Buy your Space ticket on the High Street

Tickets for a 2 hours Space journey on board the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo will be available on the High Street. About 45 travel agents in U.S and 100 worldwide are getting their certifications.

The commercial flights should begin in 2010 from the Spaceport America in New Mexico. Current ticket price is around £100,000. Personally, I am waiting till they open route 'Newcastle to Venus'! In the meantime this is how Virgin Galactic portrays what flying into Space on board SS2 will be like.

Travelling on a shoestring, Monolo's shoe that is.

Ever wonder if luxury hotels offer bargains? It seems they do, well kind of. The Business Week has compiled a list of the cheapest rooms in the priciest hotels.

1. Four Seasons, New York
Most expensive: $30,000 *
Cheapest: $755

The architects designed the Tower to set back as it gently cascades down to the 90 foot street wall of East 57th Street. The 367-room hotel has a variety of guestrooms from the one-bedroom suites to the most luxurious accommodations, which is the 4,000-square-foot, two bedroom presidential suite, which occupies the entire top floor of the hotel. This Presidential Suite has 14 foot coffered ceilings, a formal dining room for entertaining, and bathrooms that have saunas and steam rooms.

2. Ritz-Carlton , Tokyo
Most expensive: $18,773
Cheapest: $625

The Ritz-Carlton occupies the top nine floors of the 53-story Midtown Tower, the tallest building in Tokyo, and provides stunning views of the city. Opened in March, 2007, the high point of Frank Nicholson's dramatic classic design is the magnificent 81-meter-high sky lobby on the 45th floor.

3. Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Moscow
Most expensive: $17,555
Cheapest: $1,370

The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow lies at the edge of the famed Red Square - site of countless coronations, conflicts and celebrations Featuring the most spacious guest room in Moscow, it is also home to three-star Michelin chef Heinz Winkler's new venture, Jeroboam.

4. Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai
Most expensive: $14,974
Cheapest: $2,314

This all-suite hotel reflects the finest that the world has to offer. A chauffeur driven Rolls Royce, discreet in-suite check in, private reception desk on every floor and a brigade of highly trained butlers will make sure you will have luxurious and unforgettable stay.


5. Le Bristol, Paris
Most expensive: $12,055
Cheapest: $951

Hotel Le Bristol Paris is situated in the prestigious Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. Considered by many to be the most elegant, refined, and quietly dignified hotel in the world. Filled with soft hues, refined woodwork and sumptuous fabrics, they all feature a separate entrance hall and generous marble bathrooms. Raphael Courant, two Michelin stars Restaurant Manager, welcomes guests every day for lunch and dinner.

6. Claridge's Hotel, London
Most expensive: $10,642
Cheapest: $939

The art deco jewel of Mayfair, the home to visiting royalties oozing of style and grandeur. Allegedly, in 1947, just before the wedding of then Princess Elizabeth, a harassed diplomat telephoned Claridge's and asked to speak to the King. "Certainly, sir," was the response. "Which one?"

7.Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
Most expensive: $5,938
Cheapest: $283

With memorable views of the Bund and the Huangpu River, the award-winning Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai is the city’s preeminent luxury hotel, offering warm and attentive Shangri-La service and world-class dining. The recently opened Grand Tower contains 375 luxurious rooms and suites, with the Premier rooms, at 54 square meters, being the largest in Shanghai and offering panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views of the historic Bund.

8.Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Most expensive: $5,209
Cheapest: $830

Declared a National Monument in 1987, the hotel has grown from strength to strength. It was named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. Raffles Singapore Hotel offers hotel guests an experience that embodies absolute comfort and old world charm.


9. Island Shangri-La Hotel, Hong Kong
Most expensive: $4,103
Cheapest: $339

Known locally as "Island Shang"—because there is another Shangri-La on Kowloon—this elliptically shaped building has become a Hong Kong icon. Located in the heart of the city's Central district, its 56 floors offer stunning views of The Peak, Victoria Harbor, and the distant mountains of China.

10. The Setai Hotel, Miami
Most expensive: $3,870
Cheapest: $715

Its design vision artfully combines the rich architectural history of the neighborhood and its cultural diversity with the International Art Deco movement, particularly its influence in Asia. Infused with natural materials, space and light, The Setai bears the unmistakable imprint of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha.


Cheap as chips, don't you think?!

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*Note, all prices are per night

Ryanair's sexy girl banned

A Ryanair ad showing a skimpy dressed schoolgirl has been banned. After an investigation based on 13 complaints, the Advertising Standards Authority said the model’s clothing strongly suggested she was a schoolgirl.

“We considered that her appearance and pose, in conjunction with the heading 'Hottest’, appeared to link teenage girls with sexually provocative behaviour and was irresponsible and likely to cause serious or widespread offence,” the watchdog ruled.

Ryanair argues the number of complaints to be insignificant, when compared to the newspapers’ combined readership of 3.5 million, in which the advert appeared.

Qantas cutlery - a piece of old news

Four years ago Qantas introduced a range of children's products and services designed to assist families and help make travelling easier and more enjoyable.

Mr McKinnon, Qantas Head of Marketing, said the focus on making flying fun had also extended to children's meals, with plans to incorporate bright colours and a fun factor using activity traymats and coloured cutlery.

So why this is interesting you may ask? All airlines do this! There is nothing strange about it. But then you have not spotted the shape of the cutlery yet… I thought so. A better picture you will find on Guardian Travel Blog

Good luck eating your peas with it kids!

Be good in Estonia or else.

One always has to be good and well behaved, at least that’s what mothers told us all, but one has to be extra careful when Estonia comes to picture, as Russian Ms Mariana B. Skvortsova found out.

Ms Skvortsova planned to spend her winter holidays travelling abroad. Yet, she was refused entry when she travelled from Russia to Finland. As it turned out, Ms Skvortsova was put on an immigration blacklist by Estonia because of her earlier participation in anti-Estonian protests over World War II monuments.

As Estonia is now a full member of European Union, Ms Skvortsova ban prevents her not only from travelling to Estonia but also to most of Europe as well.

So be good when taking holidays or visiting Talin!

Xishuangbanna elephant attack

An American tourist had to be hospitalized after being attacked by a wild elephant in “Wild Elephant Valley” nature reserve in the Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan province.

Mr. Jeremy Allen McGill, an English teacher, suffered serious internal injuries.

"It wasn't clear why he was attacked," a Chinese official says "The elephant just used its trunk to pick the man up and then let go."

Xishuangbanna region in southern China is famous for its unspoiled woods and tropical rainforest swarming with wildlife. According to the official website, now nearly 300 Asian elephants live in Mengyang Nature Reserve, which Wild Elephant Valley Park is part of. In 2006 the "Wild Elephant Valley" was named one of China's top 50 destinations for foreign tourists.

Russell Crowe new ambassador for Sydney

Actor Russell Crowe will head the U.S. advertising campaign promoting Sydney as the perfect holiday destination. The Hollywood superstar will be joined by two other ambassadors; billionaire businessman Peter Holmes à Court and world surfing champion Layne Beachley

"They are international heavyweights who can influence people from industry, business, entertainment and sport," NSW Premier Morris Iemma said in a statement. "Their public support of Sydney will encourage people to visit and invest in business, tourism, the arts, sport and education”

Stop for a minute! ... or better for a week.

A survey done by Virgin Holidays revealed that 40 per cent of Brits fail to take their full holiday entitlement. Further, many of these on holiday still work from home or just “have to pop to the office to polish the details”.

According to a study, the most common reason for not taking holidays is being too busy at work, although some admitted to be too disorganised to book a break.

So maybe make yourself a new New Year resolution … I will go on holidays this year and leave my laptop at work!

Big four say no to holidays in Kenya.

Thomas Cook, MyTravel, First Choice and Thomson have put on hold holidays to Kenya until the end of April 2008, despite the latest change in travel advice issued by the Foreign Office.

Statement issued by Thomson reads: “In light of the FCO’s advice against all but essential travel to large parts of Kenya and as the security and political situation in the country remains unpredictable, the decision has been taken to cancel both the First Choice and Thomson charter flight operation to Mombassa, Kenya for the winter season.”

More flights to Sicily and Malta

From 4th of April Air Malta will increase the number of flights on London Gatwick – Catania , Sicily adding an extra flight on Fridays.

Similarly, from 1st of May, there will be an extra flight on Fridays to Malta from Manchester.

Betty Boop cruise

Betty Boop's 1st Annual Official Fan Cruise is to set sail 9th October 2008 with Carnival Cruises.

This 4-night weekend cruise from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico on board of Elation will offer variety of Betty Boop related activities. Fans will be able to join Betty Boop in open bar during Betty-land Cocktail Party, test their knowledge in Story of Betty Boop discussion, take part in Betty Boop Look-a-Like Contest, just to name a few.

“This cruise offers a fantastic opportunity for Betty Boop fans to come together and experience an outstanding vacation they will never forget, and to celebrate a character that has brought decades of joy, entertainment, and smiles to fans around the world,” said Vicki Freed, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and guest services.

For further inquiries please contact Cruise Harbor on 0191 222 97 06.

To infinity, and beyond! - next space tourist begins his training

Stuck for holiday's ideas? Bored with beaches of Goa or buzz of Magaluf? So why not try something new?

An American space tourist has begun his preparation for spaceflight. Richard Garriott will spend six weeks training for flight aboard a Soyuz spacecraft.

Garriott is paying cool $30 million for 9 days ‘holidays” and is contemplating a $15 million spacewalk as an additional extra.

"This year is definitely where all my priorities and schedules have rotated to where space becomes the top priority and terrestrial activities become secondary. […] There's no aspect of the actual training that I perceive that's going to be scary or intimidating, I just look at it as going to be really smooth from here."

Buy the launch, Garriott must familiarise himself with all working aspect of Russian Soyuz spacecraft and the International Space Station, and the Russian language.

You can read more about Richard Garriott's mission preparations at his personal website: www.richardinspace.com

Ban on holidays to Kenya lifted

The Foreign Office has changed its advice on travel to Kenya. Instead of a blanket travel ban, the Foreign Office is advising against all but essential travel to specific areas of Kenya: particularly the Western and Nyanza provinces, Rift Valley province between Narok and Kitale, parts of Nairobi, Uhuru Park and Mombasa town.

In response, the Kenya Tourism Federation issued a statement describing the situation in beach resorts north and south of Mombasa, including Msambweni, Galu, Diani, Bamburi, Nyali, Shanzu, Kikambala, Kilifi and on to Watamu, Malindi and Lamu as calm with open and secure linking highways.

According to a Kenya Tourism Federation announcement; “Tourists have been staying at the beach resorts throughout the last fortnight without any problems and all have travelled between the airports and their beach hotels without any incidents being reported.”

British Airways operates daily scheduled flights to Nairobi from London Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic, Kenya Airways, KLM revised their timetables. All travelers are recommended to contact their airline before leaving for the airport.

The Foreign Office is recommending that tourists visiting Kenya should avoid all public gatherings and large public meetings, any rallies, even if advertised as peaceful. Extreme caution should be exercised at all times.

'The Air Hostess Wars' war

The new and highly popular Thai soap opera the ‘Air Hostess War’ is causing some stir around Thai Airline staff. The TV show portrays the tribulations of charming stewardess who becomes an object of affection of one of the pilots.

Union president Somsak Srinual describes the show as humiliating and offending.

"It's all about sex and air hostesses beating each other up in the cabin because of love and jealousy.” says Somsak "This kind of thing never happens."

Thai Airline cabin crew have petitioned Thailand's Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon to get the drama pulled off the air since it shows them in an immoral light.

Can you imagine similar action towards Casualty, ER, Boston Legal, etc?

U.S. substitutes

With increasing number of travel restrictions to United States, The Sunday Times has offered some fantastic alternatives.

Hong Kong instead of New York – both cities are buzzing and unforgettable. Flight to Hong Kong might be longer, however there are no queues or extensive questioning at immigration.

Disneyland Paris in place of Disney World Orlando – closer, cheaper and smaller carbon footprint.

Gauchos versus Cowboys – for true experience of harmony between horse and its rider in the middle of wild pampas try Argentina.

Forget Las Vegas, try Macau – just 55 minutes ferry trip from Hong Kong, Macau offers the largest casino in the world – the Venetian Macao with top class entertainment, just to name The Police concert in February.

St Moritz before Aspen - classier and posher, with over 100 years more tradition, St Moritz in Switzerland offers ample snow with over 300 days of sunshine a year.

Switzerland famous for chocolate, cheese and… spas!

The TripAdvisor’s readers named Top Ten World Spas. Among them there are 5 European spas with 3 of them in Switzerland, the other four are in USA and one in Bali.

"Situated in stunning environments with luxurious accommodations, these top spas offer a truly exceptional experience, enabling travelers to completely unwind and rejuvenate," said Michele Perry, spokeswoman for TripAdvisor.

The full list is as follows:

1. Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, Ojai, California
2. Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Interlaken, Switzerland
3. The Lodge At Woodloch, Hawley, Pennsylvania
4. Les Sources de Caudalie, Aquitaine, France
5. Como Shambhala, Bali, Indonesia
6. Canyon Ranch Lenox, Lenox, Massachusetts
7. Casa Palmero at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach, California
8. Lausanne Palace & Spa, Vaud, Switzerland
9. Hotel Le Mirador Kempinski Genfer See, Vaud, Switzerland
10. Schlosshotel Buehlerhoehe, Buhl, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Learn fencing and glass blowing on your cruise.

As unbelievable as it sounds, that is an offer of new cruise amenities in 2008.

Cunard Line's Queen Victoria is to offer fencing. Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice will feature a glass-blowing studio at sea in cooperation with the Corning Glass Museum of New York State. While P&O ship Tamarind will include Cirque Ventura - a circus school.

Holidays over mortgage?

According to latest report, Brits think more about their holiday plans then their mortgages.

Brits spend at least 10 hours researching their next holiday, compared to a meager 11 per cent who put the same time into choosing their mortgage.

Honestly, can you blame us?

Further suspension of flights to Kenya

All UK charter flights to Kenya remain suspended until and including Monday, 21st January.

Scheduled flights with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways continue to operate.

More U.S. travel restriction?

In yesterdays BBC interview, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael
Chertoff names Europe as the “platform for terrorism”, recommending even further security steps.

Chertoff suggested an advance travel authorisation system, which would require travellers to America to register their intentions online prior to their journey to allow authorities to clear them in advance.

Heathrow delays to be expected.

A British Airways aircraft, a Boeing 777 flight BA38 from Beijing met difficulties while landing at Heathrow Airport. Passengers are reported to acquire only minor injuries.

The traffic at Heathrow is ongoing, however delays are to be expected.

British Airways has set up a helpline for concerned relatives: 0800 389 4193

Three Cunard’s Queens meeting in New York

This historic meeting took place on 13th January, when three maritime queens; the Queen Elizabeth 2, the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria met for the first time in New York.

As the Queen Elizabeth 2 will retire later this year, eventually to be converted to luxurious hotel in Dubai, this was most certainly the only time these Cunard’s Queens will ever meet.

The next ‘royal appointment’ will take place in Australia on 24th February, when Queen Elizabeth 2 and the Queen Victoria cruise liners will meet again in Sydney.

No Men Please!

‘Women Only’ trend is growing stronger in the hospitality business. The newest hotel to implement the ‘women only’ floor is Hampton Inn in Albany, New York.

Ladies staying on the third floor of the Hampton Inn hotel will receive special amenities and services and pay a premium for the room, most likely $20. The scheme is to be run from Sunday to Thursday, and male guests will be welcome on the floor Fridays and Saturdays.

Trades Union calls for boycott the holidays in Burma (Myanmar)

The Trades Union Congress general secretary Brendan Barber urges Britons to boycott leisure travels and holidays in Burma because of the country's disregard for human rights and employment of children.

According to TUC, tourism partly finances generate military regime in Burma.

Mr. Barber said: "Trade unions have been at the forefront of campaigns for longer holidays, but Burmese unions have asked us not to take those holidays in Burma.

Holidays to Kenya remain postponed

The suspension of holidays to Kenya has been extended once more due to the continuing political unrest in the country.

Holiday departures to Kenya will remain suspended until Friday January 18. The situation for charter flights due to leave on Saturday is still under review, and a decision is expected to be made on Wednesday afternoon.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel to the country.

The first woman millionaire in Abu Dhabi Duty Free Raffle

Mrs Nafeesath Jasmin Abdul Mujib has become the latest millionaire with Abu Dhabi Duty "Big Ticket" raffle draw. The latest winner picked up her prize of one million dirhams (USD 271,900) at Abu Dhabi International Airport's iconic Terminal 1.

The Big Ticket, in addition to tickets for any of Abu Dhabi Duty Free 's four car raffles, can be purchased at Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports, the City Terminal in Abu Dhabi City (opposite the Beach Rotana Hotel), the Ghweifat land-border shop between the United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , and on Abu Dhabi Duty Free 's website.

On her first ever trip to the UAE to visit her husband, a storekeeper in an insurance company, Indian housewife Nafeesath Jasmin Abdul Mujib not only claimed the first prize of one million dirhams but also became the first woman to win the top prize under the "Big Ticket" monthly draw format.

Tourism to Japan stronger then ever

The growing number of travelers to Japan, proves that even with tighter immigration controls, Japan remains as one of the most popular travel destinations.

Japan started the new security measures at airports and other points of entry on November 20th 2007. The new practice of fingerprinting and photographing foreigners is based on the US-Visit system launched in the United States after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Tourism to Japan has also been boosted by the recent weakness of the Yen, particularly in comparison to the soaring South Korean Won and Euro.

Virgin Atlantic to go on biofuel.

Virgin Atlantic will fly one of its Boeing 747 planes on biofuel during a demonstration flight from London to Amsterdam in February.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, said: "This breakthrough will help Virgin Atlantic to fly its planes using clean fuel sooner than expected. The demonstration flight next month will give us crucial knowledge that we can use to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint. Virgin Group pledged to invest all its profits from its transportation companies towards developing clean energy and with this breakthrough we are well down the path to achieving our goals."

In the middle of 2007, Virgin trains began a six-month trial of a passenger train using biofuel, an experiment the company said could lead it to switch its entire fleet over to a mix of diesel and biofuel.

British Airways new longhaul route to Hyderabad

British Airways is to start flights from Heathrow to the Indian city of Hyderabad from October 27, 2008.

Hyderabad becomes the airline's sixth Indian destination joining Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai on its route network. There will be five flights each week on a Boeing 777 aircraft.

Robert Boyle, British Airways' commercial director, said: "India is our largest market outside North America and, with the Hyderabad route, we will fly there 48 times each week. This is up from 19 flights per week when the UK/India aviation market was liberalised in October 2005.

"Hyderabad has a fast growing economy based on IT, business process outsourcing and biotech industries and we believe that there will be a strong business demand for our flights which will be the only direct services between the city and the UK."

British Airways hand baggage limit lifted

British Airways customers flying through and out of Heathrow will be able to take two pieces of free hand baggage on board from January 7, 2008 following the government's decision to lift the restrictions.

But the one bag limit is still in place at Gatwick.

Robert Boyle, British Airways' commercial director, said, "This is great news for our customers at Heathrow and it's something we've been lobbying for over the last year.

"It was a serious inconvenience for passengers and didn't make sense because the UK was the only country to impose the restrictions.

"Now we want to see the restrictions lifted at Gatwick in line with other major UK airports as quickly as possible. We are working closely with the BAA and the DfT towards lifting the one-bag restriction as soon as possibly."

The New Holidayco Travel Blog

This blog is has just been launched and will be regularly updated starting next week.