As Pancake Day only comes around once a year you can just about be forgiven for not diverging from the typical British pancake - topped with a dash of lemon juice, sprinkled with sugar and drizzled in golden syrup. Should you fancy mixing it up a bit this year, however, I’ve compiled some bizarre pancake ideas from around the globe:
Vietnam Banh Xeo – meaning “sizzling cake”, these savoury pancakes are stuffed with slivers of fatty pork, shrimp,and bean sprouts, and then pan fried. They’re then stuffed with mint leaves, basil and other herbs,wrapped in mustard and lettuce leaves, and finally dipped in a fish sauce.
Sweden Raggmunk - this is a savoury potato pancake fried in butter and served with thick slices of fried pork or bacon and lingonberries, no less. The more crispy and buttery the pancake is around the edges, the better it apparently tastes.
Japan Dorayaki - a sweet pancake filled with red bean paste. In Japanese, dora means “gong” and legend has it that the first Dorayaki were made when a samurai named Benkei forgot his gong upon leaving a farmer’s home where he was hiding. The farmer subsequently used the gong to fry the pancakes.
Thailand
Roti Gaeng Karee - this is a crispy pancake done Muslim-style, served with coconut-milk based curry and spices. If you like ‘em savoury, this one’s for you!
Korea Pajeon and Bindaetteok - we don’t know much about these, other than they’re made with seafood, chilli paste, and lots of vegetables. Possibly the healthiest pancake ever?
India
Dosa - made from rice and black lentils and traditionally from southern India, these thin crispy pancakes can be served with anything from chutney, Indian pickle, chicken, mutton or fish curry, depending on the region and taste.
Better than all of these, though, is Russia - where, thanks to Maslenitsa, I can enjoy pancakes for a whole week, guilt-free…
Pancake Poll We’ve also conducted our own pancake survey here at Travel PR Towers. It seems we’re a boring bunch. While the classic (and still fairly brilliant I would say) lemon and sugar combo won whisks-down, only a handful were brave enough to choose another topping…
As another eagerly-anticipated (?!) Valentine’s Day approaches, love has certainly been in the air at our St Margaret’s offices. So, whether you’re the type to need a reinforced letterbox for all those cards and presents this weekend – or are more likely to be found browsing microwave meals for one in Waitrose (sob) – we hope the following personal anecdotes warm the cockles of your heart. Names withheld to spare our blushes…
Where’s the most romantic place you’ve ever been?
• “Watching the sunset over the Tuscan hills and the red tile roofs of Florence from the top of the Duomo. Breathtaking, just like the stairs”
• “The 16th floor Gaja Sky Bar at the Swissotel, Istanbul, sipping cocktails while overlooking the Bosphorus. Bliss.”
• “As new (ish) parents…sheltering together in the pouring rain under a kagool, eating chocolate biscuits on the deck of the Isle of Wight car ferry to Cowes for our first weekend without the kids. As we huddled under the plastic, the storm passed over, a beautiful bright light cast over the water and seagulls swooped down to eat the biscuit crumbs.”
• “Enjoying the soft air, sweet spicy smells and exotic sounds of the busy Jamaa El Fna Square as we gazed down from the haven of our Marrakech riad rooftop cafe.”
• “Wintertime in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. It’s at its most romantic at night, the stars twinkle overhead, the temperature is a few below zero, snow is falling and the steam envelopes everyone and everything. Its milky blue waters gently lap in the breeze and soothes tired limbs - it feels like your own private oasis. Hard to beat for an unforgettable experience.”
• “On a trek in Nepal, just outside Kathmandu, emerging from thick cloud to see the smoke rising from a beautiful Tibetan monastery - set against a snowy high mountain backdrop, with birds of prey circling languidly overhead and the distant sound of Buddhist drums. As we staggered breathless up to the monastery, there were hundreds of coloured prayer flags fluttering in the wind, a line of prayer wheels and then the wonderful bright orange robes and happy smiling faces of the monks.”
• “In London, you can dine at all the rooftop restaurants, cross all the bridges and stroll all the parks you want – but I’d dispute that any of those experiences comes close to matching the magic of a day on Hampstead Heath with your partner. The ideal scenario is this: choose a hot day and arrive during the peak of the heat. Dip in the mixed pool, then amble, arm-in-arm, up to higher ground for a lavish picnic overlooking London’s cranes, spokes and spires. After the pickled onions and prosciutto are all gone, bring out a blanket, and cuddle down as the sun slips away. A nice bottle of wine doesn’t go amiss, either.” (Nor breath mints, presumably, after this particular love picnic?!)
• “It’s cheesy I know, but my best Valentine’s day was spent in picture perfect Paris. A morning spent at the magnificent Musée D’Orsay, an afternoon spent strolling hand-in-hand along the Seine with no agenda, and an evening at a gorgeous little bistro in bustling St Germain de Prés. For me, Paris remains one of the most romantic cities in the world – its charming pavement cafés, picturesque cityscape, fantastic museums and indulgent food are still a winning combination when it comes to wooing your loved one.”
• “Catching the last little boat back from Bryher to St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly after a magical day of autumn sunshine, spent meandering around the island and enjoying a delicious lunch of freshly-caught shellfish, washed down will a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc. I can honestly say I’ve never felt so relaxed and at peace. The seals we saw from our dinky vessel seemed to be enjoying the occasion too!”.
• “For me, it has to be Amed, a collection of small villages on the north east coast of Bali that’s so off-the-beaten track, I doubt we would have ever found it without the freedom and flexibility of a scooter. Dependent on salt-making and fishing rather than tourism, we woke every morning at sunrise to find the calm, big blue bay (no Kuta waves here) filled with hundreds of colourful sails as the double-outrigger fishing boats gliding back to shore with their catch. Silent and sublime.”
• “Lit each night by hundreds of hand-dipped candles, for breathtaking romance, it has to be the Hotel Casa Santo Domingo in Antigua, the old colonial capital of Guatemala. Dramatically overlooked by the brooding cones of three volcanoes, the former Dominican convent and church is an absolute delight. I burst into tears when we were shown our room – it was so lovely and individually designed, filled with lots of local touches. The perfect place to propose would be over dinner amidst the ruins of the old stone walls – very private and romantic, lit by candlelight but in the open air. You can also get married in the main church of the hotel – a good reason to return!”
• “Being rudely awoken at four in the morning by the honking and shouting of an impatient tuk tuk driver may not seem like it would signal the start of a romantic sojourn but Cambodia is full of surprises! Bouncing up and down along winding roads in complete darkness I wondered if I was mad, but all doubt dispersed when we arrived at Angkor Wat, the best-preserved temple at this awe-inspiring 12th century complex. We made our way to the ponds in front of the temple and took position for the sun rise, the sky turned from inky black to purple, pink then orange - particularly beautiful was the reflection of the temple in the water by my feet.”
Viking Hellas Airlines (www.flyviking.gr), the Greek airline associated with Viking Airlines AB of Sweden, is pleased to announce the launch of a new three-times weekly scheduled service from Manchester to Athens, Greece, with effect from 1st February 2010, with convenient onward connections to three Iraqi cities.
Passengers from Northern England are set to be served with a new direct service to Athens from Manchester. With fares starting from as little as £59 one-way, inclusive of taxes and charges, Greece has never been more accessible. Current flight routes to Athens from the North West require at least one change of aircraft with other European carriers. Viking Hellas has established agreements with Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines to provide convenient connections to their Athens flight networks. This provides passengers with the opportunity to connect in Athens to and from other Greek cities, the Greek Islands, the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Also on 1st February, Viking Hellas will commence weekly scheduled services from Athens to the cities of Erbil and Sulaymanyiah in the Kurdish Government Region of Iraq and the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad. Flights are scheduled to provide seamless connections to and from Manchester services, providing passengers from the north of England with the fastest possible journey times between the north of England and Iraq. Fares from Manchester to Iraq, connecting in Athens, start from as little as £545 return, inclusive of taxes and charges.
Roger Gatt, Commercial Director of Viking Hellas, announced the services, commenting: “We are delighted to be launching our first scheduled services from Manchester and expect the Athens route to be a great success. Manchester Airport has welcomed our new services and they are supporting us as we prepare for launch. We also look forward to working with travel agents to improve travel options from the north of England to Greece and beyond.
There is considerable demand for Iraqi services from the UK due to the sizeable expatriate community that currently has very few options to return home; this new service is a lifeline for them. Viking Airlines AB has operated flights from Sweden to the country for a number of years without incident and we are pleased to be providing another option for travellers to Iraq.”
Andrew Harrison, Manchester Airport’s Commercial Director said, “It’s great news that Viking Hellas Airlines are starting their first scheduled service from Manchester Airport, complementing the extensive charter programme already operated. Athens is a strong destination with high year round demand. Viking Hellas will offer a variety of connections ranging from the Greek Islands to several points in Iraq thus giving the North West region an even greater choice.”
Flights will operate from Manchester on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from Athens to Manchester on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Viking Hellas is planning to increase frequency to four flights weekly by adding a Tuesday departure from Manchester and a Wednesday departure from Athens with effect from March 2010.
All routes can be booked at www.flyviking.gr
Fares include a 20kg baggage allowance, allocated seats and complimentary in-flight meals. Passengers will also be able to purchase snacks, refreshments and duty free from an extensive in-flight bar. Extra legroom seats will be available for a small supplement.
Viking Hellas was established in Greece in Autumn 2009 and has headquarters in Athens.
Viking Airlines AB was established in 2003 and has headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden
Viking Airlines AB operates Boeing B737-800 Next Generation and B737-300 which will be used to launch Viking Hellas scheduled services until its own Airbus A320s are delivered in Spring 2010
Fares from Manchester to Athens start from £59 one way, including taxes and charges
Fares from Manchester to Iraq, connecting in Athens, start from as little as £545 return, inclusive of taxes and charges
Special, low price add-on fares are available with Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines to/from destinations served from Athens
Viking Hellas Manchester Flight Schedules
Manchester - Athens
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
Depart Manchester VQ701 at 1330 hrs Arrive Athens at 1930 hrs
Athens - Manchester
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
Depart Athens VQ702 at 0930 hrs Arrive Manchester at 1130 hrs
Viking Hellas Connections to Iraq
Athens – Baghdad
Mondays
Depart Athens VQ753 at 2100 hrs Arrive Baghdad at 0100 hrs*
Baghdad - Athens
Tuesdays
Depart Baghdad VQ754 at 0300 hrs Arrive Athens at 0500 hrs
Athens – Erbil
Fridays
Depart Athens VQ717 at 2100 hrs Arrive Erbil at 0100 hrs*
Erbil - Athens
Saturdays
Depart Erbil VQ718 at 0300 hrs Arrive Athens at 0500 hrs
Athens – Sulaymaniyah
Wednesdays
Depart Athens VQ735 at 2100 hrs Arrive Sulaymaniyah at 0100 hrs*
Sulaymaniyah - Athens
Thursdays
Depart Sulaymaniyah VQ736 at 0300 hrs Arrive Athens at 0500 hrs
I’ve collated various tips for hot travel destinations in 2010, and displayed them all, with explanatory description, in one Google Map. Click the grab below to go through to the map itself - and enjoy! Richard.
Once the turkey’s all eaten, the mince pies demolished and even the last few unwanted Quality Streets in the tin have finally found favour (orange cream anyone?) most fit-to-bursting bodies will be crying out for a detox. Having recently returned from a whistle-stop tour of some of Austria’s finest spa hotels (a pre-emptive strike on my anticipated festive flab), I can think of nothing nicer.
First stop, the Alpenresort Schwarz, a chocolate-box perfect four-star hotel in the Tirol which, like most of the properties in Austria’s Finest Spa Hotels & Resorts programme (www.austria.info/spa), is family-run – this one by the charming Herr & Frau Pirktl. After a massage guaranteed to unknot even the most stressed Eurostar executive, you can take a dip in one of seven pools at the newly-opened Schwarz Water World or simply sink into a relaxation area – my favourite resembled a soft play area for adults, dimly lit and strewn with suspended, womb-like pods where drifting into a sublime deep sleep is only a matter of minutes away.
Indoor golf at the Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol
After a delicious dinner accompanied by an evening of entertainment from the staff of the Schwarz – including Herr Pirktl himself, it was time to move on to our second spa hotel. The five-star Interalpen Hotel Tyrol sits amid spectacular Alpine isolation – imagine the hotel from iconic movie ‘The Shining’, but without Jack Nicholson running amok! Built in traditional Tyrolean style, yet on a scale that wouldn’t look out of place on the Las Vegas Strip, guests approaching the Interalpen by car arrive via an marble-clad underground car park from where it’s an effortless hop to the hotel’s impressive lobby. Clutching a hand-picked rose stem courtesy of the reception staff (I’m a soft touch for a free flower) we were escorted to what the hotel classes as a standard double room whilst, to the rest of us mortals, it comes closer in size to an upper-end central London apartment. And, if two large double beds, a sitting room area, enormous bathroom and walk-in wardrobe (a total dream for Carrie Bradshaw wannabes) isn’t enough, the hotel’s penthouse suite with panoramic mountain-top views provides the perfect bolthole for paparazzi-shy A listers or Europe’s more monied spa-seekers.
And the spa itself? Wow. Over 5,000 square metres of steam rooms, massage and beauty suites await as well as a Tirolean sauna village complete with running stream, water wheel and birdsong. Purely for research purposes (you understand), I tried a Dermalogica facial (superb) and full body massage (amazing), both carried out by friendly and über-professional practitioners in scrupulously-clean treatment rooms, each with its own private view overlooking ubiquitous snow clad pine trees. Equally idyllic for male and female spa enthusiasts, there are mixed and single-sex sauna areas, a delightful chill-out area boasting waterbeds, cosy throws and – in winter – a warming log fire. Husband or boyfriend the type to get bored sitting around in his dressing gown all day? Look no further than the Interalpen’s latest attraction – an indoor putting green and golf simulator that enables sporting types to play a round at some of the world’s best courses…without even leaving the hotel.
Last but certainly not least, the third hotel on this superb spa safari was the five-star Posthotel Resort & Spa. Nestled in the picturesque Alpine village of Achenkirch am Achensee, this is one of two properties owned and run by the Reiter family whose considerable talents extend beyond warm hospitality to interior design (everything you see around the hotel can be purchased in the shopping mall) and even horse husbandry - Herr Reiter’s speciality is Lippizaners, many of which are stabled at the Posthotel and available for guests to ride.
Picture perfect: Alpine splendour at the Posthotel, Achenkirch
Slightly alarmed to hear that my treatment plan here included cupping (think Gwyneth Paltrow) I am pleased to report that, whilst it’s an odd sensation at first (imagine your skin getting sucked slowly through a small funnel) my epidermis has lived to tell the tale. Add to that a lymph drainage massage for face, neck and décolleté, and the Atrium Spa had certainly done its darnedest to prepare me for the Christmas party season! Karen Carpenter.
Earlier this year I spent five months working in a tourist office in the South of France. Before starting I really wasn’t sure quite what to expect, and was by no means ready for the stream of strange and curious questions which would end up coming my way. Nothing had suggested that the tourist office would turn out to be a general information office or that the majority of ‘tourists’ would, in fact, be local residents.
People seemed to see us as having a variety of functions. A particularly memorable question came during my first week when a middle-aged lady came in to ask where she could buy a canary. Thinking there must be a misunderstanding and blaming my rusty French, I double checked that it was a little yellow bird that she was after. It was. She was not alone in viewing us as a sort of shopping advisor, and weeks later I was asked for the whereabouts of a shop selling wine bottle corks, and one which stocked books on witchcraft.
To other people we were more of a meteorological office. An old man once wanted to know the precise timings of the forecasted rain in order to schedule when his wife could hang out her laundry, and fairly late into spring I was questioned on the closest place with snow.
Numerous occasions saw us being mistaken for a travel agent and being asked to book flights to Madrid or on the best way to get to Ibiza. Another favourite was when a clearly very local couple came and asked whether there was a time difference between where we were, and the north of France. You really never knew what was coming next!
Perhaps people had reason to come in with strange requests. It’s true that along with the town maps you might expect to receive in a tourist office, we could provide maps and guides to any EU capital, to most French ski resorts and to France’s various overseas départements and territories.
It’s worth remembering, and next time you find yourself in France with a tourist office nearby, you really can go in and ask quite literally anything. Helena Hamlyn.
After bringing us the likes of Simon Cowell, Osama Bin Laden, Jordan and Jedward, the Noughties are almost over. But what were the Destinations of the Decade – stunning new places that are now firmly on the tourism map – and what will be the holiday hotspots of the Twenty-Tens/Oh-tens/Teenies/Tenties/Tenners? We asked some of our expert clients:
**The Noughties**
The trend of the decade: Staycations
“Of the many holiday destinations British travellers have turned to in the past decade, our own backyard, the UK, has fared especially well as its appeal broadened. The profile of Cornwall, in particular, has grown since 2000 partly due to a rash of new attractions, from the Eden Project to high-profile celebrity restaurants like Fifteen: Cornwall, while Newquay has become synonymous with Britain’s new found passion for surfing. New air links have made Cornwall more accessible for residents across the country, and an increase in accommodation options – from the green to the ultra-luxurious – mean everyone is catered for, and at a higher standard than ever before. Long live the staycation!”
Simon Tregoning, MD of West Country expert Classic Cottages (01326 555 555, www.classic.co.uk)
The short break of the decade: Unknown Italy
“As people worked longer hours throughout the decade, they felt the need to get away more frequently – and short breaks consequently exploded in popularity, with Italy leading the way. Although Venice, Florence and Rome remain the classic choices, the likes of Sicily and the art cities of northern Italy – such as Bologna, Mantua and Ravenna – have enjoyed a steady rise in visitor demand. Just when you think you’ve seen every great Italian town or city, there’s always another one to seek out.”
Ted Wake, Director of Sales & Marketing of short break specialist Kirker Holidays* (020 7593 2283, www.kirkerholidays.com)
The short/mid-haul holiday of the decade: Morocco
“Ten years ago the short break really took off: and, after Paris and Madrid, the exotic appeal of Marrakech suddenly registered. Just three hours away existed a cultural vortex – a land of souks, sorcerers, spas and sun, and a very cost-effective one at that. Beyond Marrakech lay similar jewels; packed into a relatively small country were ski resorts and high mountains, beaches, first-class golf-courses, Berber villages and the most scenic of desert-scapes. Announced in 2001, King Mohammed VI’s ambitious Vision 2010 tourism plan saw eight million visitors to Morocco in 2008, a 400% rise on 2000’s numbers.”
Steve Diederich, is VP of UK Sales & Operations for Travelzest Plc, incorporating The Best of Morocco (0845 026 4588, www.realmorocco.com)
The ski resort of the decade: Kicking Horse, in British Columbia
“Kicking Horse Mountain Resort started life as Whitetooth Ski Area, run by local volunteers in the town of Golden. In 1999 it was bought and hugely upgraded, reopening in Dec 2000 under its new name. Back then, few people knew of it: today Kicking Horse has worldwide renown for its powder, challenging skiing and 4,133ft vertical drop, second in Canada only to Whistler Blackcomb, and also as a fine option for beginner or intermediate skiers. Bring on the next decade, too: there’s newly a ten-year, $300 million development plan in place to expand Kicking Horse by 1750 acres.”
Richard Rice, MD of Ski Safari and committee member of AITO Ski (020 8744 9280, www.aitoskiholidays.co.uk)
The safari of the decade: Botswana’s Okavango Delta
“In the 1990s, the Okavango was still split up into the Moremi Game Reserve and a number of hunting areas – and tourism to the Delta was relatively small. The last decade has seen a steep change: Southern African safaris are no longer the poor relation of East Africa trips, and the Okavango has turned from a backwater to the continent’s ultimate safari destination. From 2000 onwards, small, often fabulous lodges began arriving in areas previously reserved for hunting: gradually, over the last decade, we’ve seen many of these change to be photographic concessions, where hunting is no longer practiced. Safaris are now firmly established in the Okavango as a much more humane money-spinner.”
Chris McIntyre, MD of Africa specialist Expert Africa* (020 8232 9777, www.expertafrica.com)
The adventure destination of the decade: Vietnam
“Options for the traveller to Vietnam have expanded dramatically in the past decade. There have been vast improvements in the transport and hotel infrastructure, while enterprising locals have introduced an array of ways to see their destination: now there are luxury junk cruises around the incredible karst scenery of Halong Bay, tribal homestays and trekking in the North and Central Highlands, cycling holidays along the Mekong Delta, cookery schools in Hanoi and Hoi An and all sorts of volunteering trips. Combine these with beautiful landscapes, beaches, popular cuisine and a tropical climate, and it’s a winning combination. The icing on the cake is that Vietnam has consistently offered excellent value for money.”
Peter Crane, Product Director of adventure expert Explore* (0844 499 0901, www.explore.co.uk)
The Latin America trip of the decade: Oaxaca State, Mexico
“During the past decade, more and more people have been discovering Mexico’s rich interior, heading beyond the commercial beach resorts to find colonial cities, elegant architecture, culinary treats and congenial people – all elements which can be found in the state of Oaxaca. In the city of the same name, live performances take place in the main square, chic boutique hotels offer first-class accommodation and grasshoppers fried in chili make for unusual meals. In the country, Zapotec rugs are hand-loomed as they have been for centuries and the tombs of Monte Alban offer arguably Mexico’s best archaeological site. It’s easy to see why enquiries for travel to Oaxaca have risen so steadily over the past decade.”
Lloyd Boutcher, Director of Latin America specialist Sunvil Traveller* (020 8758 4774, www.sunvil.co.uk)
And what’s coming next?
**The Twenty-Tens/Oh-tens/Teenies/Tenties/Tenners**
Zimbabwe – Chris McIntyre
“With the Mugabe era likely to end in the next few years, Zimbabwe’s tourism industry is poised to bounce back, and the good news is that its environments are generally in great shape. The wonderful national parks are all situated on land that’s difficult or impossible to farm, so they remain largely untouched, while much of the game is apparently in good shape, too – even if a few areas have had high levels of hunting. Recent news has been very encouraging: an apparent upsurge of visitor numbers in 2009, and now a much less unstable, dollar based economy. Once an effective protection plan is re-installed and development returns to the country’s people, I can see it taking off fast in tourism terms. Zimbabwe used to have vastly more visitors than either Botswana or Namibia – and it can do so again.”
Chris McIntyre, MD of Africa specialist Expert Africa* (020 8232 9777, www.expertafrica.com)
Colombia – Peter Crane
“After years of civil unrest and conflict, stability has been restored in Colombia – and mainstream tourism seems likely to follow. Most emblematic of the country’s new era is the city of Medellin: once famed as the home of Pablo Escobar, it’s now a vibrant tourism stop, as new museums, parks and direct flights to Florida attest. All around are new options, however: from plantation stays and jungle trekking to eco-beach retreats and even medical tourism. Officials have boldly estimated 30% annual increases in visitor numbers and it’s easy to see why: put simply, Colombia is the one Latin American destination with every kind of landscape – from beach to mountain, rainforest to plantation.”
Peter Crane, Product Director of adventure expert Explore* (0844 499 0901, www.explore.co.uk)
India for skiing – Richard Rice
“While the likes of Japan, Mongolia and Chile are likely to emerge as viable ski destinations in the coming ten years, and Russia will host the Winter Olympics in 2014, we feel that India’s slopes will be the hottest draw of the next decade. The Kashmir paradise of Gulmarg is already well-established as a resort, but now there’s talk of Doodpathri and Aur at Pahalgam following suit, and of New Zealand-style heli-skiing at Sonamarg. Tourism is always involving in India – with ever-improving flight services from the UK – and skiing seems likely to be the next big sector.”
Richard Rice, MD of Ski Safari and committee member of AITO Ski (020 8744 9280, www.aitoskiholidays.co.uk)
Scandinavia – Noel Josephides
“Scandinavia remains Europe’s last great wilderness, offering dramatic and diverse scenery, excellent food, warm and welcoming people, surprisingly good summer weather and an unexplored, untouched appeal. It is good value – the pound has held up comparatively well against the Swedish and Norwegian currencies, unlike the euro – and it’s so close: flights to Stockholm for example are just 2.5 hours from London. From a short-haul perspective, Scandinavia seems the obvious choice for the discerning traveller in the twenty-tens.”
Noel Josephides is MD and co-founder of short-haul specialist Sunvil Holidays* (020 8758 4758, www.sunvil.co.uk)
Burma – Derek Moore
“Lots of the potential new destinations for the next decade are places that are currently marginal for tourism due to restricted access. North Korea, Zimbabwe and Iran are all ripe for more mainstream tourism if they see internal changes in the coming decade – and especially Burma. This may not necessarily mean a change in regimes but an awakening to the potential earnings of tourism. Burma has a fascinating Buddhist tradition, pagodas stretched down the dreamlike Ayeyarwady, miles of beaches and the cultural idyll of Mandalay. Despite such unlimited potential for visitors, it will open up slowly, perfect for small tour operators rather than mass market operators.”
Derek Moore is the Chairman of AITO (020 8744 9280, www.aito.com)
South-Eastern Mediterranean – Ted Wake
“Perfect for discerning travellers balancing a sense of adventure with an urge for warm sunshine, the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean will prosper as a short break and longer-stay destination in the next decade. Recent infrastructure improvements and the emergence of high-quality, often quirky accommodation in the likes of Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel amount to an unforgettable cultural experience.”
Ted Wake, Director of Sales & Marketing of short break specialist Kirker Holidays* (020 7593 2283, www.kirkerholidays.com)
*This company is a member of AITO – the Association of Independent Tour Operators. AITO comprises 140 independent and specialist travel companies providing an unrivalled collection of holiday ideas that cover every corner of the world. Consumers booking with AITO can be assured of 100% financial security, high-quality holidays and excellent personal service. Visit www.aito.com for further information. Richard Mellor
Inspired by David Whitley’s great effort, we at Travel PR have decided to create our own festive brainteaser - because everyone loves a Christmas quiz. See how well you do, and please let us know - 25 marks up for grabs. Answers after the festive picture, below.
1. How many islands make up the Faroes?
2. Where is the biggest carpet in the world found?
3. How do peppercorns grow?
4. Paris is famous for its arrondisements – but how many are there in total?
5. London is almost exactly due north from which West African capital – A) Accra, B) Yamassoukro or C) Monrovia?
6. In Marrakech, a popular thing to buy in the souks are ‘babouches’. But what are they?
7. Which classic London landmark is famously afforded an uninterrupted view from King Henry’s Mound in Richmond Park – A) St Paul’s Cathedral, B) Big Ben or C) Canary Wharf?
8. In which UK county could you sample Star Gazey pie, an acquired taste featuring fish heads and tails peeping out from beneath a pastry crust?
9. Everyone’s heard of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino – but what are the Little Five?
10. Where is Portugal’s highest peak located?
11. What is the French meaning of ‘Marmite’?
12. On which island in Greece is Icarus said to have flown too close to the sun and melted his wings?
13. In Morocco, what kind of trees do goats climb?
14. Which is the most-visited country in the world?
15. Where is the highest dune in the world?
16. Which town in France where 10,000 German soldiers were killed by Allied forces in 1944 was also the birthplace of William the Conqueror?
17. Which two countries in the Middle East are planning a causeway between them which will be the longest fixed link in the world?
18. Which village in Ireland was once the centre of the flying boat world in the 1930’s (as the main stopping off point between Europe and N.America) and is also reputed to be the home of Irish Coffee?
19. What is the last divided city in the world?
20. Which European principality could fit into an area the size of Hyde Park?
21. What is the most northerly capital city in Europe?
22. Can you name the capitals of England’s three World Cup Group C opponents - Algeria, the USA and Slovenia? (A point for all three; half a point if you get two)
23. Which country this summer changed the side of the road on which it drove, moving from the right to the left after 100 years?
24. Which is taller – the Statue of Liberty or the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, in Rio?
25. And in which country is the tallest statue in the world?
1. 18 – located between Scotland and Iceland, they are Danish.
2. The new Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. It took 1200 women in Iran 18 months to make, and was completed in situ. Even experts can’t tell where the joins are.
3. On a creeper a bit like ivy, which grows up a tree. The peppercorns dangle down like exotic earrings.
4. 20
5. A) Accra
6. Slippers (shoes is acceptable).
7. A) St Paul’s Cathedral
8. Cornwall
9. Leopard Tortoise; Rhinoceros Beetle, Ant Lion, Buffalo Weaver, Elephant Shrew.
10. On Pico, a tiny island in the Azores
11. A cooking pot (or stew pan) – there is a picture of one on the Marmite label.
12. Ikaria
13. Argan trees
14. France – though Irish visitors are expected to be scanter in 2010.
15. In Peru’s Sechura desert
16. Falaise, in Normandy
17. Bahrain & Qatar
18. Foynes in County Limerick
19. Lefkosia (formerly Nicosia) in Cyprus
20. Monaco
21. Reykjavik
22. Algiers; Washington DC; Ljubljana
23. Samoa
24. The Statue of Liberty, 46m to The Statue of Christ the Redeemer’s 38m
25. China – the 128m Spring Temple Buddha in Henan
My friend Katy Regan and I went on our second mini-break recently. Mini-break number one was to Barcelona in the summer of last year, this time we decided to take in Tallinn. In both cities we did hours of walking but Tallinn by comparison is much, much smaller and more compact than Barcelona and easier to navigate around, although I wish I hadn’t insisted on wearing heels all the time – not the best choice of footwear for cobbled streets, stylish but silly.
Luckily for my feet we took lots of minimini-breaks within our mini-break and stopped off for many hot chocolates. And when I say hot chocolate it really is chocolate – made from melted chocolate, thick and gloopy. Sensibly, when we visited the Chocolaterie Cafe in the tucked away courtyard off Vene street, we stuck to just eating chocolate – white, dark, chili, nutty, fruity plus a piece of (savoury) quiche thrown in - rather than eating and drinking chocolate, that would have been greedy. We sat (and ate) in the softly lit, cosy establishment, furnished with comfy sofas, velvet throws, burgundy tablecloths and tassled table lamps for quite a while – a great setting for writing one’s novel, Katy said (her second – we’re so proud – the first one is called ‘One Thing Led to Another’).
The first chocolate drink was consumed by the Mayans over 2,000 years ago – cocoa beans were ground and mixed with water, cornmeal and chili peppers.…….today there is a multitude of hot chocolates all around the world. You have the really thick cioccolata densa in Italy, Mexican hot chocolate made from semi-sweet chocolate, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla, there are particular brands of breakfast hot chocolate in France and a pudding-like consistency is traditionally favoured by the Spanish. Here in the UK, similar to the US, a thin version consisting of cocoa powder, sugar and dry milk made with hot water is prolific – in Starbucks you can get a ‘skinny hot chocolate’ – no fun hot chocolate, that’s what I call it and nowhere near as satisfying as the buttery liquid dessert we enjoyed at the New Art Museum Kumu in chic Tallinn, made directly from a bar of chocolate. I consumed 1.5 of these gluttonous treats, Katy just 0.5.
So where in the UK can you find equally decadent delights ? Coco Chocolate in Edinburgh produces a luxurious selection of organic chocolate and offers the delectable drink with high cocoa content and all of the necessary cocoa butter, the West Winds Yorkshire Tearooms serve frothy Green and Black’s hot chocolate, with milk, there’s the nationwide Hotel Chocolate whose motto is ‘Less sugar, more cocoa’ or if you pop into Travel PR, we can offer you a mug of hot chocolate, thanks to Galaxy! Mika Bishop.
Travelling to and from work I’ve been drawn to the colourful posters of the Incredible India advertising campaign, brightening up train and Tube stations around London, and transported to the tropical waters and the vibrant settings they picture. Having returned from the AITO Conference in Cochin, Kerala, on my first visit to the country, I would say the Ministry of Tourism’s product does exactly what it says on the tin.
After arriving in the early hours and waking up from a few hours’ sleep, the sound of nearby prayers and beeping traffic brought me to the balcony and, stepping into the heat with a close-up of Cochin before me, I immediately felt enveloped by the city’s charming, gentle chaos.
Exploring Cochin around the business sessions of the conference was a real pleasure. A laid-back place with a rich history of colonial influences, notably Portuguese, Dutch and British, today they seem to form a harmonious blend with traditional and modern Indian culture. Part of the British legacy is cricket and talking to the locals while watching a game is a great way to spend an afternoon, and definite confirmation of how crazy Indians are about the sport; turning up to watch an AITO team play is keen.
Locals in Cochin take refuge from the sun and catch up for a chat
Architecture, from palaces to fishing huts; food, with tastes that come at you from all angles; distinctive dance; arresting music; the views; and the people of Cochin’s approach to driving are all part of what made my snap-shot of India an incredible first-time experience. And the backwaters, stretching across a vast area behind Cochin, are an eye-opener after a few days in the city and not to be missed. Coming out of downtown, Chinese fishing net structures and palm trees form the skyline there while flitting kingfishers and fishermen, balancing on small wooden boats to pull in their nets, provide the action to both unwind and uplift the visitor. Rob Looker
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Viking Hellas launches new service from Manchester to Athens & on to Iraq
Monday, January 11th, 2010Viking Hellas Airlines (www.flyviking.gr), the Greek airline associated with Viking Airlines AB of Sweden, is pleased to announce the launch of a new three-times weekly scheduled service from Manchester to Athens, Greece, with effect from 1st February 2010, with convenient onward connections to three Iraqi cities.
Passengers from Northern England are set to be served with a new direct service to Athens from Manchester. With fares starting from as little as £59 one-way, inclusive of taxes and charges, Greece has never been more accessible. Current flight routes to Athens from the North West require at least one change of aircraft with other European carriers. Viking Hellas has established agreements with Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines to provide convenient connections to their Athens flight networks. This provides passengers with the opportunity to connect in Athens to and from other Greek cities, the Greek Islands, the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Also on 1st February, Viking Hellas will commence weekly scheduled services from Athens to the cities of Erbil and Sulaymanyiah in the Kurdish Government Region of Iraq and the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad. Flights are scheduled to provide seamless connections to and from Manchester services, providing passengers from the north of England with the fastest possible journey times between the north of England and Iraq. Fares from Manchester to Iraq, connecting in Athens, start from as little as £545 return, inclusive of taxes and charges.
Roger Gatt, Commercial Director of Viking Hellas, announced the services, commenting: “We are delighted to be launching our first scheduled services from Manchester and expect the Athens route to be a great success. Manchester Airport has welcomed our new services and they are supporting us as we prepare for launch. We also look forward to working with travel agents to improve travel options from the north of England to Greece and beyond.
There is considerable demand for Iraqi services from the UK due to the sizeable expatriate community that currently has very few options to return home; this new service is a lifeline for them. Viking Airlines AB has operated flights from Sweden to the country for a number of years without incident and we are pleased to be providing another option for travellers to Iraq.”
Andrew Harrison, Manchester Airport’s Commercial Director said, “It’s great news that Viking Hellas Airlines are starting their first scheduled service from Manchester Airport, complementing the extensive charter programme already operated. Athens is a strong destination with high year round demand. Viking Hellas will offer a variety of connections ranging from the Greek Islands to several points in Iraq thus giving the North West region an even greater choice.”
Flights will operate from Manchester on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and from Athens to Manchester on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Viking Hellas is planning to increase frequency to four flights weekly by adding a Tuesday departure from Manchester and a Wednesday departure from Athens with effect from March 2010.
All routes can be booked at www.flyviking.gr
Fares include a 20kg baggage allowance, allocated seats and complimentary in-flight meals. Passengers will also be able to purchase snacks, refreshments and duty free from an extensive in-flight bar. Extra legroom seats will be available for a small supplement.
Viking Hellas was established in Greece in Autumn 2009 and has headquarters in Athens.
Viking Airlines AB was established in 2003 and has headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden
Viking Airlines AB operates Boeing B737-800 Next Generation and B737-300 which will be used to launch Viking Hellas scheduled services until its own Airbus A320s are delivered in Spring 2010
Fares from Manchester to Athens start from £59 one way, including taxes and charges
Fares from Manchester to Iraq, connecting in Athens, start from as little as £545 return, inclusive of taxes and charges
Special, low price add-on fares are available with Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines to/from destinations served from Athens
Viking Hellas Manchester Flight Schedules
Manchester - Athens
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
Depart Manchester VQ701 at 1330 hrs Arrive Athens at 1930 hrs
Athens - Manchester
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
Depart Athens VQ702 at 0930 hrs Arrive Manchester at 1130 hrs
Viking Hellas Connections to Iraq
Athens – Baghdad
Mondays
Depart Athens VQ753 at 2100 hrs Arrive Baghdad at 0100 hrs*
Baghdad - Athens
Tuesdays
Depart Baghdad VQ754 at 0300 hrs Arrive Athens at 0500 hrs
Athens – Erbil
Fridays
Depart Athens VQ717 at 2100 hrs Arrive Erbil at 0100 hrs*
Erbil - Athens
Saturdays
Depart Erbil VQ718 at 0300 hrs Arrive Athens at 0500 hrs
Athens – Sulaymaniyah
Wednesdays
Depart Athens VQ735 at 2100 hrs Arrive Sulaymaniyah at 0100 hrs*
Sulaymaniyah - Athens
Thursdays
Depart Sulaymaniyah VQ736 at 0300 hrs Arrive Athens at 0500 hrs
* Denotes Arrival Next Day
Tags: Athens, Baghdad, Erbil, Greece, Iraq, Iraq flights, Manchester, Manchester AIrport, Sulaymanyiah, travel, travel pr, Viking Hellas Airlines, www.flyviking.gr, www.travelpr.co.uk, “online travel”, “travel websites”
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