Air Terminal

We know people struggle on flights when they can’t use their mobile phone and a lot of people struggle if they miss an all-important football match or the Wimbledon final when up in the air. However just been stuck with the boring inflight movie or TV show may be a thing of the past after a new development of in-flight WiFi.

Travellers will soon be able to keep up with breaking news or sporting events whilst they are up in the air, thanks to new Wi-Fi technology.  The first airline to use this technology will be America’s Southwest Airlines, they will offer customers the chance to watch BBC World News, Bloomberg Television, Fox News, CNBC, MSNBC and VERSUS on their phones or laptops.

An agreement has been reached between WiFi provider Row44, which serves several commercial airlines including Southwest and the news and sport channels about on-board entertainment so new technology will allow live programming to be supplied via satellite link from a network of stations on the ground.

In recent years using Wi-Fi on airlines has increased in popularity and accessibility, more and more airlines are providing the service on selected flights. It looks like early next year American airline Delta will be introducing WiFi service to all of its regional jets, including shuttles between New York-LaGuardia and Boston and Chicago-O’Hare and Washington, DC.

However over the sky’s of Europe and of course the UK we seem to be sadly lacking in the use of this technology, with on-board WiFi connectivity in Europe is scattered and less accessible. Back in January 2003 Lufthansa became the first airline to run a scheduled flight with broadband internet access, they are now looking to equip their entire long-haul fleet with internet access by the end of this year. However they do not provide the service on shorter flights.

Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic have also been looking into WiFi technology and providing it on their aircraft however at the moment there is no time frame for this to happen.

Sitting at the southern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia is the City of Gardens, Victoria. This city of 300,000 merges North American, British and Asian influences into a vibrant setting for a holiday.

If you enjoy exploring on foot, start with a tour of the Parliament buildings, an impressive collection of stone buildings that face the Inner Harbour. Next, take a short walk to the historic Empress Hotel, to enjoy high tea. You might next consider a walk along the Inner Harbour, which bustles with activity all day long. Tourists and locals mingle among the local artisans and buskers. View the aboriginal wood carvers, listen to a steel drum band or get your caricature drawn. If you are in need of a rest, hop aboard the ferry to explore the harbour.

Step back in history at the Maritime Museum and the Royal British Columbia Museum or visit the undersea gardens to explore the creatures living in the harbour. There are plenty of food stands along the Inner Harbour and restaurants abound throughout the downtown core, from sushi to steak, pasta to seafood and tapas to gelato. Stroll north along Government Street to stock up on souvenirs. Take a turn onto Fisgard Street and venture into Chinatown, the second oldest Chinatown in North America. If you are still feeling energetic, sneak down Fantang Alley, the narrowest street in Canada, which was once known for its opium dens. Turning back southeast, enjoy a brisk walk up Fort Street to admire the treasures on display on Antique Row.

Victoria offers many cultural activities to keep you busy during your holiday.

In this day and age it is becoming more and more expensive to go on holiday, whether it’s here in the UK or abroad. Many families are being squeezed financially meaning they are struggling to afford the holiday costs which seem to be continuously rising. There are however quite a few affordable holidays out there you just have to know where to look, as well as do some research plus maybe open yourself up to taking a holiday you may not have thought of before.

All-inclusive holidays and cruise holidays are becoming more and more popular as people look for affordable options so they can take a break away with the family.

 It’s been noted in the news recently that all-inclusive holidays are becoming more popular thanks mainly to poor exchange rates. With all-inclusive holidays you pay the majority of the costs up front such as food and drink which means you won’t have to worry about paying for these whilst you’re away. Plus things like kids clubs are also normally included free of charge and even Wi-Fi in some hotels, just make sure you know exactly what you don’t have to pay for and what you do!

Cruise holidays too are also bucking the trend when it comes to holidays with bookings rising in this sector too, like all-inclusive holidays a lot of costs are paid up front, however with a cruise holiday you don’t have to worry about getting there and back. Some cruise lines also let you use a pre-paid card for food and drink which means you don’t have to worry about carrying money around with you. The final bonus of a cruise holiday is that you also get to see a lot more places whilst you’re away with all the different ports of call that can be fitted in. Plus cruising is no longer perceived as just for the rich as there are a lot of cruise deals available now which make them very affordable!

A travel alert has been issued by the US State Department warning Americans living and travelling abroad to remain vigilant ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Although the US State Department haven’t found any specific threats that may occur over the remembrance period they have warned that Al Qaeda had ‘demonstrated the intent and capability to carry out attacks’ against the US and US interests. It also stated: “In the past, terrorist organisations have on occasion planned their attacks to coincide with significant dates on the calendar.”

The warning issued does not specify any particular area and covers the entire globe, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said: “We remain at a heightened state of vigilance, and security measures are in place to detect and prevent plots against the United States should they emerge. While threats remain, our nation is stronger than it was on 9/11, more prepared to confront evolving threats, and more resilient than ever before.”

The alert issued by the US State Department will not expire until January 2nd 2012.

Since the tragic events of September 11th 2001 many passengers have had to deal with tighter security measures at airports and when flying. As well as the attempts since by terrorists wanting to emulate the same destruction by the Al Qaeda September 2001 plot has also added to extra security measure being put in place to ensure passenger safety.

David Learmount, operations and security editor of aerospace publisher Flight Global said: “One thing is certain. Tight security is here to stay. The hope is that the checks, although remaining stringent, will become less invasive.”

Some of the latest security checks to be implemented include the introduction of body scanners and a ban on liquids being brought into the airport by travellers and items such as razors and nail scissors are no longer able to be brought on board in your hand luggage. Extra baggage checks were made more stringent in the US even for internal flights. The US has also introduced armed Air Marshalls onto their flights plus many cockpit doors now come re-enforced and are locked during flights.

Mr Learmount said: It’s certainly getting harder for terrorists to breach airport security. But the would-be bombers are persistent and security experts have to try to anticipate their next move. It’s a game of cat and mouse. What the International Air Transport Association and the equipment manufacturers would ideally like to see is a situation where passengers walk through an airport security area and as they do so they are scanned, their bags are scanned, their biometric passport is scanned and the whole process is relatively painless and queue-free. The checks will continue. It’s the way they are done that will change.”

The Algarve on Portugal’s southern shore offers its visitors wonderful weather and fantastic beaches.  It is also a favourite spot for golfers from all over Europe.  The Algarve boasts some top class golf courses, and, for anyone wanting to play their favourite sport in the delightful Algarvian surroundings, golfing holidays.  These usually last from three to 14 days, and are easy to arrange.
 
Golfing holiday packages on the Algarve can include hotel rooms.  Or alternatively, if you have already arranged accommodation, there are specialist golf holiday companies who will arrange tee times to ensure you get as much time as possible out on the course.

Depending on the type of package booked, car hire may be included.  This will ensure that you will be able to visit as many of the region’s courses as possible during your stay.  However, if you prefer not to have to drive during your golfing holiday, transfers can be arranged between the airport, hotel and golf courses.

The cost of taking a set of golf clubs on a flight can be very expensive, so you may instead find it more convenient, as well more economical, to hire clubs on the Algarve.  Some golf holiday specialist companies offer this facility.

Discount fees for courses throughout the region can also be arranged, as well entry to local golf competitions.  Additionally, for those wanting to improve their game, the golfing holiday packages can also include golf tuition.

Everyone likes to go on holiday, although the type of holidays people like to take vary, you’ve got; beach holidays, action holidays, cruise holidays, city holidays and historical holidays and probably quite a few more different types of holidays! One thing most holiday-makers have in common though is at the moment getting the best value for money from their holidays, in a time where it is beginning to be quite expensive to take a break away.

I quite like championing cruise holiday to travellers who may not have considered that as a holiday option before, a lot of people don’t. Although cruises have started to become quite popular over the last couple of year and not just with older travellers, the younger generations and families are now looking to cruises for their holidays. This is because there is so much scope when taking a cruise holiday and they cover pretty much all bases when it comes to the type of holiday that you’re looking for. 

You can enjoy beach holidays with plenty of stops at exotic locations that offer white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, like the Caribbean, Florida or Mexico. If city breaks are more your thing and you want to explore Europe, then there are plenty of coastal cities which Mediterranean cruises stop off at which are steeped in history and culture. You can also look at going further afield and explore the Far East as well as Australia and New Zealand for a once in a lifetime holiday.

Even exotic destinations don’t have to break the bank, there are a lot of options available online that can help you get a great cruise deal, so you’re not having to spend a fortune. Many liners have great standard room, which may not be as big as their suites but they can fit the bill, especially if you want to get out and enjoy your ports of call or whatever the liner offers on board.

At the moment many families spending is being squeezed, not leaving a lot to even take a holiday with, especially when you factoring the poor exchanges and rise in fuel increasing costs across the board. So it’s no surprise that families are now turning to all-inclusive holidays to keep their spending low for that all important breaks away.

The great thing about package holidays is that they offer food and drink as well as your flights, transfers and accommodation all in price and you shouldn’t find any additional extras to pay whilst you’re away. In four years bookings have increased by 50%, only a couple of years ago people became travel savvy and book aspects separately for their hols to get a bargain, but price increases across the board have made this a more expensive option, especially for families.

According to of seven million bookings over the past four years by The Co-operative Travel a third of package holidays are now all-inclusive, which shows the popularity of this type of holiday as families face increasing financial pressures but are reluctant to give up their annual breaks.

Once over all-inclusive was considered a luxury holiday, but for a lot of places prices have dropped. Don’t get me wrong though there are still a lot of places to go which offer accommodation at the higher end and these are still quite pricy. But at the moment families can get all-in breaks working out as little as £372 a person for a week in Majorca, however compare that to a typical non inclusive holiday and people can spend that amount alone whilst away, not including the air fare and hotel costs.

Co-operative director of retail distributions, Trevor Davis, said: “The growth in all-inclusive holidays is remarkable and shows no sign of slowing. By next summer, just under half of all package holidays are likely to be all-inclusive if the current trend continues. With holiday budgets still tight, it’s clear that more and more people prefer a fixed cost option, meaning that they can relax during their break without counting the pennies.”

It is important though to thoroughly investigate all-inclusive offer before booking, to make sure you are aware of what’s included and what’s not, so you don’t get any surprises once out there. According to a survey by the Post Office Travel Money, four out of five holidaymakers on all-inclusive holidays had to pay for items they thought would be part of their package. Things like buffet dining and basic drinks, made with non-branded alcohol will most often be included in packages however a lot of places will then charge extra for dining in a la carte restaurants or drinking premium drinks and some even charge for soft drinks.

Sarah Munro, Post Office head of Travel Money, said: “Although it is perfectly possible to stick to all inclusive deals, our research found that in practice only one in five holidaymakers actually spent nothing extra on their trip. Our research made it clear that holidaymakers expected food and drinks to be included but in many cases packages only covered basics like buffet food and local drinks. Two-thirds of the hotels surveyed excluded a la carte meals and well over half did not include cocktails, bottles of wine and branded alcoholic drinks.”

Warsaw is Poland’s capital, and one of the country’s oldest cities. A large portion of the city dates back to medieval times. The airport is Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport, and travellers can easily get transportation to hotels from the airport. Buses and trams are popular forms of transportation. The city is also ideal for travel via hired car.

The Centrum area of Warsaw is where interesting attractions are likely to be found. The Old Town has some especially beautiful buildings that have existed for hundreds of years. The Royal Castle is one of the most impressive buildings in Poland. Special exhibitions are sometimes hosted here. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pays homage to Poles who gave their lives for their country. The Jewish Quarter offers a good look at how Warsaw’s Jews lived for many years. Here, visitors will see the Nożyk Synagogue, which is the only Orthodox synagogue still in the city.

In addition to some independent shops that mainly cater to locals, most of the shopping in Warsaw is in the form of larger European chain stores. Many items can be found at Carrefour or Tesco. There are also several shopping malls in the city. These malls keep late hours and may have bowling alleys or cinemas in addition to shops and restaurants.

Warsaw offers quality food for decent prices. The Śródmieście district has several inexpensive kebab shops. The kebabs are quite tasty. There are also several favourite fast food chains represented. These include McDonald’s, Subway, and Burger King.

‘port of call’, however by applying for permission to accept lucrative ‘turnaround’ they will be able to accept vessels to begin and end their journeys there, which would make them a direct competitor for Southampton’s business.

This change of use could booster local economy, with more people visiting the city before and after their cruise holidays. It would also bring in income after investment in car parking, baggage and passenger handling. However if the application is approved it could have serious effects on Southampton Port which is known as the cruise capital of northern Europe and currently caters for 67 per cent of the cruise trade, which is quite a big share.

The news that Liverpool could become a ‘Turnaround’ port has already put Southampton’s planned £30m fifth terminal in jeopardy. Not only that the country’s third largest cruise port Harwich in Essex could also be at risk of losing passengers and businesses as well if the plans go ahead.

This isn’t the first time Liverpool has applied for a ‘turnaround’ permit, a few year ago they applied, however it was rejected by the Labour Government as giving an unfair advantage. Unlike other UK ports Liverpool’s cruise terminal was built using public funds and EU grants rather than private investment and development.

Consultation has been launched by the Department for Transport after an offer by Liverpool city council – the owner of the terminal – to repay £5.3m of the £20m grant over the next 15 years.
Royston Smith, Southampton’s Labour leader added: “it’s big business, and Liverpool want a slice of it and I don’t blame them. But you can’t use public money to take on a private company. It’s simply not right.”

Cruises are big business in the UK, at the moment its worth £2bn, if permission was granted for a ‘turnaround’ port in Liverpool an extra £2m per ship could be injected into the economy after things like hotel stays and car parking charges are taken into account.

For some singing on a cruise ship may be the final nail in the coffin of a singing career, but hopefully this is not the case for POP Idol winner Gareth Gates. Since he won back in 2002 ahead of favourite Will young, Gareth has had a rather faltering career, with fewer hits than his runner up, so perhaps now the only gigs he can get are on-board cruise ship crooning to passengers.

Gareth will be performing on a two-night sailing to Bruges early next month, as the ship sails from Southampton to Belgium. Some 2,000 will; be lucky enough to see him perform some of his biggest hits including; Unchained Melody and Spirit in the Sky, he will also be signing autographs and posing for photos.

Although many critics may see this as a step down for the little popstar, Gareth has a more positive outlook on the matter saying: : “I’m really excited about performing on board Oceana, I’ve never been on a cruise ship before but I’ve always wanted to and so this is going to be a fantastic experience for me.”

P&O Cruise’s managing director; Carol Marlow was also excited with having him sing she said: “Entertainment is one of the key elements of any cruise holiday and we are proud of our vast range of entertainment and guest appearances. Gareth is a worldwide pop star and we are very excited to have him perform on board Oceana. We are sure he will be a great hit with passengers on this weekend cruise.”

Other celebrities who have worked on cruise ships include: Loose Woman Jane McDonald who started her career on a cruise ship as well as Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, who have both sung on-board cruise ships.

Over the years Gareth Gates has sold over 3.5 million records in the UK as well as taking over the lead role in the West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat from Lee Mead in 2009.