A Merry Christmas in India at Goa and Kerala

India, being home to a sizeable Christian community is perhaps at its merriest best during Christmas. An endearing part of an Indian Christmas is the diversity, which marks celebrations in different parts of the country. Not only Christians, quite a few people from other communities also make merry as Christmas is a perfectly justified excuse for being happy. After all, who can resist the irresistible spirit of Christmas? In case, you are catching your flights to India sometime before Christmas, here are just two of the places where you can head to for a truly fiery Christmas experience.

Goa

Goa and Goans are synonymous with fun and frolic and if it’s Christmas time, celebrations literally shoot up to the heavens above. This erstwhile Portuguese settlement has a very high Christian expat population and a massive colonial hangover. Quite unsurprisingly, Goa is one of the most Westernised places in India and its denizens celebrate Christmas with great aplomb. With Goa also being a red hot holiday destination, many visitors have discovered that a Christmas in India is best experienced in Goa. While hotels, restaurants, and beaches burst with feasting and dancing, the religious angle is also not ignored. In many homes, the ‘nativity scene’ is enacted with cribs being prepared for the baby Jesus. Homes as well as cathedrals and churches are decked up with Poinsettia flowers, while there are many midnight masses and trading of Christmas gifts. With 2011 round the corner, Goa will also be geared up for New Year celebrations, and visitors can anticipate a full solid week of entertainment.

Kerala

Kerala, or rather ‘God’s own country’ is another charming place for spending one’s Christmas in India. This South Indian state which has recently been ranked by Smart Travel Asia as the number one holiday destination in Asia is home to a considerable Christian population. Planning your Christmas holidays as well as New Year’s Eve 2011 break at Kerala definitely makes for a swell idea. The weather is absolutely divine during this time of the year and a celebratory atmosphere electrifies the environment with the entire community steeped in the colours of the festival. Elaborate celebrations and events are held at various venues and all the usual trappings of Christmas are to be found complete with Christmas cakes, the Crib, Christmas carols, Christmas stars, children awaiting Father Christmas, exchange of gifts, and dazzling fireworks displays.

Thailand revealed as top destination

Thailand has been named as the best sun destination by the 2010 Sunday Times Travel Magazine Awards.

Voters by readers, the country was praised for its wide choice of attractions, with travellers taking flights to Thailand advised to make sure they take a trip on a night train and go to a full-moon party on Kok Pha Ngan during their stay.

Joanna Cooke, consumer marketing and PR manager for the country's tourism authority, explained the Asian country offers "value and variety and is an all-year-round destination".

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Millions of Brits plan festive flights

Around four million people are planning to spend the festive period overseas, according to travel organisation ABTA. The rather icy climate in the UK may have tempted many travellers to take flights to Dubai, Spain, Turkey and Florida for some winter sun, while those Brits looking for more action packed holidays are showing interest in European's leading ski resorts.

ABTA is forecasting that next Thursday is set to be a peak day for travel, with around 1.5 million travellers leaving Heathrow Airport and 323,000 flying out from Manchester Airport.

ABTA chairman John McEwan said: "Christmas is traditionally the busiest time of year for the travel industry and I am delighted to see that so many of our customers are taking this opportunity to head off on holiday and to visit friends and family, both in the UK and overseas."

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British Airways Cancels Flights Due to Bad Weather Conditions

Due to bad weather conditions in whole of the UK and specifically in London, British Airways has cancelled certain long haul as well as short haul flights from London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports which were scheduled to depart between 10 am and 5 pm GMT.

Saturday saw the UK being covered in a fresh layer of snow which affected the road as well as air transportation in the country.

British Airways has come up with a rebooking and refund policy that has already been communicated to the travel agencies. Travellers whose flights are affected due to the bad weather can contact their travel agents who would be able to provide alternative options.

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Hong Kong Flooded with Shoppers in Golden Week

This past week Hong Kong was flooded with large crowds of shoppers. The city experienced and witnessed a tremendous shopping spree that remains matchless in the recent history. It was the famous Golden Week of Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has reported that more than 600,000 people arrived from mainland China on the initial six days of Golden Week, which is the highest number in almost five years.

Most of the Hong Kong’s malls were converged with humanity. The popular designer stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel saw massive crowd that was managed by security guards and barriers. And all this madness makes sense as there is no sales tax or other taxes in the region which enables people to indulge themselves into a variety of luxury goods.

Most shoppers land up in Hong Kong with huge empty suitcases which they stuff up with their purchases. It is almost a steal for the shoppers given the affordability of some of the most luxurious brands in the world.

The retailers in Hong Kong also do their part by offering exclusive discounts and organising promotional events. Additionally, for the convenience of mainland shoppers, the retailers put up signs in simplified Chinese rather than traditional Chinese used in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most popular destinations for year round holidays and has also emerged as one of the world’s best places to shop. Shopping, travel and hospitality businesses including Hotels in Hong Kong do brisk business during such events. Founded in 1999 to promote domestic tourism in China, Golden Week occurs twice in a year. Golden Week is one of the times when the country’s tourist destinations see a surge in travel activity and are at their colourful best. Golden week is one of the two 7 days national holiday periods and coincides with the nation’s national day on 1st October.

Virgin America teams up with Emirates

Virgin American has signed a new agreement with airline Emirates to offer integrated travel for customers.

The new arrangement means it is easier for travellers to book flights on Virgin America flights via Emirates without having to have multiple itineraries

"We're pleased to partner with an airline also known for offering travellers a world-class flying experience - with a focus on upscale amenities and outstanding service," said Adam Green, director of network planning at Virgin America.

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Oprah continues Australian tour

US chat show host Oprah Winfrey is continuing her tour of Australia.

The television star is seeing some of the sites of the country ahead of her special Down Under shows, which will form part of her final season.

So far, Oprah has visited some of Australia's key tourism destinations including Ayres Rock, Sydney Harbour and even held a baby koala during a trip to Hamilton Island Wildlife Park in Whitsundays.

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Catch Flights to Goa and Explore the Europe of Orient

Travellers looking to have some fun can book direct flights to Goa. Or can look out for domestic airlines that operate different Goa flights from major Indian cities.

Take a look at some of the interesting things to do in the charismatic state of Goa.

Beaches

Goa boasts of some of the most amazing beaches in the region. Calangute is one of the busiest and most commercialised beaches in Goa. While its neighbouring Baga Beach features some of the most happening nightlife spots like Tito's and Café Mambo with its hip-hop and salsa nights themed nights.

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World Cup boosts South African tourism

The economy of South Africa was boosted by the Fifa World Cup, claims a new government report.

According to the study, the football event attracted in excess of 309,000 visitors, with 59 per cent never having visited the country before.

South African tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk also announced that the world-famous sporting event helped to generate more than $520 million in revenue for the country's tourism industry.

He added that the decision to host the World Cup would have a positive long-term impact.

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Qatar CEO Severely Reprimands Air France

Qatar, along with other Gulf-based airlines is in a mad race to develop the Gulf as a major airline hub. This necessitates a high number of planes for these airliners at a brisk pace. However, friction with traditional European players has become a dampener. Media sources revealed that Mr Akbar Al Baker, the Qatar boss, came down heavily upon Air France for not cooperating to resolve the issue. He was quoted as saying ‘The hand of friendship extended to Air France has not been reciprocated and this is not conducive to relations between our countries’. Other comments included ‘People have to change their perception of Arab carriers. We have to make money. Our governments have made it clear we have to stand on own feet or shrink’ and ‘We don't have an oil well behind our headquarters to fuel our growth’.

What the Tussle is all about

European carriers are apprehensive that if there is a rise in the number of Gulf based fleets, they will lose out on their share of the pie. The scenario can prove beneficial for customers as there are chances that such a development would increase cheap flight options. However, European and the US carriers have stated that the credit rules are unfair. The credit rules allow sanctioning of export loans for Gulf-based airliners if they buy planes from Airbus or Boeing. However, if some airline is based in the country, where Airbus and Boeing are manufactured, it is not eligible for the export loan.

New flights to Sydney announced

A new airline is to offer flights to Sydney from China in 2011.

Hainan Airlines will begin three flights a week between Sydney, Shenzhen and Hangzhou on January 19th as the Australian city remains a popular destination for travellers.

"The growth in the Chinese market over the last five years has been very strong and is of increasing importance to Sydney’s tourism industry," explained Russell Balding, chief executive officer of Sydney Airport.

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Auckland’s Rocking Food Scene

Whoever said that New Zealand is a sleepy country with dull culinary knowhow surely missed his cheap flight to Auckland. The nation’s largest city is as cosmopolitan as it gets and believe me when I say that Auckland is truly blessed with a first rate dining and drinking scene, one that makes London restaurants seem absolutely mediocre. The city’s subtropical climate, uncontaminated waters teeming with fishes and multi-ethnic buzz come together to craft a top-notch dining scene.

Prego, a famous restaurant in Auckland, is known for its delicious pizzas, seafood pastas and grilled fish. The eatery features a wine list that truly is a wine drinkers’ paradise and at prices that will almost convince you to pack your bags and shift your base to Auckland from London. Dine, another equally popular eating joint in the city screams class and dynamism. Across the road, Bellota is a Spanish-themed restaurant that is the sexiest and flirtiest bars in the region. If you are looking for a friendly crowd with a noisy environment then you can chill at The Fridge (no pun intended). And for casual, Italian/Mediterranean food head to Coco's Cantina and experience the scrumptious delicacies.

All these restaurants are the living and thriving proofs of Auckland’s rocking dining scene. After reading this yummy piece of writing on equally yummy New Zealand food, if you have the slightest inclination to buy Auckland flight tickets, then the period of mid-September is highly recommended as the Auckland’s annual Coffee Festival will be held shortly. Trust me after gorging on all the tasty food; you will surely need a coffee to wash it all down.

Oprah could tempt female tourists to Australia

The visit of Oprah Winfrey could help to encourage more US females to take flights to Australia, claims the country's head of tourism marketing.

Andrew McEvoy, the managing director of Tourism Australia, believes that the talk show host's trip to Australia could lead to wealthy females aged between 25 to 54 years to look at holidaying down-under, reports AAP.

"In the US, she rates better with people who earn more than 75 grand a year and even better with people who earn more than 90 grand," Mr McEvoy told the National Press Club.

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Asia to benefit from budget airlines

Holidaymakers planning to take flights to Thailand and other Asian destinations could benefit from the introduction of two new budget airlines.

Malaysia Airlines has announced that it plans to expand the operations of its budget subsidiary Firefly, which was launched in April 2007.

In particular, the carrier will add larger craft to its fleet to compete with established airlines in the region such as AirAsia. At present, Firefly operates from Penang and Subang hubs initially and Kuala Lumpur International Airport's main terminal building.

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Emirates plans more flights to Dubai

A Dubai-based airline has announced that it will introduce new flights to Dubai from Iraq in 2011.

Emirates will begin flights to Dubai from Basra on February 2nd using its Airbus A330-220 aircraft. It is the 110th destination for the carrier and will include a four times weekly service between the two countries.

Passengers will be able to choose from three classes, including first and business class, and flights on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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Virgin Unveils New Strategy

Virgin CEO, John Borghetti revealed a brand new strategy at the annual general meeting of the company. The new strategy will literally change the face of the airline major, which is comprised of Polynesian Blue, Pacific Blue, Virgin Blue, and V Australia. Virgin also has aggressive plans to increase its market share in corporate travel section by 100%. In fact, major developments are taking place within Virgin. For instance, the new Creative Director is none other than Mr Hans Hulsbosch, the brand and identity manager for the widely acclaimed Woolworths logo and the Qantas flying Kangaroo livery.

Media sources quoted Mr John Borghetti as saying ‘Hans is overseeing the Virgin Blue brand identity work with our commercial team to change, reposition and create an identity that can stretch across both the Leisure and Corporate sectors’. Mr Borghetti further said ‘Together with our new agency (Clemenger) you will see re-energised approach to marketing’. Mr Borghetti went on to say that Virgin’s re-branding efforts will be evident as early as this week at the Brisbane Airport. All these developments may just also spell as an increase in the number of cheap flights to Australia.

Virgin is already a very well-known name in the aviation sector and offers plenty of flights to Australia and other destinations. For instance, someone looking for flights to Brisbane usually considers Virgin Blue as the airline is based in Brisbane and there are fair chances of netting cheap flights.

Speaking about the key segments, Mr Borghetti expressed ‘Our business has been primarily focused on the leisure and SME end of the market. And although we have and will continue to have a strong position in these segments, we are over reliant on them’.

He also observed that ‘Meanwhile the corporate and business end of the market is effectively controlled by one player with a significantly higher cost base’. ‘It is therefore logical for us to diversify our revenue base, reduce our exposure at the lower end of the market and use our cost base as an advantage’.

Asia-Pacific airlines see passenger increase

New figures show an increase in international passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific region during October.

According to data from the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), airlines in the region handled a total of 15.9 million international travellers - a growth of 11.8 per cent compared to the same month in October 2009.

In particular, there was a strong increase in business and leisure travel on key flights to Thailand and other Asian destinations.

Andrew Herdman, AAPA's director general said: "The dynamic economies of Asia are powering ahead and so are its airlines. Passengers are back in numbers and the return of premium class passengers and airfreight is particularly welcome."

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One in four Brits plan late holiday

Many Brits are planning to take a late holiday this year in order to reduce costs, claims a new survey.

Research from Halifax showed that one in four people are set to take a break during the low period of the year for a number of reasons, including taking advantage of the off-peak prices on flights. A further 23 per cent are looking for some winter sun and 14 per cent believe they can afford to travel further.

It is expected that more than 11 million people will take a break in the last few months of the year - spending around £9 billion on holiday plans and a further £500 million while away.

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Fog and Flight Issues Plague Bangalore Airport

It is winter time again and airports across India are going into overdrive to tackle the inevitable fogs that cloud the skies. Like most other airports, the Bengaluru International airport is also set to put its best foot forward to deal with the situation as fogs are expected to result in massive flight delays. Expressbuzz revealed airport sources as having disclosed that a fog contingency plan has been set aside after a meeting with Air Traffic Control, different airlines operating flights to Bangalore, Meteorological Department, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

It is noteworthy that last year dense fogs in North India led to large scale rescheduling of numerous Bangalore flights. In fact, every year many travellers who book their flights to India during winters, have to put up with fog related delays in quite a few airports across the country. The fog that surrounds Bangalore airport is called Radiation fog. This year round, the fog was expected to start from 15th November and is likely to last till 15th February 2011.

Airport sources were quoted as saying ‘We are anticipating morning fog up to February and flight operations are expected to be hampered," said an official who did not want to be identified. "Keeping this in mind, we have directed all airlines and airport partners to undertake steps to minimise the inevitable difficulties that passengers will have to face.’ For passenger convenience, airport initiatives include sending SMS updates on flight status and flashing fog related news on LED screens at the airport

Anyone, who has booked cheap flights to India and has plans of travelling to Bangalore, should be well informed about the fact that fogs during the wee hours delays 1215 flights, which creates a backlog of airborne flights as well as those on the ground. This in turn delays 4042 flights on a daily basis revealed the source.

Phuket Island preparing for sailing event

Phuket is set to welcome around 2,000 international participants to the forthcoming Phuket King's Cup Regatta. The event is the largest of its kind in Asia and will welcome around 100 boats with crews taking flights to Thailand from a number of countries.

Starting on December 4th, the regatta takes place off the coast off Kata Beach and offers entrants tropical sailing waters.

"The 2010 Phuket King's Cup Regatta is considered the regatta in Asia and this year, with already 97 entries, we are hopeful of surpassing last year's record fleet. We have entries coming from all corners of the world to Phuket," said Kevin Whitcraft, president of the 24th Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organising Committee.

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Perth Zoo is top Australian attraction

Perth Zoo has been named as the top attraction in Western Australia in the latest Western Australian Tourism Awards.

For those taking flights to Perth, a number of other attractions were also recognised by the awards for their achievements within the tourism sector, including Rottnest Island and The Bell Tower.

Tourism Council Western Australia's chief executive officer, Graham Moss, explained that the awards had seen a substantial increase in the number of nominations for eco categories - largely due to an increase in demand from tourists looking for a greener holiday experience.

He added: "The standard of submissions were especially high this year which positions Western Australia for success in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards which will be held on the 11th March 2011 in Perth."

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Thai spa offers 'ultimate luxury'

Travellers looking to fly to Phuket for a spot of luxury could consider a stay at the Banyan Tree.

Erin O'Dwyer, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, explained the resort offers guests "the ultimate in Thai luxury" within its 68-acre complex. In addition to a private swimming pool, outdoor sunken bath and meditation pavilion, the hotel also has a 18-hole championship golf course and 25 spa rooms offering a whole host of traditional and non-traditional Thai treatments.

First opened in 1994, the Banyan Tree has its own spa academy plus a marine lab which focuses on protecting turtles in the region.

Recently, the resort has also expanded to include 22 villas that are designed to offer luxury accommodation for families, with special children's rooms and two pools.

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Tourists 'tempted' by Egypt's beaches

A new development close to the Red Sea could appeal to Brits taking flights to Egypt.

The Amer Group has launched the Porto South Beach development -located near to the Red Sea and 130km from Cairo, reports Easier.com.

It is hoped by the developers that Porto South Beach, close to Ain Sokhana, could appeal to those looking to purchase a second home, either as an investment opportunity or as a holiday hideaway.

The region offers over 1,000 villas and timeshare properties as well as a wide range of shops, bars and a spa plus private beach. There is also a five-star 275 room-hotel that welcomes holidaymakers from around the world.

Peter Riddoch, chief executive officer of the Amer Group, said: "A well-kept Egyptian secret Ain Sokhana offers stunning panoramic views of the Red Sea and a wide range of facilities and amenities."

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Grounding of Qantas A380 Fleet May Spell a Little Inconvenience

On 4th November, the Sydney bound Qantas A380 that had to make an emergency landing in Singapore may have exploded in mid air, media reports have revealed. The flight, which took off from Singapore, was one of the six A380s owned by Qantas. All these planes are fitted with the Rolls Royce manufactured Trent 900 engines. According to investigators, the problem arose because there was leakage of oil which caught fire leading to the heating of the metal parts and bursting of the engine. The explosion churned out metal parts, some of which cut through the hydraulics and an engine control line located in the wing of the aircraft. The pilots were forced to land in Singapore as the second wing and approximately half of the brake flaps of the damaged wing spun out of control.

Alternate Arrangements

Taking serious note of this potentially fatal incident, Qantas has grounded its entire A380 fleet until safety issues are addressed completely. The airline indicated that this may take up to 7 weeks. Passengers who had made meticulous travel plans and had fulfilled their dream of buying a cheap flight ticket for the A380 are likely to be a disappointed lot. However, Qantas has assured that there would not be much inconvenience. The airline has a huge fleet that includes 14 A330s and 26 B747s along with 30 other aircrafts. This entire fleet can be used for making alternate travel arrangements for the affected passengers.

Dubai 'ideal' Christmas getaway

Dubai could be an ideal destination for Brits looking for do some Christmas shopping, claims a holiday review website.

According to HolidayCheck, the increasing cost of taking trips within Europe means more people are considering taking flights to Dubai and other alternative destinations to stock up on festive gifts.

The UAE state has minimum taxes and no duties on a whole range of goods, so shoppers can pick up bargains while also doing a bit of sightseeing and enjoying the average December temperatures of 23 degrees C.

The Dubai Mall, the largest in the world, offers 350,000 square metres of shops selling designer goods and various other consumer products. It also has branches of popular UK shops including Marks & Spencer and Hamley's amongst its 1,000 retail units.

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Orion Hotels And Resorts expands South African portfolio

Orion Hotels & Resorts has finalised the purchase of the Selborne Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

It is the third purchase for the company in 2010 and is the 11th South African hotel in its portfolio, reports Travelwires.com. First opened in 1985, Selbourne provides luxury accommodation and an 18-hole golf course to guests. Further expansion has since added 120 villas that are occupied all year round.

The nearest airport to the resort is Durban Airport. Orion chief executive officer Franz Gmeiner said: "It is a unique property that offers excellent hospitality and facilities to discerning clientele and the golfing fraternity.

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South Africa bids for Disney World franchise

A new Disney World attraction could be opened in South Africa, if the country manages to secure the franchise.

It is understood that Free State and Mpumalanga are both interested in being the new home to the only Disney World in Africa. Media reports suggest that it could cost around ZAR25 billion (£2.24 billion) to achieve.

Free State premier Ace Magashule and his economic affairs minister, Mxolisi Dukwana, recently visited the US and met with officials from Disney World. However, there has been no official details of the talks released, reports the Sunday Times.

Mpumalanga first revealed its Disney World aims in September and according to Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency chief executive officer Charles Ndabeni, the agency is shortly planning to conduct a feasibility study.

"Our project is known, even at national level. I have presented it to the National Parks chief executive forum," he said.

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Call for child-free flights to Australia

Many travellers are calling for airlines to offer child-free flights to Australia and other destinations, claims the New York Times.

According to Douglas Quenqua, some passengers view sitting next to an unruly child as second only to a crash landing. Therefore, customers could be tempted by child-free services or family-only sections of planes to help make their trips more enjoyable and quieter.

Ian Burford, who recently created a Facebook group calling for kid-free flights, explained: "I would gladly pay extra for a child-free flight. "At least if they made it easier when booking a flight to say I don't want to be seated next to a one-year-old. That would be helpful."

Airline Qantas recently faced a lawsuit from a woman who believed her hearing had been affected after being sat near a toddler on a flight to Australia from New York.

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BAA Numbers Soar as Business Travellers Return

The biggest airport authority in the UK, the British Airports Authority (BAA) reported an increase of 3.4% in passenger air traffic in October, thanks to an upswing in the business travel division. BAA stated that all of its six airports collectively handled nearly 10 million passengers in the last month. The 1.2% increase in the number of flights in the region also contributed to this impressive growth in travellers’ traffic.

The London Heathrow Airport reported an increase of 6% in its flight traffic along with a rise of 7.2% in passenger numbers which is up by 410,000. Buoyed by the impressive numbers, BAA believes that 10.6% rise in Heathrow’s European travel can be an indicator of improving things after the traumatic economic depression.

Long-haul flights between London Heathrow and China improved by 16.1%, which is a phenomenal number given the fact that the hub serves only two Chinese destinations. The number of flights between BAA airports and North America increased by 7.5%, while long-haul flights from UK to other destinations spiralled up by 3.2%.

Colin Matthews, the Chief Executive of BAA is pleased with the reported numbers and stated in a press release that “Passenger growth is good for the economy with thousands of people across the country employed in aviation, international trade and tourism. We are continuing with our £5 billion Heathrow investment programme – the biggest private investment project in the UK – providing thousands of jobs as we modernise facilities to improve everyone's experience of the airport.

Among other BAA airports, Edinburgh’s passenger traffic rose by 3.5% while Southampton mounted up by 1.0%.

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Tiger Airways launches new Australian flights

Budget carrier Tiger Airways is planning to offer a number of new flights within Australia as it expands. The airline has opened a new base at Avalon Airport and will commence new flights to Brisbane and Canberra following demand from travellers.

Crawford Rix, Tiger Airways managing director, said: "Commencing with seven new flights from Avalon Airport, this is further proof that Tiger Airways is well positioned to continue our successful expansion in Australia as planned."

Last year, Tiger Airways carried a total of three million passengers flying to 14 domestic airports in Australia.

The airline operates nine Airbus A320 aircraft in Australia and ten A320s on its Singapore routes. Tiger Airways reported a profit after tax of $14.1 million (£8.75 million) for the three months ending 30 September 2010, compared to a loss of $2.3 million (£1.4 million) during the same period in 2009.

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New website may encourage flights to Dubai

Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is launching a new logo and website to help boost the country's international profile.

Definitelydubai.com is now live and aims to provide information about the destination and its worldwide appeal. Those Brits planning to take flights to Dubai will find specific UK content on the website before the end of the year.

Ian Scott, UK and Ireland director of the DTCM, explained: "The Definitely Dubai brand identity has a contemporary edge, reflecting the Dubai offering and making it relevant to the diverse market to which the destination appeals."

He added: "Its strength is its simplicity."

The new website will also be backed by a series of marketing campaigns to promote Dubai's versatile attractions.

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Dubai Airport sees passenger growth

New figures reveal that Dubai International Airport is the sixth busiest in the world.

Airport data shows that passenger traffic increased by 25 per cent in September compared to the same month in 2009; freight volume also rose by 11.3 per cent in the same period.

In the first nine months of the year, the airport saw 34,838,359 passengers passing through its terminals – 15.8 per cent higher than in the nine months to September of 2009.

Flights to Dubai from western Europe showed the greatest growth as the state continues to grow in popularity with business and leisure travellers.

"We are seeing expansion across the board, not only from our usual top flight destinations such as India, the UK, Iran and Germany but we are also seeing significant increases in passenger traffic to and from the US, China and Australia," said Paul Griffiths, chief executive officer, Dubai Airports.

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Queensland offers deals to tourists

A new campaign is set to boost the number of cheap flights to Queensland, claims a tourism official.

Anthony Hayes, Tourism Queensland chief executive, believes the launch of a new tourism brand for the Australian state will play an important role in increasing interest in the region.

The new $2.2 million (£1.35 million) campaign will include various offers including cheap flights from Virgin Blue.

"Over the coming weeks this campaign will offer a range of great Virgin Blue airfares to Queensland, which will be promoted via television, radio, online and outdoor advertising, to followers of Tourism Queensland's social media sites", explained Mr Hayes.

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Thailand and Vietnam to jointly encourage tourism

Thailand and Vietnam have launched a new initiative designed to encourage more tourists to visit the two countries. Co-headed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the One Million Tourists in 2015 project will involve the two nations pooling resources in a number of ways. This could include the exchange of information and media resources as well as attending joint road shows and trade show in order to widen the region's overall appeal, reports Sai Gon Giai Phong newspaper.

According to a TAT spokesperson, the new programme will play an important role in promoting travel between the two countries, so it may make it tempting for those taking flights to Thailand to travel on to Vietnam

During the first seven months of 2010, Thailand has welcomed more than 240,000 visitors from Vietnam – six per cent more than in 2009.

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New initiative may encourage more flights to Queensland

A new marketing strategy is hoping to promote the attractions of Queensland, Australia.

The state has launched its first tourism brand - Queensland, Where Australia Shines, in a bid to generate more visitors and create overseas interest.

It is expected that social media, a new website and an investment of AUS$4.16 million (£2.55 million) over the next two years could encourage people to hop on flights to Queensland as they become more aware of the region's sights and sounds.

Queensland premier Anna Bligh explained that the region is "a beautiful Australian holiday destination, with unforgettable experiences".

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Tale of Woos from Virgin Blue

Virgin Blue is in for some trying times. The airline’s cooperation strategy with Delta and Air New Zealand received a negative response from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This comes as a dampener to Virgin Blue’s plans of putting up a stiff competition against the rival airline Qantas. As per the ACCC, Virgin Blue’s alliance can stifle competition in the market of trans-Tasman air passenger service. As per the ACC, the alliance may well bring competition issues on numerous trans-Tasman routes as Virgin Blue is a major competitive force against Air New Zealand. ACCC also stated that if competition between Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand comes to an end, then more than a million passengers would be adversely affected every year.

These observations definitely seem to hint towards the availability or rather unavailability of cheap flights. However, these findings have not gone down well with industry experts. They have made certain observations, which are mentioned in the following account.

Currently Unsustainable Tasman Competition

It is being pointed out that the entire aviation industry is not sustainable but this actually holds positive ramifications for the customer. Market exit becomes easier with the growing influence of liberalisation. This has the effect of improving industrial feasibility as entering the market becomes simpler. However, real economic efficiency remains unattainable unless governments stop propping up big outdated airlines.

However, here the scenario is rather different. About 90% of corporate business and around 65% of Australia’s market share is with Qantas and its subsidiary, Jetstar. Virgin Blue is attempting to find an enduring position in Australia as a significant full service rival. Virgin is listed and does not has particular claims upon perpetuity. Such issues are not under the domain of ACCC. The commission needs to work under the ambit of competition laws, which normally restrict capacity and give results that are not in tandem with market logic. There needs to be reasonable prospects for the present draft determination to be sent for appeal to the Competition Tribunal, if it is confirmed in the first place. Going by the earlier decision on Qantas Air New Zealand, in such an eventuality, better results can be expected

Concerns over terming Virgin Blue as Maverick

Pacific Blue was already voicing the decision to exit the domestic market of New Zealand. The company had lost about AUD$20 million within a two year span. Naturally, the airline was very cautious about foraying into the Tasman sector. Despite these state of affairs, the ACCC gave a lot of significance to the maverick role of Virgin Blue/Pacific Blue in fixing Tasman pricing. This strategy is similar to ACCC’s approach towards the application on Delta cooperation.

In the current circumstances, maverick behaviour would mean sabotaging coordination by initiating price wars and discounting aggressively or not following competitors’ example, while hiking market price.

In addition, there are some startling findings resulting from a short examination on pricing behaviour. This examination was made by the centre somewhere about the time when the application was made. Virgin Blue’s costlier product was being priced in the dangerous zone halfway between Jetstar’s and Air New Zealand and Qantas charges. This does not present the airline in a maverick’s role and even shows its struggling position in the Tasman.

Gap year travellers looking for cheap flights

Older gap year travellers are looking to ensure they get value for money when travelling, claims an expert. Tom Griffiths, founder of Gapyear.com, explained that the growing trend amongst older people to take time out is leading to more ambitious travel plans and the need to ensure budgets stretch that bit further.

"The emphasis now is if you are taking a gap year in a career, the general consensus is to get away and stay away for as long as you can on the money," he said.

In addition, some destinations are becoming more expensive so travellers may have to take more time and effort to research cheap flights to Australia or other long-haul cities.

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South Africa 'benefits from World Cup'

South Africa's decision to host the World Cup appears to have resulted in a surge in tourism.

Figures show that there was a 22.3 per cent increase in visitor numbers in March 2010 compared to the March 2009; overall the number of tourists rose from 493,559 to 603,479.

There was a 5.5 per cent rise in Brits taking flights to South Africa, while the build-up to the football event was highlighted as a likely reason for the 24.2 per cent rise in German visitors and the 12.4 per cent increase in travellers from Holland.

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Hurricane Earl – A Review

Hurricane Earl, which was classified as a Category four hurricane and registered howling winds of 140 miles an hour gradually let down on its fury as it tore along its course and finally made landfall at Nova Scotia, Canada on 4th September. During its journey, Earl was eventually downgraded to Category 2. Of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Earl is supposedly the third hurricane, second major hurricane, fifth tropical storm, and seventh tropical depression. Here is an account of the effects of Earl on the different areas that came under its sway.

North Carolina

Earl hit the North Carolina coastline on 2nd September and swept the state with heavy rains and raging winds. In Cape Hatteras, the wind speed was recorded at 67 miles per hour, which was the highest in the state. Many of the roads witnessed flooding and North Carolina Highway 12 had to be shut down. Numerous homes also experienced flooding and thousands of residents had to go without power. Offshore waves reportedly swelled to heights of 25 to 36 ft. Tumultuous Seas also damaged a pier at Atlantic Beach.

New England

New England escaped most of Earl’s fury. On 3rd September, Cape Cod was grazed by Earl with the centre of the hurricane about 90 miles from Nantucket. Although, winds reached the strength of tropical storms, there was no major damage, except a few minor floods. Reports indicated that less than a thousand suffered from power outages. The highest recorded wind force was 58 miles per hour, while the highest recorded rainfall was about 5.07 inches.

Mid Atlantic

Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey in the Mid Atlantic experienced low to average effects of the hurricane. Large waves and tropical storms lashed areas along the coastline. The Delmarva Peninsula only suffered from some outer rainbands and gales.

Canada

On 4th September, Hurricane Earl reached ashore in Lunenberg County near Western Head, Nova Scotia at about 11 am. It came as a category 1 storm accompanied by unrelenting winds blowing at speeds of about 75 miles an hour. Waves as high as up to 82 ft and winds with hurricane like intensity were recorded in the areas just offshore. Among the onshore areas, Atlantic Canada bore the brunt of the hurricane. In Edmundston, New Brunswick, about 76.5 mm rainfall was recorded, while in Quebec, the reported rainfall was around 48.2 mm. The supposedly strongest onshore winds were recorded in Beaver Island, where winds reportedly reached the speed of 84 miles an hour. Roughly, almost all of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, pockets of western New Brunswick, most of Newfoundland, and extreme Quebec and Labrador experienced winds that raged at speeds of at least 39 miles per hour.

Earl wreaked havoc with the power sector. Overall, hundreds of thousands of residents across the breadth of Canada had to go without electricity.

Six Excuses to Book Flights to New York from UK

The empire state as New York is called catches the fancy of many who plan to leave behind merry old England for a long haul holiday. After all, with its exquisite sightseeing, overwhelmingly satiating shopping, countless culinary delights, and electrifying nightlife, the big apple makes for a juicy holiday destination. Here one gets to find an eclectic mix of the old and new where quaint charming villages co-exist with ubermodern cities and gleaming skyscrapers. New York has so many attractions that listing them out is like trying to drain the ocean into a tea cup. However, here are some of the most popular hot spots.

Empire State Building

This grand architectural specimen ruled as the tallest building in the world before the World Trade Center came up. Today, it still remains the tallest building in the US. The observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors of the building give sweeping views of the city for miles.

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United and Continental Airlines Set to Merge

The aviation industry is to reach a major milestone with the merger of the United Airlines and Continental Airlines. The proposed merger received the go ahead from the US Justice Department (DOJ). All antitrust concerns have been addressed by DOJ and the overall review is also complete. Voting by the shareholders remains the final step before the deal falls through. The voting is likely to be carried out on 17th September. After that it would be a matter of receiving the approval of the US Transportation Department. It is expected that the entire event would be wrapped up by 1st October, 2010. Here are some of the major highlights of the merger.

Financial Perspective

The all stock merger is reported to be worth about $US 3 billion and would create the biggest airline in the world. Airline sources indicated that some $1 billion to $1.2 billion is projected to be realised from annual synergies by 2013. It includes about $200 million to $300 million in annual cost synergies.

Scope of the Merger

A look at the current operations of Continental and United reveals the immense dimensions of the merger. Continental handles over 2,700 departures serving about 170 points throughout the world and has about 40,000 employees. United, on the other hand, is the founder of the Star Alliance and employs nearly 40,000 personnel. The company operates some 3,400 flights a day to over 230 destinations. The coming together of these two giant entities clearly spells as the creation of a mammoth in the aviation industry.

Future Leadership

Leadership positions would be filled in from the talent pool of both the companies. Both United and Continental are expected to contribute about the same number of members to the new management team. Other than Glenn Tilton and Jeff Smisek from United and Continental respectively, the new Board of Directors will be comprised of two union directors and an equal number of independent directors of both companies.

Benefits for Customers

The merger blends award winning customer service with industry leading network carrier. The merged company would fly the latest fuel efficient fleet (adjusted for cabin mix) and will also have the finest order book amongst the leading network carriers of the US. Customers will get to access the services of the number one frequent flyer programme in the industry. Earning and redeeming endless miles spread across a plethora of destinations with more and more partners will benefit the passengers immensely. Attractive new features will be added besides combining the features of Mileage and OnePass (the loyalty programmes of Continental and United).

Employee Benefits

A performance oriented incentive programme would be awarded to employees and there would be focus upon goal sharing. Another thrust area would be the creation of cooperative labour relations, which would include negotiating contracts with collective bargaining units that would work both for the employees and the company. Both airlines have stated that frontline employees would hardly be affected. Reductions would come in mainly from retirements, attritions, and voluntary programmes.

Source: Southall Travel News

Manchester Airport welcomes Emirates A380

The new Emirates A380 touched down at Manchester Airport as the airline launched a new service to Dubai.

Over 10,000 people turned out last Friday to see the twin-deck airliner arrive and take-off from the city's airport. The plane will be used on one of the airline's twice daily flights to Dubai and offers an increased capacity as well as stunning onboard facilities such as an in-flight entertainment system with more than 1,200 channels.

Maurice Flanagan, executive vice chairman of Emirates, said: "This is a historic moment for Emirates as we bring our 21st century superjumbo to the north west twenty years after our first flight from the region."

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Delhi continues Commonwealth Games build-up

A new website has been launched to ensure that travellers to Delhi for the Commonwealth Games will be able to get around easily.

The Games will involve 11 venues across the city and it is hoped that the re-launched site for the Dubai Metro will provide vital information to visitors. As well as details about the event, the new website will have a host of information about stations and other attractions in the national capital. The website will be hosted by the government's servers rather than the current private one.

It is expected that there will be a surge in people looking for cheap flights to Delhi for the start of the Games in October.

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Luxury Thai resort launches flight service

When stepping off cheap flights to Bangkok as part of a holiday to Thailand, visitors may find that their inflight experience is not over should they decide to take a new flying service offered by a luxurious hotel in the city.

The high-end InterContinental Hua Hin Resort has become the first hotel in the area to launch a private jet service to take customers from Bangkok to Hua Hin. The new flying service takes discerning guests from Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muaeng Airport before they are taken away by a limousine.

General manager of the resort Pattama Yoshimura said: "Right from the conceptualisation stage of this resort, we have always strived to set new benchmarks in services we can offer to guests and we think that a private plane service is very hard to beat."

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Wine and art combine at luxury Thai hotel

Holidaymakers staying at the Anantara Resort and Spa at Hua Hin in Thailand may enjoy a new collaboration between the resort and members of the art and wine world.

The Monsoon Valley Art Series is a team-up between the Siam Winery and internationally renowned artist Christopher Hogan and follows a successful night of a Monsoon Valley Wine tasting held at the hotel a few months ago.

"The evening was such a success with the guests fully endorsing the wine, the surroundings and our resident artist, we jokingly said it would be great to bottle the feeling of the whole evening - and here we are one year later launching three limited edition wines inspired from that very first evening," said general manager of the resort Tim Boda.

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Development of Satyajit Ray movie trail announced

People who have booked flights to Kolkata may find that they are able to follow a trail dedicated to the work of Satyajit Ray, one of India's most famous directors.

Asian Lite reported that the West Bengal government has prioritised the project, which will pay homage to the iconic director and composer who is known throughout the film industry.

The news provider revealed that Ray's son Sandip and one of his former crew members are helping to identify the locations used in some of his movies. During his lifetime, Ray directed 37 films and wrote more than 40, as well as being involved in the composition of movie scores.

He was given an honorary Academy Award shortly before his death in 1992 for his contribution to film making. An official from the West Bengal government explained that the trail taking tourists along a route to see some of the locations from Ray's movies is likely to start in the Shantiniketan district of Kolkata.

Book flights to India and visit the Temple State

Holidaymakers who are set to visit India in the near future may wish to note the comments of one travel expert, who says Tamil Nadu is "brimming with life".

Jenny Coad, writing for the Daily Mail, states that Tamil Nadu - also known as the Temple State, located in southern India - is an "assault on the senses".

Visitors to the area - to the east of the well-known city of Kerala - can sample the delights of delicious food from street vendors, soak up the rich culture of the area by visiting one of the multitude of temples on offer or even soaking up the sun on the beach in Tranquebar.

She adds: "If you've come to India to find yourself, Pondi is the place. It's a place of meditation; the idea is to live in peace and harmony."

An abundance of temples and monuments with a history dating back several thousand years adorn the landscape of Tamil Nadu, making the area one of the most enchanting regions of India, Tamil Nadu Tourism states.

Global hotel chain to open new Koh Phangan resort

Those who have booked flights to Thailand have no doubt looked into the possibility of attending one if the island's infamous Full Moon Parties.

Holidaymakers who seek a spot of relaxation after partying the night away may find that the new Best Western Phanganburi Resort and Spa - which is set to open in November 2010 - is the perfect place for them.

"Our newest resort is ideal for party-goers who want to enjoy a peaceful sanctuary after a wild night," a company spokesperson states. Boasting a tropical beach front, two swimming pools, a spa, a beach restaurant and pool bar, all 105 rooms at the Phanganburi resort are just a stone's throw away from Haad Rin Beach - the location of the monthly Full Moon Party.

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Southall Travel Bags “Favourite Tour Operator to India” Award

The UK-based Southall Travel does not show any signs of letting up on its marathon award winning spree. The company bagged the prestigious Incredible India Award at the 13th Eastern Eye Annual Asian Business Awards event held in London on 26th March 2010. The accolade which the agency received for being the ‘Favourite Tour Operator to India’ was jointly presented by Rt. Hon. Sadiq Khan (Member Parliament) Minster of State for Transport & Mr. Ramniklal Solanki – CBE, Editor in chief Eastern Eye. The event was attended by over a 700 strong audience.

Eastern Eye, part of Britain’s largest Asian publishing house has been an iconic brand for more than 20 years and provides an extensive coverage on British - Asian business affairs through an admired weekly newspaper in the UK and a highly popular website. The Conservative Party chief executive, Mr Andrew Feldman, was among the numerous dignitaries adorning this star studded event. Mr Feldman also delivered the grace prior to a lavish four course dinner that absolutely befitted this occasion. This award ceremony saw Southall Travel rubbing shoulders with some of the top Asian business initiatives in the United Kingdom. Perceived to be experts in flights, hotels and packages, this UK travel agent has emerged as a piping hot shopping choice especially for people seeking flights to India.

The award holds further significance in the light of the fact that Southall Travel becomes one of those elite Asian businesses that have shown tremendous potential in the face of a depressed economy. Upon receiving the award, Mr. Shuban Kotwal, General Manager – Tour Operations expressed his high appreciation for strong faith that traveller’s repose in the company. “This award is a remarkable achievement and Southall Travel would like to thank all those who trusted us with their travel needs and our company will remain committed to consistently providing the superior quality travel services”, observed Mr. Kotwal.

On a daily basis, Southall Travel aids approximately 1000 people with their travel itineraries. The website of the company, http://www.southalltravel.co.uk is flooded with travel related information, cheap flights offers for holidays to India and rest of Asia, package deals to some of the most sought after Asian destinations.

Southalltravel.co.uk Wins The Best Consolidator Award 2009 by Kenya Airways

In what is seen as another leap forward, the UK based Southall Travel has recently bagged the ‘Best Consolidator’ Award for 2009 from Kenya Airways, one of the most renowned air carriers in Africa. Mr. Bruce Watson, Sales Manager UK and Ireland, Kenya Airways presented the award to Mr. Jaymin Borkhatria, Director of Sales, Southall Travel at an agency-appreciation lunch and awards ceremony organised by the airline at the Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, London. Also present at the event were Ms. Salina Hussein, the Key Account Manager for Southall Travel at Kenya Airways, and the representatives of some of the distinguished travel agencies in the country.

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Jet Airways unveils new menu

Anyone who has booked flights to India with Jet Airways will soon be able to sample a new menu on its services, the company has revealed.

The new menu will be rolled out on April 1st, offering hot hors d'ouvres for the first time. In 2009, the airline collaborated with Michelin-starred chef Yves Mattagne to revamp its food, with a host of western dishes designed to complement the carrier's Indian meals.

Jet Airways prides itself on offering haute cuisine and fine dining to its passengers, with "ultra-high levels of service". Additionally, the organisation revealed that, as of February, it had experienced 31 per cent growth in its international traffic year on year.

British passengers can book flights to Delhi or Mumbai from London Heathrow with the airline.

Anyone who wants to travel in comfort may want to splash out on the premiere class, which boasts flat beds and a state-of-the-art entertainment system for each passenger.

I Love Delhi ...Here’s why?

Since time immemorial, Delhi has demonstrated a magnetic quality about itself. Invaders who have stepped into the city have never returned and chosen to make the city their home for centuries.

Being a true Delhiite, I am no different from my ancestors when it comes to my fondness for the city. Delhi looks no different from any other international city with its wide tree-lined roads, glitzy malls, multiplexes, high-street shopping centres, museums, art galleries, luxury hotels, inns, guest houses and fine-dining restaurants. Being the mecca for shoppers, Delhi offers shopaholics a multitude of options be it the premium high streets of Connaught place, South Extension, Janpath or the traditional markets of Chandni chowk, Karol bagh & Palika Bazaar which have catered to the needs of Delhiites for generations.

Very few places in the country provide such a combination where old world charm blends perfectly with 21st century infrastructure. All you need to do to enjoy your holiday is take a flight to Delhi this winter, stay there for 10 days, explore its myriad places of interest including the most famous Red Fort and enjoy some great shopping. Your visit to Delhi, one of the top 10 cities to visit in 2010 will be a magical experience to cherish for the lifetime.

India – A Globetrotter’s Delight

So, you have decided to tour India. Bravo! This country will spoil you for choice with its myriad exotic locales. Hill enthusiasts can pick from South India’s picturesque Ooty and numerous other spectacular spots to Northern India’s tremendously beautiful destinations like Manali, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Mussourie – the list goes on. In skiing, Gulmarg is among the top five global skiing destinations. Don’t miss the riot of colours at the ‘Valley of Flowers’ or the adrenalin soaring white water rafting at Rishikesh, which bewitched all – from Sir Edmund Hillary to Brad Pitt.

Recreate colonial times at the little known quaint town of McCluskey Ganj. This erstwhile nation of snake charmers also satiates the spiritualist. Mythology, complete with fakirs and sadhus comes alive at the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh and Benaras among other myriad cultural hot spots. See the images of Kamasutra carved in the stone sculptures of Khajuraho. From the ‘Char Dham Yatra’ of the Himalayas to the Durgah at Ajmer and scores of mosques, temples and churches – it is easy to lose yourself in a religious frenzy.

Beach enthusiasts would do well to visit the former Portuguese settlement of Goa. The sun kissed beaches are perfect for water sports or sheer lazing around. Superb cuisine tantalises the gourmet.

Heard of Jim Corbett, the famous British hunter who became a terror for man eating tigers and leopards in India during colonial times? Explore his hunting grounds on a jungle safari to the Corbett National Park. The Sunderbans Delta with its man eating Royal Bengal Tigers and the Kanha National Park are further jungle destinations among many others.

India stuns with its plethora of sights, smells, tastes and heart touching people. In this land of contradictions, you might actually see a bullock cart and a Jaguar vying for space in a narrow street.

Kolkata Tourist Spots

Flanked by River Hooghly, ‘The City of Joy’, as Kolkata is called, blew my imagination with its own brand of charm. Extremely helpful and friendly people personify the soul of this city. Arguably India’s best spot for cheap and scrumptious food, Kolkata also teems with numerous attractions – old and new.

Curious about the Raj days? Visit the grand Victoria Memorial with its opulent display of Moughal and European architecture and colonial artefacts. Another Raj remnant is The Botanical Gardens, founded by the East India Company. Largest in India, this garden is an oasis of peace amid Kolkata’s bustle. The Park Street Cemetery, where Kolkata’s founder Job Charnock rests along with British martyrs invokes nostalgia for a rich past.

The bygone era’s sinfully rich nawabi splendour assails one at the Marble Palace, where priceless antiques, including Joshua Reynolds and Rubens masterpieces adorn the walls. Shoppers have a tough time deciding where to go. Options are many – Park Street with its age old food joints and shops, Swabhumi, Central Cottage Industries Emporium and Dakshinapan to name a few. Culture throbs at the Academy of Fine Arts and the Nandan Complex.

Hindu religious fervour reaches crescendo at Kalighat’s Kalibari and at Sagar Island’s Gangasagar Mela. The highly acclaimed St. Paul’s Cathedral, Belur Math and Dakhnineshwar Temple also offer an intoxicating religious high but in a much more relaxed manner. Kolkata is probably among the last few places in the world where hand pulled rickshaws and trams still ply.

An unforgettable highlight of my trip was the visit to Sunderbans Delta, a natural habitat of man eating tigers. Exploration and sightseeing during the day, followed by an electrifying nightlife or an evening of downing drinks at a bar with garrulous locals makes you fondly reflect on the phrase that Kolkata is a city of joy.

India Travel Menu

The exotic land of India with deep jungles, meandering rivers, looming mountains, time forgotten villages, haunting historical buildings, colonial architecture, countless vernaculars and excellent cuisines offers a bewildering array of exciting vacationing activities. If you are addicted to skiing and other winter sports, visit Gulmarg during December to April and at a fraction of the cost that one would incur at the Swiss Alps. Gulmarg also boasts world’s highest golf course. If beaches are your idea of fun, head to laidback Goa with its delightful Portuguese ambience or scenic Kerala. Definitely not to be missed is the world famous adrenaline pumping white water rafting on the raging currents of the Ganges at Rishikesh. This activity has seduced quite a few celebrities – Sir Edmund Hillary and Brad Pitt to name just two. With most airlines operating flights to India from Heathrow, visiting this destination is a breeze.

Step back into time at the Mathoor village of Karnataka. Here Sanskrit (supposed to be the world’s oldest language) is the language of choice. One can revisit shades of quaint colonial life at the sleepy hamlet of Jharkhand’s McCluskieganj. Watch Kamasutra coming alive in stone sculptures at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The famous golden triangle tour of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur is a wonderful lesson in history. Here, one gets the opportunity to behold the architectural wonders of the awe inspiring Red Fort and the magnificent Taj Mahal. Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is jam packed with havelis, forts, and other grand remnants of India’s rich royal past.

Hill lovers may have a tough time selecting a hill destination as there are so many of them. Every hill station outdoes the other – be it Kashmir, known as the Switzerland of India, or Darjeeling with its dazzling view of KanchanJunga, supposedly the world’s second highest mountain peak. Another rare treat is the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, a riot of colourful flowers and butterflies during the summer months of June to September.

India, with scores of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, is also a boon for wildlife enthusiasts. Just some of the most famous ones are The Corbett National Park, the Sunderbans Delta with its notorious man eating tigers, the Kaziranga Rhino Sanctuary, the Kanha National Park, and the Gir Forests, home to the Asiatic Lion, which is on the verge of extinction.

With innumerable temples and pilgrimages, India also acts as panacea to the soul who seeks solace in Eastern mysticism. Every Indian city will leave you with fond memories, be it the ‘City of Joy’ (Kolkata) or ‘City of Pearls’ (Hyderabad). In fact, India may well be your best bet if you want quality but cheap holidays.

Tips to reduce the cost of your travel to India

If you are amongst those who travel frequently to India and are tired of looking for cheaper fares then here is some help for you to slash your travel costs.

Flexibility is the key if you want to keep you travel costs low. Unless on a tight schedule, try to be flexible with the date as well as the time of your flight. Tickets on early morning or late night flights are usually cheaper as fewer people prefer to fly during these unearthly hours.

Try flying mid-week instead of weekends as many airlines charge a weekend surcharge. The weekend surcharge is applicable separately for each leg of your travel – outbound and inbound. Opting for connecting flights is always an economical option instead of flying direct. But ensure that you fulfil the set transit criteria relating to your nationality and visas while booking a flight which involves a connection as certain countries have stringent norms for such transition or connection. If you are looking for cheap flights to India from Europe, Australia or America then a connecting flight from Middle East, Bangkok, or Colombo that lands in any major Indian city will surely prove to be a lot cheaper.

Flying by the carriers of the destination country is a good idea as there are generally less taxes levied on tickets of these airlines. The Indian carriers that operate flights to India from the UK are Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher. By enrolling in frequent flyer programs of your preferred airline you can redeem the points earned to buy free tickets or holidays. Another smart idea to lower your travel cost to India is to purchase the tickets them from the web portals of airline consolidators who buy tickets in bulk and sell at discounted rates. It would be sensible to avoid booking tickets on dates which coincide with any important national holiday or religious festival as most passengers would want to travel on these days leading to a spike in ticket prices.

Even the choice of airport has a bearing on the price of your air-ticket. If you choose a lesser known airport for your arrival and departure then that would also translate into significant cash savings. If it’s not urgent, try booking your tickets a few weeks in advance to get the best rates. Do not procrastinate at any cost; grab an exciting deal as soon as you see it flashing on your screen either as a banner advertisement or as a clickable link and ensure that you keep the print out of your confirmation code safely till you embark on your journey. Delay in these matters would prove to be costly as these blink-and you-miss it deals will vanish by the time you return from your tea break.

If you happen to be a frequent flyer to India then getting email updates about the latest offers would help you get the best deals all throughout the year. A little bit of smart work would enable you to slash your travel budgets significantly and help you make the most of your vacation. Good luck in your search!

Ideal Flights To India

All London airports offer a number of flights to travel to different parts of India and the travelers are at times perplexed with numerous options that they have available to them. With a large number of travelers choosing India as one of the preferred destinations, loads of airlines are competing to lure the passengers by offering increasingly lucrative option. What then makes certain options as ideal flights to India? A multitude of carriers are trying to win their passengers with the best in class in-flight services, direct flights, cheapest fares and maximum baggage allowance to leave even the most veteran of travelers baffled.

If flying direct to save time and avoid the inconvenience of a connecting flight are your criteria of an ideal flight then you may consider British Airways or Air India to such destinations as Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai or Amritsar. Those traveling on a shoestring budget and looking for cheap flights to India may check out Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Lufthansa, Austrian Airways to name a few to fly to Delhi. Ideal indirect cheap flights to India are offered by Emirates, Qatar or Lufthansa. Emirates offers its passengers an opportunity to experience the grandeur and luxury of its two pride possessions – Airbus A380 on Heathrow Dubai sector and the majestic, awe-inspiring and marvelous Dubai Airport Terminal 3. Dedicated to Emirates, the terminal offers world class facilities ranging from a multitude of shops in the incredibly enormous duty free shopping zone, up-market restaurants, spas and themed lounges for first and business class passengers.

Flights to India with Qatar Airways ensure a memorable five-star customer-centric travel experience. For those looking for a good baggage allowance, Etihad along with Emirates or Lufthansa could be the right choice. Travel to India has surely been made a lot easier and comfortable with so many options available!

The beauty of Marina Beach in Chennai

Chennai, also known as Madras is on the southeast coastline of India and at the northeast of Tamil Nadu on a flat coastal plain known as the Eastern Coastal Plains. The average elevation of the city is around 6.7 metres and its top point is 60 m (200 ft).

The Marina beach is one of the most popular destinations here. It runs for 14 km along the shoreline of the city. It is claimed to be the longest beaches in India and second largest in the world. The beach begins near Fort St. George in the north to Besant Nagar in the south. The stone statues are one of the major attractions for visitors on the roadside area of the beach.

You can see many legendary statues there. Statue of Robert Caldwell, Constanzo Beschi, Truimph of Labour Statue, Kannagi, Subramaniya Barathiyar, Subhash Chandra Bose, George Uglow Pope, Thiruvalluvar, Annie Besant, Bharathidasan, Sivaji Ganesan, Mahatma Gandhi, Kamarajar, M. G. Ramachandran, Avvaiyar, Thanthai Periyar

The beach is sandy and is a major tourist attraction since long. It is always popular for shops and food stalls. The memorials and statues, morning walk, joggers' track, lovers' spot, aquarium, etc., make it a hangout for people of all ages. The sea is rough and waves are strong. There are fishermen colonies present at both ends of the beach. Bathing/swimming is illegal at Marina beach and there are no lifeguards stationed here.

The Ice House (Vivekananda House) is located in the same area, where the great monk stayed for nine days in 1897. The Vivekananda House hosts Art/Painting exhibits about the life and mission of Swami Vivekananda, the ideologies of the Hindu Religion, etc. which form an attraction of the area.

Tourists who are taking flights to Chennai never miss a chance of visiting this wonderful beach. Thousands of visitors across the world and especially Britons plan holidays in Chennai to enjoy this beautiful Marina beach and nature beauty of the area.