A 44 year old United Airlines pilot was arrested by police at Heathrow airport on Sunday morning after failing a breath test.
He had been scheduled to pilot a Boeing 777 United Airlines aircraft to San Franscisco, a journey of 5,300 miles.
United Airlines were quick to point out that their alcohol policy is amongst the strictest in the industry. Safety is their number one priority and they do not tolerate any violation of their strict no-alcohol rules.
Passengers have said that they didn't have a clue what was taking place when the pilot was arrested. Several commented that they were horrified to think that they could have been flown across the Atlantic by a pilot who was the worse for drink.
Monday 20 October 2008
Experience a taste of nature in Jamaica at the Blue Mountains
For those going on holiday in Jamaica, a trip to the Blue Mountains, a region rich in natural beauty, comes highly recommended.
The highest peak, accessible on foot at 7,400ft, affords stunning views of both the north and south coasts of Jamaica, and on a clear view, the nearby island of Cuba is also visible.
The mountain region is famous for its coffee, which is cultivated on the lower slopes of the mountain to produce the highly prestigious Blue Mountain Coffee - one of the most sought after coffees in the world, renowned for its mild flavour with lack of bitterness. The coffee beans are also the flavour base of the coffee liqueur drink – Tia Maria.
Named after the mists which shroud the mountain peaks, giving them their blue appearance, the Blue Mountains are home to over 800 species of plants and the world’s second largest butterfly, the Papilio homerus.
Downhill Bike Ride
The Blue Mountain Bike Tours Ltd offer visitors the chance to experience an exhilarating downhill mountain bike tour, taking in the stunning mountain views as you descend through the mountain foliage, stopping off at the Papillion café for lunch and later a waterfall swim.
The highest peak, accessible on foot at 7,400ft, affords stunning views of both the north and south coasts of Jamaica, and on a clear view, the nearby island of Cuba is also visible.
The mountain region is famous for its coffee, which is cultivated on the lower slopes of the mountain to produce the highly prestigious Blue Mountain Coffee - one of the most sought after coffees in the world, renowned for its mild flavour with lack of bitterness. The coffee beans are also the flavour base of the coffee liqueur drink – Tia Maria.
Named after the mists which shroud the mountain peaks, giving them their blue appearance, the Blue Mountains are home to over 800 species of plants and the world’s second largest butterfly, the Papilio homerus.
Downhill Bike Ride
The Blue Mountain Bike Tours Ltd offer visitors the chance to experience an exhilarating downhill mountain bike tour, taking in the stunning mountain views as you descend through the mountain foliage, stopping off at the Papillion café for lunch and later a waterfall swim.
Monday 11 August 2008
Combine World Class Cricket with Unbridled Luxury in Jamaica
Cricket lovers have a fantastic excuse to jet out to the tropical island of Jamaica next year as the country is playing host to the first test match against the West Indies at Sabina Park, Kingston in February 2009.
Sabina Park was recently renovated for the 2007 World Cup and was transformed from a 15,000 to 20,000 capacity.
The ground is brilliantly situated with the famous Blue Mountains, home of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, forming the backdrop to the stadium.
You don’t have to go to a test match to see cricket in the Caribbean. In fact, you’ll often see locals playing an impromptu match in the street or on the beach and just being in the region when the test is in the Caribbean can bring the whole island alive!
One of the best places to stay in Jamaica is the award winning swept away. The luxury all-inclusive Jamaican resorts offer guests fantastic accommodation on some of the best beaches in Jamaica as well as a whole range of complimentary sports and activities, you really will be in for an action packed holiday!
Sabina Park was recently renovated for the 2007 World Cup and was transformed from a 15,000 to 20,000 capacity.
The ground is brilliantly situated with the famous Blue Mountains, home of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, forming the backdrop to the stadium.
You don’t have to go to a test match to see cricket in the Caribbean. In fact, you’ll often see locals playing an impromptu match in the street or on the beach and just being in the region when the test is in the Caribbean can bring the whole island alive!
One of the best places to stay in Jamaica is the award winning swept away. The luxury all-inclusive Jamaican resorts offer guests fantastic accommodation on some of the best beaches in Jamaica as well as a whole range of complimentary sports and activities, you really will be in for an action packed holiday!
Wednesday 4 June 2008
See America your way on a fly drive holiday
Seeing the great expanse that is the USA on a single holiday isn’t often easy or cheap, and so many choose a fly drive holiday in the USA. Fly drive holidays let you enjoy exactly what you want to, and you can follow defined routed that sallow you to get the most out of your holiday, or you can opt to follow your own route, and journey from motel to motel, taking life at your own pace.
The USA is a colossal country, and with that in mind it is generally best to pick a region for your fly drive holiday, depending on the length of time.
The West
Journey along the celebrated California coastline, trailing down from San Francisco, through Los Angeles and into San Diego before heading inland towards the USA’s Canyonlands.
East
Start of in New England and enjoy some tasty fresh seafood before heading south to magnificent New York City and visit sights such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, The Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
Also within driving distance on the east coast is the capital city Washington DC. Full of historic landmarks, buildings and monuments. Most notable of these the White House, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial – the location Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
South
There are many great interesting places in the South. A self-drive holiday in Florida makes a fantastic starting point. Visit colourful Miami for great beaches, vibrant nightlife and unique art deco architecture.
Also in Florida is the great Disney World Resort – a giant theme park with hotel, shows and rides that will captivate both children and adults alike.
New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz, is a vibrant and fascinating city. Visit during Mardi Gras and the Jazz & Heritage Festivals and revel in the festive atmosphere.
Also great for cuisine, those visiting New Orleans must try Louisiana Creole and Cajun cuisine – dishes like jambalaya and gumbo are sure rouse the hunger in you!
The USA is a colossal country, and with that in mind it is generally best to pick a region for your fly drive holiday, depending on the length of time.
The West
Journey along the celebrated California coastline, trailing down from San Francisco, through Los Angeles and into San Diego before heading inland towards the USA’s Canyonlands.
East
Start of in New England and enjoy some tasty fresh seafood before heading south to magnificent New York City and visit sights such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, The Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
Also within driving distance on the east coast is the capital city Washington DC. Full of historic landmarks, buildings and monuments. Most notable of these the White House, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial – the location Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
South
There are many great interesting places in the South. A self-drive holiday in Florida makes a fantastic starting point. Visit colourful Miami for great beaches, vibrant nightlife and unique art deco architecture.
Also in Florida is the great Disney World Resort – a giant theme park with hotel, shows and rides that will captivate both children and adults alike.
New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz, is a vibrant and fascinating city. Visit during Mardi Gras and the Jazz & Heritage Festivals and revel in the festive atmosphere.
Also great for cuisine, those visiting New Orleans must try Louisiana Creole and Cajun cuisine – dishes like jambalaya and gumbo are sure rouse the hunger in you!
Thursday 17 April 2008
Explore the Canadian Cities on a Fly Drive Holiday
Fly drive holidays are more often associated with the USA than with Canada, and while Canada is far too large to travel across by car in a two week holiday, there are a number of great fly drive holidays in Canada which enable you to take in specific regions within the country.
Grand Cities of Eastern Canada
Take in the fantastic cities of eastern Canada, starting off with two days in Toronto gives you the chance to visit the largest city in Canada. Sitting on the north-west shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto has great appeal with a wealth of great historic sites, museums and art centres.
After visiting Toronto, your fly-drive holiday will take you on to Canada’s capital – Ottawa. Ottawa has some fantastic entertainment venues, elegant parks and garden and some great architecture, most notably it’s impressive neo-gothic parliament buildings.
After ample time to explore Canada’s stately capital, the tour moves on to romantic Quebec City, the capital of the province of Quebec. Its unique centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only surviving walled in North America.
Quebec is home to many great French restaurants, and you can watch the world go by along cobbled streets whilst sipping a cappuccino.
Next stop is Montreal, the second largest city in Canada. Montreal has some great historical buildings such as the Notre-Dame de Montreal Basilica and Montreal City Hall.
Food in Montreal is a real treat, with influences from Italy, Portugal and Greece with Jewish communities in particular contributing the smoked meat sandwiches and baguels that have become so well known in the city.
The final stop before heading back to Toronto is the majestic Niagra Falls. Situated on the border with New York State in the United States, Niagra Falls is made up of two parts – Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and American Falls on the US side, both separated by Goat Island in the centre.
You can journey into the heart of the falls on the Maid of Mist – the boat tour which takes passengers into the heart of the mist spray inside the curve of the Horseshoe Falls.
Other fantastic fly-drive Canadian holidays on offer include the Self Drive Classic Yukon and Alaska Summer and Self Drive Rocky’s and Kootenay National Parks.
Grand Cities of Eastern Canada
Take in the fantastic cities of eastern Canada, starting off with two days in Toronto gives you the chance to visit the largest city in Canada. Sitting on the north-west shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto has great appeal with a wealth of great historic sites, museums and art centres.
After visiting Toronto, your fly-drive holiday will take you on to Canada’s capital – Ottawa. Ottawa has some fantastic entertainment venues, elegant parks and garden and some great architecture, most notably it’s impressive neo-gothic parliament buildings.
After ample time to explore Canada’s stately capital, the tour moves on to romantic Quebec City, the capital of the province of Quebec. Its unique centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only surviving walled in North America.
Quebec is home to many great French restaurants, and you can watch the world go by along cobbled streets whilst sipping a cappuccino.
Next stop is Montreal, the second largest city in Canada. Montreal has some great historical buildings such as the Notre-Dame de Montreal Basilica and Montreal City Hall.
Food in Montreal is a real treat, with influences from Italy, Portugal and Greece with Jewish communities in particular contributing the smoked meat sandwiches and baguels that have become so well known in the city.
The final stop before heading back to Toronto is the majestic Niagra Falls. Situated on the border with New York State in the United States, Niagra Falls is made up of two parts – Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and American Falls on the US side, both separated by Goat Island in the centre.
You can journey into the heart of the falls on the Maid of Mist – the boat tour which takes passengers into the heart of the mist spray inside the curve of the Horseshoe Falls.
Other fantastic fly-drive Canadian holidays on offer include the Self Drive Classic Yukon and Alaska Summer and Self Drive Rocky’s and Kootenay National Parks.
Wednesday 12 March 2008
Homeless Living at Airports
This story from the Brighton Argus highlights one case of a homeless person living at Gatwick Airport: Homeless Chef Lived at Gatwick Airport for 3 Years.
In fact Mr Anthony Delaney has lived at Gatwick airport, off and on, for around 20 years. His story tells of many others who use the travellers services at the airport to stay clean and tidy and keep themselves hidden from airport security. Me Delaney says that there are as many as 30 people living at the airport at any one time.
The same situation exists at airports throughout the british isles.
If you are living at an airport or know of someone who is - we would love to hear your story!
In fact Mr Anthony Delaney has lived at Gatwick airport, off and on, for around 20 years. His story tells of many others who use the travellers services at the airport to stay clean and tidy and keep themselves hidden from airport security. Me Delaney says that there are as many as 30 people living at the airport at any one time.
The same situation exists at airports throughout the british isles.
If you are living at an airport or know of someone who is - we would love to hear your story!
Thursday 10 January 2008
Top 15 Fly Drive USA Destinations
With the post Christmas blues now in full swing, thoughts often turn to holidays and where our next ventures will be. With holidays in mind, we have put together our top 15 list of destinations which should not be missed on a USA fly-drive holiday.
Western USA Fly Drive Holidays
Firs up, we have the Grand Canyon, a gorge which was carved by the Colorado River, located in Arizona. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and in parts 18 miles wide and offers some stunning views. The canyon is considered to be around 5 or 6 million years old, and the depth is thought to be between 5 and 10 thousand feet deep (below sea level).
No visit to that part of the country would be complete without a visit to Las Vegas and the Strip. The most populous city in Nevada, Las Vegas – billed as the entertainment capital of the world, is notorious for its casinos, shopping and entertainment, with the city playing host to many high profile boxing events.
Visiting Las Vegas can be a fantastic experience, with the chance to walk down the main strip and indulge in the lavish and extravagant atmosphere. Play poker with the pro’s or join top Hollywood stars ringside at the MGM Grand to watch a title fight – Las Vegas will provide you with the means to walk shoulder to shoulder with the rich and famous.
A four hour drive South West will see you arriving in Los Angeles, the City of Angels and the second largest city in the United States and one of the most foremost centres of culture, technology and international trade.
With a warm climate boasting summer temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius, Los Angeles can provide a glorious place to sun yourselves and experience the wonderful cityscape, home to nearly 13 million people.
A 6 hour stint along the I-5 will land you in San Francisco, the city with steep rolling hills with a diverse cosmopolitan population of around 745,000. San Francisco is a delightful city, and home to the infamous island prison of Alcatraz, known as the rock and was home for some very high profile inmates such as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
A fly-drive holiday throughout western USA would be nothing without a visit to Yosemite National Park, a national park in California stretching over the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada – home to Yosemite Valley, a seven square mile designated as a World Heritage site in 1984.
Yosemite National Park is a truly breathtaking, beautiful place, with stunning views of spectacular granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls and clear streams – somewhere that really shouldn’t be missed!
Also in the west is Lake Powell, the second largest man made reservoir in the United States located in Utah and Arizona. Created by the flooding of Glen Canyon, Lake Powell is a storage facility for the Upper Basin states of the Colorado River Compact, and a popular destination among tourists.
East USA Fly Drive
New York is an absolute definite must see. Nicknamed the Big Apple, New York is the largest city in the United States and one of the major centres for trade and commerce.
Made up of five boroughs – the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island, New York is home to over 8 million people.
A fly drive holiday to New York will allow you to see some fantastic sites, such as the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, the Empire State Building and Ellis Island, not forgetting Central Park.
Head up to the Bronx to Yankee Stadium and experience a ‘ball game’ or enjoy the Broadway theatre district in Manhattan.
No visit to New York would be complete without a trip to Time Square – the ‘Crossroads of the World, a place that has achieved status of an iconic world landmark.
At the northern tip of New York on the border with Canada you will find the Niagra Falls, a group of waterfalls situated on the Niagra River – a truly breathtaking site.
Boston Massachusetts is a city in north east USA, known for its beautiful autumnal colours and culture, the city really is a place to behold.
Boston is a hive of history and is the very place in which the American Revolution begun, the Boston Massacre took place and the Boston Tea Party.
Venture 5 hours north and you’re in Maine, the northernmost point of New England, well known for its rocky coastline and some of the best seafood – notorious for its lobster and clams.
South USA Fly Drive
The southern states are also a great place to visit, and New Orleans is another great destination. Known as the Big Easy, New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, r&b and was a major contributor to rock and roll.
Famous for it’s fantastic food with distinctive signature dishes such as creole, crawfish, jumbalaya and gumbo.
No visit to the south would be complete without a trip to Florida, the Sunshine State and home to the city of Miami. Miami has much to offer, Little Havana and South Beach are two must see places and Key West should not be passed by.
Orlando is another great city in Florida, a city home to some fantastic theme parks and nature trails and of course Walt Disney World Resort at Lake Buena Vista.
Western USA Fly Drive Holidays
Firs up, we have the Grand Canyon, a gorge which was carved by the Colorado River, located in Arizona. The Grand Canyon is 277 miles long and in parts 18 miles wide and offers some stunning views. The canyon is considered to be around 5 or 6 million years old, and the depth is thought to be between 5 and 10 thousand feet deep (below sea level).
No visit to that part of the country would be complete without a visit to Las Vegas and the Strip. The most populous city in Nevada, Las Vegas – billed as the entertainment capital of the world, is notorious for its casinos, shopping and entertainment, with the city playing host to many high profile boxing events.
Visiting Las Vegas can be a fantastic experience, with the chance to walk down the main strip and indulge in the lavish and extravagant atmosphere. Play poker with the pro’s or join top Hollywood stars ringside at the MGM Grand to watch a title fight – Las Vegas will provide you with the means to walk shoulder to shoulder with the rich and famous.
A four hour drive South West will see you arriving in Los Angeles, the City of Angels and the second largest city in the United States and one of the most foremost centres of culture, technology and international trade.
With a warm climate boasting summer temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius, Los Angeles can provide a glorious place to sun yourselves and experience the wonderful cityscape, home to nearly 13 million people.
A 6 hour stint along the I-5 will land you in San Francisco, the city with steep rolling hills with a diverse cosmopolitan population of around 745,000. San Francisco is a delightful city, and home to the infamous island prison of Alcatraz, known as the rock and was home for some very high profile inmates such as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
A fly-drive holiday throughout western USA would be nothing without a visit to Yosemite National Park, a national park in California stretching over the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada – home to Yosemite Valley, a seven square mile designated as a World Heritage site in 1984.
Yosemite National Park is a truly breathtaking, beautiful place, with stunning views of spectacular granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls and clear streams – somewhere that really shouldn’t be missed!
Also in the west is Lake Powell, the second largest man made reservoir in the United States located in Utah and Arizona. Created by the flooding of Glen Canyon, Lake Powell is a storage facility for the Upper Basin states of the Colorado River Compact, and a popular destination among tourists.
East USA Fly Drive
New York is an absolute definite must see. Nicknamed the Big Apple, New York is the largest city in the United States and one of the major centres for trade and commerce.
Made up of five boroughs – the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island, New York is home to over 8 million people.
A fly drive holiday to New York will allow you to see some fantastic sites, such as the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, the Empire State Building and Ellis Island, not forgetting Central Park.
Head up to the Bronx to Yankee Stadium and experience a ‘ball game’ or enjoy the Broadway theatre district in Manhattan.
No visit to New York would be complete without a trip to Time Square – the ‘Crossroads of the World, a place that has achieved status of an iconic world landmark.
At the northern tip of New York on the border with Canada you will find the Niagra Falls, a group of waterfalls situated on the Niagra River – a truly breathtaking site.
Boston Massachusetts is a city in north east USA, known for its beautiful autumnal colours and culture, the city really is a place to behold.
Boston is a hive of history and is the very place in which the American Revolution begun, the Boston Massacre took place and the Boston Tea Party.
Venture 5 hours north and you’re in Maine, the northernmost point of New England, well known for its rocky coastline and some of the best seafood – notorious for its lobster and clams.
South USA Fly Drive
The southern states are also a great place to visit, and New Orleans is another great destination. Known as the Big Easy, New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, r&b and was a major contributor to rock and roll.
Famous for it’s fantastic food with distinctive signature dishes such as creole, crawfish, jumbalaya and gumbo.
No visit to the south would be complete without a trip to Florida, the Sunshine State and home to the city of Miami. Miami has much to offer, Little Havana and South Beach are two must see places and Key West should not be passed by.
Orlando is another great city in Florida, a city home to some fantastic theme parks and nature trails and of course Walt Disney World Resort at Lake Buena Vista.
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