Free Tea For All At UK Airports

Posted By: fhilliard  //  Category: Travel News

 

“Will you have a cup of tea?  Ah go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, Go ON!”

The famous words of Father Ted’s housekeeper Mrs Doyle could soon be coming to an airport terminal near you.  All passengers flying into Britain are to be offered a free cup of tea and a biscuit in a plan to boost the country’s welcoming image.  The initiative is to be road tested in Heathrow’s Terminal 5 for a week in November.  With Terminal 5’s murky track record, one can only hope it’s not a case of tea and sympathy. 

The man behind the plan is Mark Price, managing director of supermarket chain, Waitrose.
Already he has talked the British Airport Authority into running a week-long trial in November, offering 5,000 cups of tea to new arrivals.  Britain’s official tourism agency, Visit Britain is supporting the quirky campaign, which could see all UK airports offering tea and biscuits in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.

The matter of which biscuits to offer is still under consideration however.

We ‘re curious to know your thoughts.  What biscuit would you like to see teamed with your free cuppa?  Or, you may not think a weak brew and a soggy digestive cuts it after a long delay.  Leave us a comment and let us know what you think!

Top 10 Travel Destinations in the US

Posted By: fhilliard  //  Category: Travel Advice

During your US road trip, you’ll discover rich landscapes and cultural diversity.  You may choose to stay in one city or indeed pack up the car or motor home and take a journey into the unknown.  Driving in the US, you don’t have to travel far before you encounter different traditions, scenery and drawls.  You’re free to explore the effervescence of New York, learn about the nation’s founding fathers in Washington DC and hoedown with the cowboys in Texas.  A trip to the US  never fails to captivate.

1. Las Vegas, Nevada:

Vive Las Vegas! As one of the most visited cities in the United States, you’ll find lots to see and do.  The City of Sin offers something for those in search of a big win, as well as those looking forward to a big show.  Renting a car in Las Vegas means you can even go on the hunt for UFOs in the surrounding Nevada desert.

2. New York City

The world’s favourite city is renowned for its lust for life and 24/7 culture.  Whether you choose to take in a Broadway Show, dine out a world-class restaurant or shop ‘til you drop in Fifth Avenue or an out of town outlet, one thing is for sure, you’ll be counting down the days until your next visit.

3. Orlando, Florida

A city that boasts Mickey and Minnie as its most famous residents can only mean fun.
Walt Disney World is without doubt the city’s main attraction.  It’s easy to see why. Disney World casts a spell on everyone who visits.  Rent a car in Orlando however and you’ll discover so much more.  Beautiful beaches, golf courses and shopping outlets are never far away with car hire.

4. Austin, Texas

Yee haw! Saddle-up for a real-life cowboy adventure in Austin Texas.  Texas’s cosmopolitan but charming capital is an exciting metropolis of skyscrapers and freeways, lush parks and rolling frontiers.  Visitors to Austin always receive a warm welcome from locals who are eager to show off their musical and cultural heritage.  Who knows? You might even leave with a country twang.

5. Tucson, Arizona

Tucson has a history that is as vibrant as its beautiful scenery.  Its location, close to the Mexican border means the city is a melting pot of cultures and indeed flavours.  From its spectacular architecture to its stunning desert landscapes, visitors to Tucson are spoilt for choice in terms of attractions.

6. New Orleans, Lousiana

The city may still bear some of scars of Hurricane Katrina, but New Orleans has picked itself up and dusted itself down and remains one of the most colourful and exciting cities in the US.  The Big Easy is brimming with wonderful sights and an easy-going atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in North America.  A visit to the historic French Quarter is a must, as is its fabulous Creole cuisine and intoxicating jazz.

7. Anaheim, California

Think Anaheim and Disneyland automatically springs to mind.  The theme park is indeed the city’s greatest attraction, but you’ll discover so much more with car hire.  Shoppers will make a beeline to the ‘Block at Orange’, while golfers will delight in the beautiful golf courses.  Anaheim also makes for the perfect base from which to begin a Californian adventure.

8. Maui, Hawaii

Aloha!  The first thing that hits you when you arrive in Maui is the beautiful natural scenery and wonderful scents.  Boasting lush rainforests, pretty parks, sandy white beaches and brooding mountains, Maui offers much to explore.  It’s a playground for active outdoorsy types who revel in its fantastic snorkelling, scuba diving, mountain biking and hiking activities.

9. Anchorage, Alaska

It may be a bit off-the-beaten track, but Anchorage is well worth the journey.  Temperatures may be freezing during winter months, but whatever time of year you visit, you’ll find wonderful vistas and beautiful scenery that changes dramatically with the seasons.

10. Washington, Washington DC

Forget history books, a visit to the nation’s capital city is by far the most interesting way to learn about US history.  The White House and the Smithsonian are two of the most popular attractions in the city, but you’re guaranteed to  discover lots more when you rent a car and go exploring the lesser known sights of Washington.

Ryanair Unveils £2 a Minute In-flight Phone Calls

Posted By: fhilliard  //  Category: Travel News

Ryanair has announced that it will allow passengers to use their mobile phones in flight.  Phone junkies don’t get off lightly though.  Calls made from the air will cost up to £2 a minute.  We knew there had to be a catch somewhere.

Passengers will be able to use their phones at cruise altitude above 20,000 ft, not during take-offs, landing and during climbs or descents.

The budget carrier plans to install miniature mobile phone masts to 14 of its 166 aircraft to enable up to six passengers at a time to make and receive calls and texts and emails via Blackberry and other devices.

Calls will be charged according to the in-flight roaming charge imposed by the phine user’s network, which industry chiefs say is currently around £2 a minute.

However it is understood that Ryanair will take a juicy cut from the payments made to the network provider.

Reacting to speculation that in-flight mobile conversations would cause annoyance to passengers, Ryanair chief Michael O’ Leary adopted his usual ‘let them eat cake’ attitiude, saying:

‘If you want a quiet flight, use another airline. Ryanair is noisy, full and we are always trying to sell you something.’

Ryanair and Swiss communications company, OnAir have already inked a deal. The service is set to begin in two weeks.

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