Thursday, June 30, 2011

Enjoy the beauty of the Himalayan town of Leh

Travellers on cheap flights to India should check out Leh, the capital of Ladakh.

The Himalayan town is situated on the crossroads of the historic "Silk Route" from Sinkiang to West Asia and the plains of India.

Notable places to visit include the monasteries of Shey, Hemis, Alchi, Thikse and Lamayuru.

Leh has a number of trekking routes with the Markha Valley trek over Gongmaru La and Gandha La being the most adventurous.

It is advised that keen hikers set aside a few days during their trek for acclimatisation.

News Reference

A gateway between two worlds

Brits on flights to Mumbai must visit the mighty monument that is the Gateway of India, one of the city's most visited tourist spots.

Situated on the waterfront on the southern part of the city of Mumbai, the gateway has an arch that stretches 26 metres high.

Made largely from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete, the architectural style of the gate is said to belong to the Indo-Saracenic style, which is very grand and dynamic.

It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay in December 1911.

News Reference

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Hurghada International Airport: Important Information for Travellers

Hurghada is a word class tourist destination! No wonder, the Hurghada International Airport is a popular place all over the world. Nearly 7 million people visit Hurghada airport every year in order to be able to enjoy the city’s stunning beauty and attractions.

The Hurghada International Airport is a wonderful facility that guides travellers through a maze of its services and facilities. The airport is located just 6 km away from the heart of the city and an efficient transports network ensures that even that is not an issue for passengers.

Airport Accessibility

Passengers landing up at the Hurghada Airport will be pleasantly surprised to find several modes of transport. One can either board a public bus from a bus stop that is located very near to the international airport or one can take a taxi from the taxi rank that is again located very close to the airport. Buses usually take 15 to 20 minutes to reach the Hurghada city. Regular taxis and tourist taxis are available and no points for guessing that tourist taxis are much more expensive. Travellers who land up at Hurghada Airport and board tourist taxis will need no guide as the taxi operators themselves act as one!

Airport’s Website

Hurghada is most known for its wonderful beaches and acts as a glorious winter sun destination for European tourists. Not surprisingly, Europeans form the major chunk of tourist traffic in Hurghada.

People who are looking forward to travel to this remarkable Egyptian city would do well to check out the Hurghada International Airport’s website for information, www.eac-airports.com/OurAirports_Hurghada.aspx. The website is a perfect tool that provides information and tips on each and every facet of the airport – be it history, services, capacity or other significant Hurghada airport information.

Given the immense popularity of Hurghada, it is not surprising that a number of airlines offer flights to the city’s airport – from full-service award winning carriers and low-budget airlines to code share as well as global alliances member airlines.

Airport’s Services and Amenities

The Hurghada International Airport features excellent services and facilities for passengers. Travellers have access to short term as well as long term parking lots, a VIP lounge that must be reserved beforehand and all sorts of banking services.

The airport is a happy place particularly for food lovers as one can sample local as well as international dishes here. The international airport features a number of cafes and bars. You can also eat at a full-service restaurant at the airport. Other than that, individuals can spot several coffee and fast-food machines.

For those with a shopping itch, the Hurghada airport features numerous shops and stores selling gift item, jewellery and magazines. One can also enjoy shopping at the airport’s wide duty-free shopping arcade.

A global music exhibition in India's Bangalore

Brits on flights to Bangalore should check out a personal exhibition of music instruments from across the world.

The musician Anasuya Kulkarni has gathered 300 music instruments during a lifetime of travel.

Ms Kulkarni decided to put the instruments on show as a symbol of music's universal appeal.

She first became interested in developing this unique collection when her father-in-law gave her a Swarmandal – an Indian harp.

This instrument is often used as an accompaniment for classical vocal Hindustani music.

News Reference

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

IMD: Indian fishermen told not to go out to sea

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has put out a warning to fishermen to not travel out to sea and for those in mid-sea to return to the shore immediately.

Rough weather is expected off the Goa coast, which travellers, who have recently arrived on cheap flights to Goa, should be aware of.

The IMD expects the sea to stay violent for the next 24 hours at least, with wind reaching speeds of up to 50 KMPH.

Monsoon winds blow in from cold to warm regions because cold air takes up a lot more space than warm air does.

Heavy and intermittent rain is expected in some areas as well a thundershowers.

News Source

Monday, June 13, 2011

Visa Tips for Britons Taking Flights to Egypt

Quite a few travellers booking their cheap flights to Egypt are often at a loss about visa requirements enforced by the country. Skim through this article for useful information on visa facts such as fees, application and visa extension.

The mysterious land of Egypt remains one of the biggest tourist magnets in the world. Be it Cairo, Luxor, or Hurghada, every corner of the country is packed with ample attractions. Before spending your hard earned money on airfares to Egypt, it is prudent to have a good working knowledge of visa regulations. Take a look at some of the visa related facts.

Entry without Visa

British passport holders should obtain a visa before they go about zeroing down upon their cheap flights to Egypt. A visa won’t be necessary for travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Nuweiba, Dahab, and Taba resorts, provided the trip does not take more than 14 days and one does not move out to other places.

Visas can be procured from Egyptian Consulates outside Egypt and also after reaching Egypt by paying the fee in Sterling or USD. Such visas are valid up to a month’s time.

Travellers coming to Sinai peninsular without a visa can buy one at the Sharm El Sheikh airport for their Egypt travel.

Before catching flights to Egypt, travellers need to be aware of the fact that a visa alone does not assure entry into Egypt. The immigration authorities are the final deciding authority on whether to allow someone inside the country.

Visa Extension

Quite a few travellers catch their flights to Egypt and later on decide to get an extension on their visa. For a visa extension, an application has to be made at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. The Egyptian Consulate should be approached for further information.

While Leaving

While booking tickets for one of the cheap flights to Egypt, travellers must make sure that their visa is up to date. Leaving the country may become difficult if your visa is out of date and usually travellers whose visas are out of date by more than 14 days get detained.

Visa Fee

Travellers, who have decided to book cheap flights to Egypt can either apply for a visa in person or through post. Those who apply in person have to pay the fee in cash and those who apply through post have to pay the exact sum by way of Postal Order.

A single entry tourist visa costs £15 and a multiple entry visa costs £18. Travellers booking flights to Egypt for business reasons can take a single entry business visa for £53 for and £91 for a multiple entry one.

Visa Application

Along with the duly filled visa application form, applicants have to provide two recent passport sized coloured photographs taken against a white background. The name of the applicant should be written at the back of the photograph.

A wealth of further visa related information is available with ‘The Egyptian Embassy in London’.

(Source: Websites of FCO Egyptian Consulate in London. These must be referred for detailed information)

Friday, June 10, 2011

Nicholas Parsons talks of 'great affection' for India

BBC radio icon Nicholas Parsons has spoken of his love of travelling in India, adding that it is important to embrace the local culture.

The veteran host of Radio 4's Just A Minute programme told the Daily Telegraph that although he has had "the odd iffy tummy" while visiting India, he still has a "great affection" for the country.

Nicholas's advice for Brits catching flights to India was to immerse themselves in the local ways and traditions.

News Source

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Visa Tips for those booking flights to Thailand

Spending some money on airfares to Thailand is definitely well worth the expense. Be it Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, or Chiang Mai, each and every corner of Thailand oozes spellbinding charm. Get introduced to a few essential visa tips if you are planning a trip to the country.

Entering without Visas

British nationals can book flights to Thailand and stay in the country without a visa as long as the stay does not exceed 30 days. Travellers arriving via overland crossings without a visa can stay for 15 days.

Visa Violation

Savings made on cheap flights to Thailand can go down the drain if you exceed the permitted length of stay. Initiation of legal proceedings, massive fines, detention, and getting deported at your own cost can be the consequences in such a scenario. In fact, you may not even get to book flights to Thailand in the future as the authorities can disqualify you from ever visiting the country again.

Where to Get a Visa

If you have made up your mind to book flights to Thailand, remember that the only legal places for obtaining a visa are a Thai embassy or consulate, Immigration offices around the nation, and Immigration officers at the entry points into Thailand.

Essential Contact

Information on visas and other entry requirements may be obtained from the office of the Thai Ambassador in London. The address is

HE Mr Kitti Wasinondh

29–30 Queen’s Gate
London SW7 5JB

Consular Section
Basement
29-30 Queen's Gate
London SW7 5JB.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia Join Hands

Days are not far when those who fly frequently with either Singapore Airlines or Virgin Australia will see a trail of benefits coming their way. The two carriers have signed a codeshare agreement! The agreement takes effect from 1st August 2011 after it gets approved by relevant authorities.

Codeshare agreements are common amongst airlines that seek to have a better penetration across the distant destinations or aim to tap the untapped market. However the players involved here may cause few competitors in the region some lack of sleep! Who doesn’t know about Qantas-Virgin rivalry!

It is certain that the passengers will reap the benefits from this alliance. Even those frequent flyers who might have dismissed these airlines in the past for not selling cheap flight tickets may not mind heading to their booking counter, given the host of benefits and comforts available now!

If not cheap flights, the passengers benefit from the following:

Reciprocal Frequent Flyer Programmes – The frequent flyers members of Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer can earn and redeem the miles flown on Virgin Australia. Similarly, members of Velocity, Virgin Australia loyalty program, can earn and cash-in the miles flown on Singapore Airlines operated flights.

Reciprocal Lounge Access – Both the airlines’ airport lounges will be accessible by the passengers of either airline!

One Ticket Many Destinations – The joining of the networks of two airlines has added 70 destination to the route map of Virgin Australia while Singapore Airline’s passengers can now travel to added 30 destinations on one ticket.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Rugby World Cup Makes Flights to New Zealand Hugely Popular

New Zealand, one of the most beautiful nations on this planet, is all set to host the Rugby World Cup 2011. Holiday makers and sporting fans will look to net tickets on cheap flights to New Zealand.

Rugby World Cup 2011 is still few months away but the excitement and anticipation is palpable. New Zealand is going to host the 7th Rugby World Cup and this is the chance for a country that is renowned prominently for its incredible natural wonders to host a man-made spectacle!

The demand for tickets on cheap flights to New Zealand is going through the roof. Rugby lovers from various parts of the world hope to get a glimpse into the massive celebrations and finest on-field action that New Zealand is set to experience. Deafening roars and ear-splitting music will replace the tranquillity and peacefulness that holiday makers who grab flight to New Zealand are usually greeted with in this nation.

The spiralling demand for economical airfares to New Zealand is a testament of the popularity of this incredible game. The fares from UK to this pacific destination are usually on the higher side and cheap flights to New Zealand do not come by often. With less than 100 days to go before the mega sport event unfurls the odds of netting cheap fares are far from being bright. Yet, with meticulous research on the internet and enquiries with travel agents, one may avoid paying through the nose for tickets on flights to New Zealand.

Rugby World Cup 2011

2011 Rugby World Cup is the largest sporting event that has ever been held in New Zealand. The occasion is big, the stakes are high and the prize is the biggest of them all! Players of each of the 20 participating teams seem determined to put a tough fight to help their team lift the coveted RWC trophy! A total of 48 matches are scheduled to be played at different venues all across the country. Cities that are going to host world cup matches are Auckland, Napier, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Rotorua, Whangarei, Nelson, Wellington, Dunedin, Palmerston North and Invercargill. Christchurch is not going to host any RWC match but leave this charming city out of your travel itinerary at your own peril!

The website of Rugby World Cup 2011 offers useful information about all the aspects of the event. Nations that qualified for this edition of the Rugby World Cup include Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Tonga, Wales, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Namibia, Romania, Russia, Samoa and United States. There is much excitement in store for arriving fans who would watch their favourite players fight it out in the ground. Players like England’s Dylan Hartley, New Zealand’s Mils Muliaina and South Africa’s Bryan Habana are sure to give plenty of reasons for audiences to turn hysterical.

Rugby World Cup Preparations

The tourism authority of New Zealand knows that it cannot get bigger than this and they have risen to the occasion wonderfully! New Zealand has announced a six week nationwide gala, Rugby World Cup Festival, to acquaint foreign visitors with the different colours of Kiwi life and culture. People who land up in this remarkably beautiful nation can check out its various wonders and splendours. With its breathtaking natural grandeur, extraordinary attractions and activities, warm people and scrumptious food, New Zealand hopes to impress travellers with its various facets that are going to feature in the biggest festival the country has witnessed.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Medical Tourism – A Logical Reason for Booking Flights to India

Booking tickets with one of the cheap flights to India is an excellent way to save on the cost of medical treatment. Right from complex liver and heart surgeries, to alternate healing therapies, the country offers a lot of scope. Read on for more.

The world is increasingly awakening to India’s potential in terms of medical tourism. Every year, there is some path breaking information on India’s growing prowess in the medical domain. Be it exceptionally well qualified doctors or the incalculably large savings on medical treatment in India, more and more people are buying tickets to India for medical requirements. Take a look at some of the most potent elements of Indian medical tourism.

Liver Transplant

In a few short years, India has carved out its niche in the sector of liver transplantation. The high success rate of this complex operation encourages many patients to book flights to India. A liver transplant operation in the UK or the US usually costs double the price than what one has to pay in India. One also gets to save on the cost air tickets as a number of renowned hospitals conducting this surgery are located in major Indian cities well served by carriers operating cheap flights to India. These include Apollo hospital, Chennai, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, and St Johns Hospital, Bangalore.

Cardiac Treatments

Heart treatment is one of the biggest segments in medical tourism that sees patients booking flights to India. A heart surgery in India roughly costs £5,000, while the same procedure in the UK can be as high as £18,500. The success rate of heart operations in India also matches the statistics in some of the more advanced countries. Delhi, alone boasts renowned hospitals like Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, and Apollo. For ensuring maximum possible diagnostic surety, state of the art infrastructure is in place. Facilities include Echocardiography with coloured Doppler, Nuclear Scanning and Coronary Angiography.

Orthopaedic Surgery

The cost of certain orthopaedic procedures in India is almost 1/10th to that of what people have to pay in certain European countries. For instance, a knee joint replacement surgery which can cost as high as £10,000 in the UK is available for about £3,000 in India. It is very natural that many people seeking orthopaedic solutions book cheap flights to India after comparing the prices. The quality of services also leaves nothing to be desired. In fact, Delhi’s Apollo Hospital has Laminar Air Flow facility, which matches some of the best UK and US hospitals.

Alternate Healing

India is well known for alternate forms of healing such as Naturopathy, Yoga, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy, and Ayurveda. These systems are becoming a rage in many parts of the world and growing number of people are spending on airfares to India for experiencing these special treatments. Alternate healing techniques like yoga and homeopathy focus equally or rather more upon the preventive aspect of diseases instead of the curative. In fact, these systems follow a multi pronged approach targeting the entire mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health of the patient.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Indian national park guarantees tiger sightings

Animal lovers catching flights to India with the hope of seeing the country's national animal have been advised to visit Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, where tigers are so abundant that they can guarantee you will see at least one.

The 392 square kilometre park rose to prominence in the 1990s as the setting of the BBC television documentary Land of the Tigers.

During the peak summer months of May and June, tiger sightings are guaranteed, with the early morning and late evening hours being the best times to go spotting, the Hindustan Times reports.

News Source

Thursday, June 2, 2011

A Little Contemplation on Australian Visas

Famed for its spectacular destinations like Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Cairns, the Land of Oz is a globally popular holiday spot. Countless Britons also form part of the numerous travellers who painstakingly save up for financing their airfares to this fabled country. Like any other overseas holiday destination, Australia has its own set of visa rules and regulations. Get apprised with some of these.

Visa Types

  • Travellers booking flights to Australia need to procure a visa. The visas are of different categories such as Electronic Visitor Visas, Maritime Crew Visas, Student Visas, and Working Holiday Visas. The Australian High Commission in London and the Department of Immigration & Citizenship provides somewhat in depth information on the different visas.
  • Electronic visitor visas are pretty popular with many of the visitors buying tickets for their flights to Australia. Two categories of electronic visitor visas are Electronic Travel Authority and eVisitor visas.
  • The Electronic Travel Authority can be obtained from travel agents, airlines, and Australian visa offices outside Australia for a service fee of A$20. There is no application charge. Check with your travel agent while booking cheap flights to Australia.
  • Quite a few travellers bagging their cheap flights to Australia also opt for the eVisitor visas. These electronic visitor visas come free of any service fee or visa application charge. Such visas are available directly from the Department of Immigration & Citizenship.
Australian High Commission

High Commissioner:

HE Mr John Dauth LVO

Address: Australian High Commission
Australia House
Strand
London WC2B 4LA

Information on consular matters is available at the office from Mondays to Fridays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.