There are some deals that I only become aware of via email. So I have become a bit of an addict for subscribing to the deal sites of airlines and travel companies. I have some rules though: I make sure the organisation I am subscribing to actually has decent deals or information before subscribing Set up a yahoo or gmail account that is dedicated specifically for travel news deals or have a travel deal folder set up on your email account with a filter rule set up that sweeps any deals into the folder( (I have done both at different times)…
The Best Taxis in the World
In a poll compiled by Hotels.com, London taxis were considered the best (and most expensive) in the world- for the fifth year running. New York and Parisian taxi drivers were considered the rudest (surprise) The survey was conducted with 1600 travellers from 28 countries. The best taxis I have encountered are in Singapore. Sparkling clean and staffed by friendly drivers, I have never ever had a hassle with them. When you ring for a taxi, they give you the taxi registration number so you know immediately that you have the right cab. They also have…
and the winner is…Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan has been chosen over Istanbul to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games- 60 votes to 36 votes. Madrid had been an early contender but was eliminated in the voting , after it initially tied with Istanbul. Tokyo managed to convince the International Olympic committee, that Fukushima posed no threats to the games. Fukushima was seriously damaged in the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 18,000 people. There was delight in many locations across Japan. It will be the city’s second games. Tokyo was also the location of the Summer Olympics held…
Lion Seeks help
Indonesia’s Lion Air is Indonesia’s biggest domestic airline and with two massive orders for jets from Airbus and Boeing aims ot beocme one of the world’s largest carriers. Except for one problem: its safety record. While Lion Air (and other airlines) have big plans, a spate of deadly accidents In Indonesia has raised international concern about the nations’s air-safety standards.. Along with most of the Indonesian carriers, Lion—is under a European Union and US safety ban. While Lion doesn’t fly into either airspace, it loses business as many travel agents are barred from booking tickets with…
Where Britain has not invaded
Based on a tip from a reader this week, I found this interesting map. Stuart Laycock, a British Historian has identified that 90% of the world’s countries were at some point invaded by the British in his book: All the Countries We’ve Ever Invaded: And the Few We Never Got Round To. Not all were captured and not all became part of the Empire. It makes a fascinating image. The nations in pink were invaded or taken over in some way at some point Related Posts Going Metric – A Startling View
Ten Busiest Airports of the World
Great video counting down the top ten busiest airports in the world. I have been to all but two of them. How many have you been to?! Related Posts 2012 Airport Top Twenty Some anomalies at Skytrax Best Airports Best and Worst Airports of 2010
Going Metric – A Startling View
This is a startling map of the reality of metric system. This system originated in France in 1799 after the French Revolution and now rules the world…except for the USA, Liberia and Burma.
Tracking the 787
If you want to know where a Boeing 787 is at any moment, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner Flight Tracker follows every 787 that is in the skies at any point of time. The tool uses Flight Aware to display information on a Google Earth background. If you have not used Google earth before, you will have to download some software, the first time. It is a fascinating distraction. Now I want one for Airbus 380s and 747s! Related Posts Where you will find the 787 787 takes to the sky -Who, Where and Why
LATAM V Argentina
Chile’s LAN has long been my favourite Latin American airline. One year ago, they merged with Brazil’s TAM to become easily the continent’s largest carrier. The second largest carrier in the region, is Avianca/Taca then Brazil’s GOL and Brazil’s Azul (started) by Jet Blue’s founder. Aerolíneas Argentinas , one of my least favourite carriers probably sits at fifth place in the Latin market, by destination and fleet size -but not by service, quality or profitability. Rated as a three star carrier by Skytrax, its customers rate it a 2.0 out of ten. Some of my favourite customer quotes from the…
Visiting Penang, Malaysia
Whenever I said I was going to Penang, some people looked at me in confusion. Where was Penang? Was it in Indonesia? Thailand? Many had heard of it but could not quite place it. Those who have been there were universally excited by their visit. I have to admit I had one of the best holidays of my life! As always, with the places I visit, I rated Penang on six key factors. Aesthetics: 7.5/10 Penang is known as “The Pearl of the Orient” lies on the north-western coast of the Malaysian Peninsular. The state…
Recent Comments