Virtual Scotland

SCOTLANDVR is a ground-breaking virtual travel experience that allows people, wherever they are in the world, to be immersed in Scotland’s remarkable attractions.

Launched February 28, it is hoped the ScotlandVR app, which is available for all Android and Apple users to download for free on Google Play and Apple Store, will incite emotion during those ‘I want to get away’ moments in life and inspire more people to discover #Scotland for real.

Featuring state-of-the art 360˚ imagery and footage, users start their journey in a virtual glen complete with moo-ing Highland Cow, crackling fire and bellowing stag. From there, they can jump into a map of Scotland and experience 26 unique attractions covering every region of the country.

The whole environment can be experienced in Stereoscopic 3D when used with a Google Cardboard virtual reality headset, in 360˚ view using gyroscope phone technology or by touchscreen also in phone mode.

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Picture Credit: J McSporran 127130111@N06/32018396472 via photopin

Private Charter to Malta with Mansfield Town Football Club

MANSFIELD Town Football Club and Stags Air are offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel on the club’s private chartered plane when we head to #Malta as part of a pre-season trip next July there is a limited amount of places available for the trip which will see you sat with the players, management and directors.

Travel to the Mediterranean with us in luxury and style next summer enjoying the three hour 30 minute journey with complimentary champagne and a variety of foods to enjoy during your flight.

Departing from Western Aviation (adjacent to Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster) at 11am Monday July 3, you will receive a luxurious welcome in an exclusive VIP lounge before you take off. After a week in one of Europe’s most popular countries, you’ll be flying back to Robin Hood airport departing from Malta International Airport at 12 noon local time on July 10 all for £1,100.

The club has also announced an exclusive flight & accommodation package to include a signed Stags' shirt, free admission to first team matches in Malta (fixtures to be confirmed) as well as an exclusive invitation to a barbecue with the first team squad on a selected night for just £3000.

www.mansfieldtown.net

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Up in the Air . . .

DELTA is introducing complimentary meals on some of its longest domestic flights, including transcontinental routes between New York’s JFK and Los Angeles/San Francisco. The airline will be the only U.S. carrier to offer complimentary fresh meals from nose to tail on select coast-to-coast routes.

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Fundraising Initiative Helps Haiti and The Bahamas

THE Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) presented cheques totaling $70,000 to hotel associations in Haiti and The Bahamas to assist residents in both countries with Hurricane Matthew relief efforts. 

CHTA developed a fundraising initiative through online auction channel CharityBuzz.com and regional hoteliers in the US donated room nights for the auction to benefit residents in Haiti and The Bahamas, some of whom continue to struggle to put their lives back in order.

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A Little Secret . . .

THERE are many beautiful abandoned buildings and places in Europe have you ever visited any of them? They all have a different story to tell of their abandonment . . . 

Lake Reschen in Bolzano - Italy

This artificial lake is famous for the steeple of a submerged 14th-century church; when the water freezes, this can be reached on foot.

Craco in Matera- Italy

Now a ghost town Craco was abandoned in 1963 die to recurring landslides.

Spreepark in Berlin - Germany
Spreepark was opened in 1969 as Kulturpark Plänterwald the only constant amusement park in Germany but in 2002 its owners fled to Peru leaving a huge debt behind and the park was closed.

Buzludzha Communist Headquarters in Gabrovo - Bulgaria
Built by the Bulgarian communist regime to commemorate the events in 1891 when the socialists led by Dimitar Blagoev assembled secretly in the area to form an organised socialist movement.

Buyukada Orphelinat in Istanbul - Turkey
Built in 1898 as a hotel, it never opened due to lack of proper planning permissions. It remained abandoned for a long time until a wealthy Greek philanthropist turned it into a school and orphanage for children but it was again abandoned in the 1960's. Wardens live in a tiny house but are not allowed to let you in.

Canfranc Station, Canfranc - Spain
In 1970 a train derailment demolished a bridge on the French side of the mountains, the French decided not to rebuild the bridge, the cross border line was closed and never re-opened. Closed to the public except during guided tours in July and August offered via the local tourist office.

Varosha in Famagusta - Cyprus

Located within Northern Cyprus prior to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, it was the modern tourist area of Famagusta. Its inhabitants fled during the invasion, and it has remained abandoned ever since.

Balestrino in Liguria - Italy
Abandoned in 1953 for hydrogeological instability, the old town on the top of the hill is a ghost town whereas the modern town built below is still inhabited today.

Pripyat Amusement Park, Pripyat - Ukraine
The Pripyat amusement park was an upcoming amusement park due to be opened on May 1, 1986, but the plans were interrupted when on April 26 the Chernobyl disaster occurred a few kilometers away. The amusement park can be found behind the Palace of Culture in the centre of the city.

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Picture Credit: Renate Bomm 98384468@N04/29450221016  via photopin, Eichental 11875415@N04/30302540435 Spreepark via photopin, jwsal85 130535894@N08/16085801804  via/photopin, maecces 91769900@N08/29806859042 Balestrino via photopin, Matt. Create 76583692@N00/14048283292 Ferris Wheel, Pripyat, Ukraine via photopin

British Airways launches year round services to Milan

BRITISH Airways is launching new year-round services to #Milan, Italy from two London airports in April. 

The new routes to Milan’s Linate Airport will start from London City Airport on April 24 and from Stansted Airport on April 29. 

There will be two flights a day on week days and one a day at weekends from London City and two a week from Stansted.

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Picture Credit: British Airways

On the road . . .

RUNNING in conjunction with World Book Day on March 2, National Express is offering 10% off all fares.  

National Express is encouraging people to let their imaginations run wild and learn about literary heroes across the land. 

To take advantage of 10% off all fares, book before 28 February 2017 for travel between 2 – 5 March using the discount code: WorldBookDay. *Terms & conditions apply.

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Ready to Climb?

SCHEDULED to open on March 25, 2017, the Muscle Monster giant-sized climbing gym in Kanagawa an hour from Tokyo will be the first attraction of its kind in both Japan and Asia.

The giant jungle gym will be located inside Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest in Kanagawa prefecture, just one hour from Tokyo by car. You’ll need a head for heights to brave the new attraction, which will be located on the highest ground inside the resort and over 16m tall at its highest point.

It will offer three floors of athletic areas crowned by the “colosseum”, a hexagonal rooftop viewing platform. With over 90 hair-raising climbing activities spread across 1000 m sq and beautiful 360 degree panoramic views from the top, the new attraction is sure to make your hair stand on end with both fear and delight!

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St Patrick's Day celebrations in Dublin

#STPATRICK'S is on Friday 17 March, when #Dublin hosts the biggest street party in the Irish calendar.

This year, the party continues on Saturday 18 March, when Ireland hosts England for what could be the defining match of the Six Nations rugby series.

RailSail tickets packaging rail travel from local stations timed to suit Irish Ferries departures are also available, as is travel by Eurolines coach combined with Irish Ferries sailings.

www.irishferries.com

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Helena Bay's Award-winning Luxury

New Zealand’s newest luxury destination, Helena Bay has been named as the best new hotel in the world by luxury global research group Luxury Travel Intelligence. The luxury lodge - opened for guests on 1 November 2016 - and features three exclusive-use waterfront villas.

Helena Bay is one of the most beautiful bays along a coastline of breathtaking, sheltered sandy coves. The luxury development took many years to complete and the complex includes a Turkish hammam, a gym and a swimming pool – all designed to blend seamlessly with the scenic surrounds. The surrounding property includes a farm, 3km of pristine coastline with four private beaches, and extensive gardens and planting.

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