She’s a person of the most impressive ladies in the antiques field. Toma Clark Haines the founder and CEO of The Antiques Diva, the major antiques touring …
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Month: November 2019
Wherever to locate Africa’s best safari guides
Even among African safari guides, Zimbabwean guides are deemed the very best on the continent. Of training course, all safari guides are perfectly-qualified and well-informed, but Zimbabwe’s training to be a “Pro Guide,” is the most demanding and substantial on the continent. Commonly, the licensing course of action and instruction requires about 4 yrs to full! So, everyone fascinated in safari guiding requires to be established and passionate. The needs and exams are established and administered by the Zimbabwe Countrywide Parks and Wildlife Administration Authority in collaboration with Zimbabwe Expert Hunters and Guides Affiliation.
In order to develop into a Zimbabwe guideline, learners must pass a lengthy prepared test covering a wide variety of topics related to flora and fauna. Possible guides normally research for a year prior to getting the test. If they move, they go on to an apprenticeship with corporations these types of as Wilderness Safaris (with whom my firm partners). They will spend 3 yrs as a trainee underneath the tutelage of a professional strolling guideline. In addition, trainees will have to meet up with many milestones in get for their mentor to indicator off on their training.
Following a few a long time of hands-on, experiential instruction, there’s a panel interview. Trainees are questioned on their breadth of know-how, encounter in the bush, and basic safety treatments. They will have to also display screen simple skills these as a firearms proficiency test. , as properly. Although most guides will not be included with hunting safaris, guides are needed to have rifles at all occasions on sport drives and bush walks for photographic safaris.
Following all of that, the greatest exam is nevertheless however to come—a 7-day “mock” safari. For this remaining assessment, the trainee manual sets up and runs their personal tented camp safari with “guests” from the nationwide parks and guidebook business. They choose on a selection or standards such as web hosting, protection, expertise of wildlife and botany, and bushcraft. If the mock safari is thriving, the trainee results in being a absolutely-licensed Zimbabwe safari manual!
Hold in head, that whilst a tutorial might be experienced by the reserve, there is a good deal additional to staying a terrific guidebook. Higher-close camps and lodges also involve particular temperament qualities, these kinds of as getting a guest-centric angle, tolerance, and an innate knowing for dangerous animal conduct. Being a people today man or woman is unbelievably vital, as is getting an appreciation for lights and motor vehicle positioning for images. As a guest, you may not even comprehend the considered that goes into particulars like that. It’s also essential for guides to be great storytellers. All through match drives and at sundowners, guides will regale company with tales about humorous animals, incredible moments, and their personal qualifications. A vivid and animated storyteller is a great deal extra memorable and entertaining than a boring a single!
Matt Holmes is the Founder & President of Boundless Journeys. Boundless Journeys is an award-profitable tour operator that goes off the beaten route for immersive and authentic journey activities.
If you would like to be a visitor blogger on A Luxurious Journey Blog site in order to increase your profile, please call us.
‘Racial discrimination’: Sikh pilot claims he was told to remove turban for inspection at airport security
A Sikh pilot claims he was asked to remove his turban for manual inspection at airport security in a move that critics are calling “racial discrimination”.
Captain Simranjeet Singh Gujral, who works for India’s national carrier Air India, was passing through Madrid airport security when he was asked to remove his turban, despite clearing the metal detector with no problems.
He was due to operate a flight to Delhi, reports India Today.
Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the leader of Sikh political party Shiromani Akali Dal, has written to India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar about the incident.
In a letter shared on Twitter, Mr Singh Sirsa said that Captain Singh Gujral was “subjected to racial discrimination because of his turban”.
1/50 27 November 2019
The moment a swan flew over a flock of 60,000 starlings as dusk fell on Whixall Moss Nature Reserve in Shropshire
Andrew Fusek Peters / SWNS
2/50 26 November 2019
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon plays with local children during a visit to the Jelly Tots & Cookies Play Cafe in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire
PA
3/50 25 November 2019
Prime Minister Boris Johnson poses with sheep as he visits the Royal Welsh Showground, in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, whilst on the General Election campaign trail
PA
4/50 24 November 2019
Cush Jumbo attends the 65th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at London Coliseum
Getty Images
5/50 23 November 2019
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn meets a supporter on a train on his return from a visit to Sheffield
PA
6/50 22 November 2019
Gallery assistants adjust ‘The Ancient Town of Uglich’ by Konstantin Yuon, 1913, estimated at £600,000 to £800,000, during a press preview of the sale of works by some of the most pre-eminent creators of Russian art at Sotheby’s in London
PA
7/50 21 November 2019
A mother seal appears to hug her pup as grey seals return to Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late autumn and winter to give birth
PA
8/50 20 November 2019
After Mauricio Pochettino’s sacking the eveninfg before newly appointed Tottenham head coach, Jose Mourinho, takes his first training session in charge
Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty
9/50 19 November 2019
Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a visit to Jimmy Egan’s Boxing Academy at Wythenshawe, while on the campaign trail ahead of the General Election
PA
10/50 18 November 2019
Mist over Buttermere lake in the Lake District
PA
11/50 17 November 2019
Stefanos Tsitsipas lifts the winners trophy after beating Dominic Thiem at the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament in London
EPA
12/50 16 November 2019
Duke of York, speaking for the first time about his links to Jeffrey Epstein in an interview with BBC Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis
BBC/PA
13/50 15 November 2019
Brazilian indigenous leader, Kreta Kaingang from the Kaingang People, holds a petition letter with over 200,000 signatures asking the UK government to suspend trade talks with Brazil until the Amazon and its people are protected, as he poses outside 10 Downing Street
AFP via Getty
14/50 14 November 2019
Spanning all four spaces and the corridor of the White Cube Bermondsey gallery Anselm Kiefer’s new exhibition encompasses large-scale painting and installation
Rex Features
15/50 13 November 2019
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wears a pair of mittens that say ‘Pick Pam’, referring to Labour MP Pam Duncan-Glancy (not pictured) as he visits the Heart of Scotstoun Community Centre in Glasgow
Getty
16/50 12 November 2019
Head glass conservator Sam Kelly inspects the Angeli Laudantes and Angeli Ministrantes stained glass windows at Salisbury Cathedral as restoration work to clean, conserve and restore the windows, installed in 1879, gets underway
PA
17/50 11 November 2019
Flooding in the village of Fishlake near Doncaster after a month’s worth of rain fell in 24 hours
PA
18/50 10 November 2019
World War II Supermarine Spitfire fighter performs a flyover over White Cliffs of Dover during Remembrance Sunday celebrations
Reuters
19/50 9 November 2019
Snow falling in Glyn Ceiriog near Llangollen in Denbighshire
Steffan Williams/PA
20/50 8 November 2019
Scottish National Party candidates, including SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford (centre left) and Nicola Sturgeon (centre), with a Brexit message at the party’s General Election campaign launch in Edinburgh
PA
21/50 7 November 2019
Delivery lorry stuck in flood water at Coston Ford, Leicestershire after heavy rainfall in the area
PA
22/50 6 November 2019
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes a statement to announce the general election at Downing Street in London, Britain
Reuters
23/50 5 November 2019
Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson speaking at the launch of their general election campaign at the Institute of Civil Engineers in London
PA
24/50 4 November 2019
Pelicans in St James’s Park in central London
AFP/Getty
25/50 3 November 2019
Dancers perform a mass Ghoomar dance during Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square, London
Reuters
26/50 2 November 2019
Campaigners listen as SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon addresses a rally calling for Scottish independence in Glasgow
AFP via Getty
27/50 1 November 2019
Police and recovery workers remove a damaged bus from the scene of a crash in Sevenoaks Road, south-east London. A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a person died and 15 others were injured
PA
28/50 31 October 2019
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn gestures as launches the party’s election campaign in south London. Britain will go to the polls on December 12
AFP via Getty
29/50 30 October 2019
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon joins Alyn Smith, the SNP’s candidate for Stirling, at the Made in Stirling Store and Creative Hub, during the general election campaign trail
PA
30/50 29 October 2019
A 1264 locomotive travels through an autumn scene along the North York Moors National Park
PA
31/50 28 October 2019
Paul Hayes of Lower Lydbrook ferries children to dry land after the River Wye burst its banks flooding the Gloucestershire village
PA
32/50 27 October 2019
Cosplayers during the third day of London’s Comic Con
PA
33/50 26 October 2019
England fans celebrate after their side beat New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup semi-final match in Japan. Eddie Jones’s side won 19-7
PA
34/50 25 October 2019
Meerkats at Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling, investigate a carved pumpkin as the park celebrates national pumpkin day on Saturday October 26.
PA
35/50 24 October 2019
A giant inflatable monster, created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, is unveiled in Manchester ahead of the city’s annual halloween celebrations
PA
36/50 23 October 2019
Thirty-nine bodies have been found in a lorry container in Essex, police have said.
The discovery of 38 adults and one teenager was made at an industrial estate in Thurrock.
Police said they believed the lorry had come from Bulgaria and entered the UK at Holyhead, in Wales, on Saturday.
Essex Police said it had launched a murder investigation after its officers were called to Waterglade Industrial Park, in Grays, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
A 25-year-old-man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder
PA
37/50 22 October 2019
Ships out at sea before the sun rises off the coast of Whitley Bay, Northumberland
PA
38/50 21 October 2019
Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator’s Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife. The messy display is the culmination of a weekend of festivities where first years say thank you to their more senior student “parents” for mentoring them
PA
39/50 20 October 2019
Wales players celebrate after beating France in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Japan. Warren Gatland’s side had to battle after France’s fast start but capitalised on their rivals’ ill discipline to squeeze into the semi-finals, 20-19
Reuters
40/50 19 October 2019
People gather in London to join the Final Say march for a people’s vote
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
41/50 18 October 2019
Protesters on Whitehall in London during an Extinction Rebellion climate change protest
PA
42/50 17 October 2019
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson shake hands during a news conference after agreeing on a Brexit deal, in Brussels
Reuters
43/50 16 October 2019
A man walks his dog through the fallen leaves in Clarkes Gardens, Allerton in Liverpool
PA
44/50 15 October 2019
Police officers carry away an activist as Extinction Rebellion protesters block a road with a caravan in central London
Reuters
45/50 14 October 2019
Queen Elizabeth II sits with Prince Charles on the Sovereign’s throne ahead of delivering the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament
AFP
46/50 13 October 2019
Great Britain’s Joe Fraser competes on Parallel Bars during the World Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. He claimed GB’s second gold with his victory. The 20-year-old from Birmingham nailed his routine to score 15.0 then watched as a series of rivals failed to live up to his total
Getty
47/50 12 October 2019
St Helens players celebrate with the trophy after they won the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford in Manchester. They beat Salford Red Devils 23-6
PA
48/50 11 October 2019
Richard Ratcliffe, husband of British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe jailed in Tehran since 2016, holds his daughter Gabriella during a news conference in London. Their five-year-old daughter has arrived back in Britain, after making the “bittersweet” decision to bring her home
AFP/Getty
49/50 10 October 2019
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Thornton Manor. Their meeting focused on further Brexit proposals
EPA/Noel Mullen
50/50 9 October 2019
Wales survived an almighty scare against Fiji to secure quarter-final spot at the rugby world cup. Warren Gatland’s side recovered from a 10-0 deficit thanks to a hat-trick from Josh Adams
AFP/Getty
1/50 27 November 2019
The moment a swan flew over a flock of 60,000 starlings as dusk fell on Whixall Moss Nature Reserve in Shropshire
Andrew Fusek Peters / SWNS
2/50 26 November 2019
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon plays with local children during a visit to the Jelly Tots & Cookies Play Cafe in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire
PA
3/50 25 November 2019
Prime Minister Boris Johnson poses with sheep as he visits the Royal Welsh Showground, in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, whilst on the General Election campaign trail
PA
4/50 24 November 2019
Cush Jumbo attends the 65th Evening Standard Theatre Awards at London Coliseum
Getty Images
5/50 23 November 2019
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn meets a supporter on a train on his return from a visit to Sheffield
PA
6/50 22 November 2019
Gallery assistants adjust ‘The Ancient Town of Uglich’ by Konstantin Yuon, 1913, estimated at £600,000 to £800,000, during a press preview of the sale of works by some of the most pre-eminent creators of Russian art at Sotheby’s in London
PA
7/50 21 November 2019
A mother seal appears to hug her pup as grey seals return to Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late autumn and winter to give birth
PA
8/50 20 November 2019
After Mauricio Pochettino’s sacking the eveninfg before newly appointed Tottenham head coach, Jose Mourinho, takes his first training session in charge
Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty
9/50 19 November 2019
Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a visit to Jimmy Egan’s Boxing Academy at Wythenshawe, while on the campaign trail ahead of the General Election
PA
10/50 18 November 2019
Mist over Buttermere lake in the Lake District
PA
11/50 17 November 2019
Stefanos Tsitsipas lifts the winners trophy after beating Dominic Thiem at the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament in London
EPA
12/50 16 November 2019
Duke of York, speaking for the first time about his links to Jeffrey Epstein in an interview with BBC Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis
BBC/PA
13/50 15 November 2019
Brazilian indigenous leader, Kreta Kaingang from the Kaingang People, holds a petition letter with over 200,000 signatures asking the UK government to suspend trade talks with Brazil until the Amazon and its people are protected, as he poses outside 10 Downing Street
AFP via Getty
14/50 14 November 2019
Spanning all four spaces and the corridor of the White Cube Bermondsey gallery Anselm Kiefer’s new exhibition encompasses large-scale painting and installation
Rex Features
15/50 13 November 2019
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wears a pair of mittens that say ‘Pick Pam’, referring to Labour MP Pam Duncan-Glancy (not pictured) as he visits the Heart of Scotstoun Community Centre in Glasgow
Getty
16/50 12 November 2019
Head glass conservator Sam Kelly inspects the Angeli Laudantes and Angeli Ministrantes stained glass windows at Salisbury Cathedral as restoration work to clean, conserve and restore the windows, installed in 1879, gets underway
PA
17/50 11 November 2019
Flooding in the village of Fishlake near Doncaster after a month’s worth of rain fell in 24 hours
PA
18/50 10 November 2019
World War II Supermarine Spitfire fighter performs a flyover over White Cliffs of Dover during Remembrance Sunday celebrations
Reuters
19/50 9 November 2019
Snow falling in Glyn Ceiriog near Llangollen in Denbighshire
Steffan Williams/PA
20/50 8 November 2019
Scottish National Party candidates, including SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford (centre left) and Nicola Sturgeon (centre), with a Brexit message at the party’s General Election campaign launch in Edinburgh
PA
21/50 7 November 2019
Delivery lorry stuck in flood water at Coston Ford, Leicestershire after heavy rainfall in the area
PA
22/50 6 November 2019
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes a statement to announce the general election at Downing Street in London, Britain
Reuters
23/50 5 November 2019
Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson speaking at the launch of their general election campaign at the Institute of Civil Engineers in London
PA
24/50 4 November 2019
Pelicans in St James’s Park in central London
AFP/Getty
25/50 3 November 2019
Dancers perform a mass Ghoomar dance during Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square, London
Reuters
26/50 2 November 2019
Campaigners listen as SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon addresses a rally calling for Scottish independence in Glasgow
AFP via Getty
27/50 1 November 2019
Police and recovery workers remove a damaged bus from the scene of a crash in Sevenoaks Road, south-east London. A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a person died and 15 others were injured
PA
28/50 31 October 2019
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn gestures as launches the party’s election campaign in south London. Britain will go to the polls on December 12
AFP via Getty
29/50 30 October 2019
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon joins Alyn Smith, the SNP’s candidate for Stirling, at the Made in Stirling Store and Creative Hub, during the general election campaign trail
PA
30/50 29 October 2019
A 1264 locomotive travels through an autumn scene along the North York Moors National Park
PA
31/50 28 October 2019
Paul Hayes of Lower Lydbrook ferries children to dry land after the River Wye burst its banks flooding the Gloucestershire village
PA
32/50 27 October 2019
Cosplayers during the third day of London’s Comic Con
PA
33/50 26 October 2019
England fans celebrate after their side beat New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup semi-final match in Japan. Eddie Jones’s side won 19-7
PA
34/50 25 October 2019
Meerkats at Blair Drummond Safari Park, Stirling, investigate a carved pumpkin as the park celebrates national pumpkin day on Saturday October 26.
PA
35/50 24 October 2019
A giant inflatable monster, created by artists Filthy Luker and Pedro Estrellas, is unveiled in Manchester ahead of the city’s annual halloween celebrations
PA
36/50 23 October 2019
Thirty-nine bodies have been found in a lorry container in Essex, police have said.
The discovery of 38 adults and one teenager was made at an industrial estate in Thurrock.
Police said they believed the lorry had come from Bulgaria and entered the UK at Holyhead, in Wales, on Saturday.
Essex Police said it had launched a murder investigation after its officers were called to Waterglade Industrial Park, in Grays, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
A 25-year-old-man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder
PA
37/50 22 October 2019
Ships out at sea before the sun rises off the coast of Whitley Bay, Northumberland
PA
38/50 21 October 2019
Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator’s Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife. The messy display is the culmination of a weekend of festivities where first years say thank you to their more senior student “parents” for mentoring them
PA
39/50 20 October 2019
Wales players celebrate after beating France in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Japan. Warren Gatland’s side had to battle after France’s fast start but capitalised on their rivals’ ill discipline to squeeze into the semi-finals, 20-19
Reuters
40/50 19 October 2019
People gather in London to join the Final Say march for a people’s vote
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
41/50 18 October 2019
Protesters on Whitehall in London during an Extinction Rebellion climate change protest
PA
42/50 17 October 2019
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson shake hands during a news conference after agreeing on a Brexit deal, in Brussels
Reuters
43/50 16 October 2019
A man walks his dog through the fallen leaves in Clarkes Gardens, Allerton in Liverpool
PA
44/50 15 October 2019
Police officers carry away an activist as Extinction Rebellion protesters block a road with a caravan in central London
Reuters
45/50 14 October 2019
Queen Elizabeth II sits with Prince Charles on the Sovereign’s throne ahead of delivering the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament
AFP
46/50 13 October 2019
Great Britain’s Joe Fraser competes on Parallel Bars during the World Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. He claimed GB’s second gold with his victory. The 20-year-old from Birmingham nailed his routine to score 15.0 then watched as a series of rivals failed to live up to his total
Getty
47/50 12 October 2019
St Helens players celebrate with the trophy after they won the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford in Manchester. They beat Salford Red Devils 23-6
PA
48/50 11 October 2019
Richard Ratcliffe, husband of British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe jailed in Tehran since 2016, holds his daughter Gabriella during a news conference in London. Their five-year-old daughter has arrived back in Britain, after making the “bittersweet” decision to bring her home
AFP/Getty
49/50 10 October 2019
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Thornton Manor. Their meeting focused on further Brexit proposals
EPA/Noel Mullen
50/50 9 October 2019
Wales survived an almighty scare against Fiji to secure quarter-final spot at the rugby world cup. Warren Gatland’s side recovered from a 10-0 deficit thanks to a hat-trick from Josh Adams
AFP/Getty
Being asked to remove his turban “is an offence in the eyes of a Sikh”, he said.
It demonstrated “a case of bias and racial attitude” towards Sikhs“, he added.
“The turban is the essence of a Sikh’s identity and it is important to create awareness at global level about how sensitive Sikhs are about their turban.”
The Independent has contacted Madrid airport for comment.
Navdeep Bains’s saga caused a minor diplomatic incident, prompting Canada to complain to US officials and officials from the Trump administration to release an apology.
Mr Bains, the minister of innovation, science and economic development, was returning to Toronto after meetings with Michigan state leaders in April 2017 and had already gone through security checks when the incident took place.
Securing low-cost flights is all a make any difference of timing
Some travellers have minor preference about their locations. I was reminded of that when experiencing the existing revival of Noises Off. Alan Ayckbourn’s inverted farce capabilities a troupe of repertory actors whose spectacular adventures prolong little further than Weston-tremendous-Mare, Ashton-under-Lyne and Stockton-on-Tees.
All those of us in the audience, in the meantime, delight in a wider variety of places than ever, together with some extra unique than that trio of towns.
What most future holidaymakers have little choice about, though, is timing.
Get the job done, instruction and family members commitments tend to compress chances to escape into annoyingly slim slices of the calendar year: Christmas and New Yr, Easter, late July and August.
For the travel business, that indicates some fabulously wealthy pickings. As you will have noticed, airways cash in on these narrow time horizons. My benchmark for measuring the income they are generating: a flight from Gatwick to Geneva and back in the 3rd 7 days of February, the normal 50 % time period in southeast England.
On this route outbound on 15 February, again a week afterwards, a couple of easyJet departures are offered out absolutely. There is still space on adjacent departures, but fares are soaring to £1,332 return – with out baggage, seat assignment or even an inflight cup of tea.
You may be incensed by that determine, and regard it as abject profiteering from a captive industry. I disagree. No-one particular is compelled to fork out a sum corresponding to £5 for each individual moment spent in the air. The airline is merely offering a product or service at a specific selling price. It is totally up to you (and your credit history-card limit) no matter whether or not to invest in.
If my argument persuades you, can I press my luck and question you to experience a smidgeon of sympathy for the airlines? In a business enterprise when the solar doesn’t shine for a great deal of the 12 months, producing hay is tricky.
Right now the travel marketplace is as gloomy as the skies. The usual late November/early December slump has been compounded by the general election, which has frustrated demand (as well as quite a few voters). Accordingly there is a surge in “distressed inventory”. Absolutely nothing is a lot more perishable than an empty seat on an aircraft.
Can you possibly vacation subsequent 7 days, even if for just a couple of days? You would simplicity the pain of the airlines, and much more to the point cheer on your own up.
The airline with the incredibly most affordable price, predictably, is Ryanair. Its “yield passive, load issue active” strategy suggests fares are lower to whichever amount is essential to fill its planes.
If £20 return is your limit, Europe’s most important price range airline will fly from Stansted to Toulouse or Liverpool to Dublin.
From Manchester to Marseille, a extensive weekend (out on Saturday, again on Tuesday) booked at 48 hours see to the Mediterranean and back is just £40.
Persons saddled with jobs may moderately point out they have no a lot more than a quick weekend. Glance no even more than British Airways, which is offloading some distressed December stock through its exceptional town-breaks programme.
BA has loads of choices at £99 for a return flight from one of the London airports (commonly Gatwick) and two evenings in a respectable hotel, which include breakfast.
That sub-£100 value applies to the Tuscan spa city of Montecatini Termi on 5 unique dates from 7 to 17 December, and to the lovely Lido di Jesolo opposite Venice on 10 times amongst 1 and 15 December.
If you prefer to meet up with early summer time in the southern hemisphere, on rather considerably any working day you care to title in the next couple of weeks, Cathay Pacific will get you from Manchester to Melbourne for beneath £700 – yes, journey to the other side of the earth for fifty percent the price of a 50 percent-expression ski flight to Geneva.
This is the very best of periods to be a traveller. But, like the most effective farces, it is all a subject of timing.
Air New Zealand trolls ‘racist’ customer on social media using Maori words
Air New Zealand’s social team has been praised after responding to a “racist” customer by using Maori language.
In a Facebook post which has since been removed, Air New Zealand wrote the following reply to someone inquiring about when the Koru Club lounge would be reopening at Wellington Airport: “Kia ora, our team are working hard to finish our amazing lounge for customers. We hope to have more information regarding this shortly.”
“Kia ora” is the equivalent of “hello” in Te Reo, or Maori, one of New Zealand’s two official languages.
The customer responded “I’m not Maori”, before asking, “Any likelihood it will be open by mid-December?”
Rather than holding back, Air New Zealand responded completely courteously – but with even more Maori language.
“We do not expect this lounge to be re-opened within 2019. However, taihoa koe ka kite all the amazing improvements we have made,” they wrote.
“Taihoa koe ka” translates as “you’ll soon see”.
The customer wasn’t amused, writing: “I’m still not Maori. What’s the English translation of that?”
Another commenter helpfully posted a link to a Maori dictionary below.
Air New Zealand didn’t provide a translation but left one more comment for the disgruntled social media user: “We’ve done a bit of digging for you, and it looks like the lounge will be open just before Kirihimete! We can’t wait to open the doors again, then you’ll get to see all the amazing improvements we’ve made.”
1/14 Hokitika Gorge
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2/14 Lake Tekapo
Getty
3/14 Mount Cook
Getty
4/14 Waiau River, Hanmer Forest Park
Getty
5/14 Fox Glacier
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6/14 Lake Wanaka
Getty
7/14 Milford Sound
Getty
8/14 Marlborough Sounds
Getty
9/14 Fiordland National Park
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10/14 Abel Tasman National Park
Getty
11/14 Split Apple Rock, Abel Tansman National Park
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12/14 Larnach Castle
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13/14 View from Larnach Castle over the Otago Peninsula
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14/14 Queenstown
Getty
1/14 Hokitika Gorge
Getty
2/14 Lake Tekapo
Getty
3/14 Mount Cook
Getty
4/14 Waiau River, Hanmer Forest Park
Getty
5/14 Fox Glacier
Getty
6/14 Lake Wanaka
Getty
7/14 Milford Sound
Getty
8/14 Marlborough Sounds
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9/14 Fiordland National Park
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10/14 Abel Tasman National Park
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11/14 Split Apple Rock, Abel Tansman National Park
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12/14 Larnach Castle
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13/14 View from Larnach Castle over the Otago Peninsula
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14/14 Queenstown
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The language barrier shouldn’t have been an issue this time – the word “Kirihimete”, which means “Christmas”, was accompanied by a Christmas tree emoji.
Although the post was taken down, it has since been shared widely on social media.
“Nice one, Air NZ,” wrote one commenter of the post; another said: “At the end of the day, you don’t entertain racists, you subtly shut them down or deflect. I think Air NZ was completely within reason.”
A Reddit user uploaded a screenshot of the exchange, along with the caption: “I thought this from Air NZ was funny and maybe the person who they were replying to was just a ‘bit’ ignorant.
“However after looking through more of their Facebook profile, it just made me sad that someone can be so racist.”
The post highlighted the racial tensions that still exist in New Zealand.
“I know a reasonable number of Kiwis over 50 who have been resistant to changes in the pronunciation of place names (Whanganui etc) and who likewise see the slow introduction of Maori words into everyday English as something forced upon them, to which they never agreed,” wrote one reddit user.
“I don’t know if this necessarily makes them ‘racist’ although it does mean they are showing resistance to learning one of NZ’s official languages.”
The Independent has asked Air New Zealand for comment.
Lausanne ranked the best small city in the world
Lausanne in Switzerland has been ranked the best small city in the world.
It topped the chart in Monocle’s inaugural Small Cities Index, which ranked the best 25 small cities in the world with a population under 200,000.
The ranking was compiled by Monocle’s correspondents, editors and researchers who looked at factors such as the quality of public transport, rail and air connections, lively metabolism and progressive local government, among other things.
The Swiss city took the top spot for a host of reasons including its global outlook, diverse population, home to big business and natural setting, said Monocle.
The publisher added that Lausanne’s efficient public transport network as well as key employers in the city, including the International Olympic Committee, were key to its win.
1/25 Trieste, Italy
Trieste, Italy
Getty Images/iStockphoto
2/25 Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne, Switzerland
Getty Images/iStockphoto
3/25 Boulder, USA
Boulder, USA
Getty Images/iStockphoto
4/25 Bergen, Norway
Bergen, Norway
Getty Images/iStockphoto
5/25 Hobart, Australia
Hobart, Australia
Getty Images/iStockphoto
6/25 Chigasaki, Japan
Chigasaki, Japan
Wikimedia Commons/運転太郎
7/25 Bolzano, Italy
Bolzano, Italy
Getty Images/iStockphoto
8/25 Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux, France
Getty Images/iStockphoto
9/25 Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck, Austria
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10/25 Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugal
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11/25 Aachen, Germany
Aachen, Germany
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12/25 Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
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13/25 Savannah, USA
Savannah, USA
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14/25 Postdam, Germany
Postdam, Germany
Getty Images
15/25 Basel, Switzerland
Basel, Switzerland
Getty Images/iStockphoto
16/25 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Getty Images/iStockphoto
17/25 Victoria, Canada
Victoria, Canada
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18/25 San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian, Spain
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19/25 Eindhoven, Netherlands
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Getty Images
20/25 Bath, UK
Bath, UK
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21/25 Aalborg, Denmark
Aalborg, Denmark
Getty Images/iStockphoto
22/25 Wiesbaden, Germany
Wiesbaden, Germany
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23/25 Haarlem, Netherlands
Haarlem, Netherlands
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24/25 Annapolis, USA
Annapolis, USA
Getty Images/iStockphoto
25/25 Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, Austria
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1/25 Trieste, Italy
Trieste, Italy
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2/25 Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne, Switzerland
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3/25 Boulder, USA
Boulder, USA
Getty Images/iStockphoto
4/25 Bergen, Norway
Bergen, Norway
Getty Images/iStockphoto
5/25 Hobart, Australia
Hobart, Australia
Getty Images/iStockphoto
6/25 Chigasaki, Japan
Chigasaki, Japan
Wikimedia Commons/運転太郎
7/25 Bolzano, Italy
Bolzano, Italy
Getty Images/iStockphoto
8/25 Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux, France
Getty Images/iStockphoto
9/25 Innsbruck, Austria
Innsbruck, Austria
Getty Images/iStockphoto
10/25 Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugal
Getty Images/iStockphoto
11/25 Aachen, Germany
Aachen, Germany
Getty Images/iStockphoto
12/25 Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland
Getty Images/iStockphoto
13/25 Savannah, USA
Savannah, USA
Getty Images/iStockphoto
14/25 Postdam, Germany
Postdam, Germany
Getty Images
15/25 Basel, Switzerland
Basel, Switzerland
Getty Images/iStockphoto
16/25 Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Getty Images/iStockphoto
17/25 Victoria, Canada
Victoria, Canada
Getty Images/iStockphoto
18/25 San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian, Spain
Getty Images/iStockphoto
19/25 Eindhoven, Netherlands
Eindhoven, Netherlands
Getty Images
20/25 Bath, UK
Bath, UK
Getty Images
21/25 Aalborg, Denmark
Aalborg, Denmark
Getty Images/iStockphoto
22/25 Wiesbaden, Germany
Wiesbaden, Germany
Getty Images/iStockphoto
23/25 Haarlem, Netherlands
Haarlem, Netherlands
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24/25 Annapolis, USA
Annapolis, USA
Getty Images/iStockphoto
25/25 Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg, Austria
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Rounding out the top five was Boulder, USA; Bergen, Norway; Hobart, Australia; and Chigasaki, Japan.
“We kept noticing that our readers were moving to the likes of Porto and Boulder and creating busy, better lives for themselves. This survey shows why people are voting with their feet and ambitions,” said Monocle editor, Andrew Tuck.
Monocle Editor-in-Chief, Tyler Brûlé added: “Having established a strong franchise with the annual Monocle quality-of-life ranking, we felt that it was time to measure liveability in smaller-scale cities that were hard to put in the same league as cities like Tokyo or Vancouver.”
The top 25 small cities in the world
1. Lausanne, Switzerland
2. Boulder, USA
3. Bergen, Norway
4. Hobart, Australia
5. Chigasaki, Japan
6. Bolzano, Italy
7. Bordeaux, France
8. Innsbruck, Austria
9. Porto, Portugal
10. Aachen, Germany
11. Reykjavik, Iceland
12. Savannah, USA
13. Potsdam, Germany
14. Basel, Switzerland
15. Chiang Mai, Thailand
16. Victoria, Canada
17. San Sebastián, Spain
18. Eindhoven, Netherlands
19. Bath, UK
20. Aalborg, Denmark
21. Wiesbaden, Germany
22. Trieste, Italy
23. Haarlem, Netherlands
24. Annapolis, USA
25. Salzburg, Austria
Airport workers caught building a snowman by side of runway
Employees at Denver Airport were caught embracing their inner Anna and Elsa by building a snowman, Frozen-style.
The three workers, dressed in high vis jackets, were filmed working together to construct a body and head at the side of the tarmac in front of a Frontier Airlines jet.
Abigail Ladd, a yoga instructor and coach, uploaded a video of the charming scene to Instagram.
She narrated from behind the camera, saying: “These air controllers are building a snowman at Denver airport.
“This is amazing. This might be my favourite thing I’ve seen all day.”
Seeing them come together to put the torso on top of the body, she added: “Look at that teamwork.
“Just holding the head so lovingly, that one in the orange.
“Yay for teamwork, it is holiday season.”
1/8
Droplets freeze as they bounce off the falls
Kristin Amico
2/8
The spray is freezing mid-air
Kristin Amico
3/8
Niagara has become a winter wonderland
Kristin Amico
4/8
The daily light show looks different when it’s frozen
Kristin Amico
5/8
Chunks of ice float towards the falls
Kristin Amico
6/8
Brave tourists are still venturing out
Kristin Amico
7/8
Frozen Canada
Kristin Amico
8/8
Even the street lights are covered with icicles
Kristin Amico
1/8
Droplets freeze as they bounce off the falls
Kristin Amico
2/8
The spray is freezing mid-air
Kristin Amico
3/8
Niagara has become a winter wonderland
Kristin Amico
4/8
The daily light show looks different when it’s frozen
Kristin Amico
5/8
Chunks of ice float towards the falls
Kristin Amico
6/8
Brave tourists are still venturing out
Kristin Amico
7/8
Frozen Canada
Kristin Amico
8/8
Even the street lights are covered with icicles
Kristin Amico
Instagram users were enchanted by the video, with one commenter writing: “Oh that’s cute.”
“I love that you caught that!” added another.
The employees made the snowman in the aftermath of Denver’s biggest November snowstorm since 1994.
As much as 2ft of snow fell across parts of the city on Monday and Tuesday, while some parts of Colorado were submerged in 2.75ft of snow.
Denver has had 25.7 inches of snowfall so far this winter, making it the snowiest start to the season since 2009.
And the snow is also the reason airport workers might have had a little extra time on their hands for snowman construction. On Tuesday, more than 475 flights to and from Denver International Airport were cancelled and numerous flights were delayed after 7 inches of snow fell at the airport.
More than 1,100 passengers were forced to spend Monday night at the airport after a major snowstorm hit the Denver area.
TTG – Travel marketplace information
28 Nov 2019by Franki Berry
EasyJet hopes to “disrupt the market” with the relaunch of its package deal holiday break enterprise this early morning (28 November).
EasyJet Holidays’ main executive Garry Wilson at the relaunch
Sharelines
The low-expense operator is presenting much more than 5,000 “handpicked” two- to five-star hotels in locations around the globe, 23kg of baggage per individual, and “ultimate” flexibility via easyJet Holidays.
This is utilizing easyJet’s 330 plane flying up to 670 routes a day.
A new internet site, built-in with its app, will consist of TripAdvisor critiques, a feature to map details in between sights, and pre-vacation integrated itineraries.
Garry Wilson, chief govt of easyJet Holiday seasons, explained the recently designed website will be continuously evolving to contain new options which are not but available, these as car or truck use somewhat than airport transfer.
Although now operating under a short term Atol licence, easyJet Holidays expects to have just one million shoppers in 2020 – double the variety in 2019.
“EasyJet has been a pioneer in reworking journey for practically 25 decades and we want to convey that to the holiday seasons sector,” Wilson reported.
“We know the way individuals journey is constantly evolving we know buyers want flexibility on when and how they vacation we know they want to be ready to quickly pick a hotel to go well with their requires and we know they want a headache-absolutely free reserving method.”
Relaunching the task at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Hampshire, Wilson reported easyJet is targeted on not “pigeonholing” passengers into client stereotypes these as pensioner or lone traveller.
Collections contain luxury, adult, spouse and children, boutique and undiscovered – for accommodation not greatly offered in other places.
He said the new easyJet Vacations website will give website visitors a preference of inns and transfers in accordance to their requires.
The deposit demanded stands at £60 – whilst that is the same as Jet2vacations, Wilson insisted it was a coincidence dependent on consumer investigate.
At the relaunch, Wilson reaffirmed his drive to do the job with the trade but did not confirm when easyJet Vacations would be bookable.
Having said that, the enterprise are managing a quantity of trade times to function with brokers.
The 20 best UK cottages to cosy up in this winter
As the cold creeps in, finding a snuggly bolthole to hibernate in becomes ever more appealing.
Here’s our pick of the 20 best cottages in the UK where you can wait out the winter weather.
Located in the heart of the Lake District just above Tarn Hows (one of Beatrix Potter’s favourite spots), this tranquil two-bedroom stone cottage is just the ticket for getting away from it all – including people (there are no neighbours) and technology (there’s no telly or WiFi). There are fields and mountains aplenty to explore by foot and the shoreline is great for cycling. There’s a roaring logburner, small kitchen and plenty of restaurants, pubs and tea rooms in nearby Coniston and Hawkshead. Sleeps four.
From £249 for two nights (minimum stay)
nationaltrust.org.uk
Locks Farm, East Prawle, South Devon
This roomy, four-bedroom traditional farmhouse with exposed beams and a mixture of flagstone and carpeted floors is a great base for winter walks along the coastal path at Prawle Point, a wild and rugged headland on the most southerly point of Devon. Afterwards, warm up by the log burner or head up to the quirky Pig’s Nose Inn, which serves great ales and good food. Despite being off the beaten track, you’re only a few miles from the resort town of Salcombe. Up to two dogs welcome; sleeps eight.
From £862 for seven nights (minimum stay)
toadhallcottages.co.uk
Sea Song, Middleton-on-Sea, West Sussex
If you’re after a luxurious coastal cottage without breaking the bank, our vote goes to this striking California-in-feel, recently renovated five-bedroom beachfront home. It’s got a patio with hot tub, plus a gate right onto the beach, which has a mixture of pebbly and sandy areas. With wow-factor, coastal-themed interiors and plenty of open plan space for a big gathering of friends or family, it would be particularly spectacular for Christmas or New Year. On brighter winter days, the sunlight floods the house, with views to die for from both the two main bedrooms. One dog welcome; sleeps 11.
1/10
Airbnb’s most liked Instagram post of 2018 is located at Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand
@chachi86/Instagram
2/10
the Lazzarella Room in Old Mill on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello, Italy
@jugglesatparties/Instagram
3/10
The Willow Treehouse in Upstate New York
@cristinarnieto/Instagram
4/10
The Joshua Tree Campover Cabin is situated in more than 22 acres of land
@alalam100/Instagram
5/10
The Beautiful Riad in Marrakesh, Morocco, was the fifth most liked post of 2018
@theresatorp/Instagram
6/10
The only way to reach the Boat House in New South Wales, Australia, is by boat
@sarahlianhan/Instagram
7/10
Vintage Design and Contemporary Art, Trastevere, Italy
@jonisan/Instagram
8/10
Perledo, Lake Como, Italy
@sssoph90/Instagram
9/10
Piano di Sorrento in Italy offers incredible views of the Amalfi coastline
@lizbedor/Instagram
10/10
General Luna, Siargao Island Philippines
@thetriangle.siargao/Instagram
1/10
Airbnb’s most liked Instagram post of 2018 is located at Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, New Zealand
@chachi86/Instagram
2/10
the Lazzarella Room in Old Mill on the Amalfi Coast, Ravello, Italy
@jugglesatparties/Instagram
3/10
The Willow Treehouse in Upstate New York
@cristinarnieto/Instagram
4/10
The Joshua Tree Campover Cabin is situated in more than 22 acres of land
@alalam100/Instagram
5/10
The Beautiful Riad in Marrakesh, Morocco, was the fifth most liked post of 2018
@theresatorp/Instagram
6/10
The only way to reach the Boat House in New South Wales, Australia, is by boat
@sarahlianhan/Instagram
7/10
Vintage Design and Contemporary Art, Trastevere, Italy
@jonisan/Instagram
8/10
Perledo, Lake Como, Italy
@sssoph90/Instagram
9/10
Piano di Sorrento in Italy offers incredible views of the Amalfi coastline
@lizbedor/Instagram
10/10
General Luna, Siargao Island Philippines
@thetriangle.siargao/Instagram
From £1,500 for three nights (minimum stay)
mulberrycottages.com
This coastline is an internationally recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, meaning you won’t be short of beautiful shoreline walks on crisp winter days. The region is also host to a number of award-winning independent restaurants, log fire inns and gastropubs serving big-portion cuisine from local produce. Our favourite bolthole is this five-bedroom seafront property with open-plan, tasteful interiors and a feeling of real space for larger groups – all a hop, skip and a jump away from the seaside village of Seahouses. Two (sometimes three) dogs welcome; sleeps 10.
From £671 for three nights (minimum stay)
northumbria-cottages.co.uk
Yes, this is a youth hostel – yet this five-bedroom abode manages to retain a cosy cottage feel. Perfect for mountain lovers looking for great climbing holidays, it offers a 500ft head start on the ascent of the Old Man of Coniston. YHA spent £100,000 earlier this year refurbishing this property, so nothing looks tired, and there’s a wood-burning stove in the lounge. Book it up as an exclusive hire and you’ve got yourself a nice cosy spot for a whopping 22 people – and an extra four if they’re feeling brave enough to sleep in the heated camping pod in the grounds.
From £597 for three nights (minimum stay for exclusive hire)
exclusive-hire.yha.org.uk
For the ultimate in opulence, it has to be Spring Cottage, set in the stunning Cliveden estate. Built as a summerhouse for the Countess of Orkney in 1813, it is one of the most beautiful cottages on the Thames. It has seen many a royal party and was visited on several occasions by Queen Victoria. Following restoration in 1998 and again in 2012, it has contemporary country-house interiors and is dog friendly. Dine in the main hotel, which guests have full use of and where the food is fantastic, or in the spacious, gorgeously decorated yet homely cottage itself. Sleeps six.
From £2,055 per night
clivedenhouse.co.uk
Forest Holidays offers cabin breaks in 11 of the UK’s forests, where the aim is to reconnect with nature and disconnect from tech (although it is available). Our favourite is Blackwood Forest, where spacious four-person cabins (you can also get them for fewer or more people), located deep in the woods, are a great base for walking and biking. There are organised forest activities available – our kids loved the den building, fire making and toasting marshmallows. The log burning stove, huge outdoor hot tub and fluffy robes helps keep things cosy and they welcome up to four dogs. There’s a family-friendly restaurant on site, too.
From £425 for four nights (minimum stay)
forestholidays.co.uk
Larger groups can lord it up in their own grade II listed manor house, with nearly 60 acres of land on the edge of the Newtown Estuary. There’s a nice cottagey feel with added lavishness. In fact, once you’ve got the fire going in the 17th-century fireplace in the drawing room and the roast on in the Aga, you won’t want to leave. On the downside, the pool and tennis courts may be wasted in the winter months, but the former is heated and the latter all-weather. One dog welcome. Sleeps 16 (22 if you hire the optional three-bedroom barn too).
From £1,250 for two nights (house-only minimum stay); from £1,600 for two nights (house with barn minimum stay)
kateandtoms.com
No wonder this rustic Welsh cottage, which dates back to 1755, featured in World of Interiors and on Channel 4’s The Perfect Home – every room is simply yet exquisitely decorated with antiques to die for. Walking inside is like stepping back in time and we found it surprisingly light, partly thanks to the neighbouring cowshed having been incorporated into the home. Great as a base for exploring rural Carmarthenshire, including beautiful local beaches, it has the welcome additions of underfloor heating, Rayburn stove and open fire for when you get home. Sleeps four.
From £53 per night
airbnb.co.uk
Rye Croft Cottage, Calton Lees Valley, Peak District
This is one of two cottages recently converted from Chatsworth Estate’s Grade II listed barns, both of which overlook the Calton Lees Valley from an elevated position. You can either book the three-bedroom (with three bathrooms) cottage on its own or combine it with Pingle Cottage, which sleeps an additional four. In both, the contemporary living area is up a spiral staircase which leads to a private garden. Two dogs welcome; sleeps six (with potential for an additional four).
From £680 for four nights midweek, from £852 for three nights at weekends
chatsworthcottages.co.uk
This rustic-looking, quirkily designed converted barn is a must for anyone with even the remotest interest in spitfires. All fabrics, paint and wallpapers match the spitfire colours, plus there are spitfire prints with pilots’ signatures and over 60 Spitfire books. All of this aviation geekery is complemented by handmade furniture, cow hides and weather-beaten leather sofas. There’s even an original spitfire propeller encased in the oak coffee table. Sleeps two.
From £750 for three nights (minimum stay)
uniquehomestays.com
For a winter’s retreat in the Scottish highlands, this wooden cabin has panoramic views over the surrounding woodland. When you’re done exploring the unspoiled countryside, you can tear off those gloves, scarf and hat to snuggle up in front of the wood-burning stove in the open plan sitting area. The village of Roy Bridge, with a café and two hotels, is a mile away, while Fort William can be reached in half an hour by car. Two dogs welcome. Sleeps four in zip and link bedrooms – one double, one twin.
From £458 for seven nights
sykescottages.co.uk
This isolated cottage-turned-bunkhouse is great for multiple families or large groups of adventure seekers. Spend your days hiking and cycling over the wild moors or wait until night falls and take advantage of the dark skies to do a bit of stargazing (be sure to wrap up warm). Don’t expect luxury – this is no frills, but the woodburner, wooden beams, low doorways, leather sofas and stone walls make for a cosy communal area and the kitchen is extremely well equipped. Dorms with bunkbeds are spread across three bedrooms. Two dogs welcome; sleeps 20.
From £420 for two nights (minimum stay)
nationaltrust.org.uk
Hay Cottage, near Wadebridge, Cornwall
The snug living room of this 18th-century stone Cornish cottage is as cosy as they come, complete with wood burner to warm you up on cold evenings. The spacious kitchen sports an Aga and the three bedrooms feel welcoming even on the chilliest of nights. It’s tastefully decorated throughout and set in spectacular surroundings in the hamlet of Polmorla, close to the coast, where there are breath-taking cliff top walks and a gentler trail for cyclists that takes you all the way to Padstow. Up to three dogs welcome; sleeps seven.
From £365 for three nights (minimum stay)
toadhallcottages.co.uk
Purton Green is an oasis of calm in a remote corner of Suffolk, but you have to walk through a field to reach your front door. It takes you by surprise, hidden by tall hedges until you round a corner and reach a clearing. The medieval-feel hall is an ideal hideaway in winter, and a perfect setting for a lavish Christmas tree. Furnishings are simple, standard Landmark linen covered armchairs and hessian lampshades – all you need. Two dogs welcome; sleeps four.
From £313 for three nights (minimum stay)
landmarktrust.org.uk
Stable Cottage, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire
This picture-postcard romantic Cotswolds cottage has it all – great views, idyllic grounds, wood-burning stove and cosy, elegant interiors, with fabulous walks on tap in the Coln Valley, Bibury and local villages. The one-bedroom cottage is located next to the owner’s farmhouse, but don’t let that put you off – it’s completely private and they’re hands-off hosts (but still accessible if you need something). Try the honey from the farm – divine – and the local pubs are worth a visit too. Sleeps two.
From £78 per night
airbnb.co.uk
Burdock Fox, near Chippenham, Wiltshire
Once you’ve passed through the village of Tiddleywink (yes, really) you get to chocolate-box Castle Combe where this old Cotswold cottage with Georgian facade is located. It’s bigger than it looks, thanks to the original village forge now forming the rear of the house. It’s steeped in history – from the garden you can see the medieval wooden struts holding up the first floor and the basement is one of a few under crofts left in Britain. Renovated in 2015, the interiors are chic yet homely. It’s family friendly – they’ve even created a special space for prams. Two dogs welcome; sleeps six.
From £1,250 for three nights (Friday to Monday) or four nights (midweek)
uniquehomestays.com
This bijou fisherman’s cottage is located on an attractive cobbled street in the heart of the picturesque village of Mousehole in West Cornwall, just a minute’s walk away from the harbour beach. The decor is modern, but has oodles of character, with exposed beams, flagstone floor, thick stone walls, stained glass windows and granite hearth with log burner. The kitchen is surprisingly roomy for a cottage this size and is well equipped with top-notch appliances. One dog welcome; sleeps four.
From £388 for three nights (minimum stay)
beachretreats.co.uk
You’ve got it all here – babbling brook, thatched roof and rustic Elizabethan charm including original cob-built walls, flagstone floors and huge stone fireplace with wood-burner. During the day, we recommend the six-mile walk between Hartland Quay and Hartland Point, which includes some of the most dramatic and challenging sections of the South West Coastal path. For dinner, head to the Wreckers Retreat Bar at the Hartland Quay Hotel – honest pub grub and a spectacular backdrop of unspoilt North Devon coastline. Sleeps two (plus two at a pinch).
From £140 for two nights (minimum stay)
coolstays.com
Gold Hill, where Updown Cottage is located, is the backdrop to Ridley Scott’s classic Hovis advert and offers incredible views over the Blackmore Vale. The cottage dates from the 16th century and original beams run throughout; the decor combines traditional features and contemporary comfort. Wonderful countryside and fantastic local eateries are all nearby. Phil Spencer describes the cottage as “iconic” and “simply one of the most charming houses in England” – and who are we to argue? Sleeps six.
From £545 for three nights, or four nights midweek
updowncottage.co.uk
Eight genuinely good travel deals for Black Friday, including coach travel for £0
What constitutes a “travel bargain”? In pure economic terms, it is any train, boat or plane ticket – or hotel room – that is cheaper than you would be prepared to pay. But in the annual late-November frenzy of Black Friday deals, shoppers are looking for deep discounts. And that is a problem for travel, where “dynamic pricing” prevails: the price you pay is determined by what other people are prepared to pay.
The cost of the cheapest plane ticket from London to Rome can veer from £19 (Ryanair from Stansted, next Tuesday) to five times as much (easyJet from Luton, three weeks later).
That makes travel unlike a toaster or a TV, where it is reasonable say, “the lowest price is normally X and today’s it’s 20 per cent cheaper”.
But each Black Friday brings a few genuine travel bargains. As always, make sure it’s somewhere you actually want to go – and, once you have committed, don’t look again at prices in case they have actually come down.
This year’s crop starts with two transatlantic deals from non-UK or US airlines.
1/10 1. Air Zealand
The Kiwi flag carrier claimed the top spot in the AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards due to inflight innovations, environmental leadership and staff motivation
Air New Zealand
2/10 2. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines came second overall and also took the Best First Class award for its Suites product
Getty
3/10 3. All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways claimed third place, hailed for being at the forefront of cabin innovation
Getty Images
4/10 4. Qantas
Qantas won two awards – Best Domestic Airline Service and Best Lounges – alongside fourth place
Qantas
5/10 5. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific was named the best long-haul airline in Asia
Getty Images
6/10 6. Emirates
Best Inflight Entertainment was awarded to Emirates
AP/Adam Schreck
7/10 7. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic came in seventh
Virgin Atlantic
8/10 8. EVA Air
Taiwan’s EVA Air was eighth
Getty
9/10 9. Qatar Airways
The Best Catering and Best Business Class awards went to Qatar Airways thanks to its Qsuites
Getty
10/10 10. Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia won Best Economy for an “extremely spacious cabin that sets it apart from many airlines”, plus Best Cabin Crew
Getty Images
1/10 1. Air Zealand
The Kiwi flag carrier claimed the top spot in the AirlineRatings.com Airline Excellence Awards due to inflight innovations, environmental leadership and staff motivation
Air New Zealand
2/10 2. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines came second overall and also took the Best First Class award for its Suites product
Getty
3/10 3. All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways claimed third place, hailed for being at the forefront of cabin innovation
Getty Images
4/10 4. Qantas
Qantas won two awards – Best Domestic Airline Service and Best Lounges – alongside fourth place
Qantas
5/10 5. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific was named the best long-haul airline in Asia
Getty Images
6/10 6. Emirates
Best Inflight Entertainment was awarded to Emirates
AP/Adam Schreck
7/10 7. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic came in seventh
Virgin Atlantic
8/10 8. EVA Air
Taiwan’s EVA Air was eighth
Getty
9/10 9. Qatar Airways
The Best Catering and Best Business Class awards went to Qatar Airways thanks to its Qsuites
Getty
10/10 10. Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia won Best Economy for an “extremely spacious cabin that sets it apart from many airlines”, plus Best Cabin Crew
Getty Images
Singapore Airlines, Manchester-Houston: £385 return
That price in itself is nothing special for low season, but what makes this a real bargain are the dates of travel: 15 January to 21 June 2020 and, crucially, 17 August to the end of September. Book up to Monday 2 December. In premium economy, the fare is £990 return.
Air New Zealand, Heathrow-Los Angeles: £179 return
This Black Friday bargain, for travel early in 2020, goes on sale at 10am on Friday – but will sell out within minutes, as it is half the normal lowest fare. But there are only 100 tickets on offer.
Eurostar, London-Paris or Brussels: £25 each way
The Channel Tunnel train operator is selling the next tranche of its usual “Snap” tickets as a Black Friday deal. These are as cheap as Eurostar ever sells: £25 each way, but with tricky conditions. You decide the destination and day, choose between morning or afternoon, and two days before departure you are told which train you are booked on. Book up to Monday 2 December 2019 for travel from 7 January to 6 February 2020. Apart from some weekend departures, availability is likely to be very good.
Hong Kong: shopping voucher “worth” nearly £300
Cathay Pacific, the airline of Hong Kong, is in desperate straits because of the violence at its hub. So expect some bargains from Manchester, Heathrow and Gatwick to Asia and Australia. Japan for £500 or Australia for £600 return will be a good price – though over Christmas don’t expect any bargains. In addition, anyone who books on Friday to travel before the end of the year gets a HK$3,000 (£296) voucher to spend on the shops at Hong Kong International Airport – where the retailers are really suffering. Because of the high margins, reckon on that voucher being worth closer to £150.
Wight price: 30-50 per cent off
Closer to home, Wightlink has a genuine 30 per cent of its normally painfully high car ferry fares to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth and Lymington, and foot passengers get half price on the FastCat from Portsmouth to Ryde. But the deal only lasts until the end of the year, not the ideal time to visit this beautiful island. Book online from Friday 29 November until Tuesday 2 December 2019.
Ryanair: possibly 20 per cent off
Ryanair is offering a “deal a day” right through to Sunday. So far deals have included a general £30 off summer 2020 fares and a 20 per cent discount on some flights from UK airports to France. But if you want to take more than a small backpack, factor that into the fare.
Romantic room: £56
Spain’s Parador chain – government-owned hotels in historic properties – has a Thursday and Friday deal with rooms priced at €66 (£56) right through to 3 April 2020, though don’t expect vast availability over Christmas, New Year and Valentine’s weekend.
London-Cardiff: £0
If any price is too high for you right now, then the on-demand bus service Snap has been offering an actual travel-on-Black-Friday for free deal. Its new coach service between London and Cardiff is being launched on Friday and the firm has been charging £0 between the English and Welsh capitals. Even if the free tickets are, er, sold out, there will be plenty around at £5 each way.