Austrian Airlines Flies to the Seychelles

AUSTRIAN Airlines will initiate flight service to the #Seychelles starting with its winter 2017/18 flight schedule. 

From October 25, 2017, it will fly non-stop every Wednesday from Vienna to the vacation island in the Indian Ocean, returning to Vienna on Thursdays.

“Demand for direct flights to long-haul tourist destinations is high. We responded: In addition to Mauritius, Colombo and Havana, the Seychelles represent our fourth new destination within a period of only two years”, says Austrian Airlines CCO Andreas Otto.

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Picture Credit: 97760755@N08/25901110864 Seychelles: i miei 8 giorni in paradiso per ritrovare la pace dei sensi via photopin.com

Taj Hotels reveal . . .

TAJNESS—the group’s brand and operations philosophy for the future. For more than a century Taj Hotels has welcomed guests with a signature warmth, a practice of perfection, a culture of generosity and a clear sense of true Indian hospitality. Tajness seeks its inspiration from the nobility of this Indian heritage and blends it with local cultures to deliver an unparalleled experience of sincere care at its 100 hotels around the world.

The Tajness experience at Taj hotels will focus on delivering a consistency in service and providing a taste of Indian tradition mixed with authentic local experiences. Sensorial touchpoints are key to the brand experience and several elements will be consistent across hotels.

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Picture Credit: By Vikramdeep Sidhu from Jhajjar, India - The Taj Hotel Mumbai, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41479892

BA Island Challenge

Mercedesz at Peel Castle, Isle of Man

RESIDENTS on the Isle of Man were asked to put their local knowledge to the test recently as the British Airways island challenge took off. The airline teamed up with 3FM Radio for a unique treasure hunt to promote the return British Airways flights between the #IsleofMan and London City Airport. 

Luke Hayhoe, British Airways’ general manager commercial and customer said: “We had a fantastic two days visiting some of the most beautiful parts of the Isle of Man. We visited local travel agents and also had fun with the radio station testing people’s local knowledge. “The Isle of Man-London City route is very important to us and we always welcome the opportunity to get involved with the local community to promote the flights.” 

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Picture Credit: British Airways

Survival Skills in Devon

BUILT in 1868, Huntsham Court is a stunning baronial mansion, available for exclusive midweek and weekend hire for events. 

#Huntsham is nestled in the #Devon countryside, close to the town of Tiverton and just a stones throw away from Exmoor National Park. The property can accommodate up to 72 overnight guests and can seat up to 120 guests for banquets and functions.

In January 2012, Huntsham Court was purchased by Damian Llambias and Chris Badham. Their vision was to breath new life into this forgotten gem and to lovingly restore the house to its former glory, whilst maintaining the ambiance of relaxed grandeur that is intrinsic to the property. An extensive 11-month refurbishment programme was completed in 2012.

Huntsham Courts latest offering is the F.E.A.S.T Project where guests can learn to unleash the inner hunter gatherer. This ultimate organic food experience enables guests to hunt, fish, butcher and forage for their own dinner in the glorious natural surroundings of the Devonshire countryside before their catch is transformed into a delicious meal to be enjoyed around a shared table, by renowned local chef Peter Mundy.

www.huntshamcourt.co.uk/feastproject

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Picture Credit: By Boddah at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47721217

Dinosaurs at Horniman

DISCOVER dinosaurs in a family focused interactive environment at Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill, #London.

The temporary exhibition Dinosaurs: Monster Families ends on October 30 and shows how dinosaurs looked after their families, you can view a near-complete skeleton of a dinosaur hatchling and enjoy the interactive stations.

The Horniman Museum has been open since Victorian times, when Frederick John Horniman first opened his house and extraordinary collection of objects to visitors. Since then the collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as an acclaimed aquarium and natural history collection has grown significantly.

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Picture Credit: 35034353562@N01/16662437686 Horniman interior via photopin.com

The Hidden Jewels of Northern Peru

THE ultimate voyage of discovery away from the crowds of Machu Picchu. 

Developed by Amazing Peru and Beyond through experience gained in previous tours, the Hidden Jewels of Northern #Peru includes local expert guides, private transport in luxury 4 x 4 vehicles and boutique hotels across this seldom visited part of the country.

The unique journey visits the archaeological sites of the Moche, Mochica, Sipan and Sicán cultures in private service and is now available to all through Amazing Peru and Beyond.

Amazing Peru & Beyond is the pioneer of luxury tailor-made travel services throughout Peru and Latin America. 

www.amazingperu.com

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Picture Credit: 43714545@N06/20133076268 Huaca El Brujo (Cao Viejo), ceremonial precinct and tomb of the Lady of Cao, Moche, around 450 CE (7) via photopin.com

Cornwall food glorious food . . .

#CORNWALL offers a host of events throughout the year making it the perfect place for a break all year round, not just for the Summer holidays. Try out one of these fantastic local food and drink festivals in #October.

The Eden Project’s Annual Beer Festival, October 1
Promising a selection of top tipples, fabulous food and live music. The one-day festival, organised in partnership with the renowned St. Austell Brewery, will feature a huge range of speciality beers and ciders.

Oktoberfest Truro, October 7 & 8
A celebration of Bavarian culture at Truro Lemon Quay (the piazza) with beers, food, music.

Falmouth Oyster Festival, 13-16 October
Falmouth Oyster Festival will for the 20th year welcome visitors to enjoy a programme of cookery demonstrations, live music and freshly shucked oysters.

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Picture Credit: 8187265@N07/29315148154 Autumn Sunset via photopin.com

Treasure Beach

FROM October 18 – 20, 2016, the 9th Annual South Coast Hook & Line Canoe Tournament will be taking place at Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, #Jamaica.

The tournament is a 3-day competition during which local fishermen vie for prizes by catching the largest fish using only traditional fishing methods of a simple hook and line. No fancy yachts or first world equipment are to be seen at this grass roots event.

The weekend also includes other exciting events such as a boat race, local talent show, fish fry and community beach party. The competition will feature environmental exhibits and entertainment.

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Treehouse Adventure in South Africa

BRING out the inner child high up in the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest canopy at South Africa's Tsala Treetop Lodge with infinity plunge pools, glass walled dining, fire pits and outdoor 'moon showers' whats not to like. 

With a total of ten suites, each with their own private decking, plunge pool, mini bar and 24hour room service. Enjoy breakfasts being entertained by monkey acrobatics and there’s no need to dine alone with ‘dinner dates’ with the real tropical birds on the suspended decks of the restaurant. 

Adrenaline junkies can explore the incredible surroundings of South Africa's Western Cape and venture out for a day of surfing, sailing, kayaking, skydiving, bungee jumping, mountain biking and shark cage diving. 

Prices from £2,261 for four nights in a Tsala Villa B&B (saving £359) via Hotelscombined.co.uk

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Picture Credit: www.Hotelscombined.co.uk

China ranks New Zealand as top destination

THE China Tourism Academy’s (CTA) annual report of outbound tourism was released recently and for the second year running #NewZealand topped the destination list for visitor satisfaction.

Scenery, clean air and nature ratings performed especially strongly to help New Zealand beat out 23 leading international destinations.

The rankings were based on information from a nationwide survey that included 16,000 interviews with Chinese travellers and more than 100,000 online questionnaires.

“Having rankings based on actual visitor experience has real influence especially when it highlights New Zealand’s renowned hospitality,” says David Craig, General Manager Asia.

“Research tells us that Chinese travellers really value unspoilt nature and genuine down to earth hospitality and this is something New Zealand can offer in spades.”

Singapore was rated second in the report followed by Australia Italy, US and France.

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Picture Credit: By David Briody, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3232712

October in Nepal

#Kathmandu, and most of #Nepal, are now recovering from the April 2015 earthquake that claimed over 9000 lives.

October is peak tourist season in Nepal and also the month that celebrates two of Nepal's biggest festivals.

Dashain celebration is held this year October 9-12. the 15-day long festival is held during the lunar fortnight and ending on the day of the full moon, the Dasain festival celebrates the goddess Durga. Durga, meaning the invincible, is the Goddess of Victory of Good over Evil.

Diwali (aka Deepawali or the Festival of Lights) will be held on October 30 and is celebrated over 5 days. The festival starts with the honouring of animals such as cows and bullocks and on the third day, the Goddess of Wealth visits every home that has been suitably lit for her presence, which is why homes are illuminated with small clay lamps filled with oil and candles.

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Picture Credit: 20884910@N00/26795894292 via photopin.com

Ski Solutions celebrates

Ski Solutions is the UK’s original specialist ski tour operator and travel agency, with 30 years’ experience of arranging hotel and chalet holidays to the Alps and North America.

Craig Burton, Managing Director of #Ski Solutions, said: “As we’re celebrating our 30th birthday, Ski Solutions has its most comprehensive and exciting ski programme in its 30-year history.

“New for winter 16/17 we have launched a short break programme to world-famous St. Anton. The Wednesday-Sunday short break will prove really popular among people who want to go away for a long weekend.

“New flights with Delta to Salt Lake City mean skiers can fly direct from the UK, while good-value flights with WestJet give skiers in Banff the option to splash out a little more on top-notch accommodation. Plus, brand new hotels including the only five-star property in Les Arcs ”

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South Africa sees 15.4% increase on tourist numbers

SOUTH AFRICA continues to enjoy a strong growth trajectory in tourist arrivals with a 15.4% increase overall for the first six months of 2016, compared to the same period in 2015.

The 15.4% translates to more than 4.9 million tourists from across the globe. Asia leads the growth with an increase of over 40% with close to 162 000 tourists coming from this region during this period. Europe still dominates as the key source market with 697 373 tourists coming from Europe. This is a 14.7% increase when compared to the same period last year.

North American travellers coming to #SouthAfrica increased by nearly 18% while Central and South American tourists increased by 17%. Australasia’s tourist arrivals to South Africa grew by 10.8% during the same period.

Africa exhibited strong growth with a 14.4% increase in travellers coming from the rest of the continent, which signifies a strong recovery from 2015.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, Sthembiso Dlamini, is delighted with these results, “Tourism continues to grow in South Africa. The positive increase is central to what we aspire to achieve as a country – to create more jobs, have a sustainable and transformed industry that can accommodate more tourists, as well ensure that our industry continues to contribute positively to the GDP” 

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Picture Credit: 114138418@N08/15471742305 Lyndenburg (Mpumalanga) on the way to Nelspruit, South Africa via photopin.com

Warwick Castle festive treats

DECK the halls! The festive celebrations commence with the arrival of the 25-foot-high Christmas tree on 14 November. Hand decorated from tip to trunk, the tree will grace the iconic Great Hall until 3 January 2017.

Santa’s Stately Breakfast, a magical feast for families inspiring lifelong memories.For the first time in the Castle’s 1,100-years guests can feast at Mr. and Mrs. Claus’ very own private dining table set in the Castle’s fairytale State Dining Room. Children can enjoy games and festivities with Mrs. Claus and the elves while Santa presents a personalised gift to each child.

Santa Sleepover ( December 2,3,9,10,17-23) complete with an Elf wakeup call. Guests enjoy exclusive storytime with Santa after breakfast and can add an evening meal with Mr and Mrs Claus to their stay. 

Welcome 2017 with the New Year’s Eve Great Hall Ball, a captivating evening of enthralling entertainment from some of Warwick Castle’s best-loved characters, with fine food served in the distinguished surroundings of The Great Hall.

For more information and dates, go to: www.warwick-castle.com. To book an event for a private group of to join a shared party, email events@warwick-castle.com or call 01926 406 660.

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In the air . . .

easyJet, Europe’s leading airline, has announced a new route from London Gatwick to Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The new year round service commences 5th December 2016 with flights on sale now at www.easyjet.com. Flights will operate four times per week Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday with fares starting from £34.99 one way per person.

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Picture Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=458696

Trip Advisor announces World's Top Ten Museums

THE BRITISH MUSEUM has been named as the best rated museum in the UK in the Travellers’ Choice awards for Museums, announced TripAdvisor.

Joanna Mackle, Deputy Director, the British Museum said, “The British Museum is delighted to be number one in the TripAdvisor Traveller’s choice awards in the UK and to appear in the Europe and World lists. The Museum’s world collection has always been a draw for visitors but it is wonderful that visitors enjoy and rate their visits so highly. TripAdvisor is such an important tool for us to monitor visitor satisfaction and customer service so this user affirmation is particularly welcome”.

Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Museums in the world:

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York

2. Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

3. State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace, St Petersburg, Russia

4. Musee d'Orsay, Paris, France

5. National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropologia), Mexico City, Mexico

6. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, New York, United States

7. Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, Spain

8. British Museum, London, United Kingdom

9. The Acropolis Museum, Athens, Greece

10. Vasa Museum, Stockholm, Sweden

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Picture Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=458696

SWISS launches new “SWISS Holidays” travel portal

SWISS has established a new travel portal which enables customers to compile their own individual vacation packages including flights and hotels.

The airline’s new www.swissholidays.com travel portal offers scheduled flights from Switzerland on SWISS and further partner carriers, together with a selection of over 10,000 hotels and 140 vacation destinations, all of which can be freely combined.

To mark the new portal’s launch, SWISS Holidays is offering a special prize, too: an exclusive four-day city break to Barcelona with round-trip SWISS flights, accommodation at the five-star Hotel Melia Barcelona Sarriá and a culinary tapas tour.

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Picture Credit: 87857621@N00/90430542 Swiss Air Lines A330-200 winglet via photopin.com

POKÉMON GO . . . Asia

EXPLORIENT Travel Services, a leading tour operator that organises high-end vacation experiences throughout the Asia and the Pacific Rim, will be launching the travel industry's first #Pokémon Go tours to Asia beginning with #Japan and #Hong Kong with other Asian destinations to follow.

Since the initial rollout out of Pokémon Go in July 2016, this location-based reality game instantly became a worldwide phenomenon. Starting September 2016, Explorient will be rolling out a suite of "Pokémon Go" Tours that enable travelers to experience Asia in a whole new way, motivating travelers young and old to go places they otherwise probably never see.

No longer will young travelers complain about being tired or bored on long tours and airport layovers - in fact, they now look forward to them. With their beloved Pokémon friends, PokeGyms and PokesStops accompanying them every step of the way, traveling with kids just got a lot easier.

For more information about our Pokémon Go Asia Tours, please visit us at www.explorient.com/Pokémon-go-asia-tours/

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Picture Credit: www.expolrient.com

Autumn in Cumbria

ON October 6-9 the award-winning Paines Plough Theatre Company will be pitching their Roundabout tent outside Abbot Hall, Kendal. There will be four days of cutting-edge theatre, live music from The Hey Down Treaders, comedy from Ed Gamble and spoken word from Some Some Unicorn.

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Halong Bay - chance to win a luxury cruise

EXPLORING Halong Bay is usually a highlight of a must-do-list among travellers and #Vietnam visitors. Its literal translation means “descending dragon bay”. Designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1994. 

#Halongbay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, within Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, covers an area of 43,400 ha with over 1600 islands and islets rising from the sea a magnificent seascape of mostly uninhabited limestone karsts.

HalongHub now launches a sweepstakes for a grand #prize is a Deluxe Room of 4 star Halong Pelican Cruise for 2 people. You will have a chance to enjoy the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of Halong Bay in 2 day 1 night trip.

Cruise highlights includeTuan Chau Island, Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, Coconut Three Island, Titov Beach, Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave.

The sweepstakes will end at 23:59 (GMT +7) October 15th 2016. 

For a chance to win this incredible prize go to www.halonghub.com/blog/sweepstakes-halong-pelican-cruise/

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Picture Credit: 25509772@N00/16250176545 Surprising Cave is Amazing via photopin.com