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".

News Reference

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."

News Source for Millions of Brits plan festive flights

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.

News Source

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.

News Source

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.

News Source for Oprah continues Australian tour

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.

Article Reference

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.

News Reference for World Cup boosts South African tourism

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.

News Source for New flights to Sydney announced

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.

News Source

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.

News Source for Asia to benefit from budget airlines