Monday, May 3, 2010

Experience the splendour and chill at beautiful Lake Louise


On your late afternoon journey from the chaos of the Strip, you'll have the opportunity to chill out at the old-fashioned Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise which is a few hours from Calgary airport by car or shuttle bus. Take in the fresh mountain air and explore Banff National Park or use the indoor pool and on-site Aveda spa to unwind in spectacular surroundings. Join the President's Club before you go for superior service, and splurge on a lake-view room if you can. Have lunch at the Lakeview lounge before catching your limo back to Calgary airport for your overnight flight home. Arrive back in UK in time to head out for lunch, reliving your adventures until the next trip...

LAS-YYC Depart 15:15, Arrive 19:18           1044 miles

YYC-LHR Depart 18:50, Arrive 10:10          4364 miles


Sunday, April 18, 2010

Spotting Stars at LAX between surf and Sin City!


From the tropics to the desert, where you you have variety in all its forms. From Hummer tours to the love child of Criss Angel and Cirque du Soleil there's something for every taste and budget. Missed the shark-filled waterslide in Dubai? You'll find another here at the Golden Nugget, or if winding waters are what you want, stay at the MGM Grand, with their five swimming pools, three whirlpools and lazy river. You might want to avoid Spring Break, expensive nightclubs and winter, or go all out before the tranquility of your next destination.


HNL-LAS Depart 13:45, Arrive 23:36       2794 miles

HNL-LAX Depart 13:45, Arrive 21:05

LAX-LAS Depart 22:25, Arrive 23:36


Saturday, July 18, 2009

Your personal time machine - from Sydney to Honolulu


Experience time travel when you leave Sydney in the late afternoon only to arrive in Honolulu the same day! Extend your experience by stopping off for a day in Auckland on the way, and it it's the season see if you can catch some local rugby. Stay at the lovely Langham Hotel for Earth Hour and you'll enjoy a soy-candle-lit soiree while retaining your carbon credentials. Then on to Honolulu for iconic beaches and - really - swaying palm trees.

Take a surf lesson in the morning, then be amazed by the Friday night fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort at Waikiki - you might see them from your room if you book one with an oceanfront view. When you're not busy tipping the hotel staff, splash out at Hawaiian Waters water park. You can catch the bus from just over the road from the Hilton. A more upmarket option is the recently re-modeled Royal Hawaiian where you'll even earn Starwood points.

SYD-HNL Depart 18:35, Arrive 20:15          5748 miles

Monday, June 1, 2009

Singapore to Sydney and the best beaches in the world


An Antipodean experience awaits you as you travel from Singapore to Sydney, with its beautiful beaches and friendly locals. The best-kept hotel secret is the Old Sydney Holiday Inn, whose reasonable rates are in contrast with their amazing rooftop pool overlooking Sydney Harbour. Walk up to Circular Quay and hop on to the Sydney and Bondi tour bus for a open-top spin around the city, then try a local ferry for some evening harbour lights. Remember to visit Taronga Zoo and pat the kangaroos!

SIN-SYD Depart 9:40, Arrive 20:15       3912 miles

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Wonderful Singapore - check out the Night Safari!


From Dubai to Singapore, exchanging
the dry heat of the desert for the humidity of the tropics. You're spoiled
for choice in hotel accommodation in Singapore, with properties ranging from the Shangri-La Valley Wing right through to the Hotel Bencoolen offering wonderful accommodation at good value prices. Want bang for your buck on a short stayover? Check into the Intercontinental - on the MRT from the airport and right across the road from the Bugis Markets.

DXB-SIN Depart 18:20, Arrive 5:50       3635 miles

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Cairo to Dubai, and - suprisingly - water worlds


When you've had your fill of Cairo cuisine, embark on a cross-continental flight which will take you all the way to Dubai, then on to Singapore. If funds permit, stop over in Dubai at Al Qasr at Madinat Jumeirah. If you don't want to spend the night, you can check out Atlantis The Palms and ride a giant water slide down 30m then through a shark-filled lagoon on a day trip to Aquaventure.

CAI-DXB Depart 9:00, Arrive 14:45       1500 miles

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Paris to Giza for a unique view of the Pyramids


Leave the glamour of Paris in mid-afternoon after a suitable brunch of croissants and coffee, and head to the southern desert regions for your rendezvous with the Pyramids. Sink into the local bazaars or just lie back by the pool watching history at Le Meridien Pyramids Get the new shuttle bus to Giza and remember to book into the famous Sound and Light Show.

CDG-CAI Depart 16:35, Arrive 21:10       1990 miles

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Tromso to Paris - Charles de Gaulle Airport and, well, Paris


After you've caught up with the Lights, take an early morning flight out of Tromso to Paris Charles de Gaulle, via Oslo (of course). Marvel at the architecture of the original Terminal 1 before heading off to see the sights of Paris in the evening and following days. For pure indulgence, stay at the Four Seasons Georges V or with a family look around for a serviced apartment [tripadvisor.com article and links]. The official Paris Tourism site has everything you need to organise your visit, including public holiday listings & recommendations for gay-friendly venues. Remember if you eat at the Eiffel Tower restaurant you can usually avoid the elevator queues.


TOS-CDG Depart 8:30, Arrive 13:15       1538 miles

Saturday, April 11, 2009

London to Tromso - Northern Lights


Start your journey on a leisurely afternoon flight to Tromso, Norway, one of the world’s best locations to see the Northern Lights. You’ll have a short transit in Oslo before arriving in Tromso in time to settle into your hotel before a late Scandinavian supper and hopefully a view of the Lights. It’s recommended that you stay a couple of days in case bad weather hides the skies on your first night.


If you’re traveling with family, you might appreciate the self-catering facilities at the City Living Hotel. Otherwise the sauna and solarium with a view of Tromso Bay at the Radisson Blu might be more your style.


LHR-TOS Depart 13:05, Arrive 20:20     1432 miles