices: Adults; £11.50 or £15.00 on the door.  Under 5s are FREE,
Kids 5 – 16yrs; £7.00 or £8.50 on the door.

For flights to London from Abroad see:  Virgin or BA.
For flights to London & package deals from UK & Europe, you can check Expedia or Opodo.

If you are flying to London, make sure you get travel insurance early.

Picture Provided by Sylvain Plante.

International Womens Day.

I thought I would highlight that today is International Womens Day.  What exactly does this mean?  Men appreciate and love us more… No really, it is a day in which us women, (yes I’m one of them),  are celebrated. And for a number of reason including accomplishments, strengths, love, respect, appreciation, and social, political and economical
achievements.

International Womens Day, is celebrated in 72 Countries around the World from Albania to Zambia.  This is a Global event.  If you are a woman reading this, congrats just for being you!  If you are a man, make a woman smile today with the recognition of this day.

So no matter where you are in the World today.  Celebrate a woman that you know.  And yes, there is and International Mens Day, but I’m not going to name that day today because,  It’s our day today - International Womens Day!

Picture Provided by Marcelo Moura.

Bank Holiday.

We have a long weekend ahead of us, Bank Holiday.  And as Good Friday and Easter Monday approaches, Friday 2 April 2010 – Monday 5 April 2010.   Here are a few tips on the best way to enjoy a long Bank Holiday.

If you are going to travel by car.  Take 2 extra days off.  The Thursday before Good Friday and the Tuesday after Easter Monday. That way you avoid the jammed pack roads.

The same applies if you are travelling by air or sea (ferry).  Although, if you are travelling by air, you may need to take an extra 4 days to really avoid most of crowds of people travelling during this, Bank Holiday.  Good Luck!

If you have children, you already know what that means.  Just tell the Head Teacher, you couldn’t get the correct dates.  (I know, it’s though).  So Book early, and tell the School Authorities early.  And bool those extra days off NOW, the Easter break is one of the most popular and fun, Bank Holiday.

Picture Provided by Simon Gray.