Tanks for the day out …

DORSET’S Tank Museum has almost 300 vehicles from 26 countries. 

The exhibition – in six halls – tell the story of armoured warfare from World War One to the present day, and gives first-hand accounts of the men who fought in tanks. 

The collection includes Tiger 131, the only working example of a German Tiger I tank, a British WW1 Mark I, the world's oldest surviving combat tank, and a modern Challenger 2.

For information about events at the museum in 2015, go to www.tankmuseum.org.


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Picture Credit: tankmuseum.org

Fast rides to the slopes

LUFTHANSA customers will be able to reach ski resorts even faster this winter, with a helicopter service from Munich starting in January.

Lufthansa’s hub in southern Germany is a departure point to reach ski centres resorts in the Alps that have helipads. The service can be booked now and will operate until the end of April.

Lufthansa passengers will be collected by HTM Helicopter Travel directly from their aircraft in Munich and flown to their skiing destination.

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Picture Credit: Lufthansa

Top five in South Australia

AQUATIC ADVENTURES ON THE EYRE PENINSULA – Not only can you swim with sea lions and dolphins, you can also swim with tuna – an activity that can't be experienced anywhere else in the world. 

You can also enjoy whale watching from the Great Australian Bight or visit the only location in Australia where you can get the adrenalin pumping and shark cage dive with great whites. 

ECO SAFARI ADVENTURES IN THE GAWLER RANGES – A gem in South Australia's crown, the Gawler Ranges on Eyre Peninsula are filled with wildlife, shimmering salt lakes, and star gazing opportunities. 

SCENIC FLIGHT OVER WILPENA POUND – Considered one of Australia's natural wonders, Wilpena Pound is an ancient amphitheatre, the centerpiece within the stunning Flinders Ranges National Park. Best appreciated from the air, the 640 million-year-old natural formation can also be seen on foot, bike or from the comfort of a four-wheel drive. 

TAKE IN ADELAIDE – Adelaide has been transformed from sleepy to vibrant in recent years. The city now has chic bars and restaurants opened by innovative chefs. It also has a year-round calendar of sporting and cultural events.

LIFE'S A BEACH – South Australia has more than 3,000 miles of coastline. Its beaches wide, pristine, and uncrowded. 

www.uk.southaustralia.com

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Picture Credit: From Top - "A176, Nullarbor National Park, Great Australian Bight Marine Park, Australia, 2007" by Brian W. Schaller - Own work via Wikimedia Commons; "Elder Park, Adelaide" by Kevin1243 - Own work - via Wikimedia Commons; "Elliston Beach SA" by Original uploader was Bilbao06 transferred to Commons by User:Bidgee - via Wikimedia Commons

Extra help for holidaymakers

THE latest colour supplement from West Country cottage specialists Helpful Holidays features 32 special self-catering properties spread across the region from the far west in Cornwall to Somerset. 

Sleeping two to 18 guests, many are new to the agency for 2015, increasing its portfolio to almost 765 properties. Pets are welcome at many of them.

Everyone taking a break with Helpful Holidays will get a free What shall we do today? booklet - www.helpfulholidays.com - containing more than 80 money-saving vouchers for use at visitor attractions throughout the West Country. 

It also gives information on local farmers’ markets plus recommendations for the best beaches, coast and country walks, places to eat, and quirky events.


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Rouble crisis keeps Russians at home

ONE of the major effects of the crumbling rouble has been an increase in the overseas and outbound flight costs for Russian tourists. 

According to the on-line booking company Biletix, air fare price inflation has become endemic in Russia. In November, ticket prices increased by 17% year-on-year.

Kirill Faminsky, head of the Pososhok airline ticket sales agency, said that falling rouble could cause an increase in ticket prices for international flights by 25% to 30% this month. 

Demand for trips abroad during the New Year holidays could decline by as much as 40% if the depreciation of the rouble continued at the current pace.

The troubles facing Russia’s tourism industry due to the weakening Russian rouble, has resulted in 24 tour companies stopping their operations.

On the plus side the rouble  crisis, though, has resulted in a significant increase in Russia’s domestic tourism. 

According to the Tour Operators Association of Russia, the number of passengers opting for domestic flights has increased by 15% in October compared to the same period last year.



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Picture Credit: From Top - "Moscow pano". Licenced under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons; 'Currency' via Wikimedia Commons; 'Rouble official sign' by Art.Lebedev Studio, Paratype and 5 other design studios (Art.Lebedev Studio) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Orchids on show

KEW GARDENS in London will be hosting an orchid festival from February 7 to March 8.

The story of orchid pollination will be brought to life by a pond centrepiece, a giant bloom crafted from flowers, and visitors will also see horticultural displays.

Elisa Biondi, a display horticulturalist at Kew says: ‘I’ve been thrilled to work on the designs for the festival. Orchids are not beautiful for nothing and it’s incredibly exciting to be able to show visitors just how clever they are through our displays.’

www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/orchids


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Picture Credit: 'Orchids, Kew Gardens, Surrey - geograph.org.uk - 1182701' by Christine Matthews via Wikimedia Commons

France on ‘highest’ terrorist alert

FRENCH prime minister Manuel Valls has raised the nation's security to its highest level of "attack alert" following Wednesday morning’s shooting spree in Paris that left 12 people dead, CNN reports.

As a result of the attack and elevated alert, ‘there will be reinforced security at media company offices, major stores, religious centres, and on public transport,’ according to a statement from the prime minister's office.

Tourist attractions in Paris have also seen reinforced security. The Eiffel Tower is under close watch from heavily armed soldiers in the wake of the incident.

It remains to be seen what impact Wednesday's murders will have on travel and tourism in Paris and other parts of France.


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Picture Credit: "Pluma" by Estebanjgonzalez - Own work. via Wikimedia Commons