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Autumn 2006 Edition 39 . 
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Autumn 2006 Edition 39 .
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WORLDROVER
GUIDES
Towns & Nude Beaches
NEWS
IN-FLIGHT i POD
Apple Computers is working with Air France, Continental, Delta, Emirates, KLM and United to introduce an in-flight iPod service for introduction by next July. Passengers will be able to use the portable devices to enjoy their own choice of music and videos, including full-length feature films, on their seat-back screens. The iPods will plug into the aircraft's existing in-flight entertainment system, which will also supply the power.
LONDON TO PARIS TRAIN
EUROSTAR NEW DEDICATED SERVICE ON TRACK.Competition on the lucrative market between London, Paris and Brussels will be further increased from November 2007. Eurostar will introduce their new dedicated service between the cities with the opening of the high speed link under the Thames, through Stratford and into a rejuvenated St Pancras International. The last Waterloo service will be on Tuesday 13 November. The following morning the first inbound from Paris is expected to arrive at St Pancras just before 0800.
Presently Eurostar trains into London have to share the track with the busy commuter operations into the station across the Thames from Westminster. Fastest travel times between the centres of London and Paris will come down to just 2 hours 15 minutes; London - Brussels to 1 hour 51 minutes; and London - Lille will be only 1 hour 20 minutes. Currently the trains are achieving a 91% on-time arrival rate, even better than the famed French TGV. Each Eurostar train can carry 762 passengers, the equivalent of two Jumbos.
HONG KONG - AUSTRALIA
CATHAY PACIFIC INCREASES
SERVICES TO HONG KONG.Cairns Port Authority and Tourism Tropical North Queensland welcomed the announcement by Cathay Pacific to increase services to Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific currently operate 4 flights a week between Cairns and Hong Kong and will add two more commencing 2 January 2007.
The Tropical North Queensland region will now enjoy three direct services to Hong Kong each week and three services via Brisbane. All flights will be operated by Airbus A330 aircraft
BRITAIN’S FIRST ALL-WiFi TRAIN FLEET
All 41 of GNER’s electric and diesel trains now have WiFi on board, offering passengers the ability to surf the internet and send and receive email throughout the East Coast Main Line route.
The operator claimed it now operates the world’s biggest fleet of wireless internet equipped train carriages, and Britain’s first all-WiFi train fleet.
WiFi is now available on all GNER journeys, including the longest route served by GNER from London to Inverness, a distance of 580 miles.
GNER claimed it was the first train operator in the UK to provide uninterrupted internet connection for passengers while travelling, using WiFi technology.
The project cost £3.2m ($6.1m).
KNOW THE SNOW
FRANCE'S
"FREE RESPECT"
Les Deux Alpes is organizing "Free Respect", a programme that promotes mountain safety. Over two days it offers lessons in how to behave, what to do and not to do and gives a better understanding of the dangers and risks of the mountains. Off-piste skiing for instance requires a good knowledge of safety issues and the accompaniment of a professional guide. The event brings together practice and theory with workshops to raise awareness and takes place once a week, over two days, from 1 January to 17 April and is free and open to all.
AIR FRANCE SHOWING VIDEO ON CHILD PROSTITUTION ON LONG HAUL FLIGHTS.The aim is to raise awareness of the often hidden problem and to targetpassengers who may be using its aircraft to fly to vulnerable countries. The video will be played on the airline's 94 long haul aircraft and be seen by up to 46,000 passengers a day. UNICEF says about one million children are exploited every year in the multi-billion-dollar industry. UK scheduled and charter carriers have been targeted for a number of years by charities fighting child exploitation. http://www.airfrance.com
AUDIO GUIDE TO PARIS FLEA MARKETS
The Tourist Office of St Ouen in partnership with PocketVox has launched an one and a half hour long audio guide giving an insight to the flea market of St Ouen including historical information and some trivia. The flea market of St Ouen, also known as "Les Puces" is one of the first tourist destinations of Ile de France with several millions of visitors each year. The market dates from 1885 and is made up of 17 markets and over 2000 merchants.
Together with their own MP3 player, the visitor will be able to discover at leisure the various markets, discover some of the good addresses or stop in one of the many cafés and enjoy some of the music so typical of "Les Puces". With a bit of luck, you might also cross paths with some celebrities such as Catherine Deneuve, Jean-Paul Gaultier or Chantal Thomas who are all regulars.
The market is open all year round on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 10.00 to 17.00.
Visitors can buy and download the visit for 5€ on http://www.pocketvox.com
NEW YORK CHRISTMAS
From the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade to the New Year's Eve Celebration in Times Square, New York City offers magical moments this holiday season.
Visitors to the Big Apple are bound to have tons of fun this winter with a rich variety of colorful festivals, exciting events, dazzling displays of lights, incredible shopping and more in all five boroughs.
EX UK
THOUSANDS OF £6 FARES TO PARIS, AMSTERDAM, BRUSSELS AND CORK….OR RETURN FOR UNDER A TENNER.Eurolines is offering thousands of unbelievable winter-getaway deals with fares of just £6 to Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and Cork until March 31st 2006.
The largest scheduled coach service operator to the continent and Ireland is making these cut-price ‘Fun Fares’ available on its website www.eurolines.co.uk throughout the winter. The fare includes a £3 booking fee so return fares weigh in at a just £9. There are no additional costs either and the services run from Victoria Coach Station in the heart of London to the heart of each of the cities
CANADA'S WINTER WONDERLAND
Snow, Sledding and Crispy Climes are soon to lure in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Okay, so BC’s backdrops may not yet be blanketed in a scenic wintry white and perhaps it’s a tad bit premature to break out the warm woollies while queuing Bing Crosby on the old turntable. But if you have a hankering for winter fun, the changing of season is more like the call of the wild. At Siwash Lake Ranch, near 70 Mile House, it’s all about the out of doors. Dog sledding. Snowshoeing. Snowmobiling. Cross country skiing. Inspired yet? Proving an ideal setting for carving tracks, Siwash’s terrain harbours gentle, rolling slopes and seemingly endless scapes. It’s a postcard-pretty home to critters which include wolves, coyotes, moose and deer. Shushing along a quiet trail, a team of Siberian huskies leading the trek through the tundra, adventurers can drink in the open forest of Aspen, Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine which embrace secluded lakes and natural meadows. And this won’t prove your only opportunity to explore the landscape, as Siwash offers an all-inclusive, five night winter wonderland excursion complete with a sampling of cool winter fun. Once you’ve mastered the mushing, angle for the big one while ice fishing, test your mettle while tobogganing or foster your figure eights along a frigid pond. It’s all sure to stimulate the senses, and stir the adventurous spirit. And once play has paused for the day, luxury accommodation awaits in Siwash’s inviting log ranch house. Wake-up trays boasting seasonal bounty will usher in each new day, while gourmet menus and evening appetizers will provide the nourishment needed for a day’s adventure. And what better way to take it all in when nuzzled next to a cosy river rock fireplace, sipping a mug of steaming hot chocolate, planning the next day’s play… http://www.siwashlakeranch.com
THE FAR EAST
Far East at rock bottom prices?
Take the Philippines who have low cost carrier Cebu Pacific now operating to/from 17 airports. With domestic internal flights starting from less than £30 return, all inclusive, there’s the option of stopping off in the Philippines en route to Australia.
This airline also flies Hong Kong to Manila from £75 return. The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to visit in Asia and English is widely spoken. Once there, you can save even more money by avoiding hotels and sleeping in private accommodation where the hospitality is second to none.
With 7,100 islands, beaches are plentiful. Some are in well secluded islands while others are just a short ride across a causeway from the city.
Log onto http://www.whichbudget.com
UK - THE FLIGHT OF THE DRAGON
Delta Aviation, the the UK’s specialists in recreating the golden age of flying, offer the chance to view the dreaming spires of Oxford from the stylish art deco seats of a vintage Dragon Rapide biplane airliner.
www.deltaaviation.co.uk
or call Delta Aviation on 01223 874346
CANADA
Northern BC Experts offer Insight to Grizzly Lifestyle: Fred Seiler and Greg Knox of Silvertip EcoTours run grizzly bear/wildlife viewing excursions amid the natural Northern British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest.
Excursions range from day treks to multi-day explorations. Participants may even catch a glimpse of timber wolves, black bears, otters, eagles, porcupine and moose. For day-trippers, all excursions start early and include transportation via float plane, jet boat or motor vehicle. Silvertip ensures that all adventurists are within respectable distances from the bears while viewing. . http://www.grizzlytours.ca
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EVENTS
SCOTTISH GHOST FESTEntering into its third year, Edinburgh's alternative paranormal festival, Mary King's Ghost Fest is back and better than ever!
This unique and hugely popular award winning,
10 day city wide festival returns in 2007 from FRIDAY 11th to SUNDAY 21st MAY 2007. Mary King's GHOST FEST has become a regular favourite on the Edinburgh festival
circuit with its strange and quirky events attracting visitors throughout Scotland, the UK and overseas. This unusual, off-peak festival sets out to explore and uncover more about the dark tales and strange paranormal activity for which Edinburgh is internationally renowned.
GLITTERING DANCE NIGHTS: WALTZING INTO VIENNA’S BALL SEASONFamous melodies and waltzing bliss are guaranteed at the 300 plus balls due to take place during Vienna’s carnival season.
The first major event is the Imperial Ball on December 31, where revelers ring in the New Year with a whirl in the regal setting of Hofburg Palace.On January 18 the Vienna Philharmonic Ball takes place in the world-famous Golden Hall of the Musikverein. A day later, on January 19, City Hall is decked in a glorious blaze of color as it hosts the Flower Ball.
Once the sole preserve of the nobility, Hofburg Palace now provides a fitting backdrop for large traditional balls for over 3,000 guests. The Physicians’ Ball (January 27), the Hunters’ Ball (January 29) and the Coffeehouse Owners’ Ball (February 9) are all taking place in the former imperial state rooms.
The Kursalon in Stadtpark is given over to the music of the “Waltz King” on February 14 when the Johann Strauss Ball takes place for the fifth time. And the glittering climax of the ball season and one of the main events of the social calendar is the Vienna Opera Ball on February 15 when high society congregates at the State Opera House.
Ball season information can be found at
http://www.vienna.info or by contacting
Tel. +43 (0)1 24 555
Fax +43 (0)1 24 555–666
e-mail: info@vienna.info
MARRAKECH AT £9 PER NIGHT,
Marrakech is hot. Celebrities flock to it both for work (Brad Pitt’s upcoming film ‘Babel’ was filmed there) and play - and now Ryanair and Thomsonfly are the latest ‘wannabes’ to go there.
Finding budget accommodation to match the budget fares can be a bit hit and miss, but HotelConnect has hand-picked 12 hotels and riads that fit the bill.
At £9 per night, the three-star Tachine offers simple but clean and friendly accommodation with good views over the city from its roof terrace.
In mid-range at £20 per night the Islane is well-located, with views of the Koutoubia Mosque – and for those who want to push the boat out, even the luxurious five-star Le Meridien N’Fis is good value at £70 per night.
With December and January daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F) a weekend in Marrakech is a quick, cheap and easy break from the British winter.
All prices are per person per night, based on two sharing and include breakfast. Further information can be found at www.hotelconnect.co.uk.
Book online for a 5% discount or call 0845 230 8888.
“LIGHTS, PLEASE!” NEW HAMPSHIRE
Holiday Events Light Up the Season
Concord, New Hampshire -- From the Winter Solstice observance at America's Stonehenge in Salem, New Hampshire (www.stonehengeusa.com) to the fireworks over Mount Washington on New Year's Eve, New Hampshire celebrates the holidays by turning winter darkness into light. Small towns with names like Bethlehem string lights across Main Street, place electric candles in their windows and turn storefront displays into wonderlands. Perennial traditions, new and old, including an authorized Polar Express experience in the White Mountains and the 26th Annual Candlelight Stroll at Strawbery Banke on the seacoast, make the New Hampshire holidays sparkle.
For full details on holiday events, attractions and special packages, go to www.Visitnh.gov/holidays. Visitors will discover that when it comes to last-minute shopping, there is no place like sales-tax-free New Hampshire for the holidays.
Starting on Thanksgiving Day, November 23 and every weekend through New Year's Eve, the White Mountain Holiday Magic Light Park at the Branch Brook Campground will light up the White Mountain skies. Now in its second year, the Park is created by the Branch Brook Campground, the Waterville Valley Region Chamber of Commerce and other regional organizations to turn winter's darkest days into a lighted winter wonderland with a mile of animated light displays.
FRANCE
THE WINE RIDE
If you are planning an equestrian trip to France, you can combine horseback riding and wine tasting on a 3 day adventure trip to Burgundy. Bernard Symzak will guide you through the beautiful and unspoiled countryside and you will stop to visit some spectacular castles and try some of the best Burgundy wines. Rides go through sunny meadows, vineyards and cool shady forest and the trail encompasses hilltop views that stretch over the wine-growing areas.
If you are a confident horse rider feeling a bit adventurous, you can decide to go for the "Allure Montcharlon" where each stage is longer and includes many long gallops. The normal and more relaxing itinerary will appeal to riders comfortable with the three horse paces and the gallops are fairly short and easy.
http://ce.montcharlon.free.fr
NEW YORK CHRISTMAS CHEERS(18 - 25 December 2006)
The Big Apple brings out the Yuletide spirit with spectacular activities for all ages. The Buckingham Hotel welcomes visitors with a Christmas Spectacular package complete with a two-night stay in a one bedroom suite and four tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular from 17th to 27th December (http://www.buckinghamhotel.com). There are entertainment options for everyone including the classic ballet George Balachine’s The Nutcracker at the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (http://www.nycballet.com) and the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden (http://www.nybg.org) in the Bronx. Shoppers will delight in the whimsical window displays on view at Bloomingdales (http://www.bloomingales.com), Lord & Taylor (http://www.lordandtaylor.com) and Macy’s (http://www.macys.com), while those looking for unique gifts should stop by the holiday markets at Bryant Park (http://www.fetesdenoel.com), Grand Central Terminal (http://www.grandcentralterminal.com)
and Union Square (http://www.unionsquarenyc.org).
New Year’s Eve (31st December 2006)
Ring in 2007 in the world’s most exciting New Year’s Eve destination. On 31st December all eyes will be on Times Square for the official countdown as the Waterford Crystal ball descends before a crowd of thousands. For prime viewing, consider checking into the New York Marriott Marquis (www.nymarriottmarquis.com) located right in the middle of all the action. Visitors can also celebrate with a bang at one of the midnight firework shows around the city (http://www.timessquarenyc.org). Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, New York Harbor above the Statue of Liberty and Central Park will all be alight with fantastic fireworks to welcome the new year. Or enjoy champagne toasts at popular party spots such as BED New York (http://www.bedny.com), crobar (http://www.crobar.com), Lotus (http://www.lotusnewyork.com), Pacha (http://www.pachanyc.com) and Webster Hall (http://www.websterhall.com).
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Weekend (12 - 15 January 2007)
FRANCE
TAKE YOUR OWN CAR ON A SHOPPING BREAK IN FRANCE FROM JUST £73 PER PERSON
With Christmas in mind, Brittany Ferries has just released some special weekend shopping breaks featuring several of the finest shopping cities in Normandy and Brittany. You can stock up, not only on the festive essentials which will save you money, but you can also find some great gift ideas in the French boutiques and markets. What's more you can also grab yourself a bargain in our onboard shops.
All hotels are located right in the shopping areas and free on-site parking is also included.
1 night stays start from as little as £73 per person (based on two sharing) with return ferry travel for you and your car. Whilst reclining seats are included, en-suite cabins are available at 50% discount on both day and night crossings.
This special offer is available from 1st October to 31st December.
For more information, visit http://www.brittanyferries.com/offers and then call 08705 561 600 quoting CTYBRK
NASSAU, BAHAMAS
Graycliff Restaurant is featuring a new Wine Luncheon every weekday. Start with a glass of champagne, then tour the hotel and the wine cellar (over 250,000 bottles from over 400 vintners in 15 countries). Then settle in to a three-course meal, paired with the appropriate wines. The menu changes daily and seasonally.Located in the heart of Nassau in a historic colonial mansion with lush tropical gardens, Graycliff has been serving Continental cuisine with touches of Bahamian flavors for nearly three decades. For cigar aficionados, guests of the Graycliff Hotel can also see a cigar rolling demonstration. For more information, visit http://www.graycliff.co
CAPE VERDE ISLANDS - UK DIRECT
New Direct Flights from Gatwick & Manchester to Cape Verde Islands.Destination Portugal has re-priced it's Winter 2006/7 programme to the Cape Verde Islands taking advantage of the new direct flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Sal Island starting 2nd November 2006.
Destination Portugal offer tailor-made holidays featuring single and multi-centred holidays featuring 28 Hotels in 8 of the 9 Islands. The Lead-in price is £591 per person including direct flights from Gatwick or Manchester, all taxes and fuel surcharges private taxi transfers, Visa fee, local representation
and 7 nights twin share B&B in a standard room at the ***Pensão Nha Terra, just 100 metres from the white sandy beach in the Village of Santa Maria on Sal Island.
More complex itineraries including visits to three or four Islands are also available.
Web: http://www.africanislands.co.uk
Email: info@destination-portugal.co.uk
NEW TRAVEL WEBSITE
http://www.travelanswers.co.uk is a new travel website launched to help travellers find the best holiday deals, advice and information online.
Visitors to the site can post their travel questions and receive answers from online travel experts as well as a wider online travel community.
From where to look online for a cheap city break, the best beach resorts, reliable hostels and more, Travel Answers aims to be a place where travellers can share their advice with others, and receive answers to their travel questions.
