On board the first post-Covid BA flight to the US November 15, 2021 What is the collective noun for a group of journalists? Google suggests “pack”, “herd”, “scoop”, and “crowd”. But the word that sprung to my mind while on the BA 001 flight to JFK, fourth glass of champagne in hand, was frenzy. A palpable excitement swelled inside our cabin as the Airbus A350 took to the [...]
Baglioni Hotel: A slice of Italy beside Hyde Park November 15, 2021 The world may be making a spirited attempt to put Covid behind it, but that doesn’t mean international travel is suddenly a breeze. Couple this with over-booked and over-priced UK staycation destinations such as Cornwall and York, and you have a holiday dilemma. So why not take the sting out of a weekend break by [...]
Around 180,000 jobs could be lost if travel restrictions return, travel council warns November 15, 2021 Around 180,000 jobs could be lost across the UK travel and tourism sector this year if travel restrictions are re-imposed this winter. Data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed that up to 500,000 Brits could see their job at stake if wider measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 – including [...]
From the Isles of Scilly to Scotland’s Assynt-Coigach: Britain’s most scenic spots revealed November 13, 2021 Cornwall’s Isles of Scilly and north-west Scotland’s Assynt-Coigach are the UK’s favourite scenic destinations, according to a survey. It is the second year in a row that the Isles of Scilly – renowned for their white sandy beaches – were named the top area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. [...]
Athens calling: UK airlines prepare for Greece summer boom November 8, 2021 UK airlines are increasing the number of flights to Greece in preparation for next summer’s boom in tourism, the Financial Times reported. Carriers are ramping up their pre-pandemic capacity, with Jet2 adding 1 million seats compared to 2019’s capacity and Easyjet increasing its tickets by 500,000. “Having met most of the tour operators and airline [...]
Expedia to stop selling holidays with captive dolphins and whales November 7, 2021 The travel company Expedia has stopped selling holidays that include performances by captive dolphins and whales.
Airbnb likely to report soaring third-quarter results despite ongoing travel limits November 4, 2021 Airbnb is expected to report strong third-quarter earnings this evening, despite ongoing travel restrictions in some regions. The consensus EPS Estimate is $0.83 and the consensus Revenue Estimate is $2.06B. The property rental company has been in recovery mode since the pandemic, and the third quarter is normally the strongest period for Airbnb, covering the summer holiday [...]
One night in Bangkok (quarantine): Thailand reopens to UK tourists November 1, 2021 After nearly two years of all but a trickle of foreign arrivals, Thailand is reopening to mass tourism, with travellers required to spend just one night in quarantine while they await Covid test results. Hundreds of vaccinated foreign tourists this morning arrived in the Thai capital for quarantine-free travel after the Southeast Asian nation approved [...]
A family-friendly long weekend at Lucknam Park, Chippenham October 25, 2021 For a thoroughly indulgent stay in the countryside where you don’t need to fret about babysitting arrangements, head to Wiltshire and be spoiled with Michelin-starred food, spa pampering and traditional English grandeur, even if you can’t leave the kids behind. Location Set down a long tree-lined drive in 500 acres of manicured parkland in the [...]
Treetop spas and temples: An enriching holiday in Bali October 25, 2021 There was a moment, when I was sat in the make-up chair looking at my half painted reflection, that I thought I’d made a big mistake. The white base and lurid yellow, fuschia, and blue eye shadow was rather more Grayson Perry than the elegant Balinese dancer I’d been hoping for. But I kept the [...]